Somatec Ski Boots

[jack97]

Been thinking about new boots lately, came across this technology from Fischer, I think Nordica has them in their product line also. Basically, the toes are pointed outward to retain the natural position of the way most people would stand and walk (V stance). Anybody tried them, any thoughts on this. Other forums has talked about it also, seems like cutting/bleeding edge technology.

http://www.fischer-ski.com/en/news.php?show=detail&id_news=230

http://www.fischer-ski.com/en/technology.php?id_group=15605

 

[wa-loaf]

That sounds like one of those "Duh!" inventions. So obvious that someone should have thought of it a long time ago. I just bought new boots (Nordicas, no mention of this tech) so it will have to wait a bit, but I'd love to try it out at some point. Will keep a lookout for boot demos.

 

[bigbog]

...actually was incorporated into a 1992 boot...

There was a 1992(1991?) Dachstein Pro3..lime green. I was absolutely lost in the world of mid intermediate-dom...but I picked up these boots near the end of the season....two shellsizes bigger than what I ski in now.....they were the smallest in stock...and on sale. Had picked up a pair of Head's Cyber series earlier in the season :-o. Stepped into these and Bang!, due to their small forefoot volume vs my wide flippers....the lower shell was wacko....but talk about standing dead center where one would want to be...I was making long, short, (old-style) swing :-o turns....and I had absolutely NO idea what I was doing, nor HOW I was doing it..:lol:.....will never forget it.

$.01

 

[skidon]

Duck-Footed Boots

I can tell you with 100% confidence that they're not for everyone. A girl I know (expert skier - racer - went to the Jr. Olympics this past winter) got a pair of the Nordica Dobermann Aggressors, which have this feature, and absolutely hated them. She switched back to her old Nordicas early in the season. The way I see it is, first, not everybody stands duck-footed. Secondly, moving the centerline of the forefoot cavity outward also moves the inside edge of the ski, at the forefoot, AWAY from the foot. Ergo, you can't bring as much pressure to bear on that edge. It's essentially putting you on a wider ski up front. That may be OK for recreational skiing, but for racing or down-and-dirty icy stuff you want all the edge pressure you can get. The Aggressor series was successful this past season, though, so they must have worked for some people. If I were you I'd (1) Try to find out if you're "duck" or not. Sit on a high seat with your feet dangling in mid air. If they are parallel, or close to it, you may not want this feature. (2) Try on a pair in a shop with a tekscan system, or at least with the ability to check your knee alignment. Those boots WILL change your canting relationships. (3) MAKE SURE THEY FIT YOUR FEET. The best bells and whistles in the world mean don't doodly squat in a poor-fitting boot.

There, I feel much better. Good luck!

 

[bigbog]

...

fwiw,
Not in anyway endorsing the Fischer boot nor the intended-strategy skidon, but the Pro3 minutely brought the heel in...not moving the forefoot away.

$.01

 

[jack97]

Ditto on not endorsing.... just bringing light to the technology and approach. For the record, I'm a lefty, can't find good scissors, force to eat with my right hand in a cramp dinner table and so on. Ergonomically, I can sympathize with people who have limited choices due to their physical constraints.

 

[jack97]

A girl I know (expert skier - racer - went to the Jr. Olympics this past winter) got a pair of the Nordica Dobermann Aggressors, which have this feature, and absolutely hated them. She switched back to her old Nordicas early in the season.

btw, posters at epic said that the Dobermann Aggressors angles the boots differently than Fischers. The later is angle in such a way that it keeps the weight at the middle of the feet.

 

[bigbog]

jack97, skidon.....know the pros/cons......

All I know is that from my heel on up to my calf, with these Head S11s I found in early May :roll:, I'm finally going to experience consistent contact with the boot ...and just deal with my larger calf muscle by having someone tweak the upper portion of the rear cuff.....instead of going with a cuff that has enough space for the fatter calf...:roll::roll:

*If in a season or two I experience some over-packing out..I'll try Head's inserts that fit from the heel to the forefoot and can be ground/sanded(to fill in space..).
I tried them last season when boot shopping....and thought these things felt better than anything tried beforehand...by a long shot!
Anyone else try them? I think Head has really scored with these..... Can be used in, by my guess, Any boot....

$.01
Steve

 

[wa-loaf]

What is it about this post that attracts all the spam? :blink:

 

[bigbog]

...hmmmmm....

maybe the "s....."-word established recognition.....
A new level of accomplishment for machine recognition....... :roll: