• Wednesday, December 07th, 2011
Question by Adam Morgan: What is the best amount of flex in a ski boot for an all mountain skier.?
I am an advanced skier who spends 50% of my time on piste, 20% in the park and 30% off piste. I have never bought my own ski boots before and would like to have some ideas as to the flex of the boots I should be buying?
Best answer:
Answer by Jim W
Talk to the boot fitter at your local ski shop. Part of this is very dependent on your size. I’m about 5’11″ and carry 220 lbs, I use a flex boot of 120 that has been straightened and softened to about 100. You also need to consider foot beds and cants and the ramp/delta of the ski bindings.
Add your own answer in the comments!
Category: Snow Skiing
|
Manufacturers rate boots on a Flex Index. Flex Index indicates how resistant the boot is to flexing. The higher the number, the stiffer the boot. The ratings are only comparable within a manufacturer’s line, so the best way to compare is to put a boot on each foot, lean forward and flex it. Remember, boots will have a softer flex at a warmer, indoor temperature than out on the hill.
Many boots have an adjustment so you can adjust the boots’ stiffness to match a particular type of skiing, like powder, groomers or bumps. It is usually located on the back of the boot, around ankle height.
Well since you say you are a advanced skier, right away I can say you should go for a stiffer boot. If your spending most of your time on piste, then off piste and last park I would go for a very stiff boot (say around 120). Generally the more stiff a boot is, the higher the response you will see in the boot. But if your looking to progress to more off piste and park skiing you can compromise and get a boot with a flex around 100. I would defiantly go to a ski shop and get professionally fitted and pointed towards a boot where the people know all the boots like the back of their hand. DO NOT skimp on buying a cheap boot. A good ski boot is just as important as a good ski.