It all begins 2 long years ago, when I first descended into the caves of freeskiing. I ventured into the place called the "Ski Shop".
I encountered a terrible beast inside, an inexperienced boot fitter. I walked out about 5 minutes later with new skis (k2 silencers, 07') and new boots (28.5 dalbello raves). I am happy and satisfied, not aware of the folly I partook in.
I ride in/on my boots for a good year, learning about the wonderful ways of skiing, it's many aspects. Park, groomed, off-piste were all my playground. Somehow I managed and wasn't even aware of missed potential. I never once got toe bang, but somehow always ended up with my shins beat to smithereens. I usually just attributed it to my bad for and inexperience.
I began to alert my ski mates of my boot experiences, every strap but the shin strap being clipped down as far as possible, the huge amount of heel and foot travel (+- 2in), and the horrible shin bang.
They figured I was just exaggerating.
Another year of skiing later, I finally decide to put on my friends Il-moro's w/ intuition liner just for kicks. They are a 26 mongo. Not only do they fit comfortably, but I am able to strap more than halfway down the clips. Wearing his boots and skis, I am able to play around a little bit on my summer setup. I feel far more in control, but wondering if it is just my perception?
It really comes down to my desire to know how much properly fitted boots really affect skiing performance. So I ask, how much of a difference should properly fitted boots make on the slope? Can I expect at least SOME improvement?
TL;DR: boots 2.5 sizes too big, will properly fitted boots make a huge difference?
