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Skis, Boots, Butters and Calfbang (with some bonus shinbang).

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Twig
Posts: 6438 - Karma: 60,709
I ski maybe 90% jibbing around/ 10% jumps and love doing butters and presses especially. The problem with this is, when I do a few hours of buttery tricks and ollieing over stuff etc, I find I get pretty bad calfbang and some shinbang. I basically know what shinbang is and understand why I get it a bit, but calfbang less so and its worse!
I'm basically wondering what people who like to do tricks like me do to limit the pain? Stiff boots/soft boots? Stiff skis/soft skis? Any wonder cures for calfbang?

I ride Line SFBs at true and Head Mojo boots/w booster straps for reference.
Jul 30 2012 1:31PM
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NoSkillsCrew
Posts: 1209 - Karma: 2,154
I used to have this problem when I rode spks years and years ago. Here is how I solved the problem:

First off I was in boots that were to big so I went to a fitter and got into some smaller ones. Bring your boots to a fitter and see if there is just a bit too much room in the ankle / calf.

When bang still persisted I switched to a wrap liner which provided a bit more cushion in front which helped allot. I went with an intuition wrap but there are others out there.

When this didn't solve it all I switched to a softer boot (the 90 flex spk forget what its called). Which helped allot too.

Here we get into rough territory when it comes to fitting. I switched to a three piece boot (dalbello / Full Tilt) when things weren't solved. Here is why when flexing the cuff of a three piece boot it will conform more to the angle of your leg in comparison to your ankle.

I have friends though that went in the opposite direction choosing a stiffer (120-130 flex) race boot so instead of bending the boot they bent the ski when they shifted weight to butter. For me that caused more shin bang for them they say it solved the problem.

So Spark Notes:

1. Go to a fitter see if your boot needs fitting.

2. If the fitter thinks it will help try a different boot liner

3. Try a stiffer or softer boot. (find one that fits you at the store bring your skis and just butter on the carpet to see how the different flexes feel).

4. Try different boot designs (two piece vs. three piece).

Do this all with a boot fitter.
Jul 30 2012 3:00PM
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Twig
Posts: 6438 - Karma: 60,709
great answer +k.
i will obviously go to the bootfitter as soon as i get back. I think part of the problem is defintely my boots are 4-5 seasons old and so pretty packed out! I'm skiing for another 4 weeks now though and can't get new boots before then sadly.

any quick fixes/advice on how to minimize it for the next few weeks would be great!

Centre of pain is on the outside of the back of the leg about 2 inches above the ankle if that helps anyone, same spot on both legs.
Jul 30 2012 4:44PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7256 - Karma: 18,388
There are a few quick fixes such as a heel lift, extra foam round the calf/tounge or a footbed.

Where are you skiing? there must be at least one ski shop there. Take your boots in and see if the fitter can do anything to help you
Jul 30 2012 5:38PM
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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,804
I've had the calfbang problem once before, It's most likely due to a combination of you landing either backseat and on flat ground(making the impact harder), or just extremely backseat, resulting in using your calf as a fulcrum, with a huge amount of force on it.
Jul 30 2012 7:22PM
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Twig
Posts: 6438 - Karma: 60,709
I'm in Saas-Fee, there are plenty of ski shops, but they are all pretty much geared up to screw tourists rather than sell you something good.
Jul 31 2012 4:14AM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7256 - Karma: 18,388
no there not, they have some great shops there. There aimed more at racing, but that genrally means good boot fitters.

Go in and chat to them Im sure someone can help you.
Jul 31 2012 1:39PM
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