Best Flex for Big Mountain/Freeride Boots

sandrews21I'm 14 out of Denver and I'm looking to compete in state and regional comps this year for big mountain, and I'm looking for new boots. Price is no problem, I have an internship at a custom ski shop and have got a shit ton saved up for boots this year. I'm riding 2017 Faction Candide 3.0's, I weigh 115, and I'm 5'6".

I went to go try on some boots (Salomon QST 120's, Lange Freetour 130's) and the shop pro was surprised that I could flex 120's no problem. That aside, what is the optimum boot flex for big mountain skiing? OR any other recommended boots for what I'm doing?

I don't know

Full til first chair with the 20 flex tongue

What flex you should ride depends on a number of things such as ankle flexibility, ability, brand of boot, and the size of the person. There is no "best flex" for ski boots it varies from person to person.

Remember as well in the shop the boots are warm and so the plastic is softer which makes it easier to flex them. When you take them out onto the snow they're going to obviously be colder which means the plastic will be less flexy and they'll feel stiffer. For a person your size and age I don't think you would need to go higher than a 130 flex boot unless unless you're doing some crazy shit.

In general though flex goes like this:

60 and below Kids, 70 - 80 Beginner, 90 - 100 Intermediate, 110 - 120 Advanced, 130+ Race/Expert.

Skiing in a really stiff boot doesnt automatically make you an expert. Buy what fits and get a good custom footbed it's probably more important than the flex.