Replying to 130+ flex race boot for park skiing, pro's & cons
Couldn't find a decent thread, just random posts here and there about stiff race boots for park, so here it comes.
I'm 175cm/73kg / 5'9/160lbs athletic youngster, turning 40 this year and I currently ski the Faction Prodigy 3.0 in 178cm.
Skiing my fifth season, all of which have been 99+% in the park. Nowadays I'm a pretty strong skier and I ski 70+ days per season. This season will hit close to 100 if I keep staying out of injuries.
My boot history:
Started with 275 Dalbello Krypton
->
265 FT TWP for the next season
->
255 FT Dropkick for the next season
->
255 FT Dropkick Pro with Medium Booster strap for the next season
->
255 FT Dropkick Pro with Zipfit Freeride liners for the two following seasons, also moved from the flex90 stock tongues step by step, up to the stiffest ones from last November, which are flex130. Also swapped the Medium Booster strap for a World Cup at the same time, which is also the stiffest available.
The current setup is unimaginably good compared to what it was before the Zipfits. I absolutely love skiing them. The stiff tongue & Booster strap have made me understand the importance of a truly properly fitting shell. The Zipfits are a game changer, but even they can't shrink the shell to match my small and slender feet.
Went to my go-to shop yesterday to scan my feet and discuss the matter. Head & Lange would suit my feet the best according to the boot fitter. As the season is on it's last phase, the shelves were empty and they didn't have the correct size-last-stiffness combo for me.
I was dazzled by the fact I could slip my feet into 245 Lange's with zero pain. That was a flex90 boot, but still.
The surprises continued when trying a 265 Head WCR120, which was obviously too big, but also felt flexier than my current boots. Always thought the FT flex wasn't on par with other brands but I guess the Zipfits make the difference.
Also tried on a 245 Head WCR1, which is a 93mm last (whopping 5mm narrower than my current shell) flex150-160 hardcore racing boot. The heel cup was way too narrow for me but other than that, it felt like I could ski it from the shelf. The flex was obviously way too stiff for me and my needs too.
Some of the pro park skiers use stiff race boots, but I of course aren't one of them with their physique and skills.
Next week I'll be trying on;
250 Head WCR 140
250 Head WCR 120
250 Head Formula RS 130
Before getting to try those on, the question is, what are your experiences & expectations for a boot like this compared to my current setup according to my size and skill level? Do you think the 140 would be overly stiff as I'm surely not the biggest guy around. I've also only skied this hard as my current level allows me to on the mushy and well cushioned setup, with absolutely zero experience on a tight fitting race boot anywhere on the hill.
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