Howdy Folks,
After 15 years of snowboarding, I have decided to start skiing again. However this time, I am going to move on to Telemark skiing.
I have been doing a little research on boots, and I am wondering what other people would recommend. I am looking for boots that will "do it all". WIll spend most of this year at the resorts to work on my skills. However, I also would also like the boots to work well for backcountry touring. I havent figured out the differences between boots very well and would love any suggestions, recommendations, etc.
Thanks a bunch,
Roger
It all depends on your foot configurations. Each company has a niche on the tele boot market ie. Scarpa = narrow high arch hich volume. Every company has a diverse line (BC ALL Mountain Mix Down hill) you need to find the brand that fits you best. I use to tele boot fit at Boulder Ski deals. You can do all the research you want but you really need to see a professional. Boots are the most important item you will ever buy for the mountain. PM me and I can give you some contact numbers for some of the best boot fitters around.
With the advent of the thermofit liner, lots has changed in the boot fit market. The resort/touring niche is supposedly the Scarpa T2X and Garmont Syner-G (Crispi has one too, not as familiar with their line, but they are good boots.). However, the thermo liners lightened up boots so much that T1's with thermos are lighter than older T2's without. I do lots of tours on my T1's with no problems, but probably you should start with the slightly less beefy model.
As for the differences in fit that Steve Zizzou mentions, that too has been largely (but not entirely) mitigated by the thermo liner, because the liner forms to your foot so well, making the shell itself a bit less of an issue.
regardless, thermofitting your own liners is not a good idea for a beginner, so I do agree with the advice to see a good bootfitter. You also want to insure that you are properly shell fit (this is a length issue), again something a good fitter should do. If they do not first size your foot in the shell with the liners removed, they don't know what they are doing.
The good thing about tele boots is that it is simple, there are only 3 manufacturers to choose from.
I second what Steve Z says- you have to get fitted for the shell. I'm one of those guys that has to fit Scarpa- high arch, low volume. No other boot works, even with the thermofit liners.
Get yourself professionally fitted. Better control, certainly comfort, and warmth are critical to a great season or a shitty one.
Err on the side of a pure resort setup. There are few tours that you're going to want to do in your first two seasons that you can't get done in a stiffer boot.
__________________
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For a "do it all" boot I'd second the t2, syner-g or crispi equivalent depending on what fits best. Fit is key. These style boots are great for touring and will still drive the biggest of skis in-bounds. That said, I know plenty of folks that tour with the bigger boots (T1, ener-g) and like it.
Willie man,
Yep to a pro boot fit. I recommend Neptune's, BOC (by rep only, never been fitted there, but I hear good things), or Bentgate. If you are in the mtns, Wilderness in Silverthorne or the shop in Breck. I think you are best to get a fitter who really knows their tele boots and can make a good recomendation. It is snowing ever so lightly just above my house as I type this........ Sorry, got a little lost there.
Willie man,
Yep to a pro boot fit. I recommend Neptune's, BOC (by rep only, never been fitted there, but I hear good things), or Bentgate. If you are in the mtns, Wilderness in Silverthorne or the shop in Breck. I think you are best to get a fitter who really knows their tele boots and can make a good recomendation. It is snowing ever so lightly just above my house as I type this........ Sorry, got a little lost there.
Willie man,
Yep to a pro boot fit. I recommend Neptune's, BOC (by rep only, never been fitted there, but I hear good things), or Bentgate. If you are in the mtns, Wilderness in Silverthorne or the shop in Breck. I think you are best to get a fitter who really knows their tele boots and can make a good recomendation. It is snowing ever so lightly just above my house as I type this........ Sorry, got a little lost there.
speak of peace
Willie man,
Yep to a pro boot fit. I recommend Neptune's, BOC (by rep only, never been fitted there, but I hear good things), or Bentgate. If you are in the mtns, Wilderness in Silverthorne or the shop in Breck. I think you are best to get a fitter who really knows their tele boots and can make a good recomendation. It is snowing ever so lightly just above my house as I type this........ Sorry, got a little lost there.
speak of peace
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