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Softer or stiffer boots?

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edgington1990
Posts: 3 - Karma: 10
My boots ive had for a few years, they're techinca diablos, far from a park boot to say the least. bought them on the reccomendation of the guy in the shop on a week long holiday a few years ago before i was riding much freestyle. wore them for a few more week long holiday then all my season last year where i pretty much rode park everyday, with out of the box settings.
only now a week before i head back to the mountains have i thought about the different flex settings they have. for a park skiier should i have them softer? and why?
why is it that park specific boots tend to be high flex?
also just to add they are super comfy and im not gonna be forking out for a new pair of boots, just wanna know what the pros and cons might be for making them softer for someone that rides mostly rails, fair amount of kickers and pow when there is any...
Dec 19 2010 8:04PM
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theblacktaco
Posts: 1462 - Karma: 82
think the main diffrence is the how soft the padding is on the bottom of the boot .. there is prob much more with flex but that is just more prefrence.

i still rock some 3 year old weekend warrior boots and there great no shin bang ever
Dec 19 2010 8:07PM
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tall_t
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 15
i would get softer boots if i weighed less and stiffer ones if i wa heavier
Dec 21 2010 3:44PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
This. The flex of your boot is primarily chosen based on your weight, but also your ankle flexibility and personal preference. Switching the little button on the back of your boot won't really change much- it might make the boot 5% stiffer, if that. If you flip it around, it won't mess anything up (I know people who have one on soft and the other hard and can't tell a difference). Other boots have different stiffening elements that do make a big difference, but yours isn't that drastic.

And in general, freestyle oriented boots tend to have more shock absorption built into the liner and boot board. They aren't entirely different boots. If your boots are comfortable and they ski well for you, you are all set.
Dec 21 2010 3:57PM
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shel__
Posts: 25 - Karma: 10
i have softer boots and i love them but if you break it down its all about preference.
Dec 21 2010 4:42PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
Weight, flexibility, preference. Flexibility is a huge one because if you don't have proper ankle flexion and you pick a boot that is too soft for you, you will have lots of fit issues.
Dec 22 2010 10:13PM
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Kreech
Posts: 4178 - Karma: 3,024
Also you want to consider your ability level. If your looking for a more forgiving boot go softer, if your looking for a more performance oriented boot, go stiffer( for better presses, etc.)
Dec 23 2010 1:57AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
Ability level is important but should be towards the end of the list- someone is a beginner but weighs 290 pounds with no ankle flexion will be in a different boot from a beginner who weighs 100 pounds with good ankle flexion. Other factors will influence the boot decision before ability level.
Dec 23 2010 9:36AM
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