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What's wrong with this boot?

#1
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11/15/09 at 3:45am
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For you guys and gals who can't post in the bootfitters thread; all opinions wanted; bootfitters opinions especially wanted.

I've read a lot of posts advocating that a modern boot performs better than boots from the "straight-ski" days.  I would like to understand, so I'm asking, "What's wrong with this boot?" (other than the fact that I still have a few fitting issues to work out), and, "What advantages would a "modern" 1009-2010 vintage boot have over it?" 

Posting duplicate thread in bootfitters form for bootfitters.


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#2
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11/15/09 at 6:28am
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I'm not an expert on boots or boot fitting but I know a bit about plastics.

The plastic in your boot shells will have degraded over the last 20 years, meaning that the physical properties (elasticity, strength, etc) will not be as originally designed.  Same goes for the bushings in the cuff-to-foot attachment and the foam in the liner.  I can't quantify how much weaker or brittle the plastic will be, but it *could* result in failure of the boot shell.  In other words, the boot shell will be weaker (compared to new) but it may or may not make a difference.

Also, there are a lot more types of plastics available today for the boot designer to select from.  Means that the boot design engineers can choose a material that has physical properties that are specifically suited for the types of conditions that boots are exposed to.  Plastics aren't necessarily *better* today (compared to 20 years ago) there are more formulations to choose from.

With that said, I would use 'em.

sani
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#3
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11/15/09 at 7:16am
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I'm sure Koflach spent millions of dollars perfecting the formula to wind up with a material guaranteed to break every bone in your foot and give you a hernia any time you tried to remove the boot in cold weather. It cannot be improved upon.
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#4
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11/15/09 at 7:42am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghost View Post

I'm sure Koflach spent millions of dollars perfecting the formula to wind up with a material guaranteed to break every bone in your foot and give you a hernia any time you tried to remove the boot in cold weather. It cannot be improved upon.

That's a subject for bootfitters :-)

sani
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#5
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11/15/09 at 9:30am
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I think the biggest change in boots since rear entries were banned is that the liners are more comfortable.  Modern boots tend to be a little more flexible, and the best ones keep out water better, and most of them are easier to get into, but none of that is as important as the liners.
It's interesting that the liners in your picture have a velcro strap to keep them closed.  That's not as good a a lace-up liner, but it's way better than an open liner.  I think the velcro strap on the liner must have dissappeared during the great rear entry mistake.  I'm hoping I can get a lace up liner in my next boots without going for the full race deal.

BK
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#6
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11/15/09 at 10:00am
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The overall design of boots today has reverted to technology from the 70's: the double overlap 4 buckle boot.

So in answer to the question: What's wrong with this boot? Not much except the condition of the plastic as sanigene points out. If the condition of the sole is ok, then no reason not to use it. Just don't expect it to last long. It might, it might not.

Another thread pointed out that heat and light is the enemy of old plastics, so keep your boots in a cool, dark place when not in use.
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#7
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11/15/09 at 10:28am
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for a while I was into buying new boots in the box but from a season or two back. They would be like 70% off, which helped me out. But I found that the plastic had been aging there on the shelf. It aged more as I wore them, such that the boot was a good 20 points stiffer than the original index, and come down hard and forward on them (unintended jump) and they would crack where the forward section overlaps near the ankle. I've also heard of boots completely "blowing up", as in major plastic failure all at once.















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#8
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11/15/09 at 10:53am
  • Joined: November 2009
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Quote:
biggest change in boots since rear entries were banned

when was this? who banned it?

.. not that I care.. using them for flowerpots is a good idea..
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#9
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11/15/09 at 10:57am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davluri View Post

for a while I was into buying new boots in the box but from a season or two back. They would be like 70% off, which helped me out. But I found that the plastic had been aging there on the shelf. It aged more as I wore them, such that the boot was a good 20 points stiffer than the original index, and come down hard and forward on them (unintended jump) and they would crack where the forward section overlaps near the ankle. I've also heard of boots completely "blowing up", as in major plastic failure all at once.














 

I have seen someone fall over after their boot broke. It was a older boot and the plastic failed putting the rider onto the ground. It was a good thing for him it happened on the way to the chairlift instead of on the hill.

I have also seen a boot shatter when dropped. A customer kept insisting we mount his old boots. My manager at the time was very familiar with the boot and how brittle the plastic had become. He told the customer we would mount the boot if it passed a simple test. The customer okay-ed it. My manager took the boot and held it out in front of him with both hands, heel down at shoulder height. He then simply let go and the boot fell to the ground shattering upon impact. It did not just crack it sent pieces flying everywhere.

The only problem with old boots is the condition of the plastic. As long as the plastic is good and the heel and toe are good use them if you want.

Powder < Airtime < Moguls!

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#10
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11/15/09 at 11:59am
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Thanks, I was going to give them the Hammer test, but maybe I'll consider the drop test instead.
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#11
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11/15/09 at 5:32pm
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It's nice that they tell you what number to call  (in the US at least) when they explode.
I'd rather be skiing
 
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#12
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11/16/09 at 12:28pm
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The boots are in better shape than your Raleigh GP.     



 anticooler than you

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