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Coaching Boots

post #1 of 6
2/2/10 at 6:22am
Thread Starter 
Hey All,

Looking for a recommendation on coaching boots.  I downsized my race boots to the point that spending all day standing in them is no longer possible.  I am thinking of a coaching boot / AT boot for those long days on the hill.

Any experience here?  Or even better, anyone with a pair of 26.5s that they want to unload?

Cheers! 
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post #2 of 6
2/2/10 at 8:09am
Wuss. Don't you have enough ski gear already?

You could always do what I do and have two sizes of the exact same boot [24 and 25 shell], set up exactly the same way. I do that so I don't have to give up much performance for the added warmth and comfort of a slightly larger shell size. That said, I only use the 25 shell boot for lazy skiing (off-piste, spring, etc.) and lower-level coaching. When I coach high level skiers I'm always in my 24 shell "race" boots. I figure if I'm going to coach them I should be in the same level of equipment they are in so I can ski at their level or higher.

I tried a few years ago to go down to a very soft "all-mountain" boot (100 flex)... and not only can I not ski in them because they are so soft, but I also broke the back spine of the boot from flexing them too much. They are basically worthless now. I used them at the beginning of the season for some beginner-level stuff, but that's about it. Knowing the kind of skiing that you do, I'd caution against going too soft. Comfort can be increased with shell size and how much grinding you do to the inside of the shell.

See you Thursday.
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post #3 of 6
2/2/10 at 10:42am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by HeluvaSkier View Post

Wuss. Don't you have enough ski gear already?

You could always do what I do and have two sizes of the exact same boot [24 and 25 shell], set up exactly the same way. I do that so I don't have to give up much performance for the added warmth and comfort of a slightly larger shell size. That said, I only use the 25 shell boot for lazy skiing (off-piste, spring, etc.) and lower-level coaching. When I coach high level skiers I'm always in my 24 shell "race" boots. I figure if I'm going to coach them I should be in the same level of equipment they are in so I can ski at their level or higher.

I tried a few years ago to go down to a very soft "all-mountain" boot (100 flex)... and not only can I not ski in them because they are so soft, but I also broke the back spine of the boot from flexing them too much. They are basically worthless now. I used them at the beginning of the season for some beginner-level stuff, but that's about it. Knowing the kind of skiing that you do, I'd caution against going too soft. Comfort can be increased with shell size and how much grinding you do to the inside of the shell.

See you Thursday.

Valid points Pal, valid points.  

In my attempt at brevity, I left a bunch of stuff out of the original post.  This boot will get 10 days use a year maximum.  This would be a race-day boot only when I find myself at the top of the course with a rotobrush and the only skiing I do is confined to inspections and coat runs.  

I don't intend to move any bindings on any race skis, just my CX80s for the AT setup.  I can SKI in my plugs all day, I just can't STAND in them all day.  When I need to ski, I totally agree with you - can't coach if you can't ski.

Won't see you on Thurdsay - have a work commitment.  Race well.

Also - March 21st - clear your calendar... 

Cheers!
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post #4 of 6
2/2/10 at 11:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Holimonter View Post

Won't see you on Thurdsay - have a work commitment.  Race well.

Also - March 21st - clear your calendar... 

Cheers!

Bummer about Thursday. I'll try my best...

21st - done. BTW - we need to talk about where I'm skiing & coaching next year...

On boots - call Miguel to see what he has laying around (hint, he often wears a 26.5)...
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post #5 of 6
2/3/10 at 10:51am
Many of the coaches here coach in AT boots. Helluva lot more comfortable; And better for walking on those days where you're off your skis more than on them.
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post #6 of 6
2/8/10 at 5:40pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks iWill, I am now scouring the web for cheap AT boots in a 26.5.  Anybody know of any available or a good source for same?

Thanks!!
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