Hardboots 2008/2009 - some impressions

Post by **Transistor Rhythm** » Tuesday 25 November 2008, 19:58

Arnaud wrote:Note that all tuning described for Stratos apply also on Blax (cuting, ACSS). So no need to change.

Mine are called Vector and they have that Comfort/Walk/Race switch on the back side. I was always in the assumption those can't be modded with BTS? I've noticed the same cuff problem, but I didn't dare to cut them without installing BTS too.

Post by **Arnaud** » Tuesday 25 November 2008, 20:24

Transistor Rhythm wrote:but I didn't dare to cut them without installing BTS too

You can remove some friction with original system, but the forward flex movement remains limited unless you install a system allowing longer stroke.

See here Head tuning manual
and also here for ultimate tuning

Note that Blax and Stratos are fully compatible. Alex did a nice coupling ! see picture below

Post by **Transistor Rhythm** » Tuesday 25 November 2008, 20:36

Thanks

But I was right about it being impossible to install BTS on my boots?

Post by **Alex** » Tuesday 25 November 2008, 20:53

Arnaud wrote:
Transistor Rhythm wrote:but I didn't dare to cut them without installing BTS too
You can remove some friction with original system, but the forward flex movement remains limited unless you install a system allowing longer stroke.

See here Head tuning manual
and also here for ultimate tuning

Note that Blax and Stratos are fully compatible. Alex did a nice coupling ! see picture below

not so easy...but possible

Post by **Felix** » Tuesday 25 November 2008, 20:56

Can't you cut down 1-2 cm of the boot lower to make forward flex softer? That's the normal way to do on skiboots if they are too hard (well mostly on race ski boots with very very thick plastics).

This is possbile on most boots. If you go for a spring it would make sense to get a stiffer boot, cut down on the lower boot part, and thereby get a higher performing overall boot (flex limited rather by spring than by plastic flex).

Post by **Arnaud** » Tuesday 25 November 2008, 21:10

felix wrote:Can't you cut down 1-2 cm of the boot lower to make forward flex softer

Not sure to understand what you want to cut. Do you mean the portion inside the yellow curve ?
If yes, it's already cutted !! More is possible but the problem is imperviousness to snow. This is the reason I prefer to reduce thickness of this area to increase softness

Post by **Felix** » Tuesday 25 November 2008, 21:40

o.k. I see you kow that already, yes thats exactly the region one can cut!
The only further possibility would be to make small cuts to the tongue, but depending on the platics used this may be dangerous as cuts may wide/prolong itself on using.

Post by **Schneewurm** » Wednesday 26 November 2008, 20:50

@ Felix
They had no more Northwaves in store! They sold them Years ago on outlet days for a good price (about SFr. 179.- for the grey .900). Sorry, I have to write it again: NW's are never been well selling hardboots in capital Switzerland, people didn't like them! Hardboots from Northwave had never the reputation, like theirs softboots!
They are used by WorldCup racers (all with foam-liners) and beside this, there is now a big hype about them, nothing else!

The flex of the six 2008/2009 models I compared direct with two older boots wich I organized. All boots in a configuration, like they are sold in store.

- - - - -

Configuration for a lighweight Raichle boot (men's model):

- buy a 3 rip-buckles SB 313, 123, or 113 with the simple walk/support mechanism
- use the Canadian ThermoFit Liner
- no insole
- no calf-spoiler
- no intec-heels!
- change the upper rip-buckle from the grey one to a black one (-80 gr.)

Whight of the boot in same size-class like them above: 1.85 kg !

Using a woman model, 3 rip-buckles - no position for strap or 4.buckle (available only up to size 41) will save additional weight!

Post by **Malecky** » Wednesday 26 November 2008, 22:00

Hi!

I found that only the Blax/Head Stratos pro work for me and its amazing how much so....I dont think I could a pair of stiff Raichle for one day.

But...the bad news....I have to buy new ones becouse they gave out on me...the heel broke off on both of them (will take pics).

314€ is the best offer I got on bluetomato.

Post by **Transistor Rhythm** » Thursday 27 November 2008, 9:17

I'll see if I can take a picture of my boot, it looks different from the system the Blax Toni has in the picture.

Post by **Schneewurm** » Sunday 8 February 2009, 8:57

Wanted - new, innovative hardboots!

Foundet: Ski cross boots, watch out e.g. Dalbello Ski Boots Krypton Cross Series!

It seems Dalbello offers boots, they are good for cross skiing, but also good for raceboarding.

Dalbello doesn't turn to much way too stiff and as high as skyscraper boots, or to a countless amount of buckles, like You can buy it nowadays as "hardboots" for carving.

They use also a 3-piece polyurethane low cuff shell and only 3 buckles with strap.
In addition there are 2 different flexy tongue (black/grey) and 2 interchangeable footboards (that meens not the inlay!) for better support or for more comfort (antishock cushion). Instead of a hurting tongue-liner, they supply the shell with a wraparound liner.

A wide toe box, both side canting adjust and adjustable forward lean and flex are included.

Check it out!

Post by **Felix** » Sunday 8 February 2009, 10:44

Well the Krypton Cross is basically a redesigned Raichle Flexon. I think snowboard boots are far more advanced than that boot when it comes to snowboarding.

Also the sole length is much too long. If you were informed you would know that Dalbello manufactured a many snowboard hardboots as OEM (Burton for sure, I think even Northwaves). They don't seem to have much interest to do the necessary changes to adapt the Krypton to snowboarding. Also I think the Krypton is far too stiff for snowboarding.

There are some racers that use skiing boots, Krypton is not the only one.

Post by **kurtsk8** » Sunday 8 February 2009, 13:52

Anyone try Dalbello Krypton on plates?