User Profile

[whambat]

Well, after two days of white ribbon of livin’, I can say that the K2 Cortex is the best fitting boot out of the box I’ve had. I’m not saying it’s the BOA, but I’m not saying it’s not the BOA. The shell itself also is a nice narrow fit. Using my older orthotics, I then dropped a modified...

[whambat]

Spot on the flex issues. It was amazing how much a modified Masterfit shin pad opened up the flex on boots, especially the ZRs. Made sub zero days much better. I have some ideas on how to improve the design. However, Zipfits are probably in my future for the Cortex’s. I wish the stock liners had more...

[whambat]

Almost all for me, so I also either use a power wrap Intuition or put in Masterfoot shin pad. And it’s no really the ankle issue, my calves inconveniently start above the cuff of any boot. I have sized down Lange ZRs, 1 Gen Atomic Hawk XTD, Cochises. I have had to move all my ladders inward to the...

[whambat]

What I am realizing, is that with my skinny lower leg, I would have to crank the upper buckles so tight, even with plugs, that it took a helluva force while bent over sideways to get snug. Cranking a dial is just so much easier....

[whambat]

I’m happy for the success of this boot and what that means for future offerings. So many people will be better off without a walk mode in the resort, while still have the aspirational ability to tour if they want. I just think of how many Cochise boots probably never tour. Meanwhile, it gives many...

[whambat]

im not even going to pretend to be able to explain how they work, but for me, the boa just seems to work. I was highly skeptical until I tried a pair on. They just felt snug without pressure. It’s a different feeling for sure. I can crank them down until I start to feel my pulse in my foot and I know...

[whambat]

I finally broke down and got heated insoles. Worth the money and you can get extra wires for pretty cheap if you have multiple boots. I have to stand at comps for hours on end, it’s nice to keep the feet warm. Boot gloves also help for cheaper. The Atomic boot gloves are nicer because you can get...

[whambat]

FWIW, I picked up some Cortex 140’s. It’s a legit race boot fit, with better heel hold than a Lange RS. The upper BOA does have legit leg hold. Won’t be able to test for a few weeks, but the fit for my narrow foot is pretty dang good....

[whambat]

This is a good list. I’d also add the Armada ARV 106 Ti and the Black Crows Anima. Along with all the above except Nordica Enforcer, these somewhat combine similar ish shaping to the JJ but with a more charging core. The Enforcer is a good ski, just more traditionally shaped....

[whambat]

Hey all,

I picked up some 189 Gen 2 Animas w pivots that fit my boots but the previous owner had mounted 2cm forward. Anyone spend time with the gen 2 mounted that far forward? I got a good enough deal that I can remount. Just wondering how necessary....

[whambat]

Yeah new flex ratings are pretty much bull. I had some park boot Salomon’s from the late 90’s that were rated 95 that are stiffer than current 120s. I also think Lange’s 130 flex in the RS series are a soft 130....

[whambat]

To the OP: you don’t mention your size but Blue Zone online last years Shadow 140 either in 26.5 or 28.5. The 140 has a better liner and power strap. A good boot fitter can soften the flex if you need....

[whambat]

Skier size is only one of a variety of factors regarding preferred stiffness. A 6'2" guy at 215 lbs who is in his second season and has about 15 days behind him? a 120 might be perfect. Same guy as a charger? Then no, he'll fold it.
Or throw in an Intuition Power wrap, way less likely to...

[whambat]

You can’t make a 120 boot for someone your size. I’m 215 and debate is 130 v 140. The lower boot on a stiffer boot is stiffer/ thicker plastic. A 120 you will be bending that plastic onto the top of your foot. ????...

[whambat]

After years of swapping out winter tires, I’m going with the Dueler Ascents for this season. I had to swap out of the HT tires that came on my Lightning for something more durable on dirt roads and got them because of their winter test results. I have a Tundra with KO3s and I wasn’t that impressed...

[whambat]

Too bad, I’m wondering if the new Corvus is the last of the original brain trust that made such cool skis. Granted a quiver of Anima, Corvus (especially since I have the last two versions of both of those) and Mirus Cor could keep me happy for awhile....

[whambat]

Yeah, that has me concerned as well. Why all the departures? New owners? It seems like what happens when private equity buys out a company and push out all the people that made it work in the first place, but I don’t know the ownership at Black Crows....