Daleboot opinions

**schuss** · 10-01-2004, 08:05 AM

Ok, I need a new pair of boots this year, and have had some not-great experiences with some bootfitters in the area. I just generally want to get boots and be largely done with it, as I don't have the scratch to get new liners+footbeds on a 600 dollar boot. I was wondering how people liked them and whether they thought the 25 dollar upgrade to the "racing" version was worth it.
Background: got back into skiing 2 years ago, been rabid since, I'm an EC skier who loves the trees and running into them. I'd consider myself a pretty good skier, though I tend to be the slowbie when skiing with maggots. My current boots are too big for me, so I can't snap my skis around fast enough and my foot moves inside the boot. I simply can't deal with my boot not being able to keep up with me anymore.

**Plakespear** · 10-01-2004, 11:14 AM

While I've never skied them, I do find the concept of getting a custom made boot quite appealing.

**TomK** · 10-01-2004, 01:54 PM

I've been in a pair for 3 seasons now. Classic 3-buckle overlap design with a lot of original design features that are "new and improved" from other manufacturers (like adjustable flex, instep, replacable toe/heelpieces/etc) No problems with them at all so far and my feet are much happier.
I'm luckier than most in that there is one of the few Daleboot retailers nearby and he fit me by a little liner grinding but that was it.
Since your an eastcoaster, the stiffer racing version will help deal with ice.

**Skip Dooley** · 10-01-2004, 02:08 PM

Get the Daleboots. I've had my pair for four years(460 days) and they are still great. I wouldn't ski anything else. And I have owned everything else in my 13 years of racing. You won't find a boot with better control, because they fit your feet perfectly right out of the box. As far as having retailers nearby, you don't need them, faxing them all of your measurments and tracings works just as good as being there in person. e-mail them

daleboot@dalebootusa.com tell them Ryan Kindervater sent you.

**Spats** · 10-01-2004, 11:30 PM

I heart mine, but you knew that already.

The "racing" version is just the regular version with the cuff permanently riveted to the lower. Get the regular version, and if it isn't stiff enough, they can screw a little plastic widget into the flex guide that locks out the cuff and has the same effect. Plus it's removable, unlike the "racing" version.

Incidentally, it's pointless to get them mail-order. The whole point is that you get the full custom bootfitting treatment with purchase (and for life). You need to either go to SLC or to one of the few shops that fits them. Call and ask.

I would not recommend them if you are very heavy or like a really stiff boot. They're softish. But since they fit perfectly, you can ski a much softer flex than you might otherwise.

Another advantage: they're really light for a DH boot. My size 13s weigh about 6.5 pounds each. There are AT boots that weigh the same.

**Skip Dooley** · 10-02-2004, 02:12 AM

while i agree with Spats on the most part, I believe that the mail system is fine. I ski for daleboot, and everything is done through the mail, without problems.

**schuss** · 10-02-2004, 08:55 AM

Yeah, I'm 5'11" or so and 165, so I'm not a beefy bastard. I would be doing them through mail, but in looking at the measurements, it looks to me like they'd capture most of the oddities of my feet. My biggest issue has been the fact that my left foot is a half size larger than my right.