Boots: forward lean vs. ramp angle etc.

[Jiehkevarri]

Ok, this has been bothering me for awhile.

Marshalolson (or someone) started a thread at epic (gasp) some time ago about definitions of boots forward angle vs. ramp angle etc.

However, I didn't understand half of technical mumbo jumbo there (what suprise!)

So, I've been wondering if there is a trend of going to the more upright boots lately? (e.g. Salomon X series). And if so, why?

I have a so called "Lange feet" and I've been very happy with the Langes. However, I do notice that the forward lean (= ankle flex, not the "ramp angle" under te heel) in those boots seem much bigger than many current boots. The shop guy stated (when bought the said Langes) that "high forward lean is very good for freeriding" (is it? and if, why?)

Does this have to do something with the flex and sidecut of the new skis...so, in "modern" skis you just roll your ankles and do not have to "push" as much to the front of the ski? Right? (and if this is true, I would think that most of the TGR folk would prefer very old school feeling boots with their long, stiff and straight skis...??? )

Also, one day I was doing some silly little jibbing (which I completely suck at) in local park and kind of noticed the heavy forward lean uncomfortable doing little moves at "walking paces" (hitting wallride and little presses and such). You would think a more upright stance is better for this type of skiing? Right? (pretty obvious is also that 120 flex index isn't the most suitable for park anyway)

I haven't paid much attention to this until late...just though that with so much innovation with skis, people talk quite little about the characteristics of the boot. The mantra seems to be "if it fits go for it" which is very true but there must be more to it...(e.g. Flexon Comp must have been some kind of benchmark of boot design. Is there any recent similar "benchmarks"?)

So, I wonder if there's some tech guru out there who could explain the several factors here (forward lean, ramp angle, cons/pros of different type of designs, body type / skiing style factors involved etc.) in layman's terms...???

Sorry about the nerdy post but seems like there is quite alot of controversial information around, for example you hear very different comments from different shops / bootfitters.

[upallnight]

just time for a short reply, but basically whatever you get used to will be right for you. there is no such thing as "high forward lean is good for skiing X" -- because that depends on your flexibility and skiing style. if you have a boot that is too stiff for you, then, yes, you need to have "high forward lean" to get forward because you can't do it on your own.

forward lean = angle of the cuff of the boot (upper part)
ramp angle = angle of the footbed (difference in height of toe/heel)
delta = similar to ramp angle, but it applies to the difference in height of toepiece of binging vs. heelpiece

main thing: get a boot that you can flex, even in cold weather. be honest with yourself.

you'll adapt to everything else.