Dalbello=Stiff Flexon? What to do...(boot question)

[JeffreyJim]

I've been skiing Nordica Speedmachines for the last 100-150 days. Although I've had pretty good luck with the boot (thanks to Larry), I finally broke the heel lugs off both of them at the Aspen Comp. Thanks to Nordica, they gave me a credit in which I can pretty much pick up any boot I want at my local shop.

I've always struggled with shin bang and sore feet in just about every boot I've ever been in. While the Nordica was being sent back, I got around to fixing up some old Flexons I bought with stiffer (grey/black) tounges and Intuition liners. The boot feels really good and know shin bang will no longer be the issue it once was. I love the way the boot flexes I just wish it was a bit stiffer/more responsive overall. It doesn't perform quite the way my old boot did.

I do have an average width/higher volume foot (why I was in the Nordica in the first place) and weigh about 195.

Here are my options
-Go back to the Nordica
-Get a dalbello (stiffer/more advanced flexon?)
-Stay with the Flexon and take the credit to buy new Gotamas. (are the full tilt tounges stiffer than any of the old flexon tounges?)

[Squatch]

try picking up a flexon race tongue. if the flexons work for you, I don't feel like there's any reason to change them.

[mntlion]

FT = raichle, both for better and worse.

so all the old raichle stuff will fit just fine.

[jerr]

FT = raichle, both for better and worse.

so all the old raichle stuff will fit just fine.

What's the worse bit?

[mntlion]

tongues that crack, buckles that ice up, buckles that loose there spring, heels that wear out, limited dealers, limited parts, only one shape/last.

[Dromond]

I've had success riveting my Flexons for just that extra bit of stiffness. I've skied them all season this way. mntlion you gave me the idea I think. Jeff, PM me for photos/suggestions of the mod. You might as well try it on your old flexons!

Also, the Krypton is much heavier than the Flexon and some don't find that it fits as well. mntlion's critiques of the various buckle problems are straight on, though. About three of mine have lost their spring (annoying) and I've replaced one broken buckle.

[raj]

I have both flexons and Krypton. I got Krypton really cheap (100 bucks brand new) so it wasn't much of a decision.

If I were you, I would keep the flexon and contact Fulltilt for their "super stiff tongue" which costs 50 bucks. That tongue is burly and I can't imagine someone needing a stiffer boot. I ordered these but they sent me the wrong size so I ended up returning it (and then the Krypton deal came up). That tongue is MUCH stiffer than the standard Raichle DD tongue or the Krypton standard tongue.

I have hiked in both and Krypton is significantly heavier even after using thermoflex liner. Flexons are actually lighter than many AT boots. Flexon buckles are complete POS (I have broken one and lost springs in two). Krypton top and bottom buckles are fine but the middle one's design looks suspect and will likely break. Also while hiking, the bottom Krypton buckle gets hammered on scree. I will see if I can reverse it like most AT boots (and the Dalbello rampage). PLacement side of bottom buckle on Kryptons looks dumb.

In terms of skiing performance, they are very close. The one difference that stands out for me is the Krypton shaft shims. This is a really innovative method to give the flex you want totally dialed. I wish all boots came with this feature. I love it.

Krypton's flex point at the ankle is slightly lower than on Flexon. Some people think this is a big deal and flexes more naturally but honestly I haven't noticed any difference, they both feel good.

[Flexon Phil]

Simply, the Krypton is a Flexon on steroids. The Kryp is much stiffer laterally than the Flexon ever was. When you switch from a Flexon to a Krypton you will notice that you will either get more out of your ski or expose its weeknesses.

[Damian Sanders]

I have both flexons and Krypton. I got Krypton really cheap (100 bucks brand new) so it wasn't much of a decision.

If I were you, I would keep the flexon and contact Fulltilt for their "super stiff tongue" which costs 50 bucks. That tongue is burly and I can't imagine someone needing a stiffer boot. I ordered these but they sent me the wrong size so I ended up returning it (and then the Krypton deal came up). That tongue is MUCH stiffer than the standard Raichle DD tongue or the Krypton standard tongue.

Swwweeeettt......glad someon has been able to confirm that they are offering a real race toungue.

I ski the flexon with a pair of race tounges off a mid 90's plug boot....they are pretty stiff, but still have the deep smooth flex.

[Blue Ox]

Just to follow up on Raj's comments: The Full Tilt tongues totally rock, nice and stiff while retaining that nice progressive flex. Got a pair a couple weeks ago and they've been great.

Oddly enough, I too have both Kryptons and Flexons (or Full Tilts, to be exact). I have a slight preference for the Full Tilts because of the weight and a somewhat smoother flex pattern