Full Tilt active vs rigid boot board

[DRZ1050i]

Finally got to a shop today and tried on the FTs and the Kryps... have to say, I liked the fit of the FTs better, and thought they flexed more smoothly.. even though they're both a very similar design, I felt pressure on my upper foot when flexing the Kryps- not there with the FTs...anyways-

So I'm gonna be going with a FT boot most likely, here's my question- I get that the "active" boot board absorbs shock and whatnot, but how much feeling is lost? And is the responsiveness of the boot affected?

Would really appreciate some feedback from someone who has skied both.

Thanks!

[thisisastickup]

I'd like to thank you, I was just going to ask the same question.

[jon gaper]

i have both.i almost always reach for the FT. maybe the fit is better. i really notice the lighter weight.i dont notice any problem with the ft bootboard.

[DRZ1050i]

Jon,

I meant who has skied both in regards to both boot boards, not the FTs vs the Kryps... Thanks though. Which FTs do you have?

[thecriscokid]

I have both boot boards. Bruised my heel on the solid board and my A-Line foot beds. I got the Active boards and ski the same foot beds and haven't had any bruising. Very little difference in precision, but I'm not a very precise skier...

[Wild4umlauts]

I have both (and a third type - custom Kork beds I built). I skied the rigid plastic bootboards for more years than I care to admit. Then Raichle/Kneissl went to a "shock absorber" thing (rubber plug like device under the heel of the rigid plastic board) that was an interesting combination of the precision/responsiveness of a hard board with some heel impact protection. The newer fully active rubber bootboard has more give and may actually be great if you're regularly hucking big air.

I do feel some foot/liner shifting with the active bootboard at room temp, but on the mountain I never notice it. So I'd say if you're more of a freeride/freestyle kind of skier then definitely go for the active bootboard. If you're not then the rigid plastic board should provide a more responsive feel when edging.

There is one other thing that I've noticed, but I'm not sure if it's just in my head. I think the contour of the rigid board has more built-in arch than the rubber board. This can be good or bad depending on the footbed you use. I prefer a flatter bootboard (less built-in arch and ramp angle) which is why I built my own replacement bootboards.

[axebiker]

I have both as well, and have used both foot boards in the Kryp. I can't really tell a difference, and I ski on harpack almost exclusively. I feel that the Kryp is a bit more precise, but I haven't skied the FT nearly as much, and I also have it set up softer. But IMHO, you aren't giving up precision with the different foot boards.

[skiwithcharlie]

Those shock absorbing footboards not only save your heels but also your knees too I reckon. Ive had Salomon boots with shock absorbing footboards for the past 5 years and Im never going back to rigid ones.