Thinking about switching to NTN, boot question

[TeleGreen]

I have been considering making the jump to NTN from my current set up. Currently I am on red buckle T1's and AXl's with stiffy springs. I have loved the boot but have blown thru the boots on some runs noticing there is no resistance left in the cuff or bellows. They have seen quite a few days. I have tried the new red TRace boot but cannot seem to keep my heel in the boot and get the boot to be comfortable. I like to charge hard, jump and ski tech stuff.
For one reason or another, probably because it is the most common boot I see, I have been considering the TX Pro as the top contender. My question, is the TX pro (black and orange) enough boot? A lot of what I have read on the internet mentions that they are a softer flex boot. I have talked with a few peeps with the boot and they all love it but, I have not met anyone with the TX comp to ask them their thoughts.
I have also read that the power tubes play a roll but as a newb I am not sure how much.

[mn_teleswede]

I have been considering making the jump to NTN from my current set up. Currently I am on red buckle T1's and AXl's with stiffy springs. I have loved the boot but have blown thru the boots on some runs noticing there is no resistance left in the cuff or bellows. They have seen quite a few days. I have tried the new red TRace boot but cannot seem to keep my heel in the boot and get the boot to be comfortable. I like to charge hard, jump and ski tech stuff.
For one reason or another, probably because it is the most common boot I see, I have been considering the TX Pro as the top contender. My question, is the TX pro (black and orange) enough boot? A lot of what I have read on the internet mentions that they are a softer flex boot. I have talked with a few peeps with the boot and they all love it but, I have not met anyone with the TX comp to ask them their thoughts.
I have also read that the power tubes play a roll but as a newb I am not sure how much.

If you can weight your skis properly/ i.e keep your ball of foot down with no problem- you will have no problems flexing the Comp and enjoying its stiffer flexing bellows and cuff. I currently ski the Comp with both blue and red springs on settings ranging from 3-4. Never tried the Pro- it does seem to be more popular however. I really like the smooth/ progressive flex of the Scarpa boots, but I must admit, I they are not the best for my foot shape. I have had to do quite a bit of fiddling with molding and adding extra padding/ experimenting with insoles to get my fit where it is now. Very comfortable boots.

[dark_star]

The thing about NTN, imo, is that the binding provides so much more rigidity and support relative to other tele gear that you really don't need as stiff of a boot or spring... which is great. I went from BD customs with stiffy spring hammerheads on position 4 (stupid) to Tx pros with blue tubes on 1.5. I love the feel, easier and quicker to turn. I have used the setup to carve rails with icelantic shamans, so no problem driving a big ski.

Leave the "stiffer is better" mindset behind and go for the TX pro. Just my opinion.

Sent from my SM-N900V using TGR Forums

[garuda]

get the tx comp

[WMD]

get the tx comp

Another vote for the comp

[JONG Q Public]

I have both and both weigh the same but the Comp offers more performance. Once you get used to the system you will have no trouble flexing the Comp. I use the Comp at the resort and the Pro in the BC some of the time. If I could only have one it would be a no brainer. Get the Comp.

Some people say the Pro is like the the T-1 and the Comp is like the T-Race. It is hard to compare since the bindings play a big part but I don't think either NTN boot is as stiff or performance oriented as the T-1 or T-Race they get compared to.

[PB]

Another vote for the comps. I started with the pros, used them for a season, then switched. Mid-way through he first season with the comps, I replaced the stock liner with a stiffer Intuition liner; this, plus red freeride carts, is the bees knees for groomers (my most common surface). For a while I continued to use the pros for soft snow and BC, but now use the comps with the original, softer liners for that.

Note: you've probably already heard this, but if not - be patient for the the first 1-3 days on your new NTN rig (assuming freerides here); it may take some time to adjust to the different feel.

[teledad]

I thought the Pro was way softer than my 3 buckle black/gray T1s. Good cuff stiffness but no matter how I set the springs the bellows would fold up when skiing fast in crud. Replaced them with the Comp and was much happier. On my second set of Comps now. Comps + ProWraps = great charger boot.

Fit is the same between the two (aside from some minor liner differences) so if you can only fit the Pros don't be afraid to order the Comps.

[hop]

I prefer the Comp but the Pro is no slouch either - as others have said the binding springs can do a lot to change the feel of the whole kit working together. Are you talking freeride or freedom? And yes, what PB said - of course NTN will feel a bit different than the setup you've been using for years so don't write it off after a run or two.

BTW, if you're a 26.0 I have a pair of Garmont Prophet NTN boots new in box that I'd love to get rid of. Name your price and they're yours.

[Tele 'til You're Smelly]

I love the Pro but only ski soft snow and backcountry- sounds like the Comp is for you.

Didn't like the Prophet- the lack off instep buckle really caused me and many others heel pocket problems. But you might look at the Cripsi Evo too- it's known as one of the beefier NTN boots (overstiff originally by most accounts, they have dialed it back some)

[TeleGreen]

Thanks for the input. I am planning on skiing the freeride bindings. My one apprehension about a stiffer comp boot is that I feel like the Red TRace is stiff to the point that my heel wants to come out of the pocket before the bellows break all the way. FWIW I did put a stiffer wrap liner in them. Has anyone else experienced that.
My other question is how much do the tubes effect the boot. Some of you have touched on it, but I know the stuffy springs on the AXL made the bindings way more responsive and quicker

[garuda]

sounds like a fit issue. put C pads around your ankle bone to keep the heal locked in its pocket. comps are not that stiff...I imagine the pros would feel like leather or old crispi boots, which doesn't work for me inbounds.

[Tele 'til You're Smelly]

I think the stiffer springs make some difference, but not a ton- part of the reason is that red set at 2 is going to be pretty similar to blue set at 4 (that's just an example- I can't recall the exact equivalence). I rather have a stiffer spring set lower to accommodate more travel, but if you have to pay more to buy the extra springs instead of just being able to order them with reds, not sure whether it's worth it.

[mn_teleswede]

Thanks for the input. I am planning on skiing the freeride bindings. My one apprehension about a stiffer comp boot is that I feel like the Red TRace is stiff to the point that my heel wants to come out of the pocket before the bellows break all the way. FWIW I did put a stiffer wrap liner in them. Has anyone else experienced that.
My other question is how much do the tubes effect the boot. Some of you have touched on it, but I know the stuffy springs on the AXL made the bindings way more responsive and quicker

I had an issue with this on my right boot due to some foot issues- extra padding around and above ankle cured this with a little trial and error. Patience young grasshopper.

[axebiker]

I have had the Pro and the Comp. The only thing stiffer about the Comp were the bellows, and not by much. If I was to buy another pair, I'd buy whichever I could get the better deal on. Fit was identical. Either boot is a great boot. The liners do pack out a fair amount though. I have some wraps I may put in them at some point, although I'm afraid they may be a bit tight, since they're HV wraps.

As far as the springs, I prefer to run a heavier spring on a lighter setting, than a lighter spring on a heavier setting. Not sure why, but it just feels better to me.

[TeleGreen]

What are the wraps you are talking about. Are they like the power wrap at the top of the boot

[tDot13]

As far as the springs, I prefer to run a heavier spring on a lighter setting, than a lighter spring on a heavier setting. Not sure why, but it just feels better to me.

I agree with Axebiker. I run a red tube, set at 1.5, and I'm happy with it. Previously I was running a blue spring at 4 and it sucked. Running a lighter spring at the heavier setting can result in the spring bottoming out prematurely.

I have no opinion on the pro vs comp, other then to say I've got quite a few days on my Pro's in all sorts of conditions and they've never let me down.

[axebiker]

What are the wraps you are talking about. Are they like the power wrap at the top of the boot

Intuition Power Wrap liners

[tahoskier]

I agree with most of the comments here. Comps are the way to go if you're skiing mostly at a resort. The comps tour well also compared to the pros. If you tour a lot you could get another pair of softer boots but the you lose the downhill performance. I would go with blue springs because you have a greater range of adjustability. 1-3 in softer snow/touring. 3-5 on the groomers and hard snow. I have some size 26 comps that I'm getting rid of as well as size 26 prophets. The heel thing sounds like a fit issue to me.