Making Boots Less Stiff??

[Kevo]

I just got a pair of Technica Cochise 130s to replace a warranty issue Zero G Guide (dark green) from last year.

I tried on both the Cochise 120 and 130, and found that the 130 fit me better. For some reason I was having major heal lift issues in the 120 even though they are the same fit on paper as the 130s.

So, I've got the 130s and I really like the fit and features after a couple days of skiing. I'm realizing though that I actually liked the increased flexibility in the Zero Gs that I had. The 130s are great for making GS turns, but in the past couple years I've increasingly enjoyed making more nimble, more playful shorter turns that arent happening as easily in my new boots.

What are my options if I wanted to reduce the stiffness in the 130s by a little bit?

Thanks, mags.

[GoldenBC]

Different fit is from different liners.

You can soften them a few ways. Cutting down the top of the lower shell along the front is the best. Take a half cm off and taper the cut to nothing around the ankle.

You could also just get the 120s with the 130 liner. Or, find a flimsy liner and it will make the 130 feel softer but you will probably not have the retention you want.

[Dee Hubbs]

How is your dorsiflexion? If you have limited range of motion you may be flexing through the 120 boot and your limited range of motion causes your heel to lift?
The 130 might be just stiff enough to keep your heel down.

[SupreChicken]

Ski harder than you usually do for about 50-60 days. They’ll soften up a bit.

But in actually trying to help...


I put pro tour liners in my 130s a couple seasons ago. Definitely softer on the touring descent than inbounds with a wrap or the stock liner.

[Kevo]

Thanks. Makes sense that the liner in the 120 was the issue. My shop thought it was the same liner, but I guess they didn't know.

Are there no other less invasive options? What about the least stiff booster strap?

If I go the cutting route, what is the protocol? Use heat gun to soften plastic, then cut? Are there any online tutorials?

[Kevo]

How is your dorsiflexion? If you have limited range of motion you may be flexing through the 120 boot and your limited range of motion causes your heel to lift?
The 130 might be just stiff enough to keep your heel down.

Dorsiflexion is good. Actually just had my buddy who is a doc evaluate, lol.

I think the main issue is that the 120s just have a less stiff liner and/or a liner that takes up less volume in the ankle area.

[RShea]

Less stiff where? Remove a rivet, cut notches into the boot, shave some of the boot shell down.

[Kevo]

Less stiff where? Remove a rivet, cut notches into the boot, shave some of the boot shell down.

I want it to be easier to flex the boot forward.

[XavierD]

120 and 130 have the same liner. Only difference in powerstrap and cuff material. Did you try on the same size?

Deepen the U cuts above the ankle joints. Take 1/2 cm off, ski, see if you need more.

[Timberridge]

I want it to be easier to flex the boot forward.

Loosen the booster strap and top buckle

[XXX-er]

Back in the day I softened a Salomon wave 8.0 (4 buckle alpine ) by cutting a big V in the back of the lower boot with a box cutter and re moving the piece of plastic

There was even a line cast in the plastic to show you where to cut or so I thot

[swissiphic]

Are you into more elaborate experimental mods? Working on this system to soften, damp and allow for more ankle glide motion and progressive flex for my Dynafit Vulcans. Tried three different approaches thus far. The concept works but durability isn't there yet. The tinkering continues. I cut out the hole where the ski/walk mode locking knob inserts into for free forward flexing motion while remaining solid for rear support. Forward flex completely modulated by the added alu and two part dense, less dense rubber bumper thingy or the little rubber plug in the alu bracket. At this point, mod is removable/reversible to restore stock function of boot.

Maybe future versions the Pierre Gignoux boots with incorporate a ski touring boot oriented adaptation of the snowboard boot design.

[GoldenBC]

heat up shell with heat gun, cut with a razor

[snoboy]

Booster strap inside the shell instead of outside.

[galibier_numero_un]

heat up shell with heat gun, cut with a razor

If you ever decide to extend a v-notch, always drill a hole at the new vertex first.

... Thom