Alpine Boot Recommendations from Jeff Bergeron

[shera]

I don't know much about much, but I listened to Jeff talk the other night and had a chance to ask him what he liked for boots. He said:

Salomon Falcon
Atomic Racetech CS
Nordica Doberman (blade)

I'm a little curous what the maggots have to say about it.

[mntlion]

that is the recommended list, did you try any on? Did Jeff not have any to try on?

[summit]

I almost bought the falcon... some days I wish I had

[Squatch]

i'd say if those boots fit your foot shape, then you're good.

[XtrPickels]

Judging by the thread on epic, I take those three boots as "these are solid boots that work for a lot of people" and not the ultimate list for everyone. Jeff seems to be really good about taking people's needs/ situations into consideration.

[L7]

With the Atomic RTcs it is currently a pretty stiff boot for a lot of people/usage. Next year that same boot and last will come out in the freeride series with flex of 120, 100, 90 and even a woman's 80.

As well next year brings the hawx boot with some revolutionary innovations that has been getting great response from a variety of skiers. Don't know his thoughts on them but they have worked very well for many skiers.

Not really aiming for the shameless plug just a heads up on what's coming so as to not narrow your choices.

[Lakelander]

for any needing quality boot mods made in the Breck area, Jeff is the man.

[shera]

I haven't tried them on my feet. Not shopping for alpine at the moment. I just wanted to throw these out there and see what feedback would come. I think he's also interested in the plastics and all that and considers these to be durable.

Interestingly, when I asked about Lange World Cup boots, he said he never would recommend them because they'll crack. I'm in my third season with a pair that I really love and haven't had a problem so I didn't really believe him, but then I saw Tracy's and hers are cracked and almost broken.

Also, he said I should try like a 120/130 flex! I have the junior (100) boot and think that's just plenty. He does come from a racing perspective. But my boots need to do just about everything and it seems like 100 is about right for me.

I'm still trying to learn. There's so much information - our sport can get so freaking technical. But I'm trying to digest in bite size chunks.

[shera]

Judging by the thread on epic, I take those three boots as "these are solid boots that work for a lot of people" and not the ultimate list for everyone. Jeff seems to be really good about taking people's needs/ situations into consideration.

Huh? Epic? What's that?

[danhikeski]

I don't know much about much, but I listened to Jeff talk the other night and had a chance to ask him what he liked for boots. He said:

Salomon Falcon
Atomic Racetech CS
Nordica Doberman (blade)

I'm a little curous what the maggots have to say about it.

did he mention anything about why, what level of a user, what volume foot, for you/your size/ability?

[mntlion]

I've seen some langes crack, but not really that many, and none of the new ones for this year. Also anything that is cracked is replaced with new boots. Nice to get new shells after 100-200 days for free.

look for this years FR120 (ZC flex), they can be softened to try them by removing the 2 rear rivits, makes then about a ZB

next year they are making a 110 FR (ZB) and 110 W FR (ZA) and they are softer still. and the retail price has come down to $500 CAD. Fit is all the same.


The lange HP fit is very similar to the falcon's fit, and is a narrow heel, med to low instep and forefoot width. The Falcon 100 jr, the ladies (instinct?) and the mens (gun,9,10,race) all fit the same, Different liners and features, but the fit is the same.

When you have time to boot shop, I'd go find a boot fitter with stock, and time, and see what fits you. If others don't like the boot, but it fits and flexes for you go for it. Let the boot fitter do their job, not some geeks on the internet.

If you have more questions post or PM me.

[L7]

Also, he said I should try like a 120/130 flex! I have the junior (100) boot and think that's just plenty. He does come from a racing perspective. But my boots need to do just about everything and it seems like 100 is about right for me.

I have no problem with a stiff boot ripping on hard snow but when it comes to varied terrain, real steeps, chunky stuff I find too stiff a boot can be an obstacle. Maybe functional but more work then it needs to be. A lot comes down to preference.

Sometimes it comes down to proportions as well, what size foot vs leg length, vs weight. No real formula again, just experience and preference. I believe it is documented that you have other than dainty little feet. Given your foot size and weight the softer boot may feel better than stiffer given what you have to flex a boot that size.

For the lange WC cracking it's funny. I know a 240lb ex racer/rugbyplayer who uses power and little finesse. Last I checked he had not cracked a pair. Then tiny guys who are finesse skiers crack a pair a season. I think it has to do with how they wrap and close around a given foot and stress points that crack easier. They flex and move very well so maybe that is just a trade off of the design or plastics. Like mtnlion says they're good about the warranty (at least in Canada) and new shells every season or so isn't the worst thing.

[mr_gyptian]

I don't know much about much, but I listened to Jeff talk the other night and had a chance to ask him what he liked for boots. He said:

Salomon Falcon
Atomic Racetech CS
Nordica Doberman (blade)

I'm a little curous what the maggots have to say about it.

I skied the doberman last year on a fairly warm day in march and my feet froze. not went numb because of an ill fitting boot. but because that boot is so thin. I never get cold. those things are not for Colorado skiing. you could get away with them in Tahoe. but not here.

was there room for an audience? Jeff's ego can fill a room. but I hear his ego is a great audience. at least, for Jeff.

p.s.- are you going to take a break from being Donna Weinbrecht and ski with me this year?

[robnow]

I skied the doberman last year on a fairly warm day in march and my feet froze. not went numb because of an ill fitting boot. but because that boot is so thin. I never get cold. those things are not for Colorado skiing. you could get away with them in Tahoe. but not here.

The Hot Rods(identical to Dobermans) would probably be a little warmer because it doesn't come with that leather liner. They have been an awesome boot for me, probably the best i've been on. But they are cold(Canadian Rockies). But lets face it, any of these boots mentioned aren't going to be toasty

[shera]

I skied the doberman last year on a fairly warm day in march and my feet froze. not went numb because of an ill fitting boot. but because that boot is so thin. I never get cold. those things are not for Colorado skiing. you could get away with them in Tahoe. but not here.

was there room for an audience? Jeff's ego can fill a room. but I hear his ego is a great audience. at least, for Jeff.

p.s.- are you going to take a break from being Donna Weinbrecht and ski with me this year?

Hehe, I wasn't going to say anything like that about Jeff. Nope.

I still owe you your bindings back but I can't remember if you want the plates too?

I've been pretty much blowing off everybody, so don't feel personally neglected. We'll prolly ski together around the time when the east wall opens...

I just sent my lawyer girlfriend an email. She skis a lot at Copper and at Loveland. Do you get to Copper at all? She likes A lift...

[shera]

For the record, I am 5'8", 135 lbs, and have a 25.5 boot. I AM NORMAL!!!

[ulty_guy]

what about the new atomic hawx boots? sounds like they've basically gotten on the flexon bandwagon (more mobility, lateral rigidity, upright stance). are these going to be wide like most non-race atomics, or nice narrow?

[summit]

falcons have very thin shell... but i don't think that makes them a cold boot. it does however make them a very light boot

[L7]

For the record, I am 5'8", 135 lbs, and have a 25.5 boot. I AM NORMAL!!!

That's pretty normal. But wasn't there an old picture of you sitting down with your hounds and a ginormous set of feet almost obscured the photo. Don't give me that camera angle line..... they were huge.

[mr_gyptian]

Hehe, I wasn't going to say anything like that about Jeff. Nope.

I still owe you your bindings back but I can't remember if you want the plates too?

I've been pretty much blowing off everybody, so don't feel personally neglected. We'll prolly ski together around the time when the east wall opens...

I just sent my lawyer girlfriend an email. She skis a lot at Copper and at Loveland. Do you get to Copper at all? She likes A lift...

I too, am a fan of lifts.

I don't care about the plates.

Where's the East Wall?

[skidoc87]

Just got the Atomic Hawx 80 as an off piste boot for my new wider twin tips. Taking them to Christy's tonight to have the shell expanded slightly and heading to The Canyons tomorrow to test them out. Will post my impressions then. My friend bought the Hawx 110's earlier this season and loves them. FWIW

[Tony]

For off-piste/BC skiing, a flex of 130 is plain retarded. Even if you weight a zillion pounds...

[skiingsamurai]

^^amen, my speedmachine 14's kill me. Im changing to krypton pros next week.
Stiff boots + cliffs+moguls+anything soft = painful

[dethklok878]

I ski and work in Falcon X2 S-labs every day, mostly due to limited forward ankle flexibility, but have very few problems with the stiffness (130+). Given I don't huck frequently, and certainly not anything HUDGE, but the only problem I've had with them is they get a little chilly, but they also warm up very quickly if you take a break. Mine have about a 1 finger shell fit, and fitting was a pain, but it was completely worth it.

[nick > jesus]

i race in a nordica 150 but i hate free skiing in those. I rock kryptons for that, warmer and less painful