Ski Boot Advice / Pro Ski Coach Water Ski Forum

brian glock · #1 Sun, Mar 21, 2010 4:35 PM

I'm looking for a new set up and was hoping to get some feedback.

I broke my foot three seasons ago in a pair of animals, resulting in three titanium screws. That was a bummer! The next season I bought a brand new set up, Goode 9800 with powershells. I didn't get to ski much that year as I was still recovering from the previous injury and my buddy with the boat moved out of town. That brings us to last season. I skied pretty hard and started having problems with the powershells. I separated twice without cause. I bought new interlock and still had problems. Following the new interlock, I crashed causing a concussion.

Needless to say, I am sick of messing around. I haven't had a good season in a while now and I am determined to make this year a good one.

The options I am thinking about:
1). Keeping the 9800 and putting Wileys on the powerplate with 400 grit interlock. I don't have alot of confidence in interlock anymore.

2). Drilling holes in the 9800 and putting on Radars. I'm a little worried about coming out of those boots.

3). Buying new HO S1 with the EXO boots. EXPENSIVE OPTION!!

I know this is alot, but any advice would be great. My season depends on it!!

HO410 · #2 Sun, Mar 21, 2010 10:52 PM

Option 1: my understanding is that 400 mated to 250 offers the strongest connection.

Option 2: you don't have to drill holes. You could use Dual Lock like you would with your Wiley's option. You could also use the Reflex Bond kit. I have seen a skier use 3m automotive trim tape (I think that's what it is called) to attach plates to a Warp 8, but I don't recall all the details.

Option 3: HO will have a adapter plate. You don't have to buy an HO ski unless you really want one.

ChrisRossi · #3 Mon, Mar 22, 2010 1:24 AM

I would go with the Radar RS1/Strada boot or you could go with the Fogman system if you want to run double hardshells. Both are great options. I run the Radar boots and love them.

Chris

HO410 · #4 Mon, Mar 22, 2010 3:25 AM

Brian,
The RS-1 release is super simple and really does work. The great thing is that they can easily be tested on dry land. I know that as I got used to them and gained more confidence, I ran the bungee laces looser and looser. Actually, I can't believe how tight I pulled them on the first few sets, and would not be too comfortable that way anymore. For me, it almost feels like they release easier a sloppy set of rubber overlays (of course they perform much much better) Because they are kind of a new concept, seeing is a big part of believing. I've had several skiers clearly opine that they are dangerous "front-lace" boots. RS-1's are definitely not in the same class of binding as the Approach or Draft. I think this style of boot is as good an option that is currently for sale.

Last edited by HO410 (Mon, Mar 22, 2010 1:58 PM)

miski · #5 Mon, Mar 22, 2010 1:29 PM

Don't count on the rubber boots to save your ankle - I have surgery somewhere in my future, probably Oct this year because of a series of ankle busting hits w/ rubber. When I had the overlays tight enough to not feel sloppy, my front foot did not come out on multiple occasions when I fell and dug the front of the ski in.