gTa

Aah, now I'm following: yes I tried them, but no not on my alpine boards, but on skis :) Namely because of the sole length and therefore binding angles, they're not suitable for my F2 (didn't try on the Swoard). I don't think I'll modify them, since I want them to be a ski boot ;)

Marvelous! Now that's some useful info. Hartelijk dank waarde noorderbuur!

Oh and: I've contacted the Belgian importer of Deelixe. He'll see what he can do to order 2 sizes of Free69 when available, so that I can try them on, without buying obligation. I'm curious if that'll work out...

There's a shop in Vinkeveen (NL) that stocks hardboots? Neat! What's the shop's name? German is no problem. I didn't know the frozen-backside.de forum. Nice! I'll pass on the boots, though. Thx anyway ;) Why should that have induced vomiting? (I'm not following). The runs I did in them (3 full days of sporty carving on Salomon BBR's), they felt perfect. I haven't read much about converting ski boots to alpine snowboard boots, I thought it's not recommended because of flex?

Thanks for your insights! Jack, calling to the States isn't particularly an option at this time (I live in Belgium). Although I'm confident that Michelle can give expert advice, I'll try to find out as much as possible through forums and in "local" shops (although the closest specialised shop is 1.000 km away). Moreover, the more advice I get, the more it seems that I will not get anything good without properly trying and fitting. So I'm looking to do that, without having to drive 1.400 miles that is. :-) Transistor, I have to tighten my Ingemars as hell, now with the wearing of the liners I do not get the tight fit that I need. Maybe because the boots are a tad too short, it didn't ever stand out that they were too wide? I don't know. Fact is that I have very narrow feet and calves. whether the Ingemar is a narrow or wider boot: no idea. As long as my next boot fits me properly. Thanks for your advice!

Thanks 0815! My mind is set on a new pair of symmetrical boots, the 325 or new Free69. Since the 700 is asymmetrical, even trying them for sizing wouldn't be ideal. I've contacted the Deeluxe importer and two shops in the area. We've got the arrangement that a pair of mondo 27 will be available for fitting as soon as they're available. So I'll wait a little longer. Düsseldorf isn't far away (some 2,5 hours drive) though. Do you have a thread of the boots online, with pictures and asking price?

Thanks Pius! No idea how to measure shell width, but I know that my ski boots (Salomon X3-10CS) have width 95. Whether that's overall width, or how to compare with the measirements the BOL member did: I do not know. They're some of the narrowest boots available. The "custom shell" thingie (black plastic part on the side of the forefoot area) makes it possible to mold the shell, increasing the forefoot width up to 6mm (thus creating a 101mm shoe). I let mine stock and they fit perfectly.

Aha, thanks tex! I had more problems finding ski boots narrow enough at the ankle and calf, than at the forefoot. In my Salomons I'm comfortable now (forefoot) and well planted (calf, ankle), and I experience excellent heel hold. That particular model is made extra narrow and has a moldable outer shell at the forefoot side area; for me it's perfect as it is out of the factory. Some people say that Deeluxe have a wider ankle/calf area, and that is definitely not what I need. I saw on the UPZ website that the liner has velcro-attached pieces designed to make the area just in front of the ankle narrower. Doesn't that help?

Thanks for the answers! Corey, you seem to say that the RC10 is a narrow boot, which contrasts to the post of tex1230 a little higher. Or maybe not: he might be talking solely about the forefoot width...? Pokkis, I'm registered at the said forum... but I would be VERY surprised if there were other Belgian alpine boarders? And why a softer boot? I have a stiff boot now (Blax Ingemar) and LOVE that. I can imagine that I will squat a 325 with my weight and riding style..., no?

Is there anything known about the MY13 Deeluxe Free 69 (new model) yet? Stiffness? Edit: found it. It's a yellow version of the 325T, with the DEL 141 thermo liner, and optional Intec adapter. Same stiffness as Track 325 (rated 7 by Deeluxe, compared to 9 for the 700 and 6 for the 225).

Thanks a lot for the useful info! You recommend a good liner. ~ The stock thermo-liner that comes with the Deeluxe Track 700 is no good, then? Would you recommend buying a 'better' liner instantly, or trying out the stock liner first? The cost of the liners wouldn't be the problem, but I'd like to be sure that they're a significant improvement over the stock thermo liners. ~ Which of the Intuition line is best for alpine carving? ~ The Scarpa liners seem similar to the Intuitions. Scarpa even places the Intuition logo on their models. Are they 'the same'? Which Scarpa liner is best for alpine carving: Precision or Speed Pro? ~ I found the Palau website and browsed through their products. Prices seem VERY reasonable. Are they good? Which model is to be recommended for alpine (extreme) carving? ~ In general: is a liner with wraparound tongue OK for alpine carving? I am unaware of the benefits of the boot spring hopups (ACSS, BTS). Is there a general explanation topic on BOL where I can read about that? (I've found the piece of text on the Carver's Almanac, but that's quite basic) Thanks a LOT for your answer! Thanks too for your answer! Am I wrong to deduct from your answer that the UPZ RC10 is a wider boot? If so, more around the foot or more around the leg? Is there a general comparison available online of boot widths?

Hi, Summer's gone - almost. I'm getting the vibes for coming winter. One thing, though: my hardboots need replacement. Since I live in Belgium and the nearest shop stocking alpine gear is some 1.000 km away, going there and trying them on sadly is not an option. I'm stuck with buying them online. That's a dreadful way of buying boots but I see no other way. I've done it in the past: carefully reading heaps of information, and then buying fingers crossed. Therefore: your advice is needed and appreciated enormously. I'll try to give you guys as much info as I can. About me I'm 36 years old, weigh 87 kg / 190 lbs and measure 188 cm / 6' 2". I ride alpine boards since 1992 and I'm very comfortable with them in most conditions. I'm in fair/good physical condition (5 km run in 23min, 10 km run in 50min ... I'd give myself a 6 or 7?), and my alpine riding/carving technique is ok (again, a 6 or 7). I'm mainly into carving fluently on wider even slopes, adore medium-high speeds but avoid high speeds. I'm not the GS racer, nor am I the avid slalom thrasher. I'm not afraid of less than perfect snow conditions, icy slopes and such ... but tend to hold back in those conditions (some uncertainty about my technique + every year I'm getting older I'm becoming a bit more of a pussy :D). The last seasons I'm working on the extreme carving technique and slowly getting there. I currently own a Swoard 175M, an F2 Speedster RS Equipe 183 and a Dupraz D1 6' +. The Dupraz and F2 are my most used boards: the Speedster is used as slope shredding board (long turns at higher speeds on blue/red boulevards) and for accompanying fast skiers. I ride the Dupraz D1 with Burton Driver X, it carves rather decently and is my all mountain board. The Swoard is only used when the groom is hard and perfect, before noon. My left foot measures 27,2 cm and my right foot 27,6 cm. I have VERY narrow feet, however. And narrow legs/calves too. My foot arch is medium/high. I always have to choose narrow shoes, e.g. with specialist running shoes: the narrow and 'uncomfortable' models that most people complain about, fit me perfectly. The same with my ski boots: only narrow racing boots fit me well, I bought the narrow Salomon X3-10 CS (online) last year and it feels very comfortable. About my alpine hardboots I've bought my Blax Ingemar boots some 8 years ago, they were already second hand. Before that I had Burton Earths. The Ingemars are size mondo 27 and feel a notch too short (buckled up they're ok but after a day of riding my toes hurt when unbuckled and pushing against the front of the liners). The shells are in poor state, but the liners are completely worn out. Still: I want something completely new (not only new liners). I tested a pair of Deeluxe 225's in size mondo 27,5 last winter (not riding, just size fitting) and they fitted well in length, but were much too wide (footbox, shaft), no heel hold. My ski boots are Salomon racing boots size mondo 27,0. They're OK in length (better than my Blax), perfect in width. There you have it. Can you guys do something with that? I'm looking into the stiffer boot range and need a narrow boot. If possible with a decent stock liner (too much to wish for?). I have my eye on the 700T and the RC10, but I'm in to any suggestion with experienced advice. Thanks. A lot!! Gilles

It must have been a great buy indeed, because it's sold already. ;) Went faster than I expected. It's going to Germany. I'm sure the buyer will love it, and he's done a great buy since it's in really good shape. Thanks & this thread may be closed. Gilles

Finally found the time ... board has had an overhaul (base restored, grinded, waxed), took pictures and put it online. It's listed on ebay.de, bidding starts at 99 EUR, 'buy now' is 175 EUR. The board is in Belgium, can be collected upon payment in cash (Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp region). Will be shipped to the European Union with GLS Europa for the mentioned shipping fares: 21,20 EUR to the Netherlands, Germany and Luxemburg, 25,60 EUR to the UK, France, Italy, Denmark and Austria. Other EU countrues: see link. Outside EU: contact me first, please. Highres pictures of the board (and its state) can be downloaded from RapidShare (47 MB). Thanks & kindest regards! Gilles

Hi all, --- SOLD --- SOLD --- Sadly I'm letting go my beloved 02-03 (Völkl manufactured) Rad Air Tanker 192. It's the one with the white top sheet, black base with flames. I bought it brand new in December 2008 (still in factory plastic) off ebay.de ... and used it not more than a day or 10 during three winter holidays. It has seen 85% of groomers and 15% of pow. It is in very good condition: hardly any (small) scratches on the top sheet (I'll check for minuscule scratches later), rails in close perfect condition, base pampered and well cared for. The inserts are all in top condition (only 4 used on each side). It's used, sure, but hardly any used board looks as fine as this one. I've always used it with Salomon Relay XLT soft bindings, I'll remove them shortly to check for binding scratches. I live in Europe, and will ship anywhere (shipping costs payed for by buyer). Don't know what that'll cost to the US or Asia, but shipping costs to western Europe will be fair (www.bpost.be). I live in Belgium, and picking up the board in person is also possible. I'm in France at the moment (until 26/12/2010), namely in Tignes, so if someone should want to come and pick it up here: welcome too! I'll add some pictures from the present state shortly. Already attached are pictures taken just after delivery. Reason of sale: I'm cutting back quiver size. I'm letting go my Swoard 175M 2D (prod. 11/2009), my back-up board F2 Silberpfeil 172 (model 2007 if I'm not mistaken), my Atomic Dreamraider 170. Maybe even some more. I'm only keeping my GS board and will be adding a Dupraz D1+ to the stack. I sincerely thank you guys here on bomberonline for the loads of information I found on the Tanker and other stuff. I'm an avid reader, but don't post a lot. Asking price: 175 EUR --- SOLD --- SOLD --- Advice / opinions / suggestions always welcome!! Gilles