c4isTheAnswer Posted November 14, 2012 Report Share Posted November 14, 2012 I just bought my first alpine board set (Prior ATV 167 and Bomber TD3 Standard Bindings). I was curious about hardboot manufacturers. Can anyone point me in any direction? Also, I'm pretty sure this question has been asked here crazy many times, but I'd really appreciate the help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aracan Posted November 14, 2012 Report Share Posted November 14, 2012 There used to be 3 manufacturers in the business: Head/Blax, UPZ and Deeluxe. From what I know, Head has stopped producing hardboots, although you may still find them NOS or slightly used. UPZ offers one basic shell shape in 3 different flavors and degrees of stiffness. UPZs are generally narrow in the heel, with a wide toebox. Deeluxe has two shell shapes, one symmetric, one asymmetric. At the end of the day, though, the best boot for you is the one that fits best, and a good fit can only be ascertained on the snow. Try as many as you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c4isTheAnswer Posted November 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2012 Unfortunately, I live in Interior Alaska. Alpine riding being a niche sport there are no retailers for snowboard hardboots. Online sizing guides and luck are my best options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Gendzwill Posted November 14, 2012 Report Share Posted November 14, 2012 Unfortunately, I live in Interior Alaska. Alpine riding being a niche sport there are no retailers for snowboard hardboots. Online sizing guides and luck are my best options. Bomberonline sells boots, and I'm sure they have lots of experience sizing mail orders. Why don't you contact them and let them help you? The Thermoflex liners also really help in getting a good fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aracan Posted November 15, 2012 Report Share Posted November 15, 2012 TFs are great, and they helped me a lot. The one thing they cannot fix is fitting a skinny foot in a shell that has too much volume for the foot (because the heated TF liner can only compress, not expand). But otherwise, I can truly recommend them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c4isTheAnswer Posted November 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2012 I appreciate the advice!I have a wide foot, but skinny ankles. I needed heel straps for my soft boots to prevent heel lift. Sounds like I have plenty of options to look into now. Three weeks to wait for my board, and another three for a decent base to carve here in the Interior; plenty of time to research. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c4isTheAnswer Posted December 31, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2012 Just got my new Deeluxe Track 325's molded. Looking forward to riding them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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