modding old UPZ boots for EC?

[SteveMcQ]

Hi everybody,

My name is Stefan and after about 15 years of abstinence I decided to start alpine boarding again. I never tried EC but it looks quite appealing so I got myself an old Swoard Gen3 (like new) and UPZ RSV Superlight boots.

As you know these boots are quite old (2003?) and afaik designed as racing boots (=very stiff).

So the big question is: can these boots be used for EC and what mods are needed?

My thoughts are:

Change the super stiff silver tongue for softer tongues (red? Black?). I'm 6'3" and 200lbs.

Convert to 2016+ tongues (only one attachment to boot instead of two)

Change the OEM spring system for a DGSS spring system.

Get rid if the liners and use Palau Thermofit liners instead.

Is this a worthwhile endeavour or shall I save my money and get a different boot? I'm located in Austria so shipping charges for parts are low (since UPZ is located in Austria). My RSVs are in hardly used condition and were quite reasonable ($40) and if I can save a buck or two that would be great.

Thanks,
Stefan

Edited January 11, 2022 by SteveMcQ

[Aracan]

Hallo Stefan aus Österreich, hier Stefan aus Österreich

My 2 Cents: Go for it. The RSV SL is old and stiff and has some quality issues - the screws will rust, you MUST secure all of them with Loctite, and the liners are utter crap.

BUT: The basic shape of UPZ shells has hardly changed over the years, and they tend to fit a wider range of feet than, say, Deeluxe. So, if it turns out that the RSVs aren't quite the thing, you can still find newer shells and reuse all the shiny parts you will have bought. My own boots are also older, stiffer predecessors of the RC8 (although not as old as yours), and they work just fine.

Softer tongues are definitely a must, especially for EC. Personally I love the red tongues, but I am somewhat lighter (around 75 kg), so the blacks might suit you better. If you purchase replacement tongues, you will automatically get the newer version with only one screw + one strap (Mountainslope style). If you are located in Upper Austria or thereabouts, consider giving Wolfgang from Aitec a call and drop by the factory. He is a helpful kind of guy and you might get the chance to at least carpet-carve the red and the black tongues.

Softening the fore-aft flex would also entail another spring system. The stock system is fine in theory, but it offers only a short stroke and is still rather stiff. Personally, I don't view the spring as something that improves the riding, but rather as a safety measure for me ankles - better than riding with the mechanism unlocked. The DGSS is high-quality and easy to install.

The RSV liners, as said, are crap. Some people don't like the current UPZ liners. I liked them while they lasted, which, unfortunately, was not all that long, and replacements are pretty expensive. So I went with Palau instead. They are all right, I guess.

Not on your list: If you go the thermofit route, get some quality aftermarket insoles. They are worth it.

And finally, if you want to try EC, sell those Intec heels for cash

What's your home mountain, BTW?

[Eboot]

1 hour ago, Aracan said:

Hallo Stefan aus Österreich, hier Stefan aus Österreich

[b.free]

Update only liners for now, you are tall and heavy, try these boots as it and see if you don't like anything. Black tongues are very soft (reds are just rubber garbage) for your weight. I used to have same boots and they worked great for EC (I am 195cm/105kg)

[SteveMcQ]

7 hours ago, Aracan said:

Hallo Stefan aus Österreich, hier Stefan aus Österreich

My 2 Cents: Go for it. The RSV SL is old and stiff and has some quality issues - the screws will rust, you MUST secure all of them with Loctite, and the liners are utter crap.

BUT: The basic shape of UPZ shells has hardly changed over the years, and they tend to fit a wider range of feet than, say, Deeluxe. So, if it turns out that the RSVs aren't quite the thing, you can still find newer shells and reuse all the shiny parts you will have bought. My own boots are also older, stiffer predecessors of the RC8 (although not as old as yours), and they work just fine.

Softer tongues are definitely a must, especially for EC. Personally I love the red tongues, but I am somewhat lighter (around 75 kg), so the blacks might suit you better. If you purchase replacement tongues, you will automatically get the newer version with only one screw + one strap (Mountainslope style). If you are located in Upper Austria or thereabouts, consider giving Wolfgang from Aitec a call and drop by the factory. He is a helpful kind of guy and you might get the chance to at least carpet-carve the red and the black tongues.

Softening the fore-aft flex would also entail another spring system. The stock system is fine in theory, but it offers only a short stroke and is still rather stiff. Personally, I don't view the spring as something that improves the riding, but rather as a safety measure for me ankles - better than riding with the mechanism unlocked. The DGSS is high-quality and easy to install.

The RSV liners, as said, are crap. Some people don't like the current UPZ liners. I liked them while they lasted, which, unfortunately, was not all that long, and replacements are pretty expensive. So I went with Palau instead. They are all right, I guess.

Not on your list: If you go the thermofit route, get some quality aftermarket insoles. They are worth it.

And finally, if you want to try EC, sell those Intec heels for cash

What's your home mountain, BTW?

Hi Stefan from Austria

starting from the bottom: not a particular home mountain as I live in Graz but the closest what I would call home mountain would be Präbichl

RSV liners are already in the garbage.. since the boots were stored in the basement of the guy I bought them from they had a mildew smell and the leather on the outside has dried out and gotten very hard --> painful!
Palau liners are on the way (found a par that was used only once for less than $20 ).

Talked to Wolfgang already and he can get me a new tongue and will throw in the screws and nuts for free.

Plan is to change the liners and tongue and see how the UPZ spring system works for me. Changing it to an aftermarket can be done pretty easily should the need some up.

Cheers

3 hours ago, b.free said:

Update only liners for now, you are tall and heavy, try these boots as it and see if you don't like anything. Black tongues are very soft (reds are just rubber garbage) for your weight. I used to have same boots and they worked great for EC (I am 195cm/105kg)

Good point! I'll get the conversion kit from UPZ first, modify my silver tongue (cut tongue and use a strap) and try it out before ordering a different tongue from UPZ.