F2 SL + TD2 + old Raichle 223, will it work?

[Guest ob13]

Hi

I just bought a 2003 SL 166. I am planning to buy Intec TD2 to go with it. However, I thinking of keeping my Raichlee 223 for the time beeing as I am confortable in them despite my 30,5 mondo size. I am about 200lbs.

Do you think I will loose a lot of performance from keeping these old boots?

Also, do you think I will be able to have about 55-60 at the back or will I need more extreme angle (board is 20cm)?

Thanks

[cfj04]

If you do decide to go with new boots, let me know. I've got a pair of Raichle AF700's Mondo 30 in excellent shape that you may want to consider

[ar(angel]

although I'd probably take cfj up on his boot recommendation. Angles should be good, I ride a Silberpfiel with 60R angle and it's fine. The AF's will definitely be a step up in boot performance although I've never ridden the 223's I did have a pair of 123's and after switching to the AF's it was like night and day. The AF's cfj's talking about are in great shape. Drop him a line and he'll probably send you some pic's

Good luck,

Paul

[Kirk]

If the boots are comfy, hang on to 'em! I'm going on my 5th season in my 224s and they're holding up ok - had to replace the cuff cant adj. on one boot and a buckle on another. That's been about it over the years - no cracks in the shell (yet :o ).

I've been using the thermo liner for the last few seasons and have stiffened up the boot with some SB race tongues - there may still be some floating around out there that someone is willing to part with. Booster straps work too! I guess that is if you're interested in stiffening up the boot. The 223 is (according to the Raichle numbers) just a bit softer than the 224 - which is sorta medium soft. Mike T has experience with several of the SB series boots and has posted info. on them here.

But hey, if you have the $, go for the upgrade! It's just that boots are getting really pricey, so I'm all for making gear last and be as comfy as possible.

BTW, nice score on the F2 SL!

[Maciek]

Hi

I just bought a 2003 SL 166. I am planning to buy Intec TD2 to go with it. However, I thinking of keeping my Raichlee 223 for the time beeing as I am confortable in them despite my 30,5 mondo size. I am about 200lbs.

Do you think I will loose a lot of performance from keeping these old boots?

Also, do you think I will be able to have about 55-60 at the back or will I need more extreme angle (board is 20cm)?

Thanks

SB223 may be too soft for strong TD bails. I do not about TD2, but I used TD1 with SB223 and (at that time I was 180lbs) I had some issues with soft shell plastic in SB223 sole working too much causing binding release. No adjustment helped. I cured the issue by taping bails with some soft material (a PVC tube, an insulation tape). I would recommend going with harder shells if SB series then at least SB 225/325 or the AF series.

All three things that you have are great equipment. It is just that they may not be the best collaborating in set.

[Guest ob13]

Was your TD1 Intec or regular? I am planning to use Intec system on the 223

Thanks

[Guest ob13]

If the boots are comfy, hang on to 'em! I'm going on my 5th season in my 224s and they're holding up ok - had to replace the cuff cant adj. on one boot and a buckle on another. That's been about it over the years - no cracks in the shell (yet :o ).

I've been using the thermo liner for the last few seasons and have stiffened up the boot with some SB race tongues - there may still be some floating around out there that someone is willing to part with. Booster straps work too! I guess that is if you're interested in stiffening up the boot. The 223 is (according to the Raichle numbers) just a bit softer than the 224 - which is sorta medium soft. Mike T has experience with several of the SB series boots and has posted info. on them here.

But hey, if you have the $, go for the upgrade! It's just that boots are getting really pricey, so I'm all for making gear last and be as comfy as possible.

BTW, nice score on the F2 SL!

I bought the SL for 150$ and it looks new: looking forward to try it out! I am going to buy a booster strap too, will see if that helps. But as you said the main issue is the "floating around" in the heel part.

I have tried other boots but they were slightly too short or not wide enough so if I change I want to take the time to try it, fit it etc... I had to ride with tight shoes for a week and I felt like a beginner and all I could thing off was: when can I take those off!

I am also thinking that the SL and TD2 should be a stiff combination so having a bit of flexibility can be OK... I may change my mind soon after trying though!

[Kirk]

I was actually referring to the tongue for the "floating around" part. Meaning there may still be some "floating around" that you could pick up for cheap. These really make a difference in the cuff stiffness. Toe and heel pieces are another factor to consider as well.

If you go intec, you'll probably be alright with a softer shell. The intec is a more rigid interface than traditional bails. There is plenty of material already on the forum discussing the pros/cons of either system - even from a safety standpoint.

Like you said, you can try 'em out and change your mind. If you find the 223s too soft/not responsive enough, upgrade. If $ for boots is an issue, check the classifieds or even e-bay. Good luck!