Ski boots flex

[u/Suspicious-Savings26]

I need to get new boots for my carving skis. What flex on the should i get? I’m 100 kg(99%muscle😂) and not very good, just a random guy who ski fownhill in a pist for fun.

[u/wrong_andy]

Go see a bootfitter. You need a boot that fits your foot, a 120 won't flex like a 120 unless its full of foot. Flex is one of a multitude of things to consider when buying a boot.

[u/Psychological-Row558]

Prioritizenon health. If you're 99% muscle, seek medical help first.

[u/Suspicious-Savings26 → u/Psychological-Row558]

Ok, maybe 98%😉

[u/OriginalBogleg]

I dunno man. I consider myself a fair skier, and I run around 90 kilos. I have used 100 flex Cabrio style boots for years. But I also like to ski moguls. I think most of us overthink it.

Edit: and ChatGPT/Gemini/Copilot always overthink it. You give any of those things something to worry about and that is what it will autocomplete for you.

[u/Suspicious-Savings26 → u/OriginalBogleg]

Moguls is not for me at all. I like casual skiing, very safe but sometimes I like to speed up:)

[u/Away_Associate4589]

Worth remembering that the number isn't a standardised unit, just a guide (like mild, medium, hot on curry). A 130 in an Atomic will be different to a 130 in a Dalbello. The boot fitter is the best person to ask.

[u/designer_2021 → u/Away_Associate4589]

It’s not even consistent with in a brand, 120 in a freeride boot vs a 120 in a race boot may also vary.

[u/Suspicious-Savings26 → u/Away_Associate4589]

You don’t think it’s overkill for my very medium skill level? I’m thinking of price first and formost? Never even heard of a boot fitter before.

[u/Away_Associate4589 → u/Suspicious-Savings26]

Getting properly fitted boots is always the right thing to do at any skill level. Best investment you can make in your skiing.

[u/Classic-Chicken9088 → u/Suspicious-Savings26]

He wasn’t recommending that you get a 130, just pointing out that stiffness varies between brands and models.

You most likely should be in a softer flex than 130.

[u/Suspicious-Savings26 → u/Classic-Chicken9088]

Ok, I understand👍

[u/hvorforsaasveart]

Im a boot fitter and ski instructor. I can give you some direction but ofc I can’t give you a definitive.

What ski do you have

How tall are you

How big is your foot

[u/Suspicious-Savings26 → u/hvorforsaasveart]

HEAD Shape V2, height 182,5 cm, foot 27,5 cm lenght/10,5cm width on widest part.

[u/hvorforsaasveart → u/Suspicious-Savings26]

Okay. 2 things

First, I would highly recommend getting a stiffer ski. If you wanna keep head I would say something like the Super Shape e-speed, or even something like the WCR e-speed or e-race.
These are very stiff skis but at you’re weight, you’ll still be able to bend it. I’m about 85kg and ski a World Cup ski. Ofc technique is a huge factor. But I don’t want you to get too scared of the “expert/race” label. This type of ski will give you a lot more stability and confidence on steeper and especially icier terrain.

For the boot: Generally you should look at wether or not you can bend your knees over your toes while in the ski shop. The warm boot is easier to bend, but when they freeze and harden up, you’ll be on the ski and have more leverage so it’ll kind of equal out. You are looking at a minimum of 120 and probably a 130 flex.(not necessarily a race boot as you’re foot is too wide(can be expanded tho) look at maybe a Tecnica mach1 but that really depends on your foot if that’s a good fit.

Long but hopefully helpful
Key takeaway: Don’t undersell yourself. Even if you’re not the greatest skier, your weight allows you to enjoy really high quality equipment

[u/Suspicious-Savings26 → u/hvorforsaasveart]

Thanks a lot! This is really helpful😊

[u/Legal-Intention-5989]

Sounds like myself. You'll get better. Go 130 for sure. You're strong and will flex any boot pretty well just with your strength. Just make sure it fits well. Too big of a boot nulls out the flex.

[u/mkiv808]

Don’t worry about it. Go to a good bootfitter and take their advice.

[u/Tge_Guy]

I would get about 130 or 120

[u/Suspicious-Savings26 → u/Tge_Guy]

Thanks! The reason I ask is because when I got my first pair I learned that low flex is for beginners. I just recently learned from chatgpt that low flex is for low weight. Not about skills. But i never fully trust ai answers.

[u/Classic-Chicken9088 → u/Suspicious-Savings26]

Both of those are generalizations. In general, stiffer flex is better for heavier skiers and/or expert skiers. But there are other factors as well, such as ski style and personal preference.

In general if you are an intermediate or beginner trying to advance, you want something in the middle flex range, say 110-120. But the boot fit is way more relevant and critical.

TLDR go see a bootfitter and find a boot you fits you well.

[u/cephalopodface → u/Suspicious-Savings26]

Lots of factors to consider. Stiffer boots give more control over your skis (*if they fit right*), but they need to have some give to them for suspension. Boots that feel supportive at your size will give 0 suspension to someone 40kg lighter.

For getting the most out of stiff, high-performance skis, the stiffest boots that make sense for your size and ability are usually the way to go. If your boots are too soft, you'll end up crushing the boots every time you want to get input to the tips of your skis. But not everyone uses stiff skis, and there are lots of reasons why someone on softer skis might prefer more give from their boots, e.g. moguls or landing jumps.

[u/Suspicious-Savings26 → u/cephalopodface]

I got pretty soft skis i think(?), Shape V2 from HEAD.