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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2014 8:17:03 GMT -7
I am seriously considering getting an Intuition liner for my Inferno boots, but wouldn't mind some advice on which model to choose. High Angles' posts about the Pro Wrap and Pro Tongue are an excellent guide. But they have warned me off of getting either model because of stiffness (Pro Tongue) and mismatch to 2-pc overlap boots (Pro Wrap). That then begs the question....which one?
My main criteria are: tongue-style liner; no decrease in stiffness; slight stiffness increase is OK; comfort; no decrease in warmth; and good performance (no mushy liner, please, but I am not a racer so don't need a hard, thin liner).
From their models, the Luxury and Dreamliner would seem suitable, but the FX race looks promising too if the low volume would be appropriate. They are all medium-stiff according to the chart. I am leaning toward the Dreamliner or FX Race as they can accommodate footbeds, whereas the Luxury cannot. However, the Dreamliner does not require heat molding -- does this mean it is softer, mushy?
And what about thickness? The Dreama and Luxury come in 3 thicknesses; FX Race only low volume. How do I determine the appropriate one based on the volume in my boot? Measure the forefoot and ankle gap with a shell fit? If so, how do I apply that to choosing correctly? Unfortunately Intuition's website doesn't give much help, other than shell fit by length only. It says nothing about shell fit laterally and vertically.
Any experiences you all have had with these and can share would be appreciated. Many thanks in advance.
Svend
EDIT: I should add that I am not averse to considering Zipfit liners. Although their initial cost is double that of Intuition, their lifespan is more than four times that (or longer), making them quite economical in the long run. If anyone has a recommendation/preference for one or the other, let's hear it. Thanks!
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Post by ToddW on Feb 7, 2014 15:47:05 GMT -7
Svend,
Zipfits have neoprene toe boxes. If you need a custom molded fit or extra support around 5th or 1st met head, they won't provide it. Their upside is that they constantly but slowly remold to your feet. The intuitions (pro tongue at least) have a smoother surface which makes it easier to slide them in and out compared to the leather surface of the zipfits if you lace up.
I haven't skied zipfits in about five years, but my recollection is they weren't as warm as my current intuition pro tongues which are quite warm. I have no experience with other intuition models.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2014 12:16:57 GMT -7
Thanks Todd. I have rather average feet - no weird bumps or gnarly bits sticking out. So Zipfits might work for me. My interest in them is that they last so darn long. It seems Intuition's only last 100 days max.
I must say I am rather annoyed at having to replace my Tecnica liners already. They maybe have 40 to 50 days in them, and they are already packed out and uncomfortable. OTOH, paying $200 for an Intuition that lasts only 50 days longer is not attractive either. The more I think about it, the better the Zipfits are looking.
Just need some advice now from a Zipfit dealer as to the best fit for my foot/shell combo.
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Post by HighAngles on Feb 9, 2014 17:01:16 GMT -7
A shot of the original liner (even packed out) that shows the general thickness of the cuff and tongue would give me a sense of which ZipFit model you should most likely target.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2014 20:04:27 GMT -7
Will take some pics tomorrow and post. Any hints about heel and ankle pocket gap; forefoot room? I can do a shell fit and estimate free space. Let me know if that would be meaningful and helpful.
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Post by HighAngles on Feb 10, 2014 6:42:04 GMT -7
The top 3 models (GARA, World Cup, and Gran Prix) only really differ in the amount of OMfit compound injected into the bladders. The amount of OMfit can be changed by a trained/authorized shop so in reality any of the models can be fully adjusted.
What can't be changed is the volume of the top of the cuff/the top of the tongue and the volume of the forefoot/toe box (at least not easily). These are really the areas that determine whether or not a ZipFit is going to work for your feet. The marriage of your feet, your footbeds, the liners, and the shell is one that can take some experimentation to arrive at a great fit.
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Post by JimRatliff on Feb 10, 2014 7:58:23 GMT -7
Svend: I went looking at their website to figure out what Zipfit liner I have, and was a bit surprised to find it was the Gara (at least the pictures match) that Harb Ski Systems selected for my boot and foot combination. My Head Raptors certainly aren't plug race boots and are only one size down from the boots I used when fitted by a boot shop, so my surprise was finding that the Gara evidently has the least amount of Omfit material. The take away here is, if I had looked at the Zipfit line-up I would not have selected the Gara for me because I would have assumed that I didn't have that close a fit and would have needed something with more filler. But I have to say that I love the liners and the fit. I put the liner on my foot first to insert into the boot, but I leave that liner in the boot when I take my foot out, and I adopted High Angles suggestion of removing the upper velcro strap.
My Zipfits required virtually no break-in period. I had one spot below the heel that had too much filler. After the first day of skiing, I warmed it a little bit and squeezed it and it adjusted. It probably would have done it on it's own over time. The most important part for me is when I'm putting the foot/liner in the boot. I always stop halfway in and pull up on the strap while pushing my heel down to make sure that I get my heel all of the way into the Zipfit heel pocket before sliding it into the boot heel pocket.
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Post by livingproof on Feb 10, 2014 8:03:39 GMT -7
Svend
My friend Stephen, the Jackson Hole bootfitter who did my Intuitions, wrote the life of an Intuition is at least 100 days before any significant breakdown and can last much longer. So, at the 25 days a year I do, then 4 years for $200 is a pretty good investment, especially if you keep the boots that long. We may wear the soles over that time period. I did take my first pair of Intuitions and use them in the next pair of boots, so they are transportable in that respect, and, a better liner than most new liners. The one caveat is your next boots may have less volume, and, the liners may not work.
Having said the above, I did see a brand new pair of Zipfit's last week and was impressed, but, at over $400 I'd have to ski a lot more days per year, like High Angles does in Colorado, to justify. Plus the break-in can be a PITA. Intuitions were a great fit from day one, but, have a pro do the fit.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2014 18:37:08 GMT -7
LP -- thanks for the insight. Good to know that they last longer than I had thought. I read somewhere that some Intuition models only go 50 days before they start to break down, while other models can go up to 100 days. To me 50 days is definitely not worth the $200 entry price. But 100+ days sounds much better. Realistically I get about 30 to 40 ski days per season, so I could see getting 3 to 4 seasons out of an Intuition then. Not bad... Jim -- good to know that you're liking your Zipfits. And interesting that you should have one of the thinnest models. Not what I would have expected either for a non-plug boot. Definitely important to select the right model and get good advice. Unfortunately Zipfit only has two dealers in Canada -- in Whistler and Calgary....thousands of miles from my home. I may have to deal directly with the company on this if I choose to go that way. Highangles -- posted below are some pics of my present liners. They are Ultrafit by Tecnica out of their Inferno race line, if that means anything to you. Not the thinnest from their plug boots, but a just a bit thicker, I am guessing. If you need more pics or different camera angle, let me know and I will redo.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2014 18:39:10 GMT -7
Two more pics for Highangles to scrutinize: Attachments:
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