Gary,
Until now we had always rented our equipment.
WE went to a ski shop here in Blacksburg VA, who measures only the length of the foot, then hopes for the best. He prefers Dalbelo and Lange. Nothing fit well.
Based upon the reviews of RealSkiers, we sought out the services of a Master Boot Fitter.
We first went to Freestyle in Roanoke. The bootfitter there did not work with us, but instead passed us off to a salesperson. He measured the lengths, then began trying out boots, none of which fit at all.
Disgusted, I called Freestyle in Charlottesville, VA, who assured us we would be with a real bootfitter, so we drove 3 hours there. They measured the lengths, the widths, the flare from center, the arch, the heel and the instep, and the skeletal positioning. All but one of the boots he brought out fit perfectly. Given that ski boots in general are often referred to as medieval torture devices, this fit bespeaks volumes for the value of a "real" bootfitter.
Jonathan was put into Nordica Sportmachine, and the general manager was the one who fit us both, along with another named Rick. The Speedmachine also fit welll, cost twice as much, but the bootfitter (I do not know how) fixed the Sportmachine boots so they are far less flexive, more in line with the Speedmachine, along with custom inserts. He also fitted Jonathan with Leki contoured poles and Giro helmet (with face-guard [I am a dentist, so insisted on this]).
The boots have a maximum of 15 degrees flex (in store, less when cold). Jonathan took these and the (rental) K2s and skied superbly, though he felt the K2s too "mushy", far too slow. He tried to carve with these skis but could not get them to hold an edge without substantial skidding. We both raced down greens and blues at full speed, and yes, these skis are slow and do not grip well, and the faster we went the less stable they were, such that we both were forced to slow considerably.
I am reviewing the Fischer RX8, and am seeing the Tigershark is rated equal or better in every category by RealSkier. Are we looking at the same ski? I have found the RX8 Heat and the RX8 Fire. How do they compare to the Tigershark w/o the Power Switch, w the switch turned on and off?
Is it that the Fischers might do better in moguls? Or, do you base this on the Tigersharks are more race oriented for those learning these skills?
Am also looking at Blizzard Sonic IQ, as well as others.
Peace
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