Greetings...Newby Here

[LivingProof]

Byron,

In the new world of shaped skis, there is much less need to push against the front of your ski boot. Don't push plastic. The stiffness of a modern boot helps keep it more laterally rigid so that as you bring the boot to an edge on the snow, the ski comes up off the snow with it.

It's much more about rolling your knees from side to side to turn, and, using the muscles in your feet to power his tipping. Simply focus on maintaining light contact between your shins and the boot's tongue. You will keep your knees flexed with weight more toward the center and balls of your feet. If you feel the back of the boot touching the calf, start centering and refeel the front contact.

Just a quick mini lesson.

[jbotti]

Byron,

In the new world of shaped skis, there is much less need to push against the front of your ski boot. Don't push plastic.

I think there is still plenty of need to pressure the front of the boot as that is how one creates pressure on the tips which is necessary for good skiing (at least with good PMTS skiing). If what you are saying is that you don't want a boot that flexes a ton when you get forward on the cuff, I agree with that.

[byronm]

Thx JB and LP for the input...& Max, great link..thx for that...very enlightening in terms boot stiffness and flex..HH's (155lbs) comments very relevent to me, at a buck forty. Both helped to dispell the impression that I need to "flex" the boot forward as opposed to "pressure" the front to engage tips..(hope my skinny shins hold up) While they are talking hi performance skiing, I would assume part of the reason for softer boot movement, at least in the recreational skier segment is geared towards comfort. Glad I went with something in the medium range. 
 
Obviously, I have a long way to go getting up to speed on technique as well as modern terminology. I do have a novice question about boot term oft used. "cuff" generally refers to the top portion of boot (top buckle/power strap) area yes? There was some reference to allowing this to be "bit" looser as opposed straight jacket tight.

[LivingProof]

I think there is still plenty of need to pressure the front of the boot as that is how one creates pressure on the tips which is necessary for good skiing (at least with good PMTS skiing). If what you are saying is that you don't want a boot that flexes a ton when you get forward on the cuff, I agree with that.

JB,

Just to continue the discussion a bit, I read HH's first quote in the link Max supplied, and, he states he does not try to flex boots. In my old days of skiing, it was common to push very hard against the front of the boot. Akin to a "primary" movement...drive those knees to pressure ski tips. We know better today.

I create a fair amount of pressure on my boots, but, it's caused by other movements, including the hips, than by driving my knees forward. If we use the "cause / effect" concept, boot pressure is an effect. I think this is in line with PMTS dogma.

Stiff boots helps a very good skier manage all the forces placed on a boot. Perhaps you feel the pressure created by your turns via your boots, and, that's an indicator of performance.

I will stand by what I wrote for a newer skier thinking about the stiffness of a new boot. They need to keep it simple and understand some basic concepts at the onset. Their individual journey will take them where ever it leads. I can't predict will Byron will go and if he's happy in a more comfortable, less stiff boot, I say fine. go enjoy, but, don't forget that equipment without technique is very limiting.

[smackboy1]

I do have a novice question about boot term oft used. "cuff" generally refers to the top portion of boot (top buckle/power strap) area yes? There was some reference to allowing this to be "bit" looser as opposed straight jacket tight.

Yes, the "cuff" is the tube of plastic that extends up the shin. On a 4 buckle overlap style ski boot there are 2 buckles on the cuff and often a powerstrap.

I am in the "stiffer is better camp". If I need the boot flex to be a little more progressive and easier on my shins, I can always loosen up the cuff buckles and route the powerstrap underneath the plastic cuff and over the liner.

[jbotti]

If you wtach HH, Diana, Heluva, Max or me ski on Video (and it's the same for all the great Japanese skiers on video) when we are in the midst of the arc, the boot is behind the hip and the there is massive pressure on the front of the boot to the point that even with 150 flex boots the boot has been mashed.

Perhaps this is different from what people were taught and were doing with staright skis years ago but there remains huge confusion around this isuue by many skiers on the PMTS forum. You cannnot and will not ski well until the boots get behind the hips in every arc and until there is huge forward pressure on the boot which translates to the tips.

I spent an entire day with HH and Max working on this issue (several years ago) doing flappers the entire day while I was finding the correct fore aft balance point on the skis.

If you look at WC Racing, those that get back and remain back have no shot on tough courses in the technical events. All good skiing starts with proper fore aft balance and the proper fore aft balance is steady forward pressure on the front of the boot. (does it get released in transition during flexion? yes some but all good skiers suck back the skis in transition and start every arc from a well forward position)

If you aren't there, spend a full day attempting to get there and stay there. You will be blown away by what it does for your skiing!!

[byronm]

Thx...I will continue to watch, read, absorb and try to conciously apply technique on the hill. I am actually going to reduce, laminate and take some of the HH drills to the hill with me for ref...