Rear Toe Plate Vs Double Boots

[*mtrbtr*]

Hey All.
I have always used a rear toe strap on my Ski.
Can any one discuss the pros and cons of a double boot vs rear toe plate.
I have heard it may be a just matter of preference.
I have also heard is that its easier to get hurt with a double boot. (torn ACLs etc)
I am a recreational skier but would like to learn to cut harder and improve.
Just would like to hear different opinons and thoughts.

 

[HollieMac]

Re: Rear Toe Plate Vs Double Boots

Hi Guy,

The first time I tried a double boot I put the ski tip, which was a new Lapoint, and pointed, into my cheek just below the eye. The ski was too small, the water was freezing, and I had a hard time getting up. It hurt and I had a black eye and couldn't ski for 2 wks so I never tried it again. I like using a rear toe but I am not aggressive. I think it depends on your hips and knees, how easily you line up, too. Some people just feel too awkward with their feet in line and it screws up their skiing. You need to be able to tuck your knee into the back of the other knee--never let the rear boot, or toe, be farther apart than that. Husband prefers a rear boot, sais he wants the control. Usually his foot comes out of the boot when he falls, even tho it's a hard one to get into. I advise lubing your heel at first with something that will stay there a bit so you can come out of it. My good friend broke his ankle his first ski run at Dale Hollow--has skiied for 40 yrs and always with a dbl boot--so there you go--I'm sure I really helped! I don't think there is a pro who uses a toe strap--but if you're not looking to pull 5 buoys at 35 off, who cares?

 

[skibrain]

Re: Rear Toe Plate Vs Double Boots

It is a matter of personal preference.
Some of the top pros use a front boot and rear toe strap: Andy Mapple and Will Asher to name two.

Some people prefer the upward movement of their rear heel that the toe strap allows. In terms of safety, if your bindings are snug enough to require binding slime to get them on, there is some concern with how easily they release in a fall. From what I've read in lots of discussions around ski binding safety, it is better if both feet release and come out or both feet stay in the ski (double boots). It is the one foot out and one in that leads to more severe twisting forces.

I've used a double boot for the last 12 years or so. I like the way my rear heel stays centered on my ski and feel more locked in that way. It is much more difficult to get into a double boot setup. It requires binding slime and standing on solid ground (on the dock, in the boat, on a ski platform, etc). Few people are able to do so when floating in deep water. It also requires a deep water start with both feet in the bindings. Not a deal breaker unless you have a low-powered boat and need to drag a long time (been there for many years when growing up).

 

[flimsyjim]

Re: Rear Toe Plate Vs Double Boots

I'm not a great skiier, but I prefer double boot as my rear heel would tend to shift with a rear strap and I never really felt secure. I've never had a problem when falling with this setup. My ideal fall is the forward somersault, landing on my back with both feet coming cleanly out of the boots the reverse of how they went in.

The down side is that I will have to get another ski with a rear strap so my friends can slalom after dropping.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Rear Toe Plate Vs Double Boots

I think you can still improve your skiing and get more aggressive even with a rear toe plate. As mentioned Andy Mapple argueably one of the best to EVER strap on a ski used a rear toe plate. I have skiied for 30+ years and have always preferred a rear toe plate. I have used a double booter but as mentioned if you arent used to getting one on it can be challenging in the water. I am a leg dragger thats how I learned long ago and still get up the same way so it made more sence for me to go open toe plate. Look into some of the new toe plates they have now which offer quite a bit more stability and fit than the older stuff. It still comes down to a personal preference I believe. I think you can get hurt either way just a roll of the dice of when its your turn...

 

[skibrain]

Re: Rear Toe Plate Vs Double Boots

Andy's STILL getting 'er done.
Here is video posted of him running right up the line to 41 off. 36 mph.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0baHwTNfGY

 

[jfw432]

Re: Rear Toe Plate Vs Double Boots

I recently converted to double boots when I bought a new ski. Cam style boots are the way to go... I really don't like getting up with double boots. I prefer dragging a leg and slipping it in the back. I enjoy being able to lift my heel slightly as well. However, I've almost broken my ankle a couple times with the rear toe plate. The first time I almost broke my ankle with the most basic combo style binding so it's not about being too tight. It's just a matter of you twisting and the ski not twisting. I guess you could tear your ACL with a double boot but both knees have to be stronger than one ankle so if you fell hard enough to tear your ACL with a double boot, I'm sure you would snap your ankle with a single boot.