Ski Boots: What is flex index and what flex is best for you
Shopping for ski boots is hard enough, and ski boot marketing makes it even harder, especially when it comes to flex index. In this post we're going to clear up some misconceptions regarding ski boot flex.
Ski boots have flex index' range from 60 - 150 in most cases, basically, higher the number stiffer the boot. But if you are someone that has tried on a given flex ski boot side by side by side, you've noticed that they all flex differently. That's because flex index isn't standardized, so where did ski boot flex index come from?
What Flex Ski Boots Should you be in?
Since flex index isn't standardized. How can you tell at home, how a boot compares to another?
Pick a fit (LV, MV, HV)
Pick a similar flex index
Compare weights
Go Heavier, if you want more downhill performance.
A common misconception skiers have with ski boots is that softer flexing ski boots are going to be less work, that's not true -- it's the opposite. When you're buying boots don't sell yourself short or let the boot fitter sell you short. Now I'm not saying buy the stiffest ski boot that exists. Buy the stiffest boot you can properly flex, knee over big toe at room temp that feels uniform and secure.
TLDR; Ski boot flex index isn't standardized, it was made up by Nordica in the early 90's and is associated more with ability than it should be. Buy the stiffest boot you can flex properly (knee over big toe at room temp) that feels uniform, consistent and secure.
Looking for boots and a boot fitter, we got you, can even book with me if you want.