What is the Point of the Powerstrap?

Hi,

On my boots, as with most boots, I have a powerstrap. I do use it, however, I'm not quite sure what it's purpose is. Can anyone help.

My boots have four buckles, and I fasten the two opposite my shin such that boot is a good fit, with just a little free space. When I flex my ankle, the pressure against my shin feels even and comfortable. If I fasten it overly-tight, it makes the buckles slightly loose and when I flex my ankle, there is more pressure on my shin opposite the powerstrap - and hence is uncomfortable. If I fasten it loosely, then I don't believe it serves any purpose at all. If I fasten it to make a good fit around the boot, without over-fastening it, it feels comfortable, but feels no different to when I'm not using it all. Hence, I can't see the point of it.

Any insight?

They can feel a bit blocky, there is no rebound from your input. Swap your Powerstrap for some stretchy Booster ones. I really noticed the difference.

http://www.solutions4feet.com/catalogue_main.php?catID=1065

Those booster straps are quite an interesting idea - and you "rate" them Bandit?

I got a pair fitted because the Velcro died on the straps on my Head boots. I was really surprised how much rebound feeling I got from the straps. The boots seemed more responsive and feel quite a bit more supportive too. They are not on my current Sallies with Zipfit liners, I have a power strap on the liner, inner laces and an external power strap on the boot. I'd definitely have another pair of Booster straps if the Velcro gives up.

I use boosters on my snowboard boots, 2 of them on my front boot to get maximal stiffness for response and turn. In contrast I leave my back boot slightly loose so I can use the most possible movement in my ankle for bailout and elegant (lazy) riding. It gives the overall appearance that I'm just standing there taking in the scenery whilst ripping turns. The slightest bend of the front knee initiates the turn, the flex in the rear allows you to either throw it (exaggerate) or drag the turn to give an effortless look. it is however extremely demanding on the rear thigh, and only really effective on a rocketed and cambered board, I know this as I tried it on my stiff normal camber free ride board and nearly lost my teeth :D

Slightly off topic, but hey, it's been a crap day.

Paul,

These straps are perhaps the most important part of the ski boots for "fine tuning" your boot fit!
Also Bandit's comments are very correct and appropriate.
May I add my observations and suggestions on this topic!

On all my boots I have two straps for each boot. The second one I install myself! Let me explain.

If you look very carefully at the first power strap ( which you get when you buy boots) it is fixed to the shell via rivets or screws. When you set this strap it goes just above the first buckle. This in short "fine tunes" the flex feel you get between shell and inner liner. This is a critical zone for skiers since various skiers want unique personall "ski feel" !As Bandit has noted the after market "power strap" has three elastic bands which allow some give. I cut off one of the power elastic straps since my model is for ski racing and far too "tight"! I was a more soft elastic feel!

Back to my second strap which I place ON BOOT LINER ! This works only the boot liner flex motion not the boot shell! I am sure you are all wondering , "what is the difference" ?

Try this experiment at home!

Put on your boots at home on a flat surface. Set buckles to your preference! Get into your skiing position. Yes that "just before I turn position" .

Have someone kneel in front of you and insert two fingers between your shins and the INSIDE tongue are of the ski boot liner. You will note that with the fingers inside the liner you have less play before your shins touch boot liner and shell! You have to make less motion to get pressure on inside ski tips for that carving motion.

This translates into less effort, less time wasted before ski start to "bite" into turn and most importantly you constantly get "ski feel" as you ski!

The best analogy I can give you for this is , think of the rack and pinning steering on the older sports cars such as Austin- Healy's ( for some who know what this car is) or the Porsche 911s. If there is "play" between the steering wheel and the tyres more motion must be done! You do not feel the road as well!

If you are not sure about my comments, just try it for one day! It will make you a better skier and you will be more relaxed with less fatique!

If you want to know how to sew this strap on I can later give you all instructions! The procedure takes 10 minutes!

Hope this helps some of you!

Cheers!
Pavel

A special note about "power straps" to women skiers !

Many women have a gastronemius muscle ( calf muscle ) that has a lower insertion point than men and also is wider at lower part.
This results in having potential fitting problems at top of ski boots! Too tight liner !

This power strap will help if you know how to use it correctly.

First make sure first top buckle is at maximum length. Usually there are two or three holes on plastic part in order to position buckle. In my wife's case I drilled another hole closer to end in order to allow her more room at top of boot! I also extend her looped buckle with another longer unit!

Use this top buckle with only a soft position and use the power strap more !

Pavel