T2 Eco -- break in???

[mo pow]

Last season I purchased new T2's (Eco). I skied them about 3 or 4 times and found the bellows were stiffer than I like. They lack "touch" especially in powder. I remember the last day I skied it was fairly warm but there was no noticeable difference. Binding is Switchback X2.
My old boots, which I still have, were the old blue T2's -- the first blue ones with the removeable spoiler. With those boots it is almost effortless to bend the bellows, but they are kinda wimpy with skis waisted over 100mm. So my question: Will these boots soften up, and if so, how long will it take?

BTW, first post, looks like a good forum. Have looked at TGR once in a while, but that's not my style.

[Quadzilla]

Both me and my wife have T2 Eco's. mine are the earlier green and hers are latest generation. Prior to that we had earlier T2's. First, the Eco's are a more performance boot than older T2's. They also do that with a lighter weight. The shells are P base which is lighter and stiffer. Anyway, bottomline, the boots will loosen up over time especially if you resort ski them a few times. IMO, they are a great boot, just be a little patient.

[cesare]

Quad is right, they will soften up, but it's more the sole than the bellows that will get softer. Run your bindings tight and more active if they are adjustable (22 Designs) and they will start to bend under the bellows rather than in front of them. Hell, just put them in the bindings and stomp around on the carpet doing legblasters with skis on (note to self... this is a brilliant idea... need to make a video). You shouldn't have any trouble once you get them on snow.

[dschane]

I'll echo Quad's point. I probably had one of the later generation of the blue T2's, maybe the last before the T2X, and it took a few days to break in my puke green T2 Eco's. I personally think skinning up in them is a great way to break them in. FWIW, I have them paired with Switchbacks and Voile Chargers (and I also use them with the Vectors).

[riser3]

Quad is right, they will soften up, but it's more the sole than the bellows that will get softer. Run your bindings tight and more active if they are adjustable (22 Designs) and they will start to bend under the bellows rather than in front of them. Hell, just put them in the bindings and stomp around on the carpet doing legblasters with skis on (note to self... this is a brilliant idea... need to make a video). You shouldn't have any trouble once you get them on snow.

Maybe tape the edges so as not tear up the carpet?

[Dostie]

Mo Pow,

I concur the boots will soften up. Simultaneously your technique will adapt to a stiffer boot. It'll take about 20k vert, however you achieve that - either one day of charging at a resort, or two casual days, or three to four charging days in the backcountry.

[mo pow]

Sounds good. I imagine I have between 10k and 15k vertical on them so far. I will see how it goes in a few weeks. Or a couple of months. Or 3 months...

[petey]

Sounds good. I imagine I have between 10k and 15k vertical on them so far. I will see how it goes in a few weeks. Or a couple of months. Or 3 months...

I'm wondering if you have used those boots in a different binding? I've been on T2X for 4 or 5 years and they flex very nicely on G3s and 03s. Last winter I mounted up some 105 waisted boards with the X2 binding and bending the bellows is a pita. So much so that I just parallel the things. I regret not buying the regular switchback but still having a gas paralleling this setup

[Quadzilla]

I'm wondering if you have used those boots in a different binding? I've been on T2X for 4 or 5 years and they flex very nicely on G3s and 03s. Last winter I mounted up some 105 waisted boards with the X2 binding and bending the bellows is a pita. So much so that I just parallel the things. I regret not buying the regular switchback but still having a gas paralleling this setup

I think in your case, it is probably more a technique issue than the compatability of the boots/bindings. Basically, IMO, you are used to a very neutral binding and now that you have a more active binding you need to close up your tele stance and work on pressuring the rear ski. Then the bellows will bend. WTBS, in the tele binding world the X2 is not that active binding compared to the the other brands. So your learning curve should be easier. As far as going back to a more neutral binding, I don't think a Switchback would be a good choice for a 105 waisted ski.

[dschane]

I think in your case, it is probably more a technique issue than the compatability of the boots/bindings. Basically, IMO, you are used to a very neutral binding and now that you have a more active binding you need to close up your tele stance and work on pressuring the rear ski. Then to bellows will bend. WTBS, in the tele binding world the X2 is not that active binding compared to the the other brands. So your learning curve should be easier. As far as going back to a more neutral binding, I don't think a Switchback would be a good choice for a 105 waisted ski.

I agree that the difference you're feeling is due to the activity increase in the binding. I agree that there are more active bindings out there but think the X2 is no slouch in that department. And I disagree that the original Switchback is not enough binding for a 105mm waist. I've used them on Voile Chargers (113mm) and am quite happy with that setup.

I've tried more active bindings and stiffer boots and mixed and matched them for shts and giggles while skiing with my little kids. In the end, a pair of T2s and original Switchbacks work best for me. If you want to get back to bending your knees, I think it'd be worth your time seeing if there is anyone interested in trading the X2s for the originals. Throw some Binding Freedom inserts in the holes and you can swap out the bindings quite easily.

[mo pow]

Why is it more difficult to flex the ,bellows with a more active binding? Something that I am not getting.

[Quadzilla]

Why is it more difficult to flex the ,bellows with a more active binding? Something that I am not getting.

Well, with a active tele binding there is more hold down at the heel. So, it takes more physical effort and technique to lift boot heel and flex the bellows.

[James]

I think I would say it takes more effort to lift the heel but the activity in the binding would help flex the bellows more on an active binding then a neutral binding. Don't even try to flex the bellows and just lift the heel of an HH at 4 and the bellows will flex. Try the same with a standard G-3 and the boot will go tippy toe with no bellows flex.

[Quadzilla]

I think I would say it takes more effort to lift the heel but the activity in the binding would help flex the bellows more on an active binding then a neutral binding. Don't even try to flex the bellows and just lift the heel of an HH at 4 and the bellows will flex. Try the same with a standard G-3 and the boot will go tippy toe with no bellows flex.

This is true once you get your tech dialed for skiing a active binding. So, IMO, a more closed stance, more balance between front and rear foot and driving shins foreward into boot cuff. Then bellows bend easially.

[Valdez Telehead]

And as cesare once said about telemarking and some advice I took to heart was "squat, don't spread" Stay centered over your skis and that should solve most issues with stiff boots or not while they break in. Takes some getting used to along with good form. Not sure if my boots become softer or in reality I just adjust my stance to compensate.