The Never-Ending Zipfit Discussion

[arildGFB]

Convection. Gas driven ovens aren't that common over here.

 

[Noodler]

I think this may be the first look on video of the Fischer version of the ZipFit liner:


Surprising to see all the exposed plastic panels on the rear cuff and around the ankles...

 

[Mr Boombastic]

Hi y'all. Going to make the jump to zipfit this season. I was trying to decide between the Gara LV and the WCSW which the quiz suggested. I have a very "normal" low volume foot and never need boot work. I'm an ex racer and groomer carver. Then realized that the WCSW in 27.5 is not in stock . Does anyone know if they restock regularly or will this be out for the season? Should I just get the Gara?

Thanks

 

[Noodler]

Hi y'all. Going to make the jump to zipfit this season. I was trying to decide between the Gara LV and the WCSW which the quiz suggested. I have a very "normal" low volume foot and never need boot work. I'm an ex racer and groomer carver. Then realized that the WCSW in 27.5 is not in stock . Does anyone know if they restock regularly or will this be out for the season? Should I just get the Gara?

Thanks

Lots of resellers for the liners. Buying them direct isn't the only option. It is typical that if they're showing One-Oh-Something on their site, it will probably stay that way for the remainder of the season.

 

[Mr Boombastic]

Lots of resellers for the liners. Buying them direct isn't the only option. It is typical that if they're showing One-Oh-Something on their site, it will probably stay that way for the remainder of the season.

OK I didn't have luck finding online via Google search, but I'll look at their list and weed through that. I'm kinda wanting the leather inside otherwise I'd go Gara for sure.

 

[Noodler]

OK I didn't have luck finding online via Google search, but I'll look at their list and weed through that. I'm kinda wanting the leather inside otherwise I'd go Gara for sure.

One example of many I just found with a quick Google search...

 

[Mr Boombastic]

One example of many I just found with a quick Google search...

Thanks, I appreciate your time. That's the Gara hv I'm wanting the World Cup Sidewinder (WCSW) 27.5.

 

[Noodler]

Thanks, I appreciate your time. That's the Gara hv I'm wanting the World Cup Sidewinder (WCSW) 27.5.

Are you sure you want the Sidewinder version? We have had very few good reports of the Sidewinder option. It makes fitting the liner more difficult and tends to make it harder for the liner to break-in and adapt to the boot shell. A ZipFit already provides so much more power in the boot that I wonder who this is really for unless you're a hardcore racer looking for that extra edge.

 

[Mr Boombastic]

Are you sure you want the Sidewinder version? We have had very few good reports of the Sidewinder option. It makes fitting the liner more difficult and tends to make it harder for the liner to break-in and adapt to the boot shell. A ZipFit already provides so much more power in the boot that I wonder who this is really for unless you're a hardcore racer looking for that extra edge.

No I am not and I think you've helped me decide on the Gara. Thanks a lot.

 

[salvatore]

Are you sure you want the Sidewinder version? We have had very few good reports of the Sidewinder option. It makes fitting the liner more difficult and tends to make it harder for the liner to break-in and adapt to the boot shell. A ZipFit already provides so much more power in the boot that I wonder who this is really for unless you're a hardcore racer looking for that extra edge.

I have a pair, and it's a mixed bag. I appreciate that there is some leather and "maybe" I feel a bit more power when driving that outside ski (a real big maybe), but agree that they don't conform as well to the shell and definitely add some stiffness that needs to be factored in.

As for internal break-in, they feel good with a nice combo of leather/neoprene, although since moving on to the new Corsa (because I'm now in a narrower boot) I much prefer the all-leather interior.

 

[In2h2o]

Well maybe its just me, but I tried a new Gara LV today with help of fitter and found that the plastic on the tongue was biting my instep and ankle on my left foot. I tired multiple times to adjust, take off, massage cork around, try on off again etc. Was not able to get it to fit without causing pain. I understand and appreciate that each zip fit is made by hand and therefore that left liner could be 'different.' However I wonder if the plastic around the tongue was not scaled down for a 22.5..... Is this just my luck? I could not buckle correctly without causing the plastic to dig into my skin and bone. or is this something that gets worked out after wear?

 

[Noodler]

Well maybe its just me, but I tried a new Gara LV today with help of fitter and found that the plastic on the tongue was biting my instep and ankle on my left foot. I tired multiple times to adjust, take off, massage cork around, try on off again etc. Was not able to get it to fit without causing pain. I understand and appreciate that each zip fit is made by hand and therefore that left liner could be 'different.' However I wonder if the plastic around the tongue was not scaled down for a 22.5..... Is this just my luck? I could not buckle correctly without causing the plastic to dig into my skin and bone. or is this something that gets worked out after wear?

The solution to this is almost always heat. A lot of heat. The goal is to get the tongue hot enough that the plastic on the tongue will better conform/mold to your foot shape. Of course, this is probably higher heat than any fitter will ever do for you (225* F).

Now you may be able to convince a fitter to hit just that portion of the tongue with a heat gun to soften the plastic enough to get the job done. Depends on the fitter you're dealing with.

 

[abdul]

Well maybe its just me, but I tried a new Gara LV today with help of fitter and found that the plastic on the tongue was biting my instep and ankle on my left foot. I tired multiple times to adjust, take off, massage cork around, try on off again etc. Was not able to get it to fit without causing pain. I understand and appreciate that each zip fit is made by hand and therefore that left liner could be 'different.' However I wonder if the plastic around the tongue was not scaled down for a 22.5..... Is this just my luck? I could not buckle correctly without causing the plastic to dig into my skin and bone. or is this something that gets worked out after wear?

If you're not lacing up the liner, try lacing it up first so the tongue sits flat. If you are already lacing up the liner, try a different lacing pattern and make sure the laces don't put extra pressure on that area. Also, make sure the tongue is sitting flat (sometimes a little flap of side material from the tongue can fold underneath).

 

[In2h2o]

Thank you both for the suggestions, no fold, liner flat, just the way the liner was made was digging into my instep/ankle area where it intersected. And that was lightly buckled. Could not get rid of issue after multiple attempts. Fitter will help, of course, but I would have to purchase first. This was a try before you buy scenario, and noted by two fitters that I shouldn't have that big of an issue, just not right. So Hmmm I hate to commit to a 500$ liner that I'm going to have to operate on, hence my post ISO used in Phil's Garage thread. I will say I also notice that the sole of the liner is not flat, there is a slight difference in thickness from the arch support back. I also noticed it would want to fold in that area when I was putting on racer style. So for my purposes, not only would I need to work on the plastic on the tongue, but I would have to 'level' the foot bed as it gives me a slight heel raise. And then I would also need to also get rid of the velcro strap and extra material as it is acting as a spoiler and pushing my calf forward. (there was a video somewhere on this thread where a person ripped the back apart to make it less thick). I also am concerned about the tongue not being able to be filled to support my needs (other posts on tongue being 'soft'. Just seemed like a lot of plastic on the instep in the wrong place for a smaller ankle. Either that or the left liner was made on a Friday. I certainly appreciate the potential fit the liner can give - but for me it seems like a lot of work before I even get to ski it and break it in properly......

 

[gwat]

I'm sure this has been discussed but....
What are the implications of sizing up?

I currently have 25.5 WCSW in 25.5 RS130 and I am VERY happy.

Now I'm looking to put a pair in my 25.5 Tour Pro boots.
Obviously a 25.5 GFT is likely the smartest option...But I've found for a pretty fair deal on a 26.5 Grand Prix (the brown one, not the green Freeride).

Thoughts on sizing up? Will it work? Will I die?

My feet measure 262/265 FWIW.

 

[salvatore]

I'm sure this has been discussed but....
What are the implications of sizing up?

I currently have 25.5 WCSW in 25.5 RS130 and I am VERY happy.

Now I'm looking to put a pair in my 25.5 Tour Pro boots.
Obviously a 25.5 GFT is likely the smartest option...But I've found for a pretty fair deal on a 26.5 Grand Prix (the brown one, not the green Freeride).

Thoughts on sizing up? Will it work? Will I die?

My feet measure 262/265 FWIW.

I put a 26.5 Corsa (latest iteration) in a 25.5 Raptor. Both of my legs are now broken and I'm in a full-body cast. Surely that combo will kill you.

Ha! But seriously, I initially bought the 25.5 Corsa but it was really snug compared to my 25.5 WCSW (I may have posted comparison pics a few pages back). This was especially true with regard to length, and even with the neoprene toe it was uncomfortably short. I then bought the 26.5 and it works no problem whatsoever.

Keep in mind, however, that the (new) Corsa is a really svelte model when compared to the others. Still, I don't see it being an issue, as long as the fit of the liner is ok for your foot, i.e., not too loose in the heel, etc.

 

[Mike King]

Take pictures of your lovely flesh colored toes. Remember them after they turn black.

In reality, I have no idea. But it sure seems like a bad idea. Why save a few shekels at the risk of discomfort and discoloration?

 

[Noodler]

I'm sure this has been discussed but....
What are the implications of sizing up?

I currently have 25.5 WCSW in 25.5 RS130 and I am VERY happy.

Now I'm looking to put a pair in my 25.5 Tour Pro boots.
Obviously a 25.5 GFT is likely the smartest option...But I've found for a pretty fair deal on a 26.5 Grand Prix (the brown one, not the green Freeride).

Thoughts on sizing up? Will it work? Will I die?

My feet measure 262/265 FWIW.

I have plenty of 25.5 and 26.5 Zips (all used in 25 size shells). Honestly, it really depends on a lot of factors as to whether it will work. Also note that ZipFit wasn't super consistent over the years and you would swear some of these liners are the exact same size even though they're not marked as such.

I think the bigger issue is that the Grand Prix is going to be higher volume. ZipFit swears that the liners only differ in the amount of OMFit, but I have had a couple Grand Prix models pass through my possession, and they're just a more voluminous liner.

 

[arildGFB]

In the good news section: Zipfit has finally removed the metal eyelets on all their models. I was very happy my new Corsas didn't have them, went to research GFTs the other day, and noticed all the liners have gotten rid of them. Happy times!

 

[Noodler]

In the good news section: Zipfit has finally removed the metal eyelets on all their models. I was very happy my new Corsas didn't have them, went to research GFTs the other day, and noticed all the liners have gotten rid of them. Happy times!

This is a fantastic update from ZipFit. I have removed the metal eyelets from most of my liners. Never understood what the point of that was.