Gary has endured my quest for the perfect fitting boot and the search for a fitter who knows what they are doing. It's a long tale so I'll cut to the chase and leave some of my wisdom (bought and paid for) to all who are in search of the perfect fit.
Two seasons ago I was referred to a fitter in beaver Creek who was suposedly famous in the Vail Valley. Long and short, this guy didn't really know what he was (or is) and fit me in a boot that was too voluminous and canted me by adding strips below the bindings in my skis. he filled the volume by adding Bontex strips. This isn't all bad but not 3 or 4. He then instructed me to simply wear thicker socks! The strips under the binding is OK if you only ski on one pair and that's all. He aslo said I didn't need footbeds. I thought I knew enough to know if this was correct and I did question the multiple bontex strips and thick socks. What I learned is that you need to know as much as you can before you go to that fitter. Ask around and speak with the fitter to understand that they understand you and how/what you ski. If you think something doesnt seem right (like thick socks) question it and don't just let them talk you into it.
Update- went back to the fitter and demanded new pair of boots, got new boots but he se them up wrong again so here I am now. Also, had footbeds made, theyare useless, I have flat feet and need arch support.
Lesson: $300 for fitting and $125 for beds. Am I a fool? yes, did i learn? I hope so. Don't make the same mistake, there are a lot of folks on this site (including Harold, himself) and others over at epicski.com who can help you finda good fitter who will check you over, evaluate your body including ankles, feet, fibia, tibia, knees and hips.
Solution: I am meeting with billy Kaplan here in the Phili area. Billy came highly endorsed by several skiers on epic, two of which I know personally (now, after the whole CO fitter thing). Billy spent nearly a half hour on the phone with me conducting an orientation of sorts and explaining exactly what he does, why and how. I will post how my fitting goes but I thought it would cool if you could list what to look for in a good fitter.
1-A- REFERENCES from knowledeable skiers who you trust
1-experience
2- process for evaluating body, stance, allignment
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