RTP.... Just how tight?

[Wish]

So playing with RTP and Reflex again. The one I liked ripped. I did make a pattern and can make a new one but will never find the same type rubber. Whether I make one or buy one, I was just wondering how tight over the top of the foot should it be?. Probably no consensus but thought I'd ask.

[Stevie Boy]

Basically just needs to grip your foot enough, so that it doesn,t move back, if your back foot gets unweighted at any point while skiing, seeing that your heel will more than likely lift with rtp, in my experience, the base material or design is probably more important, I find the HO RTP quite good the the ridges at the front on the base, help prevent foot slippage.

For me it could be a question of how far into the RTP should your foot go ?

[block]

I have my RTP very tight. I have to jam my foot hard to get it all the way in, (if you miss you will cut between your two smallest toes). My rear foot will cramp if I leave it in for a whole set. I take my foot out occasionally during practice but not during a tournament set.

[RazorRoss3]

Personal preference. Mine is pretty snug but I've known other skiers who have a lot more play in theirs. I don't tend to raise my heel of move around very much on the ski but if you ski with more heel raise then you'll want a looser RTP to allow for that motion. I prefer a one foot start so I jam my foot into the RTP once I'm up out of the water and pull it back out as I'm sinking back in after every pass.

[thompjs]

I put non slip on the plate of my RTP, it doesn't have to be overly tight to work. However, impossible to kick in after start. I have to start both feet in.

[skialex]

As tight as possible, I have to start both feet in too. Sometimes it's painful when water is cold but great the rest of the times.

[BRY]

@Wish Send your ripped piece to Wiley's and they can probably match fairly close if not exact. They have many thicknesses of rubber. Chances are they have a stamp to cut it also.

[thompjs]

@Wish this is what I have under my foot instead of slippery rubber cushion pads

http://www.basspro.com/INCOM-Life-Safe-NonSkid-Traction-Tape-Strips/product/1108311249309/

[seks69]

+1 on Wiley's they will take care of you!

[fu_man]

@thompjs I did the same thing. The neoprene foot pad on mine caused me to slip. I bought some anti-slip stair tread stuff. Basically sand paper with adhesive backing. I used to see this stuff on skis from the 70's and 80's. Old, simple, and still works great.

[thompjs]

@fu_man Our site is high PI clay, the water can be slippery all by itself. At tournament I have to be careful not to get any soap or mud on my rear foot -- or disaster will strike.

[6balls]

I've run a D3 RTP since the early 90's. I start one foot in so easier on my back and then get my rear foot into the toe plate. I take it out while the line is getting shortened.

I can't recall ever coming out of it when I didn't want to, and I do lift my heel in the pre-turn as well. They seem to last forever. Given the memory in it, I clearly angle my rear foot a bit as well.

@razorskier1 has a similar size foot as mine, but he runs a way looser toe plate...not sure what brand for him.

 

[Ralph Lee]

@6balls I have no clue how some of you guys make you Rtp rubber last? I go through at least 3 a year no matter the brand!

[6balls]

@Ralph Lee funny. I bet I go through one about every 5 years or so...

[skialex]

Mine still going strong after 6 years, D3 Leverage Standard. I also have 2 new ones because I think that they don't make standard any more.

The secret for lasting longer is to use shorter screws to ensure that the rubber is very tightly screwed on the plate and it would not be ripped.

[skibug]

I have been/am an RTPer for life. I have mine tighter across the very top of my foot and looser in the toe; but, I also have a heal strap. The heal strap allows me to have it a little looser and not come out of it. I think this helps because I can get up on the ball of my foot and the upward pressure is on the rubber at the top of my foot nearer the ankle bone. I have experimented over time and noticed that when my toes are really wedged in; I have a tendency to wind up more on my back foot. Not sure why.

[Razorskier1]

Mine is an old obrien plate with an Andy Mapple special made overlay.