beerleagueskier Posted October 3, 2017 Share Posted October 3, 2017 All, I'm new to the sport. Got a used HO A3 and new Animal bindings size 10/11. I have wide feet and these bindings are killing me, like throbbing pulsations and total lack of circulation in the feets. This is the same thing with my older HO water ski that has HO bindings. The wraps are really tight and not only on the sides where my foot is wide, but also at the top of my feet where it actually caused a little bruising. Does anyone have suggestions on what to do here? I understand that being in a water ski binding may not be the most comfortable thing for your feet but I can assure you that this is complete discomfort . I know they "break in" a little but I already have an older broken in HO ski that I have pretty much the same discomfort in. I've had some people tell me to put my feet in the boots in a tub of hot water.....I really don't think that's going to stretch them enough. Plus I don't want to try to stretch these things out and not be able to resell them. They are brand new with one set on them and I'd like to recoup as much of the cost as possible. Another person mentioned that I move to a hard shell and get it molded to my foot.This interested me because I had to do this with all of my snow alpine ski boots. However, another person said that hard shells are very unforgiving and might not be a good choice for a beginner....Is this a good choice? If so, where can I get hard shells molded? This noob with fat feet needs some help! Thanks! Kevin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gregy Posted October 3, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 3, 2017 Is there any adjustment in wide. I never tried it but there was multiple holes in the plate on my old D3 T-factors that looked like you could adjust them. The Reflex super shells have a lot of value and I was told the HO hard shell boot is roomy too. With the heat mold liners My supershells are really comfortable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerleagueskier Posted October 3, 2017 Author Share Posted October 3, 2017 Greg, I don't think you can adjust the HO animals. I just don't see how you could do it. I appreciate your feedback on the hardshells. What are your thoughts on hardshells for beginner skiers? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikegile Posted October 3, 2017 Share Posted October 3, 2017 Animals are tough for wide feet as the footbed defines the width. If your feet are truly wide call Wileys. The hardware is fixed to the plate, not the footbed and allow for more width. Worst case they can make you some custom bindings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gregy Posted October 3, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 3, 2017 The releasable bindings like MOB, Reflex, HO, newest Goode. They take some getting used to but theoretically they are safer if adjusted properly. They do take some maintenance of Check them and spraying some lubricant on them from time to time. What level is your sking right now. What's your goals? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spicoli Posted October 3, 2017 Share Posted October 3, 2017 Animals are killers for wide feet I know the feeling I've been in radars for yrs and love them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Ski_Dad Posted October 3, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 3, 2017 If you are open to radar the Vectors will work for you. Get the 10-14 size and adjust as needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gsm_peter Posted October 3, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 3, 2017 Plus 1 for the Vector. Radar Profile is also a bit Vi det compared to Vapors. Dora anybody adjust the hard Shells, more than the liners? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted October 3, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 3, 2017 @gsm_peter a hard shell could be stretched by an alpine boot fitting shop just like a snow ski boot can be stretched. I haven't done it personally but I have worked on a lot of ski boots and the water ski boots will be easier to stretch than a ski boot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerleagueskier Posted October 3, 2017 Author Share Posted October 3, 2017 Greg, my initial goal is to overcome my hate for slalom skiing by making a full pass -15 @ 30mph. And then progress from there. My level is beginner, I'm fresh fish. I really know jack about slalom skiing and the equipment, hence the reason why I have to return these brand new bindings. So far what I've gathered from everyone's comments: 1. Return the HO animals, terrible binding for fat feet. Why did you buy these in the first place. 2. Radar Vectors XL- looks to be much more roomy and forgiving for wide feet based on top lacing and fabric wrapping. This is the best choice? 3. The hardshells by MOB, Reflex, HO, newest Goode - Figure out how to get around the buoys first, and maybe you can graduate to these. Thoughts? Thanks all! Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted October 3, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 3, 2017 Not knowing what level your skiing is at I would recommend trying the Vectors before going to a hard shell. If you can get to somewhere like Performance Ski to try on some bindings that would be preferred. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerleagueskier Posted October 3, 2017 Author Share Posted October 3, 2017 Beginner level. Others have said to go with Vectors over hard shell. So I will probably go that route. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted October 3, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 3, 2017 Not to be a kill joy but the A3 might not be the best ski for you at this point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted October 3, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 3, 2017 With "stretching" your best bet is to cram something in there that will stretch slowly over time - like a softball or similar - you cram it in there with some soap and let it sit for a week and try again - you might get the rubber to loosen up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerleagueskier Posted October 3, 2017 Author Share Posted October 3, 2017 The A3 works fine. I can't blame all of my equipment! It looks like Miami Nautique is going to work with me on the return with is nice. For course skiing they did recommend the Wiley CBOs saying they were a looser fit, and I'll save some $. Still sketches me out being that they are a rubber boot and I've had so many problems with rubber. The other option is the Vectors which I was originally attracted to for their fabric construction and top laces, but I'd have to cough up another $77. Chef23 and others,,,between the Wileys and Vectors? "If I were you...." thanks.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller slvrbulit Posted October 3, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 3, 2017 I have wide feet and I use the xl vectors front and back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dirt Posted October 3, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 3, 2017 I used to make make animals wider by putting spacers between the rubber and foot bed on the sides. You had to start with a large enough binding so it would not get too tight, squeezing your foot down on the ski as you stretched the toe piece rubber wider. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerleagueskier Posted October 3, 2017 Author Share Posted October 3, 2017 made the exchange for the Radar Vector XLs. Thanks everyone for your help with this. Looking forward to getting in a more comfortable binding and getting around these damn buoys!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Luzz Posted October 4, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 4, 2017 @beerleagueskier oh, the A3… what a stick!!! I got a FM E-Series for my dad, who has fat feet (and extra fat in general :D ) and he loves it. One of the things he did was to separate the bungee cord in two (two clips) and loosely ties the one closer to his toes. Ski coach at Jolly Ski, Organizer of the San Gervasio Pro Am (2023 Promo and others), Co-Organizer of the Jolly Clinics. Water Ski Bits on X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Glydon Posted October 4, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 4, 2017 @Luzz I am considering the FM E-Series is he happy with them ? In your opinion are they high enough performance for a course skier ? I like the hard shell AND the simplicity of the release. I live and ski in Atlantic Canada with brackish water, release mechanism's do not do well in this environment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Luzz Posted October 4, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 4, 2017 @Glydon I have been using the E-Series for over 5 years now, and I would argue they are much better than a lot of other bindings that "look more performing". What I love about them is that the release system does not interfere with me being in touch with the ski. That is, the release system does not depend on the shell moving around my ski. I also agree that the release system is extremely simple, and to me it is straightforwardly the best solution if you use a kicker or r-style in the back. What I would recommend is to purchase an extra cuff, as I noticed that after a few releases (15-20), the binding may start pre-releasing a bit. However, this is not as dangerous of a pre-release as spring-based systems as you are still on the ski with your foot following the line of the ski. Ski coach at Jolly Ski, Organizer of the San Gervasio Pro Am (2023 Promo and others), Co-Organizer of the Jolly Clinics. Water Ski Bits on X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ALPJr Posted October 4, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 4, 2017 Looked like that E series was working very well for you at the Mailbu Open! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted October 4, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 4, 2017 @Luzz I've always wondered who all was using those boots. I really enjoyed the quattros for a number of years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Luzz Posted October 4, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 4, 2017 @ALPJr haha, yeah… definitely no unnecessary pre-release at 3-ball @ 39off :D Ski coach at Jolly Ski, Organizer of the San Gervasio Pro Am (2023 Promo and others), Co-Organizer of the Jolly Clinics. Water Ski Bits on X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ALPJr Posted October 4, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 4, 2017 @Luzz I missed that. Only saw you get into -41 twice. Tremendous skiing!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller brody Posted October 5, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 5, 2017 I have size 10.5 feet but they are very wide. I used to use xxl animals just for width and would still get sore feet. I now have reflex hardshells and have never looked back. Zero issues with comfort. Just took a few sets to get used to them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerleagueskier Posted October 13, 2017 Author Share Posted October 13, 2017 Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Got the vectors today and they are a binding that actually fits. My rear foot finally sits properly in a binding, never felt what that was like. Wow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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