Baller Woody74 Posted August 21, 2020 Baller Share Posted August 21, 2020 Short back story; I got back into slalom skiing in 2018 after a 15 year break. I have been skiing on an HO Syndicate Omni with HO Freemax front boot and Radar HRT rear. Back in the day I was skiing on Kidder with double rubber highwraps but am really liking the HRT on the back currently. I feel like I would like to upgrade my front boot though. I mostly free ski (fairly aggressively) and attempt the course @ 15 and 22 off a few times a season. My first question is would the new 2020 HO Skymax be noticeably better than my current Freemax boot or fairly similar in performance? The other two options I am considering are the D3 T-factor front and the Radar Carbitex Vapor boot. Any advice or input from people that have used these would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller aupatking Posted August 21, 2020 Baller Share Posted August 21, 2020 Joe, can’t speak for the HO’s you mention but the Vapor boot is one of the best performing and most comfortable boots you’ll find. The T-Factor is a great boot too if you like the old rubber feel. Personally, the only HO boot I’ve used that I would recommend is the Syndicate, but the old rubber Animal is a classic good rubber boot too. Boots can make the ski. If the feel is not confidence inspiring, get something better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Woody74 Posted August 21, 2020 Author Baller Share Posted August 21, 2020 @aupatking thank you for the reply! The more I research the more I like the sound of the Vapor boot. I definitely want something that makes me feel very connected to the ski. I believe the plate on the Vapor boot is compatible with my HO or am I wrong? I liked the rubber boots I ran in the past but I'll be honest they were less than comfortable. I assume that has all changed with the new T-factor boots though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller kc Posted August 21, 2020 Baller Share Posted August 21, 2020 I ski with double Vapors and love them. My son uses double T-factors. He also loves his set up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Fast351 Posted August 22, 2020 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2020 I am seriously considering double Carbitex Vapors for my next setup. My Profiles are just about toast. The wrap rubber is shredding more every day. Good to hear those are GTG! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Woody74 Posted August 22, 2020 Author Baller Share Posted August 22, 2020 Will the D3 T Factor binding mount on my HO without any modifications? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skialex Posted August 22, 2020 Baller Share Posted August 22, 2020 @Woody74 yes! And any current front boot will mount. HO skis don’t have extra inserts for a rear short plate but most current rear boots will mount too. Radar rear featherframes are a bit short and won’t be able to use the full range without adding an extension plate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Woody74 Posted August 22, 2020 Author Baller Share Posted August 22, 2020 @skialex perfect! Thank you. Now I just need to decide between the Vapor or the T factor. I am going to continue to run my Radar HRT on the back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members CCPD3 Posted August 22, 2020 Members Share Posted August 22, 2020 I have both vapor and T factor boots. Love them both! Vapors you can wear all day and T -factors are good for your set. The T-factors seem a little for solid on the lateral support and give you a higher wrap feel. Having said all that I am moving to a front hard shell in a week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Woody74 Posted August 23, 2020 Author Baller Share Posted August 23, 2020 @CCPD3 Have you tried the Radar Pulse boot at all? It seems similar to the Vapor but with a less rigid outer shell I am guessing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Kwoody51 Posted August 24, 2020 Baller Share Posted August 24, 2020 I run the T factor and like others have said it’s a little tight but has good support. I want to try the Vapors for the comfort but don’t think they will give me any performance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Woody74 Posted August 24, 2020 Author Baller Share Posted August 24, 2020 @Kwoody51 everything I have been reading the last three days says exactly what you confirmed, the T factors have great lateral support and the Vapors have excellent comfort as well as excellent support. Being away from the sport for 15 years I missed a lot of the evolution of equipment and all I know are open toed boots and tend to lean toward the T factor for that reason. With all of that being said I haven't seen a single negative review of the Vapors either. Possibly a win-win whichever boot I choose? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Kwoody51 Posted August 24, 2020 Baller Share Posted August 24, 2020 I used Connelly stoker wrap bindings for years, tried Wiley’s high wraps and didn’t like the closed toe feel. T factors pop up on ski it again pretty often. Pick up a front and give it a try. I’m certain if you don’t like them you can resell on SIA if you don’t like it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MDB1056 Posted August 24, 2020 Baller Share Posted August 24, 2020 Tfactors will mount fine on the HO. I love them . Skiing double boots on a GTR. Great set up. By far the best rubber bindings out there. Great support, control , and they will release . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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