Skied my first time today on my new Vapor Carbitex boot. Very, very different from what I've been on and it took a few passes to start to get used to it.
I've been on Connelly Talon boots for the past five years -- my understanding is that they're similar to HO xMax and Radar Vector boots. I kept my rear Talon but bought a Vapor boot for my front foot.
Using all the lower lace loops in the Talons my feet will not come out easily even with the cuff bungee laces very loose. I adapted by not using the highest lace loops on the lower section, but this created a less secure feeling that I never liked. So, I decided to try a Vapor boot. I wear a size 12 street shoe but have a narrow foot, so I bought a size 12 Vapor boot and it is clearly the right size for me.
First thing I did this morning was dip the ski in to get everything wet, put my foot in the boot and clamped down the Boa and left moderate snugness in the upper bungee lace. I then conducted a release test and felt comfortable with the release, so I got into both bindings and hopped in the water for my first pass (I'm a 15-offer).
The Vapor felt so different (crazy stiff!) I missed the gate and then skied gently inside the balls through the course. Same thing on the second pass, but I started to get a feel for it a little more. Third pass I decided to be a little more aggressive and just mentally get past the different feeling and I was able to make the pass. I stayed on my "opener" for the rest of the set to get used to it (-15/30mph).
By the end of my first set (8 passes) I was undeniably feeling the benefits of the stiffer boot. I started feeling so much more confident in my pulls because I felt like this boot allowed me to hold my edge so much better. I also found that when I bobbled in the turn and lost my angle I was much more easily able to regain my angle than on my old boot. I was sold! The Vapor boot is unquestionably a big performance upgrade from my previous boot. I also did another release test after my first set and my foot/liner slid right out. I was amazed that my foot could feel so locked in and stable, but yet the release was smooth and easy.
I skied 10 passes in my second set and never felt any cramping in my foot. However, the Vapor is certainly not nearly as comfy as the Talon boot. I feel like I'm in a cushy couch in the Talon, but of course, that was part of the problem -- cushy couches don't give you the edge control I wanted.
I only skied 6 passes in my third set, but I got up to my personal best and feel like as I get more accustomed to the Vapor boot they are going to help me take my skiing further. This boot is one of my best gear purchases yet.