TESTIMONIALS

The DODGE carbon fiber ski boot is different and people are talking about it.

On this page, we will post comments from DODGE skiers as well as articles we find about the boot.  If you have something to share, please contact us.

Irwin Hamilton (instructor)    Devin Davis (junior racer)    Pete Davis (ex-pro racer and current coach)    Harald Harb (boot fitter)    John Botti (recreational)        Geoff Darst (recreational)            Art Rothafel (recreational)            Christian Monti (Masters racer)            Ace Tarberry (NorAm/Europa Cup racer)
Chad Hedlund (college racer)      Harald Harb (recreational)         Charles Christianson (NorAm/Europa Cup racer)    Dane Spencer (coach)    Dane Spencer (ex-World Cup racer)
Mark George (Masters racer)

I had just finished my race at Cardrona when a Japanese coach approached me and said, (his English wasn’t the best) “WOW, What is that?!”  I laughed to myself, “You mean my boots?” Not taking an eye off of my feet he quickly replied.  “Yes, yes, what is that material?”   It’s a Carbon Fiber Ski boot with the cuff laced in Kevlar. In astonishment he kindly asked to have a photo shoot and asked for Dodge’s website to learn more. This is a common response I received from public, European skiers, racers and the coaches in New Zealand this summer.  People down there were amazed at the wild look of the boot and seemed to find it more than fascinating. To them it was futuristic eye candy, but little do they know that they are more than what meets the eye. 

There are two kinds of skeptics on the Dodge boot, lovers and haters. The Lovers are the ones who got out on the boot felt a huge difference on the first free run. Before I had tested the Dodge I was a bit of a disbeliever but after four failed attempts on course in a plastic boot I allowed myself to demo the Dodge. I took a free ski run and felt like a new man.  There is no better feeling than making powerful arcs on a GS ski and actually being able to control it. (KEEP FIS ARCING)  I immediately jumped back in the course and had some great success. I could really feel through my knees and ankles the way the boot linked early at the top of the turn, and how it held its edge effortlessly.  The amount of control I had in Guenther Birgmann’s GS course was unbelievable. I was able to get on the ski, off the ski, juice the ski and stivy the ski like Ted without getting the slightest bit off line. Which is NOT easy to do in Guenther’s courses, you need to be ON it and working the whole time to stay clean and fast. He is a master course setter and cuts you no slack, which is exactly how it should be. I was a sucker for the boot and had to place and order. I got my boots a month later at Start Haus and had them fitted.  It took me eleven tries to get into the boot.  I even had to use a silicone based spray just to get them on for the first time! It was horrible; I thought that I was making a terrible decision.  But after repeatedly taking them on and off the liner loosened up and now I slip them on like slippers.  I am in and out in 20 seconds or less.  Not only do they slip on my feet they also treat my feet like royalty. Never in my career have I felt this comfortable in a race boot and the bizarre thing about that is currently I am skiing in a 295 mm boot. Where as before my plastic boot was a 305mm a whopping 10 mm’s smaller and yet after 5 days of packing them out I am now at maximum comfort.

                I arrived in New Zealand with Treble Cone Race Academy ready to rip! New gear, new season, it was all perfect!  We as a team free skied for a couple of days at Treble Cone Ski Field in Wanaka, which allowed me to get more comfortable in the boots and to really feel how they reacted on winter snow.  I started running gates and instantly began to make progressive changes and moves that I had never made before. I started skiing faster and faster and faster, I developed a kind of confidence in myself and my skiing that I never had before. It was like I knew I couldn’t fail with the Dodge boot underneath me.   It wasn’t long till they started to mold to my leg and to feel really, really good. The first day of timing I came into the finish only two tenths off a thirty point skier.  It was shocking and amazing, but deep down I knew I was faster now because of my secret weapon. I ended up second on the day with a grin from ear to ear and a burning desire to race.  At the first race series I scored a result in the Giant Slalom at Cardrona and then proceeded to straddle the 7^th gate in Slalom.  Happens to the best of us.   Next was the steep and challenging GS at Treble Cone.  I snuck into the seed with the 15^th highest GS points and felt the opportunity arise.  After the first run I was in 7^th and only .6 out. Not too shabby, I thought, but I knew I could do better. Second run Devin Gill set an offset, across the hill, turny course. I knew that was in my favor, I was beat by only .02 on the second run.  I didn’t mind that I was so close and lost.  I was way too distracted by the fact that I was competing on that level!  I am now heading into my first year J1 season with a new found confidence which was developed with a ton of help from the DODGE boot.  The boot has given me the opportunity to step up my game and be a top competitor next year.  I cannot wait to get out and rip on the boot.  It really is a secret weapon and a game changer for ski racing. I hope you all take the time to give them a shot without the worry of cost because in the end its 150% worth it and one of the best decisions I have ever made for my skiing.

                Now with the haters it’s a sticky situation because most people who do not like the Dodge boot have never tried it. I will admit that in my life, I have most certainly jumped to a conclusion about a product before I ever tried it. For example kiwis (yes the fruit).  Growing up I hated them, my excuses were it had to many seeds, a weird skin texture and that I had to eat it with a utensil. These were all reasonable factors that made me say, “Ewwwww I hate kiwis.” We have all done it and that’s completely acceptable because it’s nothing more than our human nature. With the Dodge boot much like the kiwi I have heard athletes and coaches skeptically say,” It’s not good in ruts,” “It only has one buckle,” “It hurts my feet,” and my personal favorite “It’s too expensive.” Which to an extent I believe some of these factors to be true, it did hurt my feet the first five times I skied but what race boot hasn’t?   Other than the new mysterious Fischer Vacuum, I have never met or herd of anyone enjoying the first five days on snow at Copper in their new boots.  Another good question for the non-believers is what ski boot is thriving in soft deep ruts?  There are way too many factors to consider that statement to be true.  Yes, the Dodge boot runs $1,500, it seems expensive, about two or three times the cost of a normal race boot.  But in comparison to the amount of money funding a skiers training, racing, waxing, traveling, and equipment it’s only a fraction of what people spend. The price tag is intimidating to us all. I will admit that I was scared and nervous to spend that much money on a ski boot who wouldn’t be?  But I personally have always considered my boots the most important piece of equipment, there always one of a kind and irreplaceable. If you ever get negative feedback from someone and they’re ragging on the “one buckle” then they most definitely do not know much about the product and anything they say using that point is strictly biased.
                I won’t preach and say that the boot is perfect and anyone who doesn’t like it is crazy because to some people it won’t work.  Much like Rossignol to a power skier or Volkls to boys, it simply just doesn’t work. (No disrespect to Volkl, I have seen girls on them crush guys by two seconds. For example, Hitchcock at Sugar Bowl.) So next time you hear a person rant on about how they hate the Dodge make sure to ask them why?

Ps. I Recently fell in love with kiwis and now consider them my favorite fruit.

Devin Davis
junior racer, Sugar Bowl, CA

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"UNBELIEVABLE boots! Had a blast rockin' em here at Mt. Hood. Talk about high performance.... Amazing job you guys! DODGE Boots? Yes, please! Thanks a ton for the demo."
Pete Davis
ex-pro racer and current coach

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Harald Harb is an ex-World Cup ski racer, ski coach, PSIA instructor, founder of Harb Ski Systems, originator of the Primary Movements Teaching System and a renowned authority on ski boot fitting and alignment.  Harald is also a DODGE Ski Boots fitter and dealer.  Harald has prepared his own thoughts on the DODGE boot.  Read it on his blog site at http://harbskisysems.blogspot.com/2011/06/lets-have-look-at-why-carbon-fiber.html

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I am happy to have you put up my review of the Dodge boots on your site. (see the full review at http://pmts.org/pmtsforum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=3119#p32120) I now have 30+ days on the dodge’s in varied terrain and conditions. Still think they are the best boots available out there.
Hope this season means big things for your company.
Best,
John Botti

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Are the new carbon fiber Dodge Boots worth the high cost?
I bought a pair and here’s my review:
Just for comparison, I’m including my stats for context.
Stats:
Height: 5’ 11”
Weight: 185
Age: 57
Skiing Level: Advanced (unless I’m with Harald or any of the PMTS coaches!)
Skis: Head TT80 170 cm;  Head Monsters (old version) 170 cm
Feet: Very Narrow (low volume) Size 12 – very flat-footed
Old Boots: 2005 Nordica Doberman 150 (re-worked to soften)

Background / Skiing Experience
Grew up in New England and raced as a junior from ages 7-12.  Stopped skiing when family moved to Florida.  Moved back to Vermont and skied from age 16-20.  Then moved to California and only skied 1-2 days a year for the next 25 years as career, family, kids, etc took precedence.

Then, in 2001, I tried out some shaped skis for the first time.   My love for skiing was immediately reinvigorated.   I started skiing about 30 days per year and joined a Masters Racing Program at Mammoth, CA.  

In 2005 I attended my first Harb/PMTS camp and have been re-learning to ski ever since.  I’ve attended 6 camps.  I no longer suffer any of the previously mentioned physical ailments from skiing.

Goals
My current goal is to rid myself of all “equipment excuses” and to continue to improve my technical proficiency through efficient and bio-mechanically correct body movement patterns.

Most skiers have several equipment issues that prevent them from making the correct movements.  The issues range from boots, alignment, stiff skis, wrong pole length, etc.   In my case, the Nordica boots had me too far forward negatively affecting my fore/aft balance. Purchasing the Dodge boots and having them properly aligned is, what I believe to be, my last equipment issue.

The Fitting
My fitting is conducted at Harb Ski Systems in Dumont, CO. on Dec 9, 2010, with Greg (staff) and Chris Brown, shop manager.   It is pretty straight forward with very little adjustment required.   Only one “hot spot” on the right boot just under the bottom buckle (the pointy bone at the bottom of the 5th metatarsal).

NOTE: Harb Ski Systems will generally put you in a smaller boot size than you normally wear (more about this later).   The boots feel incredibly tight.  I am suspicious of the sizing, but simply “go with it.”  I am attending a PMTS camp, so I know that Harald Harb and the coaches will be able to take a look at my alignment and fit  – and fix things on-the-spot if needed.  The PMTS camp is held at Arapahoe Basin from Dec. 13-17, 2010

Day One
The first thing I notice is how light these boots are.  Riding the chairlift it is immediately noticeable as I’m not hanging a couple of “boat anchors” off the lift.  On the very first run, I notice the fore/aft balance is definitely better and I’m feeling more of the ski underfoot when carving.

On subsequent runs, I notice it is much easier to tip the skis.  Tipping of the “free foot” is quick and snappy.  Again, I believe this is due to the low weight of these boots.   Yes, these boots are awesome.  Nonetheless, they still feel very tight.  I loosen the bottom buckle at the end of every run.  I am still suspicious of the fit.  However, it’s close and I’m confident that with a little re-work, everything will be fine.

Day Two
Today the boots feel a little better.  The “hot spots” are much less severe.  I am still learning how to get in and out of them.  There is a heel channel which makes things easier once you learn to use it.  With my Dobies, I had to put on the liner and then slip into the boot.  It was never easy.

On the hill I continue to notice how much easier it is to tip the skis.  The free foot almost feels too “grippy.”    My PMTS coach is paying particular attention to my alignment and makes a few shim adjustments under my right boot as I am knock-kneed.

Day Three
O.K.  today these boots feel very different.  They are very comfortable. I believe this is because I’m beginning to “pack-out” the liners. Within two runs the hot-spots are gone.  My flat-feet tend to expand and contract with pressure.  When I step down, my feet are like pancakes.  This is having an obvious effect on the liners and they now feel much more molded to my feet.

However, about mid-day I’ve begin to notice that my left heel is not getting enough blood flow and that it sometimes goes a little numb.  Not sure why.  It is highly unusual.   Even in my Dobies, I never had any issues with my heel.

Day Four
As I’m about to put my left boot on, I reach my hand inside to feel around and see what might be causing the issue with my left heel.  Aha… What I find is the liner fabric has somehow become loose (stretched out) and is bunching-up around my heel when I put the boot. on.   I ask Harald Harb and other coaches to feel it and they immediately decide to replace both liners.

That’s actually a good news / bad news scenario.   One the one hand they need to be replaced.  On the other hand, these boots feel better and better each day as my feet “pack-out” the liners.  With new liners, I’ll need to go through what I now call a “molding period” as my feet pack-out the liners.

Summary

After a total of 8 days in them, I feel the Dodge Boots are incredible and well worth the $1,500 price tag… if you have the right kind of feet (low volume).

The Dodge website proclaims that most people may be underwhelmed at the performance of the boot … until they step back into their old boots and feel the difference.

This was not the case with me.  I felt the difference right away.   I felt the difference just walking around in them.  I felt it on the chairlift.  And, of course, a HUGE difference on my skis especially in my fore/aft alignment.

Also, at the end of the day my knees, ankles and other lower joints all felt great.  I am assuming this is the result of having lighter weights on my feet.

"There is no question in my mind that
this is the direction of ski boots."

From a marketing standpoint, they are lighter and easier to maneuver than standard boots.  The temperature does not effect the stiffness of the boot allowing for easy entry and removal of the foot.  Also, because the materials are unaffected by temperatures, they maintain a consistent stiffness and flex on the hill.  Finally, after a minor “break-in” period, they are incredibly comfortable.

When the pricing comes down, I believe these boots will simply explode on the marketplace. They are that good.

***** Five Stars…. I highly recommend these boots for performance skiers who want the best.   Yes, it’s twice the cost of traditional boot, but , in my opinion well worth the cost.

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Christian Monti, a Masters racer from Italy, posted the following review on Italian ski forum

Here it is, badly translated using a translation engine, with apologies to Christian.
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DODGE SKIBOOTS REPORT AFTER TWO MORNING OF USE
Who will read this guide to read it to the end and failed to draw hasty conclusions. Thanks.
I left foot length 274mm width 98mm, 272mm and width dx almost 100mmla under load and slightly less with no load. Size 26.5 was perfect. +1 ° of canting.

Saturday 16:04:11 h.8.45 Cortina, Rio Gere Faloria chairlift departure.

Scarpetta already in place. Lange fit type of 5-6 years ago with a little 'pain on the instep just before letting the bead in place. Definitely better with foot already in the boot. Without rear protrusion (heel slide) would put them on IMPOSSIBLE! Accommodation plastic TONGUE (bigger than the standard) because it remains between the two edges of the hull as I have a high instep. With the enlargement of the critical points made ​​by them is very comfortable (was what I wanted!).
Departure for the first round, marble like snow, the feelings are good mid-term closure of the hooks. Round track (easy). Very rapidly in the past as to the changes. Well, good feelings, good flex is also very similar to the HI-B Atomic equal closure.
I make another round and try to close a bit 'more. Damn it bothers me the right outer ankle bone and a bit 'too left, but I try not to notice. Most are closed even better, but I feel snza force in angle of retreat, but the effect disappears corner lot and takes over the "WOW, c. ... or shoes!"
I decide to try to limit the Stratondi, with real live ice chips of blue ice with a few steps between the traces of cat (horrible). I'm leaving and I immediately felt strange foot, lightweight, without ballast, plus I am hurt by the ankles. Damn I have not made ​​the mica c. .. ta spend all this money for boots that come into the first steep crisis? But no! There can also be because they use them in a cup identical to mine. Then the most sensible thing I can do is not to go to ball on a wall exaggerated, but that of sciarci. Ok, reset and allotment looking more and more grip angle of the curve at the bottom. Well a fantastic feeling to be able to do the curves with his hand resting on the ground at 70 km / h with my 192 to Point Racing. Basically I was with caraway giant ski boot and never touched the snow. Fantastic! Absolutely no vibration in extreme conditions, a little 'what makes the difference between metal rims and alloy wheels: less mass = less inertia in vibration.
Find a friend and former colleague agonist like me that despite the Point Racing RC 176 (then still building race skis so great) can not quite make the lines that I do. This remains a pain in the ankles that continue to annoy me, indeed increases and gives me some concern.
I arrived home I communicate the problem to the referent Skiboots Dodge in USA and I immediately answered by listing a number of approx. 6-7 possible remedies: the modification of the canting, underground placement of a wedge, to make a donut foam, ...
I find the solution and milling slightly flattening the "spider" of the internal adjustment pin flex / canting and a thickness of 2mm and the boot heel is perfected, no pain in the ankles. I decide to also use the spoiler in the calf in order to eliminate the strange feeling of retreat with little angle.

Today 17:04:11 h.8.15 Cortina, Rio Gere Faloria chairlift to start the race in memory of James Zardini died a few years ago at the age of 8 years I feel bad for the disease and the son of former great athlete Paul Team (all proceeds to favor of the hospital's pediatric ward of Pieve di Cadore, where my children were born).

Marble like snow and try a couple of runs on both the Round where we will race on Stratondi. Feeling great. Never tried anything like this before. Angles from fear, changing speed never experienced before, the total absence of vibrations, simply outstanding.
The only fear is linked to the fact that I've never tried in the posts, but the opportunity is great because there are athletes of the Forest as a yardstick. Short track, but angled and close doors, not exactly ideal for a master A3 like me who can train a bit 'and that is just some we just returned from a stop for 2 years after surgery LCA.
I leave with the 389 and the track is a little staircase, the first 3-4 doors, I realize that the boot is fine, but do not attack from the beginning, then slowly began to take confidence and more angular, and I can begin to cut seen that skiing and try to take the curves in the smallest possible space. And down to the end 34 "22, assoluro best time until then. I am absolutely aware of the steps and I did not even make an effort. As you descend the younger I realize that I had a good time with a pair of boots that I had practically never used. In the end the only ones who stand before me are the boys of the Forest (not all), a student who is very strong and Longo, who is also the mioglior absolute time.
The conclusion is that although finally a boot that was comfortable and will be exceptionally powerful. I look forward to the Next season, in the meantime for the first time I think I'll go skiing a handful of times in the glacier.

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Bill-

So I let the guy I am coaching try the Dodge Boots today at Mt. Hood. I did this because it looked like he could really benefit from them, and I wanted to know if I was right. He skied in the stiffer version today, and the results were stunning. A new skier emerged from the first turn, I have never seen anything close. After multiple discussions with him over the course of the session I came to better understand the awesome potential with the boot. Bob said it best, saying that for the first time he could actually feel all the technical concepts he has been working on, that it felt that his foot was directly connected to the snow. This alone is a game changer if people could actually feel the connection between body, skis, and snow. Plastic boots do not do this, especially for less experienced skiers that don't have feel developed from years of experience. Our discussions went far beyond this, we can talk about it upon your return. In the meantime, Bob would really like to buy boots- three pairs, in fact ...

Dane Spencer (coach)

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"There is no question you can take a much straighter line than a plastic boot.  I also notice that for me the biggest difference I notice is in the first 15 gates or so.  I am able to get up to top speed much more quickly with the Dodge Boot due to its quickness on edge, and since it does not boot out at all.  This allows me to push much harder into the snow at slower speeds, generating energy and therefore getting to speed quicker.  I believe this is also true in transitions from steep to flat, I can  straighten the line sooner and carry more speed across flatter sections of a course.  Honestly I have a hard time seeing myself use a plastic boot again ..."

Dane Spencer (racer)
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