Dalbello durability
- Thread starter Thefujasa
- Start date
a_pla5tic_bag
Active member
I don't recall eve seeing threads about dalbellos breaking. my il moros are fine. no issues? which ones are you getting?
onenerdykid
Active member
Luckily boots don't suffer the breakage and abuse that skis do, so you won't really have any real issues. Common problems (on any boot) are breaking buckles and wearing out the soles. Buckles are always replaceable but some boots do not have replaceable soles so be careful to lift your feet when you walk.
TheSkiMonster
Member
Agreed.
Pipe_Munky
Active member
Dalbello carries a two year warranty on their shells so there's no worries there. The Krypton series has replaceable heels only so if you're walking in them alot, either be careful or look at something like the Blender if it fits
a_pla5tic_bag
Active member
thats the only issue i remembered after i posted, the il moros don't have fully replaceable soles.
also, if you're a heavier guy, i don't know if you'd break a 3 piece buckle more easily than someone who is lighter. i'd imagine so.
also, if you're a heavier guy, i don't know if you'd break a 3 piece buckle more easily than someone who is lighter. i'd imagine so.
Pipe_Munky
Active member
if you're a heavier guy you'll break anything easier than someone lighter. just plain physics.
i've skied on rampages for a couple years without major issues. just replaced the heels once. i just got a pair of krypton pro's for this season and the new buckles and overall design looks bombproof
i've skied on rampages for a couple years without major issues. just replaced the heels once. i just got a pair of krypton pro's for this season and the new buckles and overall design looks bombproof
nollietails
Member
I have the Krypton Rampages. I was a professional ski-boot fitter for 2.5 years and I'm also a sponsored skiier in the UK - the reason I say all that is basically I generally can be relied upon to know what i'm talking about.
I'd rate my boots 7.5/10
10/10 For Fit
10/10 For Flex
9/10 For Canting adjustment (can be fiddly but lots of options)
4/10 For Liner Durability
9/10 For Shell Durability
5/10 For Manufacturing Quality
My main qualms were:
1) Liner durability - the liners appear to have small slits in the back of them where a thermic cable (for a heated footbed) can be threaded (under the leather cup that covers the heel, reach in from the top of the leather cup - slipping a finger in between the leather and the outside of the liner, and you will feel it). In a freestyle boot this should not be there - very few freestyle skiiers will be looking to spend $200 on heated footbeds - if they are wanted a boot-fitter can easily cut a slit. The problem with one being there already is it creates a weakness. My liners split on the inside and the foam started tearing out within 2hrs of using them, at this exact point. I messaged the UK Distributor about this, but they suggested it was caused by my custom footbeds (it wasn't this - they were fitted by my mate who is one of the most respected boot fitters in the Uk). I chose not to warranty them as despite me sending photos and proof of purchase date etc they were unwilling to warranty them without first looking at my boots - which means sending them off... which generally sucks because they tend to take ages to get back to you and postage costs $$$. I don't know if this slit in the back of the liner is standard with all Dalbellos but it is a definite weakness with the Rampage - it will reduce liner durability. .
Generally I have heard a few complaints about dalbello liners wearing out fairly quickly, especially on cheaper models. I think it's something you have to live with, and it's worth just taking the time to really take care of your liners to make them last - i.e. take them out of the shells after skiing to make sure they are totally dry, keep on top of any rips or tears, however small, with some bonding agent / duck tape / stitching / patching or whatever and make sure your foot is properly supported with a good custom footbed, or at the very least a decent stabilizer.
2) Manufacturing - whilst the shell durability is way better than competitors like full tilt (buckles are more solid, reverse buckles on the forefoot, generally way more solid) the manufacturing quality is fairly poor. The rear spoiler in one of my boots had not been fitted properly which resulted in some significant discomfort, one of the screws in the back of the same boot was also very loose. The bootboards move a little too easily.
However despite all this the boots are on the whole fucking good. I love the flex and the narrow fit, they are super responsive and the forward lean on the boot really helps to keep you in a centred and balanced position when popping. If the manufacturing had been on point and my liners hadn't torn I'd have given these 11/10! I would definitely buy these over Full Tilt if you have the right foot shape (fairly narrow foot, medium instep, medium ankle). One of the most important things when buying boots is getting something that roughly conforms to your foot shape... If you have a taller / wider foot then look more in the direction of Nordica (Ace of Spades). If you have a wider flatter foot go Salomon (SPK). If you have a monster foot then go with Rossignol (S series) or Head (Edge Series) or Atomic (Overload).
Hope this helps bro, pm me if u need any more info.
I'd rate my boots 7.5/10
10/10 For Fit
10/10 For Flex
9/10 For Canting adjustment (can be fiddly but lots of options)
4/10 For Liner Durability
9/10 For Shell Durability
5/10 For Manufacturing Quality
My main qualms were:
1) Liner durability - the liners appear to have small slits in the back of them where a thermic cable (for a heated footbed) can be threaded (under the leather cup that covers the heel, reach in from the top of the leather cup - slipping a finger in between the leather and the outside of the liner, and you will feel it). In a freestyle boot this should not be there - very few freestyle skiiers will be looking to spend $200 on heated footbeds - if they are wanted a boot-fitter can easily cut a slit. The problem with one being there already is it creates a weakness. My liners split on the inside and the foam started tearing out within 2hrs of using them, at this exact point. I messaged the UK Distributor about this, but they suggested it was caused by my custom footbeds (it wasn't this - they were fitted by my mate who is one of the most respected boot fitters in the Uk). I chose not to warranty them as despite me sending photos and proof of purchase date etc they were unwilling to warranty them without first looking at my boots - which means sending them off... which generally sucks because they tend to take ages to get back to you and postage costs $$$. I don't know if this slit in the back of the liner is standard with all Dalbellos but it is a definite weakness with the Rampage - it will reduce liner durability. .
Generally I have heard a few complaints about dalbello liners wearing out fairly quickly, especially on cheaper models. I think it's something you have to live with, and it's worth just taking the time to really take care of your liners to make them last - i.e. take them out of the shells after skiing to make sure they are totally dry, keep on top of any rips or tears, however small, with some bonding agent / duck tape / stitching / patching or whatever and make sure your foot is properly supported with a good custom footbed, or at the very least a decent stabilizer.
2) Manufacturing - whilst the shell durability is way better than competitors like full tilt (buckles are more solid, reverse buckles on the forefoot, generally way more solid) the manufacturing quality is fairly poor. The rear spoiler in one of my boots had not been fitted properly which resulted in some significant discomfort, one of the screws in the back of the same boot was also very loose. The bootboards move a little too easily.
However despite all this the boots are on the whole fucking good. I love the flex and the narrow fit, they are super responsive and the forward lean on the boot really helps to keep you in a centred and balanced position when popping. If the manufacturing had been on point and my liners hadn't torn I'd have given these 11/10! I would definitely buy these over Full Tilt if you have the right foot shape (fairly narrow foot, medium instep, medium ankle). One of the most important things when buying boots is getting something that roughly conforms to your foot shape... If you have a taller / wider foot then look more in the direction of Nordica (Ace of Spades). If you have a wider flatter foot go Salomon (SPK). If you have a monster foot then go with Rossignol (S series) or Head (Edge Series) or Atomic (Overload).
Hope this helps bro, pm me if u need any more info.
onenerdykid
Active member
it sounds like you unfortunately got a weird/unfinished liner... They must have goofed in the stitching process, having the heater-ready cable slot will not by itself weaken the liner. If stitched properly, it would be quite strong.
Pipe_Munky
Active member
9 times out of 10 you have to send product back to distributors/manufacturers to get them to cover something under warranty.
hollygrove
Active member
Im about to hit year 4 of skiing 70+ days a year with my Krypton Cross's. I've had to replace one buckle that broke off, and I'm going to pick up some new intuition liners this year. The shell itself is bombproof. I think I'll ride Dalbello for the rest of my life.