fit. flex. access.

FIT.
FLEX.
ACCESS.
FALL 2013 FREERIDE SERIES
The technology platform of Black Diamond’s line of ski boots can be divided into
three main areas of focus: Fit, Flex and Access. It’s the unique combination of these
three areas that makes Black Diamond’s boots unrivaled in comfort and performance.
FIT. FLEX. ACCESS.
FMx/SMx Power Liner
Articulated zones for touring comfort and smoother ankle flex
Metalized foil in Strobel base for a reflective thermal barrier
New last and construction with seam taping for maximum toe warmth
100 mm, V-shaped last with performance, out-of-box fit
Plastic liner tongue distributes stiffness for an even, forward flex
Guides for single-lace closure option
2-way stretch toe box
Plastic cuff wrap for 360-degree stiffness
FIT. FLEX. ACCESS.
Our all-new Mx Direct Connect technology offers precision steering with an innovative direct power transfer design from the rigid boot board all the way through to the
binding interface. A shock absorber in the heel helps soften impacts from landing and smooth out the bumps from skiing fast in variable snow.
Triax Pro™ Frame
Maximum axial power and our stiffest forward flex for powerful, high performance control.
Overlap construction
Key to making our Freeride Series boots perform like high performance alpine boots, overlap construction also,
combined with ski/walk mode, results in a natural and efficiently smooth touring stride.
Flex Index
Flex 130: It is generally accepted that Flex 130 is high performance freeride, therefore this is what our Factor Mx gets. The Shiva MX gets a slightly softer flex
to maintain high performance while accounting for women's lower body mass.
FIT. FLEX. ACCESS.
Triax Pro Frame Ski/Walk Mode
Our Freeride Series boots feature an innovative, tall, alpine throat with a unique overlap in the rear of the cuff. Coupled with a new walk mechanism (with a
strong pin to lock in ski mode), the new Triax Pro frame has doubled the total range of motion to 40 degrees. These new Freeride Series boots also have an
industry-leading range of forward motion in their category, which is important as soon as you hit any incline out of the parking lot.
Interchangeable Sole Blocks
For use exclusively with our Freeride Series boots, both Direct Connect Alpine Sole Blocks and Direct Connect AT Sole Blocks are included with each pair and
replacements can be purchased separately.
Direct Connect Alpine Sole Block
For using the Factor Mx or Shiva MX in alpine bindings
Direct Connect AT Sole Block
For using the Factor Mx or Shiva MX with AT tour or tech bindings
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Fall 2013 Tech Manual
SKI BOOTS
FALL 2013 FREERIDE SERIES
FIT. FLEX. ACCESS.
Optional Lace System
Spoiler Options
More rebound
Touring efficiency
(stock setting)
HIGH POWER
High
Power
HIGHSpeed
SPEED
High
Cuff Alignment
Micro-Adjust Buckles
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Black Diamond
Fall 2013 Tech Manual
SKI BOOTS
FALL 2013 FREERIDE SERIES
FIT. FLEX. ACCESS.
Forward Lean
The boots come stock in the neutral forward lean position of 18º. To change
forward lean to be more upright, loosen the bolts and flip the plastic shim to the
other side. Center of bolt lines up with markings on the boot.
+
+
FIT. FLEX. ACCESS.
Ski/Walk Mode
SKI
WALK
WALK
SKI
Interchangeable Sole Blocks
Attention!
>> Use the longer silver screw in the forward screw position for the rear sole block
for Shiva Mx and Factor Mx to use the additional heel wedge under the bootboard (see illustration below.)
>> The toe blocks are left and right specific. Make sure the left block is on the left
ski boot and right block on the right ski boot. The heel blocks are universal and
fit both left and right.
>> It is important that all mounting screws for the blocks are recessed within the
outsole and do not protrude beyond the outsole surface.
L
R
L
R
ALPINE SOLE BLOCKS (Compatible
with Alpine ski bindings that meet
DIN ISO 9462)
5º
AT SOLE BLOCKS (Compatible with
Alpine Touring ski bindings that meet
DIN ISO 13992)
7º
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Fall 2013 Tech Manual
SKI BOOTS
THERMOFORMING
This section outlines the basics of thermoforming your BD liners. The entire liner from toe to heel to cuff to tongue is heat moldable. The Strobeled base, however, is not.
Note: It is important to complete all fit and corrective work before beginning the thermoforming process. Have the customer put on both boots and confirm the proper
buckle, power strap and spoiler positions before the heater is even turned on. Forward lean and cuff alignment should also be set before thermoforming.
Thermoforming Liners
1. Use an approved blower or convection oven. Note that temperatures and heating times can vary with the different heating methods. For a performance fit, with
blower type units, you will want to set blower air temp to about 150º C (302º F) and heat for 15 minutes. A comfort fit or quick fit fix only requires 7-8 minutes. Convection ovens are often less precise, but by nature will carry more heat to both the exterior and interior liner foam faster. 6-7 minutes with oven temp at 107º-115º C (225º240º F) is usually all that is necessary for a performance fit. These times are calculated at an elevation of 1500 m (5000 ft). Molding at higher elevations will require an
extra 2-3 minutes—at sea level a few less. Be sure that the laces, Boa reel or eyelets do not come into direct contact with any hot metal inside the oven.
2. Remove footbeds. They will shrink and distort if heated to these temperatures.
3. To address problem areas of the foot, apply the necessary donuts or spacer fit pads directly to the skin.
4. Have the customer step barefoot onto the footbed.
5. For increased toe wiggle room, which we recommend for warmth and comfort, use pre-molded toecaps and slide them onto the toes over the footbed.
6. Carefully pull a ski sock over this combination of bare foot, footbed, toecap and any appropriate fit pads.
7. Timing is critical here and it all depends on the technicality of the corrective actions, if any, but you may want to prep the other foot while both boots are still heating.
8. Once the heater has completed its heat cycle, pull the liner out of the oven and carefully insert it into the shell (buckles and Boa closure should be open). Quickly
and carefully have the customer slide their foot into the boot while you support the tongue and cuff. You must pay close attention to prevent the liner from sliding
around or collapsing inside. Ensure that the heel does not exert unnecessary pressure on the back of the liner wall as it slides into place. Pull up hard on the rear of the
cuff to make sure that the heel seats properly, and pull up and adjust the tongue so there are no folds and it seats nicely.
9. Fasten all the buckles with moderate to light pressure. You do not want to over-tighten the closure during this molten state. That noted, if you want to make some
more room, you can compact the foam slightly by buckling the shell down tighter. If the boot has a BOA closure, lightly tighten it until the slack is taken out before
tightening buckles.
Note: The liner should cause the customer’s feet to feel warm but not painfully hot. Make sure you are comfortable with the heater you use and the heat settings it has.
10. Cooling Postion: It depends on the customer’s arch type, foot structure and stability, and corrective goals, but as a general rule we recommend the semi-weightbearing method of aligning your hips, knees and ankles at 90 degree angles, putting your feet in a neutral position.
THERMOFORMING FAQ
Q: Do I absolutely need to thermoform my liners?
A: No. The liners have a very high percentage of out-of-box fit with the true lasted construction. You will only need to thermoform customers' liners if they have fit problem areas.
Q: What part of the BD liner has thermo-moldable foam?
A: The entire liner is formable—the toes to heel, tongue, cuff. The Strobeled base, however, is not.
Q: Do I keep the liners in the shells?
A: We recommend forming the liners in the shells to avoid registration issues while trying to stuff a hot liner (especially our grippy soled liner) back into the shell. But
those skilled in the convection oven method with the liner removed can do so.
Q: Do I take the footbeds out of the liners?
A:Yes.
Q: What do I do if the customer has custom footbeds?
A: Use them. Our footbeds are a great performance-engineered insert, but don’t have the capabilities of truly custom orthotics. Our liner construction and flat boot
boards are specifically designed to work with posted custom footbeds.
Q: Can a web customer heat the liners at home?
A: If thermoforming is needed, we strongly recommend the customer take their boots to a qualified boot fitter. Using a household oven to thermoform is a dicey affair that
could lead to a host of serious issues, including the liner getting wrinkles, scorching on the hot parts of the oven or the base platform twisting out of alignment with the
upper.
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Fall 2013 Tech Manual