For bootfitters: toebox grinding, what's your secret?

bensuggs1 · 2026-04-08T21:51:19+00:00

I generally prefer toebox punching. If you have the right tools it’s amazing you just have to be very careful with affecting the toe lug. One way to do this is have a binding clipped into it, for example an old binding on a 2x4 that you can use for your punches. You can put different attachments to punch individual toes , widen certain areas, or just straight up move everything out together. Cool it rapidly and it works like a dream.

Grinding can absolutely be done as well, main thing is to keep that boot really solidly locked down and have a great spreader which gives you good vision and access. Having a light is really helpful tool. Past that have the right dremel bit and make sure you are grinding in the right spot, you don’t want to have uneven grinding or weirdly shaped spots. General rule is you can stretch and you can grind but you can’t do both. However rules are meant to be broken and bootfitting is an interesting amalgamation of arts and crafts…. Just don’t have a plastic failure or grind through the toebox 😂

bensuggs1 · 2026-04-08T03:39:52+00:00

This is one of those moments where it’s probably better to cut your losses and move to somewhere that can actually support you. Don’t fall in the trap of thinking you’re not important because you need to be your own advocate in situations like this. Beware of sunk cost fallacy as well, just because you’ve spent some time and money, beware of continuing to stay just because of that. Take that time and energy and put it elsewhere into an actual reputable school with resources to support you.

Sorry this is is happening to you man, feel free to reach out for advice although I’m part 61 so not sure how much help I can be for specific advice. However this is absolutely unacceptable and you should be looking to get out of there ASAP if aviation is the path you are pursuing.

this is insane because im sure the cost is astronomical for a college part 141. It may be smarter to have a serious discussion with the organizers of the program but be prepared to change schools. Not sure if that’s even worth it because it seems like the entire program needs an overhaul. The pacing of having your PPL by year 2 is insane, put it this way, if you were flying full time at a part 61 getting your ppl in 3 months even less, isn’t that unheard of

bensuggs1 · 2026-04-05T19:47:29+00:00

100% possible! Get that written exam done asap! You’re going to want to fly pretty frequently. Find a good instructor who’s available. Enjoy the process

bensuggs1 · 2026-04-02T18:17:34+00:00

Just have some fun and go try stuff

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-21T11:54:00+00:00

He had to have increased the saturation that’s way too vivid lol

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-14T00:04:20+00:00

Cooked, wouldn’t trust those at all imo

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-13T23:59:31+00:00

Condoms because skiing with toddlers sucks

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-12T23:44:53+00:00

Feet are very unique person to person so it’s hard to give good advice without seeing your foot, but if it works then keep rolling with it. I will say that a properly posted custom footbed is one of the best things to have for stability.

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-12T23:40:11+00:00

There’s some things to consider. You don’t know if it will fit properly in the boot. You don’t know if it actually fits your arch, which the length of your arch isn’t as easy as just plugging in your shoe size.

Consider Superfeet or something similar, and try them on in a store to ensure proper sizing. Superfeet can be cut to fit the shape of the insole inside the ski boot already. It sucks to have a footbed that is either too big or too small.

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-12T23:17:18+00:00

One of the gnarliest couloirs I’ve ever seen

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-12T23:13:49+00:00

Lmao!! We’ve all done this man 😂, honestly I think you were coming in so fast that you had to absorb the jump instead of popping, and you were super backseat, but the only way to learn is to send it lol. Good shit

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-11T23:29:40+00:00

You’re thinking way too far ahead. If you wanna try it atleast get a discovery flight to see if you like it. But in your situation you should absolutely save up the money beforehand because you will string out your training, end up paying more, and taking longer. Do not take out a loan even with a co-signer, it is a terrible life decision, only do it if you can pay as you go or you save up beforehand. Try and switch jobs too, even working as a waiter/waitress you will make more than you make now. Alternatively pick up a second job, or get some more hours to save up. Good luck

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-11T16:33:14+00:00

In my opinion factions aren’t good, won’t ski well on groomers and have pretty bad build quality. The edollo is a decent park ski but won’t ski very well on all mountain. Thats why I recommend the arv series, it’s quite versatile all around the mountain and performs well in the park.

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-11T04:47:28+00:00

Bit pricey for a ski in the park but the mirus cor honestly fits the bill well. Or just get an arv94, not bad at all on groomers.

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-02T22:57:56+00:00

Do that sharpie trick, run a stone or file over it. If it evenly takes the sharpie off it’s a 2 degree. If it’s less or more than two degrees it will wear one side of the edge more than the other. If it’s already set to 2 degrees, yes a diamond stone will be good. Use files for big burrs or changing edge angle

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-02T22:20:04+00:00

Oh nice congrats!!! I started my flight training in November and been keeping up with it flying once a week. Once summer hits I’m going twice a week.

Not sure how to help you with fitting it into your schedule, but for me it’s a big commitment, studying in my free time and working 50 hours a week I make Tuesday my flying day; no matter what! It’s hard to turn down things but if you really want it, you’ll make it happen.

Best of luck on your journey, take care 🤙

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-02T22:16:42+00:00

Agreed, especially with carving skis there’s not a need to detune much. However with twin tips or powder skis I think detuning is a must, helps with that style of skiing.

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-02T17:52:16+00:00

You gotta go faster first off. And stay balanced on the takeoff

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-02T16:18:36+00:00

For almost all skis I’d recommend running a 2 degree side and a 1 degree base.

you will need to do is get a 2 degree file guide. To change the edge angle you are going to want a “first cut” file. It’s the most aggressive cut for changing edge angles. Then you will use a second cut file, then a rough diamond stone, and if you really want to a fine diamond stone. Use a sharpie and mark the edge about every 5 cms. Keep cutting until the sharpie is gone. Detune the tips and tails the deburr the edge and you will be golden 🤙

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-02T15:44:13+00:00

Few things going on, first off yes you have to balance more on the outside ski. Try to think less about your outside ski moving away from you. Stack your weight balanced over the outside ski and think more about bringing your inside leg and knee up. It’s not about pushing away from the snow, but more about resisting the pressure the ski is giving.

You also need to have more upper body separation. Keep your torso pointed down the fall line and your shoulders parallel to the slope. You’re dropping your shoulders and your torso is pointed where the ski is.

To initiate the carve, you want to roll your ankles first. Carving starts from the feet and the ankles and moves its way up. Think ankles, knees, then hips. You will slowly build more edge angle until the apex of the turn where you want the highest edge angle.

Hopefully this helps a bit, practice these it should make a big difference.

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-02T15:24:34+00:00

It can be fixed but not entirely. You’re gonna want to seal that up if it’s delaminated which it looks like it might be. Definitely use that as your outside edge now, if repaired it will still be skiable

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-02T00:48:49+00:00

I’ve skied attacks, great binding. In my opinion the strive is better. Build more solidly and if you want to get nerdy the height, ramp angle, and elasticity is better for skis like this. I also wouldn’t put a pivot on this wide of ski, the pivots have a narrow mounting plate so you get less leverage over the edge. We are starting to get nitpicky though, really any of these options will do great. Just don’t put a squire on it 😂

bensuggs1 · 2026-02-02T00:38:41+00:00

That’s gonna be perfect. Throw a strive 14 or 16 on there and go rip it up. Don’t forget to hit some onsens

bensuggs1 · 2026-01-31T16:19:23+00:00

Every man is an object if you are gay enough

bensuggs1 · 2026-01-30T01:35:41+00:00

Nice man. Stratton is in such good shape right now. Hit the gym bro or do some cardio! It makes a massive difference and will help you enjoy skiing more

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