Question

Double boots or a rear toe plate? It seems the British pros favor the rear toe plate while others favor a rear boot. Do you find it's an advantage using an RTP or is it just preference? Also, do you rotate the RTP?


Andy Mapple Says

Definitely rear toe plate. Those Brits know what they are doing! Just kidding. Not sure why many of the British skiers use the toe plate, maybe because we like to stay as dry as we can in the winter doing beach starts. There are advantages to both and I would not say one is really better than the other, just a preference. With the rear toe plate it gives a little more freedom to be in a more natural position to bend the knees and be a little more flexible in different situations. A skier with a rear toe will usually have more front foot pressure on an off side turn, but not as much power off the back of the turn. Rear boot skiers have in the last few years started to cant the rear boot to get a more natural position to be more flexible in the turns.  There is definitely more security in the pull with two boots and more leverage available, but you have to be careful that the rear boot is not too stiff, otherwise you gain too much control through the rear foot and stop allowing the ski to run its designed path. Bottom line, it is really whatever works best for you. Good luck.

Originally Published: Jan/Feb 2007
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