A Very Deep Dive on Bootfitting, Pt. 3: Stance Balancing with Pulse Boot Labs

A Very Deep Dive on Bootfitting, Pt. 3: Stance Balancing with Pulse Boot Labs

Author: BLISTER October 7, 2022 Duration: 55:59

For Part 3 of our Very Deep Dive on Bootfitting series, Kara Williard and Kai Palkeinen, Founder of Pulse Boot Labs, dive into the intricate topic of stance balancing and canting ski boots. Kai explains Pulse Boots Labs’ analytical approach to getting it right, his refined methodology of “red light, green light”; the multi-step process of looking at the foot, insole, liner, shell, and then potentially cuff alignment and canting; and all the intricate variables that can play into this process, including snow surface, attitude, and communication.

TOPICS & TIMES

  • How does this process start? (3:22)
  • The Foundation (4:57)
  • Red Light, Green Light (6:50)
  • Pulse Methods (10:53)
  • Binding Ramp Angle (17:06)
  • Why Liners Matter (24:37)
  • Cuff Alignment (26:14)
  • Canting Schools of Thought (35:06)
  • Rigid vs. Flexible (41:33)
  • Communication and Stopping Points (47:47)
  • Snow Surface (49:32)
  • What We’re Celebrating (54:00)

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For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
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