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Our Products:
Shim Balance Systems
Zip Fit Ski Boot Liners
Custom Canted Footbeds
SBS Featured Sports
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These are some of the most common questions regarding the SBS System. Feel free to send an e-mail to Eric if you don't find the answer to your question.

    1. Do I need the SBS if I already have custom Foot Beds?
    2. If I have had my alignment done before and I know what I need is it the same with the SBS?
    3. Does the SBS lock the foot into a supinated position within the boot?
    4. How can a one footed test work for a two footed sport?
    5. What about volume inside the boot?
    6. What do I do with my plumb bob now?
    7. Why is this going to help me use shaped skis better?
    8. How do I test myself to see if I need shims?
    9. Where do I put the balance shims?
    10. Does a cuff adjustment still need to be done?
    11. What if I have integrated bindings?
    12. What if my boots have already been ground?
    13. What is a boot board and how does that affect my Balance Shim choice?
    14. What will I notice when I go skiing for the first time with the SBS?
    15. What if there are not any ski shops in my area where can I get them?

1. Do I need the SBS if I already have custom Foot Beds?
Almost always a custom foot bed can be improved with the SBS. This patented revolutionary system is brand new and most people that have been making custom foot beds have not been looking at this problem in this way. top

2. If I have had my alignment done before and I know what I need is it the same with the SBS?
Absolutely not. The customary measuring system is looking at where the knee is compared to the ski. The SBS is looking at the center of your ankle, and how it works when in a dynamic mode. There is absolutely no way to use the old measurements with the SBS there simply is no correlation between the two systems in this way. The two systems look at similar problems but often the numbers are very different and you simply will not find any positive results. You might as well just guess. top

3. Does the SBS lock the foot into a supinated position within the boot?
*Absolutely not,* If you use too much, It certainly can but if you follow the testing procedures you will find what I like to call "Dynamic Sub Taylar Neutral" This is simply where the foot is not pronating or suppinating. We are looking to find that equilibrium point where you have equal access to both sides of the foot without any biases. I like to call this the "Price is Right" approach. We want to get as close to neutral *Without going over* as we can. We even suggest that you subtract 1/2 degree from true neutral so you have a little to start with. top

4. How can a one footed test work for a two footed sport?
It is simple really, Humans are bi-hemispheric meaning we have two equal halves that work together as one. By looking at each half individually we can see the true nature of that half. We can learn more about that half and what it needs to do while claiming responsibility for balancing the whole body. So by getting each foot placed in its most optimal place within the boot, we create symmetry when both feet are on the snow. Both sides now are equally able to balance us and there is not time lost in the effort to develop balance. top

5. What about volume inside the boot?
Usually there is not a problem up to about 3 degrees. Above this there can be, however in most recreational skiers we find getting a 3 degree shim is very easy. When you are talking about someone that is in a "Race fit boot you might have to be a little creative with boot boards and maybe not down sizing that last size if you know you need 3 degrees
to be fast. top

6. What do I do with my plumb bob now?
If you need a plumb bob after this you might have some major tibial angles to deal with. But I look at this as just needing to get the cuffs in line better with your leg shaft. top

7. Why is this going to help me use shaped skis better?
If you ever tried shaped skis and absolutely hated them, these people are out there and you know who you are. Well follow this explanation. If you move to the outside ski in the turn and as soon as the smallest amount of your weight moved the ski was already turning and would not stop you probably need shims. If you ever tried to get the inside edge of the inside ski to hook up but just could not do it, you probably need shims. Getting para parallel shins is quick and easy with the SBS. top

8. How do I test myself to see if I need shims?
Simple, just find the flattest smoothest trail on your hill. basically just do the test on snow. We are mimicking the one footed straight run in doors so just do a one footed straight run on snow and if you are able to just pick up a foot and the ski continues to run straight and flat with little effort you are doing great! If the ski starts turning immediately well you know you have a problem. It is like checking your alignment in the car, let go of the steering wheel and if it stays on the road great, if it jets across three lanes of traffic, well you want to be getting yourself to the nearest garage in a jiffy. top

9. Where do I put the Balance Shim?
Where ever you like but I suggest for best results in skiing to place them between the shell of the boot and the liner. Not inside the liner. top

10. What if I have integrated bindings?
Well then you in luck because with these new fancy bindings you can no longer cant your skis under the bindings. You can shave the bottoms of the boots but if you are looking for another way there aint one. Unless you want to give the SBS a run for the money. top

11. Does a cuff adjustment still need to be done?
Oh Yes, absolutely the cuff is crucial part of the SBS working. If the cuff is out of place the effect will be dramatically reduced. So the system depends on the cuff being adjusted properly. This is not just loosening the cuff flexing the boot and then tightening back down again. You will need help, have the boot liners removed place shims and foot beds inside the shell step back into the boots and buckle up. Stand with fee in comfortable width and move cuffs till the space around your leg and shell are equal. If this is not possible seek professional assistance!!! top

12. What if my boots have already been ground?
Not a problem, you need only get the boot boards measured so you know where you are. If someone told you that they are 2 or 1.5 or what ever, get it measured at the nearest shop that sell the SBS we can measure the boots and let you know where the boot boards are. top

13. What is a boot board and how does that affect my Balance Shim choice?
The boot board is the part of the boot that the foot bed sits upon. It usually is removable and comes in many shapes and sizes. They are all different and need to be measured to make the SBS system accurate. They can vary from boot to boot and from size to size in every manufacturers line. Do not assume that they are all created equal, As far as I can see they are all very different. top

14. What will I notice when I go skiing for the first time with the SBS?
You will notice that you are more relaxed less fatuiged and simply have a much better relationship with your equipment. Way fewer hooked edges and strange occurances under foot. Ski behavior will be much more predictable. So you will enjoy the time you spend flying down mountains with your new gear. top

15. What if there are not any ski shops in my area where can I get them?
Go to the do it yourself section of this web page and you will learn how to measure yourself at home and order shims on line and try for yourself. top


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