Muleski, I live in W.Concord, tips on a fitter would be appreciated.
One of the very few knocks that I have heard about Strolz is that some skiers feel as if the are a very "high volume" boot and fit. The foam liners tend to be fairly thick. I recall when mine were built, that the shell seemed big. They were not for me. I had some idea that maybe I needed a more gentle boot, as I hit a big birthday. For me, a mistake and waste of a lot of money. But they do have a following. We're all different.
Certainly a 180 from my plug boot ski experience. I could not ski them. I do think you'll find a lot of thought and work into fitting the shell first these days. And BTW, in my most recent boots...I have had zero tweaking done after the initial fit. I have done some myself, but minor stuff. They do have a foam lining, the fitter had worked with me for 20+ years and knows my needs.
I presume it's West Concord, MA? I agree with Phil's comment that VT is just loaded with very, very good fitters. Where do you ski most often, or do you spread it around?
If it were me, I probably would start with Nick Blaylock at Mt. Snow Bootworks. Benny Wax at Inner Bootworks is great, as is a guy who I believe doesn't participate in ABB, PJ Dewey, who owns Race Stock Sports in Waterbury. A half hour apart.
If you want to head to Southern VT, in addition to Nick, you have GMOL. Many have had Bill do their work "forever". Nick worked for him at one point. Another shop near Stratton in The Starting Gate. Gary Longley is the owner, and has fit a lot of boots. Very good.
If you have a interest in having this done near Killington, Okemo or the Warren/Waitsfiekd area....many others.
I would personally drive to VT. If you ski in Maine, and want to make that drive, or NH, we can make suggestions. Did you have your Stroltz built at Strand's, BTW? Just curious.
Just my personal thoughts. Having the right person, who you are confident in is "money."
Our adult daughter lives in the Rockies, and still has all of her boot work done in Maine. Same guy has fit her since she was six. Over 20 pairs of boots.
I would start this process with a phone call, or a few. Then if one strikes you, make an appointment and make the drive. And see how it goes. It will take some time.
I also would not discount Dodge. They keep refining the boot, and they have quite a following. Not inexpensive. If I were buying boots {I luckily don't need to}, I would look into them as one option. Good people.
Weekend drive to VT.......