faq
Please read our message board, as the question you have may have already been asked by someone else. Click here for the message board.
Q: What is the difference between the Vaypor, Apache and Jet?
The first difference is that we make each model for three different sports. Long track ice, short track ice and inline. Each of them has a different boot height, constructed with varying mounts of different materials, with different mounting blocks and stiffness. We wouldn’t advise you try to use a long track boot for inline because it is too soft. The boot is made with a lot more thermo plastic so long track skaters can steer the boot. The construction is totally different to an inline boot.
The Vaypor is constructed to minimize weight and maximize strength. We use a special thermo set resin and the entire boot is made with carbon. We also use uni-directional carbon which saves even more weight. The package skates use the highest grade components like Jesa Swiss Steel bearings.
The Apache is a carbon boot but it uses some fiberglass layers. The stiffness is similar to that of the Vaypor but it weighs a little more.
The Jet uses a mix of fiberglass and carbon for the base. It is still super moldable thanks to our Super mold Technology and it is a lot lighter than some competitors top of the range boots, but it is heavier than our Vaypor and Apache. If you are just getting into the sport, you won’t notice the difference. The resin is also slightly heavier than the Vaypor.
Q: How do I find my Bont size?
A: Please click here.
Please note that fitting a speed skate is not like fitting a running shoe. Speed skates need to be stiff to give you support and the sides of the skates are made with carbon fiber. When you put your foot into a tight skate, the foot grows in length. Different people’s feet will become longer than others depending on the composition of fat and muscles in your foot. As such, two people with the same length feet may need different size boots. Our size chart is based on feedback from skaters that have told us the maximum length foot that will fit in each size boot.
Q: Why are my sneakers 2 sizes bigger than my Bont Skates
A: When Mr. Inze Bont first developed his last in 1975 he was a size 8. Over the years as sneeker manufacturers moved to Asia, last sizes have shrunk. Mr. Bont is now a size 10... So the simple answer is that our last sizes haven't changed for over 30 years where as your running shoe manufacturers lasts have changed.
Q: What is the weight of the S-Frame
A: Official Weights for the Magnesium Space Frame
12.8” 100mm 110 grams
The weights for the other frames will be out soon. Weight saving of 20 grams over the 2006 frame.
An average 12.8" 4 x 100mm frame is 190 grams. Saving of over 80 grams per frame.
Q: What sizes will the S-Frame come in?
Q: If I order a 12.8" frame, can I also use other length frames?
A: Yes, if you order a 12.8" frame, the boot will be made to perfectly fit the 12.8" frame and you can use any other frame except the 11.92" frame. If you have a boot or frame for 11.92" it is not interchangeable.
Q: Can I use the S-Frame on a 2 point mounting boot?
A: No, it will only fit the Bont patented 3 point mounting system.
Q: What is the S-Frame coated with?
A: The S-frame is coated with Keronite. The Keronite coating process resembles anodizing in that it uses an electric power supply and an electrolyte bath. However, it is significantly different from anodizing in that it produces much harder, thicker layers while using environmentally less harmful alkali electrolytes and a specially modulated AC voltage. The actual surface of the magnesium itself is transformed, creating a tight atomic bond, which gives much stronger adhesion and lighter weight than with an externally applied process, such as powder coating.
Q: How long will it take to get my custom Bont Boots?
A: Our current custom boot building time is 6 weeks. Allow extra time after World Championships.
Q: Are your bases pre made?
A: No, all our bases are hand laid by our craftsmen and women. This ensures the base doesn't come apart, ever. Some companies make their bases in Asia and then attach the leather in the USA and say the boots are made in USA when in fact the most important part has been made by people with no boot making experience what-so-ever.
Q: I use orthotics, how can I fit them into my boot?
A: Using the BONT SOX you can easily mould your orthotics into the boot. Simply place the orthotic on the floor and place some plastic over it. Then mould your feet using the Bont Sox and the orthotic will be inbuilt in your foot mould.
Q: My boots are giving me a little bit of pain, what can I do?
A: Heat mould them. See below.
Q: How do I Heat Mould my Bont Boots?
A: Your boots have been constructed using a special 'heat moldable' material. If necessary, the heal and ankle area of the boot can be heated, using a hair drier on the inside and outside of the boot, to make the fit more comfortable. When the boot has been heated sufficiently, so that it feels quite hot (do NOT scorch the leather, keep the drier moving in a circular motion), place the boots immediately onto the feet and lace firmly. You should NEVER wear boots with bolts only in the base, as it can damage the boots. Leave on until cool. The heating process takes a few minutes to do properly, so don't rush it. Be patient and do a good job. CAUTION: bolts used to attach frames should, for safety, be turned a minimum of 3 times into the nut. DO NOT PUT YOUR BOOTS IN THE MICROWAVE.
Q: How do I heat mould my boots in the oven?
A: Pre heat oven to 85C or 185F. Remove all bolts, frames, wheels etc from the boot. Place the boots in the oven for 20-30 minutes. Higher temperatures will damage the boot. Caution: Do not place feet in hot boots, let them cool a little first. Test the boot temperature with your hand before placing foot inside. Mount the frame to the boot and stand on it without wheels. Tighten the boot with the laces and wait until the boot cools. If there is a certain area giving you problems, push that area out using the handle of a screwdriver until the boot cools. You can heat mould the boots as many times as you like.
Q: How should I take care of my Bont Boots?
A: If your boots get wet, you must let them dry out in the shade, out of direct sunlight. Dry your boots after use, as the enzymes in sweat will break down the liner. Do not over tighten bolts, as this may cause the nut to be stripped. Replacement nuts are available through your supplier.
Q: Where can I find out how to use my custom molding sox?
A: Please download the video here.
Q: What are semi custom boots?
A: Semi custom boots can solve a range of problems like wide or skinny feet, boot height etc. Please read this page to find out more. Click here. The cost is $20 per change.
Q: How can I send my product back for a warranty item?
A: Take them back to the shop you bought them from first and let them determine if it is a warranty item. Never send anything back to us without permission from Bont as we will not pay the tax unless it has been sent the way we ask it to be sent.
Q: What are the standard boot heights?
A: The height of stock boots is taken from the center of the inside ankle bone. The standard heights are:
Short Track = 2.5cm
Inline = 2.5cm
Long Track = 2cm
The custom boot height may look different from the height of your friends boots if you have high or low ankle bones as the boot height is based on your ankle bone height.
Q: How can I get sponsorship?
A: Please talk to a Bont rep at a race meet. We can not reply to the volume of sponsorship requests via email.
Q: Can I have some more information on the 3 point mounting system?
In 2006, Bont released a new 3 point mounting system to overcome problems that have came to light in 2005 with the 190mm and 195mm mounting separation for 100mm skates. The problem is that skaters want their feet to be as low to the ground as possible when they are skating which means the distance between the frame mounting blocks on the boot need to increase in distance to fit between the wheels. When we increase this gap to 195mm, there is the tendency for the carbon fiber base of the boot to flex causing the second wheel to rub on the boot. To solve this problem we can either increase the distance between the wheel and the boot from 1mm to 2mm making the skaters foot higher off the ground, or increase the amount of carbon fiber in the boot. More carbon means the boot will be heavier as the carbon absorbs more resin. Hence the reason we came up with the 3 point system with a lower frame deck height. The lower deck height gives more curves to the carbon boot base. The third mounting point means we can remove carbon from the boot instead of increase it making the boot lighter. The boot will have new lighter weight mounting blocks. The frame now also has more support from the boot so a lighter frame can be made. The new Bont S-frame (Space Frame) weighs just 110 grams. Now that the boot has an extra support we can increase the frame mounting separation past 195mm to the optimal mounting distance for each frame length. Expect to see frames fit perfectly between the wheels with separations longer than 210mm. Bont has applied for a worldwide patent on the 3 point system which covers the boot and the frame. Bont will license the frame technology to other manufacturers.
Q: Can I have some more information on the S-Frame?
Bont has expanded the range of Space Frame’s we will offer in 2007 due to the positive feedback we received from customers since we announced the concept. We will now launch the frame as a 4 x 90mm with a 12.5” wheelbase for women, juniors and beginner skaters. We will have an extremely tight 11.92” 4 x 100mm frame so skaters with a size 1 to 5 foot can use the 4 x 100mm setup. The 13” 4 x 100mm will be the most popular men’s frame with the 12.8” for smaller men and for track and indoor use. The 13.2” frame will be for taller men and we will have a 4 x 110mm setup even though demand is small, our low setup will make this diameter more user friendly. In 2007 we will also have a 13.5" frame for very tall skaters and a 4 x 110mm version.
The deck height for the frame is a super low 83.5mm for the 100mm range which is about 9mm lower than the current lowest frame on the market. Each boot will be able to accept more than 1 Space frame size so you can use the 12.8” frame for track and 13” frame for the road.
Don't forget to check the message board to see if someone has already asked the same question you have here.
If you still have some questions, please e-mail us at :
General Questions Head Office info@bont.com