OK, I have not purchased new skis in a few years, but this is just strange. I decided that new boats need er... 'deserve' new skis. So I purchased a new Connelly Concept 2005 and a new Connelly FX 2003 (Overton's dent & ding ROCKS!), both with Stoker plate front boots and toe plate rears. The Concept is an Extra Large (XL), the FX a Large. My current ski has a custom boot w/ a large and my shoe size is inside the Large range, but putting these skis on was hell! The FX actually made my foot numb after only 20 min use. Both boots have the adjustsments open all the way. The concept is narrower ski and so is the boot, the XL actually looks smaller than the other L on the ski - they changed boot style in 2004 as well so each is different that way as well. I am using the same boot goop I have for a while (ivory and dove liquid soaps - low phosphate, but very slimy)

I guess my question is: Is there a break-in process like for new shoes ??? How can I stretch these bindings without damage ?

-Joe