If you've never had the “stunning” experience of a Rapidgate smacking you in the face, don't look here. These boots aren't for you. All are based on traditional overlap construction but they bear as much resemblance to boots of old as an Apple PowerBook G4 does to an original 128k Macintosh.

They will take excellent skiers just about anywhere on the hill and help you shave hundredths from the clock. If you tend to spend much time off the beaten path, however, perhaps you'll be better off with a more manageable All-Mountain Expert entry. The race boots we tested are street legal versions of the ‘plugged versions' World Cup racers use. They represent the stripped down essence of accuracy, quickness and strength. There is a penalty for each and every mistake you make, as they provide no margin for error, instantly transmitting your very thoughts to the ski. They use the best quality plastics and molding techniques, the most sensitive liner materials and constructions. Their buckles are bulletproof – all-metal and micro-adjustable – and slam shut with uncanny surety and precision. Their power straps are beefy wide and wrap the shin like a boa.

All that makes getting in and out a challenge but you only do that once a day. In between are thousands of turns that will be better because of these boots. Nine of the 11 designated “race” boots cut the mustard with our high octane testing staff. That's a good sign that the top brands have coalesced around state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques.

Atomic Race 11

$735

Finally, execution matches concept. Atomic's Tri-Tech platform separates the shell from the toe and heel lugs, eliminating the flat spot beneath the arch and letting the sole articulate lengthwise during flexion for better ski response. It's a great concept that works well but the boots have suffered since inception with some weak components, notably liners and buckles. Those problems areas appear to be eliminated. The revamped liner in the Race 11 is better tailored to the foot, eliminating notorious hotspots, particularly on the calf. A layer of form-fit foam around the heel and ankle provides better foot mating capabilities and its new buckles latch with Mercedes precision. Different height heel and toe lugs available for event precision and 1 degree shims for canting are a most welcome addition.

On the Hill

Still middle of the pack in finish quality (two testers noted slightly sole twist) but strong performance scores and top marks for couch-like comfort burnished its Best Buy status. It moves quickly through its paces and follows through no matter what turn shape you desire. Unlike many race boots it actually bends with the leg. High upper cuff gives it firm but friendly flex that some of our very serious racers thought would add unwelcome ticks to the clock. Lot's of room, especially in toe box.

Be aware of: Predominantly white shell with checkerboard Euro graphics may earn snickers on North American hills.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: Second best in category. Large bi-injected molded shin and instep area makes for easy entry/exit relative to other race boots.

EASE OF ADJUSTMENTS: New buckles are large and easy to adjust. Don't lose Torx driver that comes with boot or you won't be able to adjust cuff and forward lean.

EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Dual cuff cant has enough variation to match any lower leg shape. Moveable spoiler adapts shape to leg nicely.

LINER: Much improved. Eliminating elastic retention bands over instep and adding cutout alleviates major fit issue common to many liners.

CLOSURE SYSTEM: Finger-touch macro compliments efficient loop and ladder design. Power strap wrap efficiently.

LATERAL QUICKNESS: Moves with the quickness of a hungry cheetah chasing a plump rabbit.

REAR SUPPORT: Solid support with a tailored shaft for close to the leg feel.

FORWARD FLEX: Unlike other race boots it doesn't short change in the flex range. The “wall” is padded. Those who bang gates hard might find it too forgiving.

STEERING POWER: Finely tuned suspension encourages acceleration. You won't hesitate testing its upper limits.

DYNAMIC COMFORT: Testers found it hard to believe they were in a race boot. Terms like “Barcalounger” and “feather pillow” dotted our test cards and helped it top the category.

Dalbello Avanti V Comp

$625

Long known as a maker of affordable, mid-level boots, Dalbello began stepping out of its mold two seasons ago and the fruits of its efforts are clear in the Avanti V-Comp. This Italian scream machine will never land on any pay-to-play World Cup podiums but held its own against brands that dominate the top steps. It has a couple of novelty adjustments like a front mounted Velcro spoiler that adjusts with ease to change flex and cuff volume. Like real race machines, the buckles are screw-riveted for quick change.

On the Hill

It won't mount the throne but it comes surprisingly close. The Avanti V-Comp is a very comfortable fitting boot with good snow feel and spirit but most testers felt it a notch short of being a genuine race course competitor. If it were dropped down a category it would rise to the top of the class. Others disagreed and felt it had more than enough to chop through serious gates and called it “understated and misunderstood. It is a sleeper that dollar for dollar offers best value in this category.” Apple green color left many testers with sour taste.

Be aware of: No cuff cant. If you've got stance issues you'll need a boot tech to re-rivet the cuff. One notch down V-12 Pro Custom might be a better choice.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: Civilized. Tongue tab and two-part cuff smooth entry.

EASE OF ADJUSTMENTS: Overall quality hardware. Some buckles were a bit balky but should break in over time. Velcro spoiler a winner.

EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Front cuff Velcro Poweramp Spoiler infinitely adjustable to change flex and cuff volume fit.

LINER: Supercomp liner is “plugged” and reinforced with sculpted foam pads for battened-down race fit. Tough to pull out of shell.

CLOSURE SYSTEM: All latches work adequately. Beefy power strap hangs long when cinched tight. Make sure to tuck it in Bottom buckle susceptible to rip-off in gate bash.

LATERAL QUICKNESS: Rolls well from edge to edge. Perhaps not as sharp as others but more than adequate for those not looking to make a career in armor.

REAR SUPPORT: Held its own but a little more buttressing wouldn't hurt.

FORWARD FLEX: Most felt it compressed smoothly most of the way but some bigger, heavier skiers felt it hit a blocky wall at end of travel range.

STEERING POWER: Enough power underfoot for quick reaction to all but extreme commands.

DYNAMIC COMFORT: Got its top marks here. You will not wince at the end of the day.

Dolomite Rage Pro

$725

Dolomite's new flagship will ride tandem in the race category with the company's aging Sintesi this year but all bets are on this newcomer with a decidedly North American name. It retains the characteristic Dolomite substantial girth up in the toe box but skootches down a bit over the instep. It embraces new technology including a novel Twin Tongue Liner with a calf tongue that embraces the leg with surety from the rear. Its twin power strap runs through the height-adjustable Active Pivot rear spoiler so that it moves with the leg when the boot it flexed forward rather than gapping like a conventional design. That provides better power transmission and comfort.

On the Hill

Testers gave the Rage its strongest scores in the performance categories but marked it down in the comfort, convenience and hardware arenas. It was among the more difficult boots in this class to get on and off and the buckles were balky. That's not surprising for a first year effort and running changes were expected before the finished models hit the shops. In the what-really-counts forward flex category, the Rage earned its highest mark. It is stiff yet lively and re-centers quickly. Its high cuff gives it dynamic steering power but may be difficult for shorter skiers to control. Still, most thought it more of an all-mountain boot that a true racer.

Be aware of: Buckles not easy to open or close. Fits high volume foot everywhere except over instep.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: Tricky to get in, bites coming out.

EASE OF ADJUSTMENTS: Macro-adjust buckles can be tricky but move without tool. Flip open and place one finger below rivet for easier sliding in channel.

EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Remove rear spoiler completely for more upright stance.

LINER: Good energy and feel. Twin tongues wrap “chicken” legs effectively.

CLOSURE SYSTEM: Buckles require more than usual force to open and close.

LATERAL QUICKNESS: Adequate. High cuff transfers power boldly side-to-side but its not the zippiest.

REAR SUPPORT: Stiff and tall, the way races are won.

FORWARD FLEX: It has the beef to back up its brawn. High cuff may turn off shorter skiers.

STEERING POWER: Knows where it wants to go and gets there fast.

DYNAMIC COMFORT: Most testers liked the ride but noted tightness over instep with relaxed fit everywhere else.

Head XRC SuperHeat 3

$725

The XRC SuperHeat 3 was originally designed for exclusive use by Head's FIS Super-Cross team but the company decided at the last minute to make it available to the public. It mirrors the race-oriented N 97 in its rock-solid, two-position flex and precise last shape, and may even be a smidgen stiffer. On the downside, it lacks the N97's tricked-out buckle features like the extra-leverage wishbone and the adaptable instep. There's nothing complex about this boot; the double cuff adjusters and two-position flex adjuster are the main personalization features. The liners are heat-moldable and in a nice touch, use a stretch material at the toe box accommodating a variety of toe shapes.

On the Hill

There's little to gunk up the works, making the boot virtually bulletproof. That's good since Skier-Cross competitors are usually banging buckle-to-buckle. Its low-volume last provided quick reaction and is ideal for those with slim feet. The cuff sits low on the shin and flexes seamlessly with the leg. “It is like a light on a dimmer,” wrote one tester. "Keep turning the knob and it gets brighter and brighter.” On the downside, you won't be skiing quickly. It is exceptionally difficult to get in and out of.

Beware: Great for minimalists but why pay the same for less? We prefer the N97, which is essentially the same boot with better buckles.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: Like crawling into a tight cave. It's a tenacious experience.

EASE OF ADJUSTMENTS: All the requisite amenities and they are of high quality.

EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Did what they claimed to.

LINER: Firm with good transfer of energy, not much padding. Neoprene toe box accommodates prodigious digits.

CLOSURE SYSTEM: Buckles are a little difficult to finger.

LATERAL QUICKNESS: Very active through short and long terms without great effort.

REAR SUPPORT: Good height, solid lever to bank off of.

FORWARD FLEX: Cuff is low but flexes nicely with leg. Good range with two-position setting.

STEERING POWER: Easy to apply pressure, comes nicely out of corners. Can be over-steered by strong racers.

DYNAMIC COMFORT: Reasonable overall but low volume last accommodates trim feet best.

Kneissl F-Race

$489

If there's something familiar about this model that's because it has been kicking around as the Raichle F-One Race for a number of years. Now that Kneissl has folded the Raichle line into its brand tent, the F-Race wears a new logo and shorter name. It's essentially unchanged but for a new thin, leather lined Thermo fit liner. Its borrows rib hints from Raichle's popular Flexon tongue but is more classic overlap in design. It has old school aluminum buckles, a single cuff alignment cam and a forward lean adjustment.

On the Hill

Little in the way of new technology but this assembly of tried-and-true components come together nicely to create a very lightweight, strong boot with spot-on fore/aft balance. This liner is a stick-out. All our testers commented on the genuine leather's supple fit and precise feel. “It feels like you're slipping into the cockpit of a European sports car and makes for a quick and responsive feel,” said one. Very reasonably priced for category,

Be aware of: Very narrow fit, tight in heel pocket. Great for slim-footed; meaty dogs stay away.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: Tough in, some bite on exit.

EASE OF ADJUSTMENTS: Nothing too complex.

EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: All worked as advertised.

LINER: Excellent materials (leather) makes for supple but precise feel. Should be very durable. Highly defined heel pocket.

CLOSURE SYSTEM: Closes down close to foot thanks to flex tongue.

LATERAL QUICKNESS: Responded quickly and accurately.

REAR SUPPORT: Snaps back solidly.

FORWARD FLEX: Gradual and progressive. Good flow.

STEERING POWER: Saab-like. Accurate and predictable without being overly precise.

DYNAMIC COMFORT: OK if it fits but tight last cramped many testers.

Lange World Cup 130

$775/$850 Custom Foam

This may be the best looking of all the race boots. That's not surprising since Lange commissioned Pininfarina to design its World Cup line. The Italian firm also crafted looks for brands like Ferrari and Porsche. As the second-year heir to the legendary XLR that was the essence of Lange racing for more than two decades, the WC 130 emerges from a large shadow and it does it nicely. The company took advantage of new molding techniques to craft its signature anatomic shell with better wrapping capabilities in a very stiff polyether. It provides great customization possibilities by adding removable heel and toe lugs available in differing heights and cant angles for pinpoint stance adjustment. The liner is better padded and heat-moldable but still a relatively thin affair which means it takes a “Lange foot” to fit this one well. The shell hardware is top notch—particularly the attractive, sculpted buckles that taper perfectly to the shell to prevent unwanted opening.

On the Hill

This is a real meal deal, fully capable of winning races at any level. Of course that means paying a stiff price in comfort and ease. Entrance isn't too bad but cold stiffens the shell substantially and exit is a jaws-of-life extrication affair. On the hill, it is like driving, well, a Porsche or Ferrari. Think, point, go! And don't slow down. It doesn't like to dawdle. With a low cuff that accommodates muscular calves well, the WC 130 is ultra-quick laterally, exceptionally strong off the tail (tops in class for rear support) and unwavering in flex. Delivery of every turn is on time and highly dependable.

Be aware of: Tightly tailored last. If it doesn't fit, don't force it; it will take too much work to get it right.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: Getting in is OK but liner rides out with foot upon exit and shell pinches like a lecherous old man.

EASE OF ADJUSTMENTS: Cuff angle adjuster requires Allen wrench and must be completely wound out to effect change.

EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Single cuff angle adjuster limits range. Cantable soles may be the most effective adjustment on any boot.

LINER: Snug and tight, especially in heel.

CLOSURE SYSTEM: Buckles turn with a silky smoothness and clamp shell tight to foot without any pain. Power strap adheres similarly.

LATERAL QUICKNESS: Bites the snow hard. Very easy to feed the ski into tight troughs in bumps.

REAR SUPPORT: Very strong to the tail of the ski. Be ready to pop out of each turn!

FORWARD FLEX: Exceptional firmness provides for great precision.

STEERING POWER: Don't even think about making a cell phone call and skiing. This boot demands your complete attention.

DYNAMIC COMFORT: You'll shave fractions of seconds from your track times but never dance in the bar in these boots. A foot massage will be most welcome after a day in the WC 130.

Nordica Dobermann WC Soft

$870

This dog can hunt! And it may beat the bullet to the target. It has certainly squired Bode Miller to his share of top step podiums. Yes, it's that fast. The Dobermann WC Soft (don't let that misnomer fool you; it is not soft) rivets the cuff to the lower shell in four spots for maximum reactivity. The retro look black shell is adorned with sparse graphics and built to survive a run by the Hulk. The buckles, too, are old school bails that micro-twist for adjustment. The liner, however, is a thin leather affair that uniquely snugs with speed lacing and has a Velcro adjustable spoiler attached to its spine. The toe box is fronted with neoprene for greater accommodation of prominent digits.

On the Hill

Expect to take some time to actually get on the hill. This was judged most difficult boot to get on and off of all Best Buy boots in any category. In the less-gotta-be-more category, it was tops in effect of adjustments with our testers giving the liner particularly good reviews for adjustability and fit. It's very thin but provides good comfort. On hill, it dominated the performance categories. It was called, “best on the planet—period!” by one tester for lateral quickness. It was also tops in rear support—“totally reliable”—and in the podium group for steering power. The flex is uniquely two-stage. The shaft allows several degrees of gentle resistance and then firms up dramatically.

Be aware of: Requires highly refined technique to activate best qualities. Expect to do lots of boot work to get it to fit and function at a high level.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: Like entering a den of snarling dogs. Escaping isn't any easier. You will work and suffer to get in and out.

EASE OF ADJUSTMENTS: In hands of experienced boot fitter, it is a malleable canvas. Buckles can easily be re-drilled and repositioned and screw-riveted cuff can be repostured. Rear spoiler on liner easily positioned.

EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Retro-look bail buckles take little pressure to clamp foot into thin shell.

LINER: Ultra-thin, premium leather. OJ would like; it fits like a glove.

CLOSURE SYSTEM: Buckles open and close with ease. That's good since many will be unbuckling after each run.

LATERAL QUICKNESS: Judged best in category. Outstanding leverage and power on every turn in every snow condition.

REAR SUPPORT: Top mark for any race boot in any category. It stands you up firm and is there at end of every turn.

FORWARD FLEX: Exceptionally stiff but not unresponsive. Don't even think about putzing around.

STEERING POWER: Crisp and beastly. Know where you want to go because it goes where you point it.

DYNAMIC COMFORT: Manageable but certainly not an out of the box fit. It is tight and taut. Expect to do shell work.

Rossignol Power Race 9.1 Pro

$729

Like a Dodge Intrepid prepped for a grueling 500 miles at Talladega, Rossi's now defunct bumblebee Race boots was built to hunt for checkered flags; dang the good time feelings. The Power Race series still has the same ferocious appetite for speed but moves more smoothly thanks to deep V-slots skived from the lower shell and a slightly higher cuff profile. The new boot has also been graced with a generous dollop of style and comfort. It features a more “relaxed fit” last—particularly at the once-crammed toe box and instep—thanks in part to a clever three-position adjustable tongue. Still, the its pod closes down firmly around the foot. The furnished Velcro pads stick to the liner to customize fit for the slight-footed.

On the Hill

Received the top overall score in the category combining excellent comfort, convenience and build quality scores with outstanding on-hill performance marks. These boots not only look great with believable, attractive gold accents on a black canvas, they also whip off the tightest of turns. Power and force management are tops thanks to nicely contoured cuff that hold the leg well and very quick lateral edging capabilities.

Be Aware of: Low volume fit. Otherwise, not much else.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: Slippery material on spine of liner interior eases entry but tongue can hang up on shell.

EASE OF ADJUSTMENTS: Dual cuff and two-position flex adjuster require Allen key but are easily adapted.

EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Velcro fit pads on liner yield extra comfort and control.

LINER:Velcro pads fit system helps customize fit. Comfortable, low profile.

CLOSURE SYSTEM: Inverted overlap impressively secures fit. Buckles are first rate

LATERAL QUICKNESS: Near best in class. Resilient. Rebounds well from turn to turn.

REAR SUPPORT: Good geometry. Contours leg well and provides good balance.

FORWARD FLEX: Starts steady with several degrees of unencumbered motion and grades up to firmer resistance.

STEERING POWER: Inverted overlap gives this boot great precision and control.

DYNAMIC COMFORT: Good, not great. Several testers noted hot spots.

Salomon Course

$695

It wasn't too many years ago that Salomon boots were invisible in world-class ski racing. Now, coming off a duffle bag of medals at the 2002 Olympics, the Course is a well-respected race boot that is emblematic of Salomon's excellent build-quality and design refinement. With its unique see-through cherry red shell, the Course is not only one of the most attractive boots in its class but it is meets the company's standard for clever features without being too gimmicky. The cuff and lower are linked for quick response in what Salomon borrows auto-speak and calls a uni-body chassis. Layers of custom-moldable foam are utilized throughout the liner and tongue. The 3D buckle effectively customizes instep wrap in seconds without professional assistance.

On the Hill

This is another excellent off-the-shelf boot from the Salomon stable that keeps turning our winners. It is adaptable to many foot shapes and performs extremely well when pushed to its limit—and above. “Rip into the hill with confidence,” said one tester. “The boot will stay with you turn for turn.” Providing a rare combination of comfort and performance, it even walks well, a real rarity for a race boots.

Be aware of: Tall cuff may be uncomfortable for short skiers and those with low calf muscle structure.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: About average. Pull apart shell flanges for easier entry and exit.

EASE OF ADJUSTMENTS: Cuff and flex adaptation requires Allen wrench.

EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Stepped dual cuff angle adjuster offers four distinct positions with good range.

LINER: Well-shaped but not bulky. Fits snug around heel and ankle.

CLOSURE SYSTEM: Buckles rich and refined. 3D instep buckle adjustment nicely tailors wrap angle.

LATERAL QUICKNESS: Accelerates and responds to minute interactions. Primary input comes from tall cuff, less from lower.

REAR SUPPORT: Very good but tall on calf. Short skiers take note.

FORWARD FLEX: Stiff. Push firmly on the shin and the ski's shovel loads nicely.

STEERING POWER: Quick and predictable yet refined. Like squiring a Mercedes SLK around a twisty mountain road.

DYNAMIC COMFORT: Foot is snug and uniformly contained. Hot spots rare.

Tecnica Icon XT Race

$675

While Tecnica customarily loads its street legal boots with a wealth of worthy features, the Icon XT is an unabashed, stripped-down race machine. A low volume fit with a solid monoblock shell and thin race liner, it provides precision and powerful performance. The buckles are bullet-proof and spin with easy but that's it for adjustments (unless you count the two-position cuff adjuster). If you want to customize the boot (and you probably will) you'll need to see a good boot fitter.

On the Hill

A state-of-the-art race boot that delivers turn after turn with precision and good comfort for a race boot. Solid, tight and great at turbo speeds. It gets better the more aggressive you ski it. “I'm sold,” said one tester. “These boots feel like they are connected directly to my skis.” It will slay the gates but don't expect mountain touring versatility. The XT Race scored tops in the category for lateral quickness and was the No. 1 favorite of our men testers (our women were pretty stoked as well).

Be aware of: Cuff pinching when you're unloading.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: More than a few testers reported being “bit” upon exit.

EASE OF ADJUSTMENTS: Buckles are refined and effective. Spoiler slips in and out easily. Power strap beefy with rugged metal feed end.

EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Top two buckles lack macro feature so high/low volume calves may have fit issues.

LINER: Nubs on outside keep liner quiet in shell.

CLOSURE SYSTEM: Wraps solidly and securely. Holds foot snuggly.

LATERAL QUICKNESS: Tops in category among men. Moves like a fly avoiding a swatter.

REAR SUPPORT: Sturdy and burly but predictable. Will not throw you off your game. Will not fold under pressure.

FORWARD FLEX: Smooth, even and uncompromising. Requires strong effort when shell gets cold. Smaller women must be strong to move this one around.

STEERING POWER: The more you flex, the more steering power you wring from the boot. Magical control and maneuverability. Very responsive to foot steering. Relatively low cuff allows for good shock absorption.

DYNAMIC COMFORT: Pressure points were non-existent for most testers. Small number of discomfort reports centered around ankle, instep and forefoot.

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