other categories: plug | consumer race/expert | moving up | cruising | out for fun
All-Mountain
These boots are capable of taming the entire mountain — no matter what side of the rope you turn on. They trade a bit of hard-snow precision for off-piste terrain-management skills and all-day comfort. They can flap the flags if you push them, but their quick wits are more likely to come into play managing tight aspens, steeps, variable snow and whatever today’s adventure brings. They have increased comfort-management skills for traversing or hiking to choice terrain and landing big air — in steep chutes or in the park. This was, by far, our most competitive category. In a moment of Emeril-like brilliance — Bam! — all the manufacturers seem to have taken one step forward. There truly wasn’t a bad-performing boot in the group.
Atomic Tri-Tech T11 $629
Review
This boot drops the Race appellation but is identical to the T 11 Race (see Race/All-Mtn. Expert)
with one significant change: the sole stabilizer trades the rigid carbon for a softer, ridged plastic Grip platform. That makes for greater surety when walking on slippery surfaces and during off-piste terrain access but sacrifices some crispness underfoot.
On The Hill
A solid performer that flies under the radar. It has a slightly springy flex that is progressive and controllable even when pushed at speed. The forward lean is aggressive and takes some adjustment time but the low cuff height minimizes strength required to initiate turns. Tall skiers may feel like they are wearing anklet socks. Highly tailored shell (tight toe box, low on navicular) is reminiscent of Atomic plug and may be too tight in spots for many without shell work.
Beware
The liner fits well but its fabric seems to impede ingress somewhat.
Dalbello Z-Tech Supersport $495
Key Features
Has four buckles, all other Zeons have three.
Dynalink System is instep buckle activated band that also secures heel.
Flex Adjuster. Hard/soft on spine.
Ramp angle inclinator with allen key adjuster under heel.
Screw Rivet buckles with hinged ends for easier release.
TRUFIT (Thermo Reactive Ulteva Foam Impulse Technology) custom liner. Trufit liners now with ceramic particle impregnated EVA foam that stores radiant heat longer than conventional foams and can be pre-heated before use. Said to be warmer and hold heat longer.Review
Boomers may fondly remember the Super Sport name as one that ruled the Chevrolet muscle car garage during the Sixties. With Glen Plake on board as its “spokeskier” the Supersport hopes to achieve similar cachet. The three-piece design (shell/cuff/external tongue) makes for easy in and out and the Supersport’s four-buckles provide certain closure. All Z-Techs have a more upright stance and shell geometry that provides precise power during edge transfers. TRUFIT custom liner has ceramic particle-impregnated EVA foam that stores radiant heat longer than conventional foams and can be pre-heated before use for greater on-hill warmth.
On The Hill
Lightweight and steady with a generous volume fit. Big foot skiers will like this one. The revamped stance angles provide for positive carving and quick edge switches. All the plastic interfaces over the instep, though, tend to rob it of some smoothness. Some testers were turned off by all the adjustments and gizmos (flex, ramp angle, forward lean wedges) but others felt that with a time investment they all pay off handsomely.
Beware
Rearward cuff movement reduces control at end of turns.
DolomiteRage X10 TFF (Flex index 110) $625
Softer than Pro with slightly more generous last.
Key Features
Total Form Fit liner. Has custom moldable materials in lower from FF to FF and new this year in tongue.
In2fit is shell flap design that is said to ease entry without sacrificing performance. Not on Pro.
Fischer F 8000 $525
Similar to above but with declines in innerboot and softer flex.
Head S12 (Flex index 93/83) $675
Key Features
S Frame. Clever stab at building boot with varying shell last. New S Frame boots have removable inner shell chassis that wrap forefoot and instep and bolt to sole. Two variants turn width from 103mm without to 100mm with frame inserted. S Line has four models. Women’s version S frame specifically lasted for ladies fit. S Frame is grindable for fine tuning fit. Works much better than padding to accommodate narrow foot.
Flex adjustment the old fashioned way. Remove screws from the spine.
Adjustable/removal front spoiler
Dual Cant
Adjustable rear spoiler
New Race Double Power flip-out buckles.
Liner with numerous reinforcements, asymmetrical ankle frame, heel stay insertion pockets, stretch neoprene toe.Review
Looks aren’t everything—in fact, they’re usually nothing—when it comes to ski boots but this one just has the appearance of a winner. Its two-tone grey exterior with copper-accented buckle barrels just smacks of understated Mercedes-Benz-like quality. And it delivers. It is loaded with quality materials and useful features including the Bootie Award winning Full Custom Frame chassis that reduces shell width dramatically when the bobsled-looking insert is plugged in. A new version of the acclaimed Race Double Power flip-out buckles boosts leverage and makes closure a snap even with the bail set on maximum throw. That’s quite a feat. Other features include: Flex adjustment (by removing screws from the spine), adjustable/removal front spoiler, dual cant and adjustable rear spoiler. The liner is teched-up with numerous reinforcements, an asymmetrical ankle frame and neoprene stretch toe box.
On The Hill
You’ll never question whether it’s your skills or gear that needs improvement when you ski the S12. It compensates for mistakes and turbo-boosts command and confidence. It is exceptionally well balanced with a progressive, smooth flex that engages with just the right amount of resistance. The adjustments all work effectively to tailor the fit and function to individual needs.
Beware
The liner’s girdle-like fit mostly hugs in all the right places and none of the wrong ones but some trimming of the support cradles may be necessary around the ankle and the heel.
Lange Comp FR 120 /Comp 120 $750/$725
Key Features
Uses bi-injection shell instead of monoblock of 130.
Loop Grip ladder on buckles that rotates to provide greater adjustment range and instep customization.
Higher profile buckles than 130.
Difference in last between Low and Medium widths.Review
We tested both of these zygote split models to play with. The FR (Freeride) series is kin to the Comp but with styling and coloration to appeal to free-spirited target market. The FR has a lower cuff and shock absorbing sole in the zeppa. Comp is available in both medium and low volume shell lasts; FR comes medium only. Unlike the monster Comp 130, they both use a bi-injected shell instead of monoblock construction for easier flex and more skier friendly entry/exit. A Loop Grip ladder on instep buckle rotates to provide greater adjustment range and customization. Cantable soles are the best on the market.
On The Hill
Like most Langes, these boots initially feel like you are strapping on a straightjacket. But heat up the Custom Air Concept liners and it seems to melt around the foot to provide super-sensitive steering power. That means you’ll have to take a leap of faith not to upsize. A competent boot fitter is a must here. Overall both the Comp and FR are more forgiving and playful than Lange’s past but cling to the snow like spring-time pollen. A caveat: Heel height and forward lean combined to whack out some the stance of some testers. Canting difficult to set and not terribly effective. Attractive “crab claw” look buckles have double-hinged lowers, twin-position uppers. Boots were so close in feel that if you like the FR cosmetics, save yourself $25.
Beware
For some inexplicable reason rear spoiler is permanently attached to liner. If you don’t need, it must be ground off. A real pain.
Nordica Speedmachine (Flex index 130/120) $725
Beast 12 Women (Flex index 90/80) $649
Key Features
Two-position flex adjuster
Booster Velcro Strap
Speed lace liner with max closure over instep not, lower leg.
Twin cuff alignment
Adjustable rear spoiler
HP Slide easy entry technology
New Servolock leverage boosting buckles with “lift up” feature that prevents inadvertent re-closure when opened.Review
Nordica has taken great strides in recent seasons to reclaim its perch a top the ski boot world after years of slippage. Its Wave series has been instrumental in that rise. The collection now sports a new name, Beast (attributed equally to a legal tussle with Salomon over the rights to the Wave name and the wild success of the Beast model within), it continues to thrive. The Speedmachine is the collection’s new headliner. It features a unique speed-lace liner and new buckles with “lift up” feature that prevents inadvertent re-closure when opened. It also has goodies such as two-position flex adjuster, elasticized Booster Velcro strap, twin cuff alignment, adjustable rear spoiler and a panel of slick material on the liner spine for easier entry. The Beast 12 is the top women’s specific model with a lower cuff and more insulation in liner.
On The Hill
Miguel Azarcate, one of our hardest charging testers paid this boot his ultimate compliment: “I would take this on vacation. You can comfortably ski it for eight hours and still get tons of performance.” Enters turns with pinpoint precision and finishes them cleanly with wonderful ability to absorb shock on rutty terrain. It’s also has tremendous capacity to fit a variety of foot shapes thanks to a bunch of well-conceived fit options and a chameleon last.
Beware
Lace-up liner snugged superbly but questions abound about durability of laces.
Rossignol Elite Bandit 1 (Flex index 95/85) $669
Key Features
Similar to above but softer.
Uses Active Soft Sole (for better impact and vibration absorption).
No double lever buckles,
Custom Air Fit in FF to heel wrap only.
Thinner power strap.
Only three easy-close leverage buckles.Review
Rossignol has scrapped its venerable Inverted Overlap concept and Race line and started this year with a fresh sheet of paper. Unfortunately, by test time many of its models were still undergoing running changes. The Bandit was closest to ‘final final’ and the only one to earn a Best Buy. Uniquely, the boot uses a ‘flow through’ sole that is bonded to both inside of shell and exposed lower. The Bandit has a softer version than the Pro models for better impact and vibration absorption. The instep is crafted from a softer material adapted from Rossi’s Soft line. The liner uses the new multi-layer nylon material Custom Air Fit that is shares with sister company Lange.
On The Hill
Responsive with good steering power. Moves quickly side to side with little effort and strong power. Bigger and heavier individuals with like the flex and the fit, especially the toe box and ‘barrel’ cuff (a big change from Rossi boots past). Liner provides excellent customization to foot. Very voluminous up front fit. Will be a good choice for those with wider feet but many testers had difficulty securing fit in shell.
Beware
Flex resistance Activators still ‘under construction.’ Didn’t contact with shell in our test samples.
Salomon X-Wave 10 Scream (Flex index 110) $675
X Wave 9.0 Women (Flex index 90) $625
Key Features
Adjustable 3D instep buckle
Custom fit liner
Bi-material cuff with lateral insert for improved power transmission.
Review
When we give testers “pick-‘em” time, the buzz around the Salomon rack is palpable. That popularity made this combo entry the most-tested in our fleet. More importantly, its 17 tester scores bottomed at the “very good” level. The 10.0 is new and comes in both regular and freeride Crossmax cosmetics. The top women’s boot in the X-Wave series is 9.0 so we tapped that for our female testers. Both have a slick bi-material liner cuff with lateral supports that do wonders to facilitate power transfer. The adjustable 3-D instep buckle (a former Bootie Award winner) does excellent job of personalizing fit. The women’s 9.0 is nearly 20% softer flexing and has polar fleece in liner for warmth, an adjustable spoiler and an easy-in sliding band on liner. It lacks the 10.0’s vibration absorption sole. All Salomon women’s specific boots have snugger heel pocket, anatomic cuffs on shell and lasted liners.
On The Hill
10.0 is awesome package of all-day comfort, effective personalization features and superior performance. It has the twitchability to zap through tight lies when pushed but with enough flex to handle rougher off-piste junk. Still, its thoroughbred instincts always lurk near the surface and demand to be satiated. Women liked fit of 9.0 better but those that skied both noted 10.0’s feels decidedly stronger, racier and responsive than ultra-smooth but still quick 9.0. Except for snugness at the top of the instep/midfoot, dynamic comfort is flawless.
Beware
Forcing cuff adjusters. We broke a number of the stopper nubs on the washers.
Tecnica Diablo Fire $675
Review
By Beelzebub, we can’t decide if the naming of this new collection is devilishly clever or overly puny (like us). It will likely be panned in the book-banning belt but we think it’s a satanically good deal from Tecnica. Somewhat softer flexing than the Magnesium (see Race/All-Mountain Expert), the only other difference is use of aluminum instead of magnesium buckles (you could buy 50 lbs. of the stuff with the $100 you save). It retains most of the same great features including Rapid Access cuff, Dual Pivot cuff alignment and a state-of-the-art liner with self-molding foam at the ankles, a defined heel frame for greater security and Lycra on interior spine of liner for easy slide in and out. Available with Hot Form custom liner for $85 premium.
On The Hill
Over the ice and through the crud to grandmother’s house we go. (Our granny has a slope side condo.) And along the way we’re saving dough. All except the biggest and strongest skiers can pass on the Magnesium and be thoroughly happy with Flame. It has an energizing, snug fit with tons of strength to jam in all conditions. It shoves you back in the driver’s seat when you make a mistake and let’s you start over without penalty. All the dimensional changes and new features work in harmony to truly elevate ability to work uphill ski (something Phil and Steve Mahre extol as a key to their World Cup success in the Eighties). Nicely lasted with lots of room in the toe box without being too wide. Liner hangs up on shell when taken out and can get damage sole if not careful. Attractive hardware, very rugged appearance.
Beware
Downsize, downsize, downsize. They run big for marked length. Deep throat cut-away opens wide to accept pain-free foot penetration.
