other categories: plug | consumer race/expert | all mountain | cruising | out for fun
Moving Up
These boots are for skiers who perhaps don’t ski as much or as well as they’d like to, but who continue to work hard at getting better. If you peek over the edge at the top of black runs and dive in when conditions look sweet, check out these models. You’ll find they have the guts to stay on-target during a ramble around the lift-served in all but the most difficult snow conditions. They offer a wide range of adjustability with ‘relaxed fit’ comfort that won’t leave your feet screaming for relief by 3 p.m.
Atomic Tri-Tech T9/W $399/$349
Highest women’s specific model in Atomic line. Women’s
version has aluminized foil layer to increase warmth in boots not known
for warmth.
Bi-Tech B9 $459
Uses better plastic (polyester) with World Cup buckles. B9 has identical
under the skin red/white race cosmetic version called the Bio.
Dalbello Avanti V-9 $450
This detuned version of the V-Tech is another good Dalbello value
loaded with worthwhile features. The liner uses a ceramic particle
impregnated EVA foam that stores radiant heat longer than conventional foams and can be pre-heated before use for a toasty feeling before skiing. The liner is also pre-wired to accept Therm-ic pre-wired battery packs. Only V series boot with women’s specific liner. No PowerAmp spoiler, removable cuff or quick-change buckles.
On The Hill
Just perfect for groovin’ on a Sunday afternoon. Move smooth and steady and they will take you where you desire. Just don’t whip them too hard or they will fall off task. All the adjustments accomplished their assigned tasks and the all-metal micro-adjustable buckles with outlast the chassis. Easy in and out will make you the first skiers read to go.
Beware
Low rise can punish even those with moderate height insteps and arches.
DolomiteRage 8 TFF (Flex index 110) $625
Review
Slightly softer than X10, same last as X10.
The Rage X10 just missed earning Best Buy status in the All-Mountain group but the slightly softer X8 clicked with our testers. It has Rage signature features like the TFF (Total Form Fit) custom liner, double tongue, torsion rods in the sole and instep flaps that facilitate easy entry and exit. The all aluminum micro-adjust buckles are solid but lack the dual hinge features of upper models.
On The Hill
Our men were more enthusiastic that our gals, probably due to the meaty dogs it takes to fit snuggly in this house. They found the X8 surprisingly quick and adequately stout. “It seems like a mid-level cruiser,” said one guy, “but quickly got my attention by playing in tougher terrain when adventure called.” It provides excellent aft support and holds the heel solidly for strong power transfer. Our ladies were less enthusiastic about the twin tongue concept. They felt it makes the boot difficult to get in and out of and pressured their calves excessively.
Beware
Stiff sole makes liner difficult to plug back in when removed for drying.
Key Features
Loses double lever buckles, single cuff alignment.
Head S8 (Flex index 76/66) $575
Similar to S12 but detuned. Loses extra leverage buckles, fewer reinforcements on liner. More customer friendly flex adjuster.
Key Features
Two-position flex adjustable with Allen key in block in channel.
Review
Narrow foot? Wide foot? It doesn’t matter anymore with Head’s new Full Custom Frame insert that adapts shell width to match the foot. Commendably, the option is available even in this third tier model of the new S line. Women will appreciated the Frame that’s specifically lasted for a female foot. The S8 is similar to Best Buy S12 but, of course, softer flexing. It also gives up the fabulous extra-leverage buckle extenders and some liner reinforcements. It does, however, get a more customer-friendly flex adjuster that works without tools.
On The Hill
Exudes quality with great looks, lines and color (even though it liberally borrows its blue canvas from Lange.) Fit (thanks to Frame insert) and finish are superb which makes up for solid if not overly energetic ride. It steers well and is extremely easy to deal with but lacks the pop that comes when turns are perfectly executed. More than one tester called it a “fine family sedan.” Guess that appellation never hurt Toyota’s Camry. It’s a perennial best seller and the S8 is ideal for a comparable skier type.
Beware
Liner is initially firm and takes a while to pack out.
Lange Comp 100/W $595/$565
Key Fetures
Similar to above but softer flexing.
Uses wider last
No Loop Grip ladder on buckle.
Uses thermo foam liner instead of CAC.
Review
Sometimes, less is more. Lange strips the Comp 100 down to the essence of four-buckle overlap design. There are no gimmicks here. Functional attributes are limited to a single cuff alignment adjuster and the availability of the very effective cantable soles. Like the stiffer Comp 120/FR 120, it uses a bi-injected shell for easier flex and skier friendly entry/exit and is built on a wider, last. It also has a conventional thermo foam liner instead of the new CAC technology. The women’s version lacks easy-open lower buckle.
On The Hill
Lange just can’t help itself. No matter how much it tries to take things down a notch, it can’t seem to ever forsake its performance heritage. If you truly want to get better, try these. If you are content to master the blue squares, they may be too much. This boot has a very wide performance band. It chip-chops like a metronome through short turns and tracks on rails through the big arcs. Despite wider last (and that’s relative to Lange’s normal ultra-tight fit) it hugs the foot like Soprano family members before a big sit-down.
Beware
Tough in and out, thin liner with harsh fit.
Nordica GTS 12/W (Flex index 90/80; 80/70) $575
GTS performance oriented sport group slots just below Beast Collection
(formerly Wave). Uses 102mm forefoot last.
Key Features
Flex adjuster (two position)
New Servolock leverage boosting buckles with “lift up” feature that prevents inadvertent re-closure when opened.
Booster Velcro Strap
Twin cuff alignment
Adjustable rear spoiler
Rossignol Elite EXP 1 Men (Flex index 90/80)/EXP 2 women (70/60) $629
Key Features
Similar to EXP Bandit, but softer and without flow-through sole.
Salomon X-Wave 8.0/W (Flex index 85 men’s, 80 women’s) $575
Review
Salomon is the Barry Bonds on ski boot manufacturers, smacking homeruns in every park it visits. The 8.0 was our top performer in this league. It’s another boot without a lot of external do-dads but is packed with plenty of performance and fit attributes. It has a clever bi-material liner cuff with lateral supports that do wonders to facilitate power transfer. The adjustable 3-D instep buckle (a former Technical Achievement Award winner) does an excellent job of personalizing fit. Vibration absorbing soles, a single cuff adjuster and thermomoldable liner complete the package.
On The Hill
This boot sets the bar that all other manufacturers seek to meet. “Salomon engineers must have been really good with Erector Sets as children,” said one tester. “The 8.0’s fit is incomprehensibly universal and all the features are effective and well-designed.” It has a high cuff that stands upright and promotes a natural range of motion. There’s more than enough horsepower to get the job done anywhere in-bounds. Its slipper-like feel makes it great for an all-day, all-mountain experience—from the lodge to the summit.
Beware
Those with athletic calves may get bit on the shin.
Tecnica Diablo Flame $595
Feeling hot, hot, hot? The Flame is the base model and softest flexing of the Diablo
group but it retains most of the attributes of its sires. Key features like the re-designed Rapid Access cuff, Dual Pivot cuff alignment and a state-of-the-art liner are still on-board (but the height-adjustable spoiler disappears). That’s only fair since along with the Lange Comp 100, this is the priciest boot in this category.On The Hill
Flame smokes for a boot in this category. It has a comfortable fit that belies its power and precision. It transmits lateral input quicker than a cable modem. It flexes smoothly and dampens the ripples in rutted terrain. Dual Pivot cuff is magic for alignment in the right hands. Make sure you have a trained boot tech adjust it.
Beware
Difficult inserting and removing liner; heel hangs up when coming out.
