The Tecnica Cochise freeride boot has been through a number of revisions and updates over the years, with nary a backward step, and now Tecnica takes a huge stride forward with a wide-freeride (
The 99 mm Ranger women's freeride line has always been a hit with our test team and this time around was no different. The in-between narrow and medium fit characteristics continue to suit the skier with a lower volume foot and leg who's looking for just a touch more room in a warm, all-day-long boot solution for crossover on-area and skin-required missions. Fischer's 99 mm Ranger pairs with its roomier sibling 101 mm Ranger One to cover the majority of foot and leg shapes looking for performance freeride features.
Testers liked that while the boot remains lightweight, traditional polyurethane is used in both the shell and cuff for stability and reliable edge-driving power which they say is on board without fail in all conditions tested. The boot is somewhat tall on the leg and the cuff is upright in its stance set-up, so while testers liked the progressive flex feel, the geometry plus legit 115 flex level make this a sturdy beast that needs a real skier on board for proper handling on the descent. They also liked the 115's closure cinching power offered by the cam lock style power strap (it morphs to a 35 mm Velcro job on the 105 flex model) but mentioned that the tall and stiff set-up reduced a little bit of quickness (at least for the lighter weight testers) and suggested that the softer model might offer a more supple and quicker feeling set-up for skiers looking for agility over aggro downhill power.
The ultra-stealthy hike mode flip lever remains a test team favorite, and veteran testers are always amused at new testers' confusion when they can't find the actuator (it's a tiny little bugger hiding under the top cuff buckle) that controls the internal cable release. Testers maintain that the range of motion in touring mode is one of the best out there, regardless of category, and the quality of movement is both smooth in rotation and consistent in fit--this fact alone sets the Ranger boots above most others in the All-Mountain Freeride group, especially if a skier is planning to don skins.
The revised Ranger Pro 130 GW Dyn returned to the boot test and impressed our test team with a highly cushioned, warm and comfortable version of its all-mountain hybrid self. Testers loved the smooth entry and the Ranger Performance Liner's soft contact against the foot and leg. The internal cable hike mode release switch remains a test team favorite for its stealthy, sneaky design (it hides beneath the top cuff buckle) but testers like even more the long and smooth cuff range of motion that it allows, combining with tech compatibility and relatively light weight to produce one of the best freeride boots that actually might put a few miles together in a skin track.
Testers found that the 99 mm fit was a little bloated in places, namely over the top of the toes and forefoot and through the instep. This extra amount of vertical space, or ceiling height, offered a dreamy fit for our high arch and high instep testers who got in and buckled without crushing the top of their foot. The combination of snug heel and ankle with a spacious instep fit is a rare one in the narrowish lasts, and testers mentioned that skiers fitting that bill should keep this high on their short list. Our lower volume testers found that the uncharacteristic instep room reduced the boot's heel retention and they mentioned some movement back and forth inside the boot during fore and aft movements.
The Ranger Pro 130 GW Dyn is deceptively strong in side to side movements, testers agreed, noting that edge engagement was predictable, strong and quick. They also agreed that the flex felt a little softer than billed at 130, and several mentioned that while the boot came without the rear spoiler installed, they preferred it in to slightly tip the stance more forward and take up the extra space in the cuff. This was for our slender to average leg shape folks--the thicker the calf and leg, the more perfect the Ranger Pro was in its stock set-up.
As with all things slightly outside the box, the Ranger Pro 130's plum color way ignited some passions--some hated it, while the majority of testers said it was cool. They all like the fat Phatt Max power strap for its, well, fatness, and for its cam buckle lock on the leg. GripWalk soles combine with the boot's light-enough weight, long touring stride and tech compatibility to keep this one at the top of the heap for true uphill mobility in the form of a proper descender.
Much like the Dalbello Chakra AX's many layers of liner, shell, cuff and buckle overlaps, testers found many layers of elements and features to peel back, discover and unlock its all-mountain and hike-to capabilities. Also like getting the Chakra AX on the foot and buckled up, testers took their time in getting to know this boot and its ins and outs.
The medium width fit with a particularly comfortable yet snug hold on the heel and ankles was the first hit for testers, who liked the anatomical shape that suited the average foot, leg and calf quite well. They cited a bit of extra room over the top of the foot and through the instep, which they appreciated for skiers with a thick or bony fit issue there--in conjunction with the open throat cabrio lower this offered a potentially good solution for the blood flow and cold foot challenged, testers mentioned. Testers liked the tall and upright cuff, which helped balance out the slightly soft flex at 95, creating a good starting point for a centered stance and a little extra room for a thicker calf. They also liked the cushioned liner feel against the foot and leg, citing that it was one of the most comfortable fits of the category.
Testers found no surprises during on-snow descent tests--they loved the smooth entry into turns and stable control the Chakra provided through each arc, regardless of speed or snow surface. They commented that balance and power were more than adequate for the category but gave the boot higher quickness scores for its lightweight package and accurate guidance of the ski in tight spots and tighter radius turns.
The test team wasn't blown away by the touring range of motion or ease of use of the walk mode switch but neither did they have any real problems with it. The Chakra struck our testers as a more area-based adventurer that would handle short forays off the beaten path before returning for another chair ride to send a ripper to the bottom. They liked that the cuff was a lighter weight material, but they liked more that the lower shell was traditional, stable polyurethane. They liked the addition of GripWalk soles to this year's version of the AX and they said the simple 40mm Velcro power strap worked just fine.
While testers were a little confused about where the new Krypton AX T.I. sat in Dalbello's line (more like a Lupo AX than a Krypton, testers mused) they liked it all the same! Essentially, Dalbello took a good boot and made it better by adding GripWalk soles and a hike mode--and really, testers had no issue with any hike mode related performance deficit. So, chalk up this new iteration of a boot we've seen glimmers of in the past as a win!
Testers unanimously commented on the boot's comfort factor, which was high in all respects and fit zones. Part of the comfort was due to the soft-against-the-foot liner construction and part was due to extra room over the top of the foot, from toebox all the way through the instep. This offered a lot of bloodflow and zero nerve impingement on the top of the foot, but testers mentioned that the compliant liner and extra vertical space made for some fore-aft slippin' and slidin' around inside the shell. Testers takeaway wasn't bad, but pointed toward the thicker foot and instep as the perfect match for the ample overhead storage available here. Testers were also in agreement that the stance set-up was on the upright side of things, which worked great for longer legged and thicker calf testers but some of our shorter guys and chicken-legged struggled to move the cuff into a slightly more forward attitude.
The Krypton AX T.I. handled itself well in all conditions, transferring accurate movements to ski on hard and soft surfaces alike and it was not bothered by chaotic crud--though it was a dream to ski in smooth, untracked pow, testers said. While some testers felt lacking in overall connection around their feet, many mentioned that the heel pocket controlled the rearfoot well for maintaining some crisp control over things regardless of the pillow fight going on up in the forward cabin.
Closure was classic Dalbello cabrio, and as such some testers complained about the various straps and overlaps, but all agreed that the containment offered by three buckles and its 40mm power strap was adequate and would be even better with some added foot and instep flesh. Testers noted that the hike mode switch was easy to deal with and the range of motion rearward was good, while the forward range was a bit limited, reminding that the Lupo AX's fully removable tongue offers increased touring range of movement for skiers looking for a little more off from an on-off-area boot than they might find here with the more descent-centric Krypton AX.
The Gist
Our test team's long wait for a successor to the QST line has come to a welcome end with the arrival of the new Shift Pro family--with a bootified take on the exceedingly popular Shift binding, the Shift Pro 130 AT sits at the top of the heap as a legit Freeride assault vehicle. Built off the tester-favored S/Pro medium width lower shell, the Shift Pro returns to a lightweight four-buckle overlap platform and combines a polyamide lower shell and Xecarb (carbon and glass hybrid) composite Coreframe insert with a polyolefin cuff to create a crisp, transmissive boot. Testers said it's just padded enough by its pre-shaped and seamless liner to be comfy without bulk.
The Fit
Testers say that the list of fit improvements over the QST is long--a more true medium width fit overall is the takeaway, with a broader fit along the lateral side of the foot and a taller fit through the instep, which along with more compliant material there made for much better entry and exit. The Shift Pro is light on the foot, thanks to thin shell wall construction with polyamide and polyolefin plastics. The flex feel is firm against the shin but progressive, testers report, and they liked the overall fit when the cuff was released as well. The fit over the top of the foot is even and open enough for good circulation by way of the My Custom Fit 3D seamless liner.
Performance
The testers who were able to get the Shift Pro 130 on snow this year said that the lower boot feel is damp and stable, a la the S/Pro medium width alpine boot it's modeled after and the cuff's snappy flex feel made for agile transitions turn to turn without feeling jittery.
Cool Features
The Surelock cuff release mechanism remains a tester favorite and the touring range of motion it enables in addition to the rolling stride of GripWalk soles and light weight make this a real contender for more extended off-area missions. Testers like the 45mm Sense Claw cam buckle power strap on the 130--Velcro power straps are found on the other Shift Pro boots in the line.
The Gist
Testers love Salomon's shift to a four buckle overlap design in the new Shift Pro 110 W AT freerider. They liked the new, easy slide on and off and particularly got on board the newfound room over the instep and along the lateral side of the forefoot, a la the S/Pro lower mold that it's based off. Testers approve of the stability and snap of the polyurethane and fiberglass Coreframe lower paired with a light and reactive polyolefin cuff which fits closely along the lower leg and is still rigidly connected to the lower with the tried and true Surelock cuff release mechanism.
The Fit
Testers say that the list of fit improvements over its predecessor QST is long--now a more true medium width fit overall, testers say, with a broad fit along the lateral side of the foot and a taller fit through the instep, which along with more compliant material there made for much better entry and exit. The Shift Pro Ws are light on the foot, thanks to thin shell wall construction with polyurethane and polyolefin plastics. The flex feel is firm against the shin but progressive, testers report, and they liked the overall fit when the cuff was released as well. The fit over the top of the foot is even and open enough for good circulation by way of the My Custom Fit 3D seamless liner.
Performance
The testers who were able to get the Shift Pro 110 W on snow this year said that the lower boot feel is damp and stable, by way of the S/Pro medium width alpine boot it's modeled after and that the cuff's snappy flex feel made for agile transitions turn to turn without feeling jittery.
Cool Features
The Surelock cuff release mechanism remains a tester favorite and the touring range of motion it enables in addition to the rolling stride of GripWalk soles and light weight make this a real contender for more extended off-area missions. Testers like the simple 45mm Velcro power strap on the 110 W.
The Gist
The R3W 105 TI I.R. enters the fray for next year with an updated graphic and a tongue-style Intuition-Roxa full thermo liner to remain our test team’s favorite three-piece freeride boot. It's a svelte 99 mm three-piece (cabrio), contouring closely along the curves of the foot and lower leg and minimally padded by the custom liner to maintain a direct, connected feel with the ski. The Grilamid shell and Polyurethane cuff combine for a unique blend of light weight and strong flex feel. The hike mode's range of travel is impressive and GripWalk soles add to its easy rolling stride, testers said.
The Fit
Testers say this 99 mm rides the fit fence between the medium width and narrow groups. The toebox is snug, and the shell feels very close to the navicular and ankle bones—most testers had a full liner molding on their to-do lists. The heel pocket is a bit tight, they say, but right. The calf offers a bit of relief from the squeeze, so average legs attached to slender feet will do well here. Testers noted a sharp feeling tongue against the shin, and again were hopeful that cooking and molding the tongue-style I.R. liner would put that to bed.
Performance
Uncharacteristic of most three-piece boots, testers said the flex feel is stout (stiffer than the 105 labeling) and because it starts from an upright position it required some push to find a fore-aft sweet spot. Testers liked the power that the solid cuff generated in lateral moves and said it tipped all manner of skis onto edge and held them there well. The boot's performance sweet spot is in the lateral moves, testers agreed, allowing the stiff, thin-shell-walled lower boot to feel the snow surface and sink its teeth in. Transitions between turns were lively and quick and edging response was immediate, testers said.
Cool Features
Testers like the collection of gadgetry here. The power strap buckle is wide and easily dialed in for tension. The 45-degree second buckle retains the foot at the instep effectively. The ski-hike cuff lock is simple to actuate, and in conjunction with a long and friction-free range of travel in hike mode, they liked the easy roll of the GripWalk soles when walking. Note that the R3W 105 TI I.R. is tech compatible, and that if a skier plans to use them with alpine bindings, be sure those are GripWalk compatible--a set of alpine DIN soles does come in the box.
The Dual Core Grilamid shell Alltrack Elite 130 LT was the highest scoring narrow hike mode boot and the third-highest scoring hike mode boot, regardless of width, the last time we tested it. So, it's good. And it's back again unchanged except for a new, sandy cosmetic. How was it so good? Testers liked that it shaved the weight without losing its boot-ness. It still fits and skis like a Rossi (meaning anatomically contoured, strong and quick) just a lightweight one, they said. The Dual Core polyolefin HD cuff is light but snappy, testers said, claiming it remains tall and strong against the leg for solid charging through variable, manky piles on big, fat skis to punch well above its weight class.
Testers said the fit was best described as a roomy narrow in the toebox and forefoot and a narrow the way they expect a narrow to fit from there on back, with a little extra shape at the top of the cuff to contour around the calf muscle. The Alltrack Elite 130 LT's score for Anatomical Fit & Initial Feel was the highest in the entire On-Off Area group. Testers noticed a rapid break-in of the liner to the foot upon skiing and the tightest spots relaxed just enough to forego immediate calls for a bootfitter. Easy on and off with neutral stance angles was the call, with some testers noting a slightly more upright fore-aft position without the spoiler installed (it comes loose, in the box) and others citing a slightly more forward position with it in—so we guess that's about where it should be, then. As with other Rossignol boots, testers found the length fit generous--which isn't a bad thing for a boot with hiking and touring intentions.
Testers issued zero demerits for the use of Grilamid in the shell and cuff—there were no comments about a lack of power, stability or dampness. There were, however, comments about quickness edge to edge and rapid reaction to foot steering movements. The lighter weight of the boot (1660 grams) was very apparent to testers, who approved once they got confirmation that it could ski. A couple testers thought the lateral stance angles were a touch under-edged making for a steery schmeary ride until the skis were rolled up a little steeper, where the power became evident, but the majority felt the edge power was on tap from the get-go. Testers agreed that the LT cuff's touring range of motion is much improved over the other Alltracks, but still not as good as a few others in the category.
Dual Core plastic injection is a shared technology with Lange. Testers appreciated the performance and fit enhancements that derive from this new process at last year's test when the Dual Core Lange's blew their own predecessors out of the water. We don't have the benefit of non Dual Core Grilamid Alltracks to try in head-to-head tests, but our test team is confident that Dual Core is for real, and now it's available in light, stiff Grilamid as well. Bravo Rossignol. Testers like the simple and straightforward features kit: power strap, upper cuff adjustment, Velcro spoiler, Grip Walk soles (separately), Dynafit certified tech fittings, four light weight buckles.
The Gist
The all-new Strider Elite 130 Dyn takes the tester-favored Strider Pro 130 and squeezes it into a lighter weight package via a new liner and buckle (thank you!) design this year. Unchanged is its snug-medium fit character and cork-clad liner heel and ankle pockets that grip the rearfoot fit for hard-charging lines. Testers again put the Strider in the “real-boot” sub-category among Freeride boots, meaning it won’t disappoint serious skiers on the descent and it offers an adequate and user-friendly set of uphill skills. Testers are impressed with the rare combination of light weight and a damp, stable feel engineered by the Grilamid shell and carbon-Triax cuff.
The Fit
Testers agree that the Strider Elite 130 Dyn sits just on the snug side of the medium-fit center line, with a much-improved fit this year in the ankle pockets and heel by way of the revised liner. The aggressive ankle fit is now relaxed and while it still remains snug it's better shaped and more cushioned. The flex-feel is firm but on target for a 130, they said, with just enough cushion for the shin. The Laced 3D Cork Fit Primaloft Lite liner is articulated for touring and is light weight, but still manages to both cushion and control the foot. The Tri-Force design Grilamid lower shell can be custom fitted with Nordica's Infrared molding system, but there weren't many testers calling for it, as liner molding took care of most of their fit needs easily. Testers have always loved the closure of the Strider, but they are ecstatic this year for the revised buckle design (it's a regular buckle, sweet!).
Performance
One tester said last year of the Strider Pro, form has high-fived function here, and the rest of the crew agreed--things haven't changed there. Testers were surprised by the Strider Elite 130's power-to-weight ratio as the thin-shell-wall Grilamid lower boot and carbon reinforced Triax cuff teamed up to produce a noticeably lightweight boot that pumped out remarkably strong and quick turns. It didn't take many of those turns for a tester to forget it wasn't his own daily driver and go start looking for fresh lines. The hike mode got pretty decent marks for mobility range and quality of movement—one of the best of the alpine-strong tourers for sure, testers agreed. The wire-bale cuff release actuation was simple and effective, they said, though took a little practice to get latched initially.
Cool Features
The lightweight, Spartan 45 mm Velcro power strap was a favorite—no silly pulley-buckle B.S. here, thank you Nordica. The Strider Pro's wire-loop-hooky-bale buckles that were disdained by some and loved by others are gone, gone, gone here, and nobody's gonna complain about that. The combination of Dynafit certified tech inserts and GripWalk soles made this boot viable in a variety of different bindings: low-tech, alpine GripWalk, or A.T. frame, and testers appreciated that versatility (as will retailers). Testers are still divided on the boot name's coolness, since it sounds an awful lot like an elliptical trainer found on the Home Shopping Network—but hey, you can get exercise with this one too, and with way better views.
The Gist
Coming from a group of serious skiers, when they said this was a serious performer, well, we took them seriously! Last year it got nearly perfect scores for its edge power and stability and also for its quickness and feel for the snow, the Strider 115 W Dyn will not disappoint rippers looking to dominate demanding pitches on big skis--it was testers' favorite medium width freerider. This year it has a new graphic but still sits on the narrow side of the medium group, the liner’s aggressive heel and ankle fit relaxed with wear time but testers recommend a liner cook.
The Fit
The women might not know it, but their fit impressions of the Strider mirrored that of the men—an ultra contoured match to the foot and the leg, just on the snug side of the medium width middle-ground. The cork-clad exterior of the Precision Fit W Primaloft liner provides a bulwark of solid, yet moldable material that cradles the curves of the rearfoot with a firm pushback that says, performance, testers report. They loved the initial, cushioned, comfy feel on first entry, but they more appreciated the fact that the liner had guts and held the foot well after some serious test runs and a bit of sweat. Lots of comments like: snug, ideal grip, conforming, curvy.
Performance
The Strider 115 W Dyn's edge power score was its highest (and one of the highest edge power scores of all women's Freeride boots, regardless of width), which backs up what testers were saying—full on Alpine boot power to the edge on any terrain, at any speed. Testers mentioned that the Strider was no slouch for quickness turn to turn, citing its light weight on the foot as a source of fast movements, but they gave the stability and power of the Strider 115 W Dyn the nod as its best characteristic, especially when paired with a highly functional touring range of motion and an easy to use, intuitive cuff release switch.
Cool Features
The Primaloft insulated liner might appeal to the creature-comfort focused, but most of our testers were eyeing the rockered and Michelin rubber soled GripWalk plates that come on the boot and the Dynafit tech fittings for use with lightweight low tech bindings. The Grilamid plastic lower shell is moldable via simply wearing the boot after Infrared heating, though few testers mentioned a need to change the boot's shape beyond basic liner molding. They liked the ease of closure and most testers liked the unique buckle bales and catches—and this year it's white and black with some blue pops, tres trail chic.
The Gist
Our team calls the new XT3 110 W LV the best freeride boot they've ever tested from Lange for it's larger-than-life downhill power (well, it's more robust than the stated 110, they said) combined with newly minted touring range of motion and lighter weight than in the past. It's a roomy forefoot fit for an LV, they said, with a tall fit over the top of the foot but they liked that for some extra warmth and circulation while touring. The classic Lange V-Shaped last remains intact as the rearfoot fit grips the ankles and heel in a more typical low-volume fashion. Testers like the strong flex feel of the 110 but mention that the initial fit is firm against the shin. The XT3's cuff release mechanism works better than previous models and it finally enables real touring range of motion, both forward and back, which testers applauded.
The Fit
Classic low-volume Lange fit for the ankles and heel, as well as up through the cuff, combined with a more relaxed fit in the toebox, forefoot and over the midfoot--testers said this was a great fit map for comfortable ascending and in-control skiing down. Entry and exit wasn't aided by the Dual 3D liner, which has some tacky-feeling fabric that tended to glom onto the sock and crumple-down or even pull out of the shell on exit. Testers hoped that after liner molding it would stay better seated in place. Testers say the shin fit is firm and the flex is solid, feeling stronger than the 110 listing.
Performance
This is where this latest spawn of XT lineage continues to outshine other freeriders--it skis well! Testers say the Dual Core Light polyurethane shell remains damp and stable and the Lyfran polypropylene cuff felt snappy and energetic. Downhill performance did not disappoint, but testers weren't surprised about that--they were fairly surprised that the touring mechanism worked as well as it did (no hang-ups) and they loved that the boot toured more like a BC boot than ever before. Best up-down performance yet for Lange.
Cool Features
In addition to its full-thermo Ultralon liner with double pull loops (good), easy to actuate Active Power V-Lock cuff release, rockered GripWalk soles and Dynafit-certified tech fittings, the XT3 110 W LV also sports grippy mid-arch cladding for secure scrambling and boot-packing.
The Gist
Last season, the Mindbender 130 got testers thinking about how comfortable this category has become—its silky, luscious liner had them salivating on the first slide in, and while it received the roomiest fit scores within the narrow group, testers loved the ample room for warm and compression-free touring. The toebox and forefoot offers lots of space in width and height but the fit tapers to a snug grip for the ankles and heel. Great power-to-weight ratio with a trick set of features, testers said. This year it returns with a bold new paint job but otherwise unchanged.
The Fit
While testers agreed that it is not a narrow fit, they liked the way it felt! The room in the toebox and forefoot, both in width and in height, flew a bit in the face of the quite snug heel pocket. Some testers liked this combination and others felt the height over the toes allowed them to shift a bit into the backseat too easily. That said, toes were warm and comfy on the chair or touring! The clamp on the lower leg shaft felt more in line with typical narrow boot grippage, and testers liked the flex feel against the shin. The ease of entry, exit and closure were a hit across the board.
Performance
If testers lacked a little fore-aft security at times, they loved the lateral edge work of the Mindbender 130--crisp and reactive for such a light and comfortable boot, they agreed. Most were surprised at its edge power and simultaneous sensitivity for the snow (due the thin shell well and close feeling connection to the ski). In touring mode the Mindbender has few peers in this category, it's a long-traveling, friction-free affair with decent range both forward and back. The metal to metal Powerlock spine functions as billed for a rigid connection between cuff and lower.
Cool Features
With a full-thermo moldable liner and an oven-cookable shell, the Mindbender offers some pretty easy tools for creating more room, but testers say start with liner molding only as the shell really moves and is easily over-done for added room. The boot comes mounted with GripWalk soles and testers dig the easy releasing Ripcord Power Cinch strap at boot top.
