It would have been hard for our test team to imagine many improvements that needed to be made to the Cochise, but this year’s update provides several that were widely appreciated.
Packed full of all-terrain and hiking features, the Dalbello Lupo AX 105 W continues to impress our test team with its dialed fit, stronger than expected flex feel, light weight and touring goodies. It is also one of only a few tech-binding compatible boots on the market that come in a size 21.5. Testers dig the ease on and off here, after learning how to navigate the weatherproof gusset and cabrio-centric wraps. The fit is evenly medium-width, with a little extra room for the higher instep, and testers love the extended touring range of motion when the external tongue is removed.
Testers agreed that the fit is very evenly distributed—essentially how a medium width should fit—a little extra room in the toebox, a good snug heel pocket and a comfortably uniform grip everywhere else. They said the upper cuff's stance is a little upright and the 105 flex rating is for real, so plenty of fore-aft support on tap for charging, and slightly easier on the shin than with its predecessor 110-flex from two seasons ago.
The downhill power-to-weight ratio here was commendable, according to testers who said it tipped and ripped as well as it drove to the front of the shovel, handling all speeds, all terrain and all turn sizes equally well, with no surprises. The hike mode is unique in that to access the boot's full range of touring motion, the tongue must be removed completely using a simple switch at its connection point. With the tongue out of the way, the comfy fabric gusset keeps moisture out and the boot rolls through a massive range. Yeah, you gotta stow the tongue in your pack, but you probably have one if you're slapping on skins, right?
The Lupo AX utilizes a polyolefin plastic called DB Hyperlite in the lower shell and the tongue but a polyamide composite in the cuff to shave substantial weight without a noticeable reduction of stability. This tech-compatible boot comes with rockered, lugged GripWalk soles for use with compatible bindings.
The Gist
Last year testers liked the then-new Lupo Pro HD for its polyurethane shell’s more damp feel on the snow than the stiffer carbon cuffed Lupo Factory, but appreciated that it didn’t lose any of its quickness or power when it lost $150 off the Factory’s price tag! This year it's no different--except now it's 200-bucks cheaper! They found it easy on and off and loved the touring range of motion when the removable tongue was off, allowing unhindered forward cuff movement, matching its long rearward travel. One tester said it got better with every run and the faster he went.
The Fit
Testers agree that the Lupo Pro HD (and Lupo Factory and Lupo 130 C) fit like a 130-flex narrow boot should, with a firm, performance-minded grip along the foot, especially in the heel and ankles, which this does. It fits slightly long in the toebox--not a bad thing for touring, with a touch of extra room in the forefoot for a 98 mm., testers said. The stance feels on the upright side of ideal, but not by much, but the flex feel and tongue cushioning is firm against the leg, so taller and more aggressive skiers liked the upper cuff fit the most.
Performance
Testers call the stance "very neutral," meaning on the verge of loose, rather than inside edge biased. This worked well with its tall stance for a deep-gouging, slashing style in softer snow. The power reserves were not completely tapped, testers said, but mentioned that for a carvier piste-oriented set-up a simple cuff adjustment is on board and would do the trick.
Cool Features
The touring acumen of the Lupo Pro HD (as with other Lupo's) is not appreciated unless a skier completely removes the exterior plastic tongue using the simple release at its attachment point. The tongue must be stowed in a pack (or carried between one's teeth), but the absence of the tongue makes huge range of hiking and touring range of motion available. The tall waterproof gusset (though a hindrance to entry and exit) keeps you dry while you tour, sans tongue. This boot isn't Grilamid and Carbon, but it skis as well as the Factory for 200-bucks less...that's a cool feature we think.
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
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 agreed that for an all-day-skiing crossover boot that’s at home in-bounds or on short forays into the backcountry skiers will be hard-pressed to do better than the Alltrack Elite 120 W. It forgoes lightweight polyamide plastics, sticking with a tried and true Dual Core polyether shell for damp but snappy control of the ski and shaves a bit of weight with a Dual Core polyolefin cuff. Testers like that it offers tech binding compatibility and mounted GripWalk soles for off-campus missions. A touch softer than 120 and on the roomy edge of narrow, testers gave it the second highest score of the entire test last year, men’s included.
The Fit
Testers agreed that, like many of the Rossis, the Alltrack Elite 120 W runs on the wide side of its width category, but that was more of an observation than a critique. The toebox fit is longer than the category average and roomy in both width and height, which testers liked for comfortable hiking and skinning. There's also more of a "domed" fit over the top of the foot and more room in the instep than average for a narrow, so they mention that this is a good match for high-arched but narrow to average feet. As with other Rossis, the ankle pockets are particularly well contoured and comfortable, yet snug enough for a performance fit, they said. Some of the testers thought the heel pocket was a bit roomier than it should be for a narrow.
Performance
Testers love that it skis like a true to form alpine boot. Some testers thought the polyolefin cuff was a little softer feeling than the 120 billing, but they cited an even and progressive flex feel with a cushioned-enough fit against the shin. Lateral moves were solidly locked onto the edge, they said, and the balance of quickness to power and stability was spot on. Testers all agreed that the cuff release enabled fairly limited range of motion, mainly backward, and suggested that the boot was more geared toward serious descenders spending most of their time in-bounds.
Cool Features
This year the Alltrack Elite 120 W comes mounted with GripWalk soles, which testers liked for amplifying the boot's hikability. It's tech compatible and cosmetically compatible for most testers who liked the Blackberry color and patterned liner cuff.
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
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
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
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
With every new version of Lange's XT freeride boot, our test team has affirmed that it has always been the most real boot like of the category. That remains the same with the newest iteration, the XT3, along with a few improvements. The all-new shell and cuff mold brings a cleaner, more anatomical fit match that's properly padded with a Dual 3D full-thermo Ultralon liner. Testers loved the close-wrapping fit of the XT3 130 LV--tight like a narrow should be, with an open toebox for comfy, warm touring. Testers also said, finally, to the fact that the XT3 actually tours more like a BC boot, now with much-improved cuff range of motion, especially in forward rotation which has never been the XT's strong suit in the past.
The Fit
Testers were pleasantly surprised to find the LV meant what it said--low volume! The fit is evenly close but avoids feeling constrictive and maintains enough height over the midfoot and into the instep to keep blood flowing to the toes. The XT3 130's shell is thin shelled Dual Core polyurethane, making bootfitters' mods super easy and permanent. The cuff is made of Lyftran polypropylene, so not as easily modified but testers didn't find the inside ankle pockets abusive at all, so punches won't be needed there so often. The flex feel is a firm 130, testers agreed, and a few thought the shin fit a bit flat, or bulky against the tibia, though after some wear time this improved and most felt a good liner molding job would eradicate that gripe. Testers had a few complaints about the way the Dual 3D Full Ultralon liner tended to crumple-down upon entry and hang on the heel when exiting--they planned to retest after liner molding and a few considered using the laces and going plug-boot-style for entry and exit as a work around.
Performance
For the weight and the mobility features here you won't do any better for a solid descender. Testers continue to praise the Lange-family stance angles found in the XT3 130 LV—slightly upright but with enough travel of flex to move through the downhill power band and find dynamic balance turn to turn. Some of our team had the chance to also test the XT3 140 Pro Model and were left scratching their heads as to why that model comes with an extra fat rear spoiler, dumping all who tried it into an over-flexed stance. The Dual Core Light Lyftran polypropylene cuff proved surprisingly strong on edge, testers agreed, who easily found a stable platform through funky snow during a few early Spring tours. Testers unanimously gave the new cuff release mechanism and newfound touring range of motion enthusiastic thumbs up--finally, they said.
Cool Features
In addition to a full-thermo Ultralon liner, new and easy to actuate Active Power V-Lock cuff release, rockered GripWalk soles and Dynafit-certified tech fittings, the XT3 130 LV also sports grippy mid-arch cladding for secure scrambling and boot-packing, along with a 40mm Velcro power strap (the 140 Pro Model has a cam lock strap). The new Snow Seal weatherproof gasket works well for keeping the boot dry inside, but testers noticed it had a tendency to jam with the shell overlap while initially buckling up, so suggested users take care to ensure the overlap is properly gliding shut before cranking buckles.
With high scores last year for its dialed stance and its convenience, warmth and features kit, testers affirmed that the Mindbender 110 Alliance is a multi-playground master with more throttle response and quick handling than expected for its high level of fit luxury. This season it returns unchanged--its thin shell polyurethane and Pebax keep it light, and testers still love the slick two-position forward lean adjustment on the metal-to-metal hike mode apparatus. This is the roomiest of all women’s narrows, regardless of category, so testers said average feet should not fear this untracked pow reaper that has solid game on firm inbounds surfaces as well.
Testers agreed that the Mindbender 110 Alliance is essentially a medium volume boot, though it tapers enough at the base of the lower leg and around the ankles and heel to keep hold of the lower volume foot and leg in those locations. The toebox and forefoot feel is quite roomy, but testers didn't mind the extra space for warm and comfortable touring and all-day no buckle fussing for on-area days. While the lower leg is held firmly, testers mention that there's still plenty of room over the top of the foot.
For a comfortable combination of solid descending skills and a light-enough capable tourer, there aren't many boots that can match the Mindbender. The touring range of motion is legit both forward and backward, with a long and friction-free stride that testers dug. The boot skis as close to a fixed cuff all-mountain ripper as you can get with a hinge feature. Testers drove big skis all over the mountain with this one and all approved.
Using Pebax bio-resin in the cuff shaves weight and takes a little burden off landfills by avoiding typical petroleum based plastic. It's a straightforward four-buckle overlap affair otherwise, with GripWalk soles and a slick cam-buckle release on the power strap (stolen from Dynafit, but still cool).
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.
