While the Fischer RC4 105 LV BOA is a Vacuum boot and one of the unique qualities about the Fischer Vacuum molding system is that it can compress the shell around the foot, actually making a heel p
The 2021/2022 Roxa R/Fit Pro 130 I.R. was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Traditional medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Biggest surprise of the test. Very surprised by the boot’s performance characteristics. Surprised by how well the pre-mold worked on the liner. Feels surprisingly good. You getting the drift here? Testers were caught off guard by the solid and comfortable game of the new R/Fit Pro 130 I.R. from initial try-on to multiple test laps on a variety of different snow and terrain. Nicely done Roxa.
The I.R. in the name means Intuition-Roxa for the full-thermo liner it comes packing—testers were impressed with how well the liner actually fit straight out of the box, without full heat molding, but the fact that it was going head to head with other boots that didn’t require a full mold may have accounted for its lower-than-expected fit score. Testers who took the time to re-test after complete custom molding were more impressed with the fit, overall. One common mention was a firm (low) fit across the midfoot, under the second buckle, so feet with average to lower instep heights will do best here. Testers said the R/Fit Pro 130 fit evenly medium throughout, otherwise. The flex feel was firm, testers agreed, and they also concurred that cuff height and stance alignment should all receive an ideal rating.
Testers remarked that the boot’s predictable nature made linking arcs through a variety of terrain a snap—bankable performance with a damp and stable feel underfoot was the call. Testers called it a reliable powerhouse but they noted that its reaction time wasn’t shabby either and its feel on the foot was lighter than most. Several testers commented about the roundness of turns that the R/Fit Pro generated and they liked that it linked them up regardless of radius and speed.
Its only score parameter to match its edge power and stability score was its convenience, comfort and warmth score! Testers liked the feel against the foot of the Intuition liner and as one would expect from the I.R. liner, they called it both warm and lightweight. Testers are fans of the trendy power strap’s cam-lock quick release pull tab, and they also appreciate the stance dialing dual cuff adjustment option. Dual pull loops are similarly handy for handling, and GripWalk soles smooth out the stride while trucking about.
The 2021/2022 Roxa R/Fit Pro W 105 was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Testers loved their first look at the ocean blue R/Fit Pro W 105 and liked it even more once they had it on and it sealed the deal after they pointed skis downhill with it. It’s more snug than expected for a medium width and stiffer than expected for a 105 flex, and they liked it more than they thought they would all the way around. With few fit or performance issues to note, testers took this one for a spin around the whole mountain—just because they could.
Testers agreed that it fit a little short in the toebox, and in fact, found it to be on the snug side of the medium width group throughout the front half of the shell, though it opened up to the rear—sort of like a boot mullet, business in the front, party in the back! As testers skied the boot and the liner broke in, they cited more even fit scores. The cuff runs slightly tall on the leg and to the upright side of the fore-aft average, which made this a long lever arm for torquing around a ski. Testers said the flex feel was firm and stronger than the 105 label suggested.
Testers liked the accurate steering response and smooth transitions from turn to turn—it’s quickness score was nearly perfect and represented its highest marks. Testers felt that there was plenty of power on tap to drive the fattest and stiffest skis but also found a surprising amount of fine tuning in its edging repertoire.
When a boot looks as cool as this one does, all the features and convenience elements seem to come together nicely. Testers liked the liner fur and two pull loops just fine. The Opti-Lock buckle provides a movable second buckle position (you’ll need a tool) for personalizing the feel over the top of the foot as well as fine tuning the boot’s heel retention from the instep fit.
The 2021/2022 Nordica Speedmachine 115 W was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Speedmachine 3 115 is Nordica’s solid answer to a soft problem. Yeah, that’s right the Speedmachine was a little too soft. No, not as in flex, but in attitude—just a little too cozy, a little too comfy, a little too luxuriant. So it went and hardened up a bit. The new 3 Force shell continues to stiffen in performance and stability zones and allow wrapping and easy entry elsewhere, but the new rendition of the cork-clad liner really brought the new level of toughness for our test team who said the debutante had traded the dress for leather, beat up her boyfriend and rode her bike solo to the boot test ball this year. Testers said the Speedmachine 3 is still comfortable (don’t tell her that) but suggested it might take a few runs for everybody to warm up to each other.
It’s a medium, sure, but the firmly reinforced and closely shaped liner gives this 100mm a pretty narrowish first fit with a particularly firm feel against the ankles. The feel is still classic Nordica—slips on easily and has a soft draping fabric against the sock—but with a new level of grip along the foot and leg that’s new to the Speedmachine family. Testers said just a few runs and the liner settled in and provided a bit more comfort against bony prominences, and testers who spent some time with an oven or a stacks to get the cork material in the liner up to molding temp found a customized fit that wrapped well but didn’t lose any power to pack-out. Testers say at the 115 level it’s a medium-narrow, or a narrow-medium, and Nordica says this is by design and that liner feel softens and is generally more open in the Speedmachine 3 105 W. Testers say the cuff fit remains classic Speedmachine with an open and flared feeling boot top that will accommodate muscular calves.
The Speedmachine 3’s highest scores were for edge power and stability and several testers comments mirrored each other for how well the boot put a big ski on edge and held it exactly where it belonged through whatever gnar testers drove it through. Solid and powerful but with a quick to respond feel from turn to turn testers said. Reliable and fun to ski were common threads as well—lots of power, easily tapped.
The shell’s Infrared molding system is pretty techy and cool for bootfitters who have the system but any good bootfitter can work on the thin shell wall polyurethane—it’s a straightforward and honest four buckle overlap like it’s always been. The cork panels on the 3D Cork Fit liner are heat moldable, which testers tried and liked, and they’re also able to be grinded, though they’re thin. Testers like the sliding driver plate on the 35mm Velcro power strap for tuning in the flex feel against the shin, and dual cuff adjustment offer enough lateral adjustment to get most folks balanced without canting.
The 2021/2022 Nordica Speedmachine 130 was tested in the All-Mountain Traditional medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Sometimes you just have to let the tester tell the story: “Italian briefs, smooth lines, matching expensive jackets, and poodles with haircuts that resemble shaped gardens. The red pin stripes remind me of old school Nordica, but the new fit will attract the consumer that wants a tighter-feeling, mid-volume ripper. Now that’s Italian!” Yes, the Speedmachine 3 130 is a different Speedmachine, but not that different. The revised shell is stronger where force is loaded against the boot and softer and more wrapping for better fit and ease of entry, and the liner is slightly firmer and more closely sculpted around the ankles. Testers took a few minutes to get to know this new face on an old friend but recognized it all the same.
The 3D Cork Fit Primaloft liner is a closer-feeling and firmer fit throughout than the Speedmachine of old, which had testers concerned that they’d lost they’re cushiony comfy old pal of yore—and yes that Speedmachine is gone at the 130 level where the intent was to bring a performance-bred medium width to the top of the range. Testers said mission accomplished, though the thicker of foot felt the squeeze at the forefoot and instep especially. We got all our stock tests done before we cooked liners and shells, but those who needed a little extra room got it without trouble. This is not the fluff machine of yesteryear however, the firmness of the liner remains present against the foot and leg for a precise fit and immediate transfer of energy.
This was where the new Speedmachine 3 convinced testers that the renovation was worthwhile. Testers liked the traditional feeling stability and dampness of polyurethane, even though the wall thickness has shaved some poundage. Quickness and precision moves were the Speedmachine 3 130’s forte (and it’s highest score)—one tester said: “Insane! Could really feel every inch of every turn. Short-, medium-, long-radius, doesn’t matter, loved the way the skis responded to whatever I tried.”
The Speedmachine 3 130 comes with the array of features that matter and none that don’t: adjustable flex anchors, dual cuff adjustment, removable Velcro rear spoiler, dual pull loop liner, 45mm Velcro power strap with Power Driver and four easy-to-use buckles. Yes, it has GripWalk soles too.
The 2021/2022 Lange RX 130 was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Traditional medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
To say that the new Lange RX 130 is the slightly roomier doppelganger of the narrow RX LV is an understatement—to the hundredth, they scored an exact tie at a nearly perfect final score of 4.83. Testers have come to expect a winning performance from the RX line-up and this year was no different with Lange’s re-energized 100mm. Just like its narrow brother, the RX 130 also received two perfect scores out of five test categories. Just like the LV, one of them was for edge power. The other (and this is the beauty of the medium width version) was for warmth, convenience and features—this is the new Lange, folks.
We took a close look at the fit scores for the medium RX and compared them to the RX LV narrow. Not surprisingly we saw a moderate opening of each score parameter for the 100mm with the exceptions of the toebox, instep and calf where an extra bit of room was available. One fit zone was tied for both—the ankle pockets, which testers said were on the snug side for the medium width group but so well-shaped that few testers minded. The cuff was a hit with the thicker legged testers who were able to generally keep the rear spoiler in place comfortably, and testers were fans of the new RBT (Reactive Boost Tongue) shin fit before they even knew it was new. How could we work a gnu into this write up?
The RBT tongue is initially a fit feature, the way it contours along the lower leg and cushions the shin in newfound ways of bliss for the shin-tortured. However, once the flexing occurred while tapped into a ski and sliding, testers discovered that there is a performance minded reason for integrating this e-TPU, or expanded thermoplastic polyurethane, into the tongue. Testers cited a more resilient feeling flex pattern and a cushioned feel yet strong energy transfer to the front of the ski. Snappy, active and energized were some of the descriptors for how the new tongue’s foam affected feel on snow. As mentioned above, the boot received a perfect score for its dialed stance angles which not only backs up what testers have been saying for years about how an RX allows skiers to move the way they want to without adjustment, but it also makes both the RX’s quickness and edge power grades seem poor by comparison—and they were both 4.71! For an ideal blend of balanced stance, rock solid edge control and hyper aware contact with the snow testers say there are few better than this one.
We think it’s pretty cool that the RX 130 received a perfect score for convenience, warmth and features. That’s what we been sayin’ about Lange for many years, and all of our testers say that people still remember the Lange from the 70’s and 80’s. It’s time to get with the times, peeps. Our testers are also stoked on how Lange’s Cool Features are core boot elements rather than superfluous doo-dads. The Dual Core plastic injection process is legit—in our tests between non-Dual Core Lange models and newly released Dual Core versions of the same model (same mold, same liner) testers were instantly blown away by the different feel the internally sandwiched plastic densities gave to the boots. It was simultaneously better flexing but more powerful with a noticeably quicker turn entry and progressive transfer of energy to the ski. This new Reactive Boost Tongue (RBT) technology is similarly real—testers who knew nothing about the liner update came back from their on-snow tests raving about the tongue’s combined comfort and new level of energy release while skiing. Of course there’s cool stuff like GripWalk soles, dual screw style lateral cuff adjustment and a fat 45mm Velcro power strap, but for our team that’s just the icing on a very tasty cake.
The 2021/2022 Lange RX 130 LV was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Traditional narrow category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
With a nearly perfect score the Lange RX 130 LV lands on the podium again, and it was no surprise to our test team. What they did find surprising was that this new RX LV actually fit and skied better than the last RX LV. The RX line is a little bit like Simone Biles—it’s really just competing against itself year after year. One tester said, “A 130 flex boot should not be this easy to put on but it is, and a boot that skis as well as this does should not fit this well out of the box, but it does.” We think that’s a pretty good place to start.
Testers’ fit scoring showed an evenly snug fit throughout the lower and the upper—no fit surprises for a low volume performance boot here. One tester said that the RX LV is how a boot should fit and another said it was the fit benchmark that all others should follow. These comments we’ve heard before but the all new tongue construction garnered all new praise. Testers loved the cradle-matched fit of the tongue’s shape against the shin through the full spectrum of pressure—it’s a more cushioned feeling tongue now, for sure, they said. But it also maintained a tall and strong stance and didn’t contribute to any collapsing feel. Testers characterize the RX 130 LV’s fit as tight everywhere but lacking hotspots. Several testers said the anatomical fit map must have been made for them.
Of the two perfect scores the RX 130 LV received, one was for its balanced stance, which testers remind us, annually, is you guessed it, perfect. That is where its top gear performance starts, from a neutral homebase that works for pretty much every skier, but it then translates to huge power to the edge and stability at speed and through terrain (another perfect score for edge power). Quickness does not suffer at all according to testers (a 4.83 for quickness and steering), especially with the energy laden Reactive Boost Tongue that they say really does seem to transfer more energy from flexion to the front of the ski—while remaining cushiony feeling against the leg. Win win for the shin.
Our testers are stoked on how Lange’s Cool Features are core boot elements rather than superfluous doo-dads. The Dual Core plastic injection process is legit—in our tests between non-Dual Core Lange models and newly released Dual Core versions of the same model (same mold, same liner) testers were instantly blown away by the different feel the internally sandwiched plastic densities gave to the boots. It was simultaneously better flexing but more powerful with a noticeably quicker turn entry and progressive transfer of energy to the ski. This new Reactive Boost Tongue (RBT) technology is similarly real—testers who knew nothing about the liner update came back from their on-snow tests raving about the tongue’s combined comfort and new level of energy release while skiing. Of course there’s cool stuff like GripWalk soles, dual screw style lateral cuff adjustment and a fat 45mm Velcro power strap, but for our team that’s just the icing on a very tasty cake.
The 2021/2022 Lange RX 110 W was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Lange RX 110 W remains one of a small group of medium width performance all-mountain boots that remains at the very top of the heap year after year. Where a lot of brands’ medium-class boots fit more like wides to capture that out-of-box fit customer, the women’s RX line has always been about a blend of comfort with performance. There’s enough fit tension difference from the narrow RX LV to keep them from stepping on each other’s toes, marketwise, but no more—this is an all-mountain weapon that doesn’t hurt anywhere.
A few of our testers mentioned that the only place they noticed any excess space was up in the toebox, and everything else just fit. Upon closer evaluation of the fit-specific data for: toebox, forefoot, navicular, instep, heel, ankle and calf, the RX 110 W fit just to the snug-side of average within the medium width All-Mountain Traditional group with the exception of a slightly roomier-than-average instep and calf and the tightest heel and ankle pockets of the medium group. Testers unanimously approved of the new liner’s tongue construction, with a lot of comments about its higher level of cushioning and ultra-even fit against the shin coupled with a shared sense of surprise that it also seemed to energize the boot’s fore-aft energy and speed up communication between the leg shaft and the front of the ski.
Early turn engagement has been a positive characteristic of Dual Core plastics used in Lange models, and the new RBT technology (Reactive Boost Tongue) enhances this. The honeycomb polyurethane foam structure transmits more energy, earlier to the ski’s shovel upon flexion but without feeling too reactive or twitchy, testers said. The softer feeling shin and simultaneously stronger skiing the RBT tongue produced made for increased speeds through terrain and lumpified snow, testers reported, and they said that good skiers with chronic shin fit issues should put this boot at the very top of their lists. While the new tongue story was all about rebound, quickness and transmission of fore-aft movement, how did the RX W fare going side to side? Well, the edge power score was a perfect 5.00, so we figure it did okay.
Our testers are stoked on how Lange’s Cool Features are core boot elements rather than superfluous doo-dads. The Dual Core plastic injection process is legit—in our tests between non-Dual Core Lange models and newly released Dual Core versions of the same model (same mold, same liner) testers were instantly blown away by the different feel the internally sandwiched plastic densities gave to the boots. It was simultaneously better flexing but more powerful with a noticeably quicker turn entry and progressive transfer of energy to the ski. This new Reactive Boost Tongue (RBT) technology is similarly real—testers who knew nothing about the liner update came back from their on-snow tests raving about the tongue’s combined comfort and new level of energy release while skiing. Of course there’s cool stuff like GripWalk soles, dual screw style lateral cuff adjustment, a fat 45mm Velcro power strap and a Thinsulate laminate in the liner, but for our team that’s just the icing on a very tasty cake.
The 2021/2022 Lange RX 110 W LV was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional narrow category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Oh, how many times has a women’s narrow-class Lange ended up on our podium’s top spot? That’s happened more times than you can count on two hands, and this year the RX 110 W L.V. did it again. Lange continues to impress with its ability to find fit and performance tweaks that push their boots a little further without running the risk of ruining a good thing. This year’s comfort and quickness kick-back comes from a new tongue construction utilizing a high cushion and rebound material also found in high end running shoes. Testers had positive things to say about the flex feel and fore-aft reaction time before they knew anything about the new tongue tech.
The RX narrows still manage to fit like narrows, just with fewer and fewer peak pressure points on common bony prominences—the shell shape is dialed and the so is the liner’s, testers unanimously report. Testers found that the boot offered just a fuzz more air space for the piggies in the toebox, but from there back everything was under fit tension lockdown with descent performance in mind. There were virtually no fit complaints outside of a few comments that the boot seemed to fit shorter than in the past (which may be an improvement, as an extra long fit has been mentioned before). There were several positive comments about the increased cushioning felt against the shin but without a mushy feel that detracted from a ski reaction to flexion—quite the opposite, the tongue felt cushier to testers but with more energy released to the ski. One tester put it this way: “Best tongue I’ve had in a while (haha)--very comfortable on my shin and calf.”
We’re just going to let testers’ comments under the performance categories do the talking here:
“Lange low volume boots are a joy to ski and you really just can’t go wrong.”
“Built to ski aggressively and fast. So strong for making dynamic turns. Full of energy.”
“Really comfortable cushy tongue and super powerful. Best of both worlds, performance and comfort.”
“I’m digging the cuff response--love the way it rebounds through a range of motion from full flex to more upright stance. Doesn’t have that hard-stop or brick wall feel when flexing like some other performance boots.”
“Wants to be skied hard. Rises to the occasion when challenged.”
“Awesome, powerful boot. Perfect for the hard-ripping chick.”
“Exhilarating to load up the ski and carve baby, carve!”
Our testers are stoked on how Lange’s Cool Features are core boot elements rather than superfluous doo-dads. The Dual Core plastic injection process is legit—in our tests between non-Dual Core Lange models and newly released Dual Core versions of the same model (same mold, same liner) testers were instantly blown away by the different feel the internally sandwiched plastic densities gave to the boots. It was simultaneously better flexing but more powerful with a noticeably quicker turn entry and progressive transfer of energy to the ski. This new Reactive Boost Tongue (RBT) technology is similarly real—testers who knew nothing about the liner update came back from their on-snow tests raving about the tongue’s combined comfort and new level of energy release while skiing. Of course there’s cool stuff like GripWalk soles, dual screw style lateral cuff adjustment, a fat 45mm Velcro power strap and a Thinsulate laminate in the liner, but for our team that’s just the icing on a very tasty cake.
The 2021/2022 K2 Anthem 115 LV was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional narrow category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Testers loved where the Anthem 115 LV was slotted in K2’s narrow performance women’s line-up, right between the cushion and comfort of the 105 and the all-on, all-the-time Athem Pro’s 125 flex. Testers say the Anthem 115 LV is exactly what expert skiing women with lower volume feet are looking for—but with extra room in the toebox and the calf for real human bodies! This new lightweight powerhouse was on the podium in the most competitive boot category we test, the best showing for women’s K2 boots since their arrival on the scene about eight years ago.
Some of our testers mentioned that the heel was aggressively snug, so chronically loose heel gals should keep this on the short list. Testers loved the tight fit in typical control areas like ankle and heel and base of lower leg, but said that the toebox, forefoot, instep and calf all got a little bit of a relaxed fit—no major hot spot complaints from the test team or mentions of needing to cook shell or liner (both are heat moldable). Testers were intrigued by the down-hook style power strap with a strap-cinch type closure rather than a metal cam. Most liked it for snugging up the extra room for slender legs at boot top.
The fast twitch responsiveness of the Anthem 115 stems from the boot’s light weight and its springy flex feel, both of which derive from the new Powerlite polyurethane shell and polyurethane cuff combination. Testers said the thin shell wall gave the boot a reactive and snappy feel without too much twitchiness. Its scores for edge power and stability were tied with those for quickness and steering at 4.86, nearly perfect. For the boot’s overall skiing performance there were virtually no complaints, but for skiers needing more, there’s a step-up available to the Anthem Pro.
The Anthems all come with the Women’s Adjustable Cuff for opening up the calf fit without having to cook the entire shell, which is a good option for those who just need a little relaxed circumference at the top but don’t want to risk a loosened fit elsewhere. The Powerfit Pro liner in the Anthem 115 is the same one used in the Pro, so fit is virtually identical to that stiffer model, whereas the 105 uses a softer Precisionfit Liner that opens the fit substantially. Testers like the K2 GripWalk soles for their tackier than average feel, and most testers dug the new down-buckle connection on the no-cam power strap, claiming that it was both more convenient and just as powerful as fiddle-f’n metal cam buckle versions.
The 2021/2022 K2 Anthem 105 LV was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional narrow category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The new Anthem 105 LV returns with a stiffer spine and lighter weight and one of the most comfortable fits of the entire test, our team reports. This sleeper won testers over with its ease of use and cushioned feel against the foot and leg but had them praising its top all-mountain agility test results which they hadn’t seen coming. One of the best of the bunch for just about anyone, they said.
While the Anthem 105 LV shares the same shell as its stiffer big sister 115, it utilizes a softer Precisionfit Pro liner, which testers loved for its soft draping against the foot and cushioned padding throughout, but they also noted that the 105 felt more medium-ish in its squeeze factor when compared to the quite snug grip of the Anthem 115. Not that this was bad, testers loved the open toebox and forefoot for a flat, balanced stance on the floor of the boot and plenty of circulation to go ‘round. They said the hold through the ankles was substantial and the heel grip was good enough for them, though it didn’t have the Achilles clamp of the 115. Testers said the cuff and liner tongue combo had a great feel against the shin for flexion and ample room for real skiers’ calves, even in the stock calf fit setting (it can get bigger).
This is one of those, “it did everything I asked it to” success stories from the boot test. Our test team is full of good, aggressive skiers who trend toward liking stiffer boots in the narrow and medium All-Mountain Traditional categories, so when a 105 flex rises to the top of their score sheet it’s really saying something. Testers loved the lightweight, snappy feel of this boot from turn to turn, and some went so far as to say it was one of the most lively feeling boots of the entire test. Its edge power was commendable for a 105 testers said, but they offered a few reminders that if torque and stability for high-speed, high-impact skiing are a premium, then opt for the 115 which has that covered. For anybody else, the 105 is just right, they said.
The power strap on the 105 is regular old Velcro, but that’s fine with our crew. They said the “grippyness” of the GripWalk soles on the K2’s seems stickier than other brands and had a nice, cushioned roll for walking about. The oversized buckle throws were a hit with testers and all agreed it was easy to get on and off, and warm. The Women’s Adjustable Cuff can be tweaked to further flare-open the boot top for muscular calves or shorter legs, which a few of our higher-volume calf testers loved.
The 2021/2022 Head Raptor 105 RS W was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional narrow category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Our hardest charging and most critical testers loved this boot—and that’s saying something. By far the best showing for a women’s narrow all-mountain in years for Head, maybe in forever. The new shape impressed testers who were worried that it was too roomy in the toebox (is that a thing?) to be a true performer, but came to find it only added to comfort, warmth and sensation without any detriment to the deep-trenching power of the new Formula RS 105 W.
Yes, it fits a little long and roomy in the toebox compared to the average narrow category favorites and perhaps most noticeable to testers coming from years of shorter-than-average Head Raptors. The fit remains generous in the forefoot but tapers back quickly behind that point to a firm and sculpted grip in the ankles, heel and lower leg shaft area. Testers felt like the heel and ankle were great without liner cooking and without Liquid Fit injection, so put those on the back-burner for fine-tuning after a few weeks of skiing this boot as is, they suggested. The calf fit is flared-enough for muscular calves attached to the narrow feet that will be happy in this 98mm last, but any real calf volume will require using the dual-cam cuff adjustment to open the cuff circumference by 10mm, and the Form Fit shell is cookable for those with higher volume legs but who want to stick with the RS for the narrower shell fit around the foot.
The power of the new Formula is so smooth, said testers, that it wasn’t immediately apparent—until the speeds at which our testers were traveling through all manner of terrain and snow surfaces registered with them. The flex feel is more progressive and longer in travel than either women’s Raptor or Nexo models of the past but without any complaints of collapse or failure with high impacts or heavy legged drivers. Newfound flex energy made this a much more agile and precise boot for testers who felt that they could moderate drift and steer at will with fine feathering of the edge and ability to manage engagement tip to tail easily.
Head claims that they have a new and secret polyurethane that is the source of the Formula’s mojo—our inquiries have been met with proprietary plastics weasel words and such. The new cuff adjustment mechanism offers 2-degrees of total movement and better glide between cuff and shell via different cuff attachment inserts. Testers liked the power strap's adjustable Power Plate that helped spread shin pressure where they wanted it. Testers dig Liquid Fit injection for snugging up the heel and ankle fit but recommend that people ski the boot to break in the liner before adding that material—a little goes a long way they say!
The 2021/2022 Head Formula 105 W was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Testers said the new Formula 105 W is one of those rare combinations of hot-spot free anatomical fit with best-of-test level performance that should appeal to a broad spectrum of skiers. Grab-and-go all-mountain skiing without any trouble was the takeaway from our team who said this would be a winner for Head.
It’s a roomy medium fit up front—the toebox fits long, wide and high, and the forefoot has plenty of room for the ball of foot to spread out and find a comfy planted place. Like it’s narrower sis RS, the medium Formula W also tapers quickly behind the forefoot to a firm but well-shaped fit around the ankles and heel pocket, though slightly relaxed from the vice-like heel of the narrow RS. Testers notice that the rest of the Formula’s fit is properly differentiated from the narrow as well, with a taller feeling instep and a more open feeling cuff for thicker legs.
Testers compared the level of performance to the women’s medium Tecnica Mach1, and it’s been a test favorite for 4 years running, so that’s pretty good company. The balance of power and quickness was evenly matched, testers said, and zero complaints were lodged for stance issues—neutral fore-aft, neutral laterally, with an even and progressive flex feel that skied stronger than the 105 labeling. This is a new polyurethane plastic being used in the Formula line-up and thus far, it seems like a win over the overly damp feel of the Raptor of old. A couple testers mentioned a feeling of disconnection between cuff and shell that they didn’t experience with the narrow Formula RS but were unable to put their finger on it and thought that perhaps molding the liner and shell would merge the two for them.
Liquid Fit liner injection remains a favorite of our testers but none wanted it done immediately here—they thought the out of box heel and ankle hold was superior and would prefer to ski the liner enough to get it to better match the interior shape of the shell before adding any material. The new cuff adjustment mechanism offers 2-degrees of total movement and better glide between cuff and shell via different cuff attachment inserts. While the calf fit is noticeably roomier than the Formula RS, there is also a dual-cam cuff adjustment to open the cuff circumference by 10mm, and the Form Fit shell is cookable for those with higher volume legs. Testers liked the power strap's adjustable Power Plate that helped spread shin pressure where they wanted it.
