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
Testers loved the 2019 Atomic Hawx Ultra 115 S W enough to put it in the top group of the All-Mountain narrow field. Light isn't always right, but in this case, testers said it was—for fit and performance. This year's version returned with a beefed-up flex rating, an updated look and liner, and a new lightweight power strap that testers loved.
Narrows should be narrow, that's our stand, and here's what testers said about the Hawx Ultra 115 S W's initial fit: Great for the true, narrow foot. Great, narrow, firm fit. Well-defined heel pocket. Good low-volume, snug, firm fit. Locked and loaded! Testers gave it such even fit scores, right down the narrow side of things, that the averages for five cards were the same as for fifteen. The team agreed there's a little bit of extra room in the toebox and at the calf and that's about it—evenly snug-side everywhere else. They all loved the spring-loaded flex feel, solidly in line with its 115 billing, but a couple mentioned that the calf fit was a bit tall and jabby against the back of the leg.
Extremely energetic was the consensus among testers, who enjoyed how the lively forward flex (powered by the thin shelled polyurethane cuff) loaded and released energy with every turn. Feedback levels were high—with testers saying that they could feel every ripple in the snow beneath them, perhaps to a fault, with a few testers saying the transmissive, high energy feel could get jittery at times. Power to the edge was immediate and unfaltering.
For those who find perfectly snug just a little too constrictive, cooking the shell via the Memory Fit customization feature is a slick way to open up a little bit of extra room everywhere without blowing out the fit. Aside from being able to modify the flex and forward lean with the Power Shift (which accounts for the "S" in the model name) mechanism on the rear cuff and make lateral stance changes with the on-board cuff adjustment, canted sole shims are available in 0.5- to 3.0-degree increments as an optional purchase.
After several seasons as one of the best selling All-Mountain boots on the market, the all new Hawx Prime 130 S returns the same in name only—well, that and the fact that it still fits and skis at the top of its class. This is a completely re-made Prime, with thinner, stiffer polyurethane shell wall construction (a la Hawx Ultra) that shaves weight and improves the closeness of fit throughout, though it's still a comfy ride in the Hawx tradition, but now with a more precise fit, a more accurate steering linkage to the ski, and less heft underfoot.
The new Hawx Prime fits the same as ever in the toebox and forefoot, according to our team who threw 3's and 4's at that area, but it tapers to a closer fit at the throat of the boot where the base of the lower leg, ankles and heel are held a bit more closely than in the past—testers gave those zones 3's and 2's. Anatomical wrapping would sum up the way the new Hawx Prime 130 S contours around the shape of the foot and leg. Testers liked the way the shell and liner worked to accommodate common bony spots like the ankles and also praised the way the slightly taller than average cuff flared progressively to suit the calf muscle. Thinner, stiffer plastics seem to get a little more stiff in the cold, and testers mentioned that taking the boots off was a bit more difficult than putting them on.
The new design brings a new feel to the Hawx Prime experience—edging movements are now much more crisp and reactive than in the past, testers reported, and fine tuned steering movements are now rewarded with immediate ski reaction without any slop-induced lag. The creature comfort of the medium width Hawx remains, but comes with newfound performance gains. Testers liked the stance angles of the boot board ramp and cuff, and also liked the fact that dual cuff adjustment and forward lean adjustments are still on board.
Testers liked the no-slip soles and the lightweight, wide but minimalist Velcro power strap with its simple pulley loop. Memory Fit shell molding is cool for auto-customization of the fit by cooking the shell in an oven, though few testers found the out-of-box fit problematic enough to consider it. The Power Shift feature (which accounts for the "S" in the model name) allows for adjustment of the forward lean and/or stiffness.
One of our favorite women's boots over the years, the Hawx Prime W, went and took a risk, changing its very mold, adding an S to her name and following in slender sister Ultra's tracks, slimming the shell wall and cuff construction for the sake of weight reduction. We thought she looked good before, but we gotta hand it to her— according to our test team the new Hawx 105 S W fits better, skis better and does both at a fraction of its former weight.
Testers (still) found a substantial amount of room in the toebox and the forefoot—a Hawx Prime hallmark, but (still) discovered teamed with an evenly snug fit in the heel pocket and ankles—even more so than in the past, they said. They liked this blend of warmth and comfort where needed up front combined with performance controls at the rearfoot for good skiing moves, though they mentioned that for a performance boot the liner feel is definitely on the plush side. Testers liked the way the boot top is flared enough for the bigger calf without a loss of fore-aft positioning, though testers concurred that the skinny legged needed to max the buckles. The stance is a touch upright—no quad burn here—but testers felt the fore-aft position was good.
The revised Hawx Prime 105 S W got highest marks for quickness, steering and agility—this is a light and responsive ride that favors an accurate sortie on the slope, not a bludgeoning onslaught. The flex feel is long and springy and the close fit through the ankle and heel allowed for powerful lateral edging movements. Heavy handed forward flexing by our most aggressive testers was met with some surrender.
For women with wide forefoot and a bigger calf, the Hawx Prime W line-up deserves a close look—it fits generously in those spots to begin with and the Memory Fit shell-molding feature allows those areas to be expanded using just the skier's foot and leg in the boot to get the job done in a matter of minutes. The Power Shift feature (which accounts for the "S" in the model name) allows for adjustment of the forward lean and/or stiffness.
You a big guy? Got a massive foot and calf? Like to ski but don't like the boot pain? The 2019 Atomic Hawx Magna 130 could be your solution—testers say the comfort level is high, entry-exit is category tops, and they say this boot will prop-up a large dude in a super skiing stance. This boot returned unchanged to this year's test—well, some things changed, but they were only the scores. Higher this year—the big Hawx is gathering steam!
The fit is large, Marge! One tester said he felt like a single bean in a very large burrito. Another said if you're foot is shaped like a potato, you're in the ballpark. Still another simply wrote: canyonesque. We like that, so eloquent. There are plenty of skiers with wide feet, high insteps and big, muscular calves. Those can be comfort deal-breakers and make skiing a total drag. The Hawx Magna 130 addresses all those issues, with a comfortable flex feel and enough backbone to support the big dude attached to the big feet.
It's Magna—not magma or magnum—so it skis not like a volcanic explosion or a dirty Harry 357, nor an over-sized condom, but rather like the perfect combination of the three. Testers say it's strong enough, quick enough, and slippery enough to manage all terrain and snow conditions for a variety of different skiing styles. Testers agreed that the edge power is there once the boot rolls a ski up on edge, and given enough foot and leg volume to fill the canyon, quickness and steering marks would go up. A few testers thought it had a slightly over-edged feel (inside edge bias), which a cuff adjustment should sort out for any in the same boat.
For a skier with a calf and instep so megalithic that the Hawx Magna 130's out-of-box fit is still too tight, he's in luck! The Memory Fit customization features allows the shell to expand around the foot and leg automatically after cooking the shell in an oven for five minutes—a great way to improve the fit at those tricky-to-modify areas. The 3D Gold Liner is loaded with Thinsulate for additional warmth. The Power Shift feature (which accounts for the "S" in the model name) allows for adjustment of the forward lean and/or stiffness.
The 2019 Atomic Hawx Magna 105 S W wowed our test team for its big bang for the buck, saying that this boot skied better than many All-Mountain boots they tested which cost two -hundred dollars more. They gave this boot its highest scores for Convenience, Warmth and Features.
It's a wide ride, but not excessively so, testers said. They all loved the plush and inviting liner feel on first slide-on (which is super easy they said) and comments about all-day comfort, no unbuckling required and extra warmth were abundant. Testers checked the like box on the cuff's upright stance and highly cushioned tongue fit against the shin. While the fit is roomy-slipper all the way around, testers sensed enough contact at the heel and ankle to suggest that this one could ski.
And ski the Hawx Magna 105 S W did, testers said, who were all pleased with its ability to go anywhere and do anything at workable performance levels. The stance is neutral (if a bit upright). The power on edge is adequate. The quickness turn to turn was decent but very predictable and smooth, they said. And the flex, while softer than billed, they said, had a progressive feel and a functional stopping point.
Testers agreed that one of the boot's best features was its price, but they also like the Memory Fit auto-molding capability of the shell once it's been cooked in the Atomic convection oven—not necessary but a great solution for the thickest of feet and legs for finding an even, comfy fit. Helpful stance adjustments are also found here—the Power Shift feature (which accounts for the "S" in the model name) allows for adjustment of the forward lean and/or stiffness.
The 2018 Tecnica Ten.2 85 W is a cushy-cozy cruiser full of calf-love for intermediate and advanced skiers seeking a killer deal. Testers loved the massive amount of room in the cuff—enough for the thickest of legs, they said, and they praised how well this softy skied on-piste and off. We don't only test a brand's highest performing models—this 85 flex has a bigger, stiffer sister at 95—because some skiers are looking for an easier-going flex at a more affordable price. The Ten.2 85 W was one of the best-scoring of the women's so-called "Soft-Value" entries this year.
Testers said that for as roomy as the cuff was on the lower leg, the lower boot still managed to control the heel and ankle for strong skiing movements. They also loved the plush feel of the Merino wool liner draping across the foot. The instep fit on the Ten.2 is one of the highest available, so high-volume feet should gravitate this way.
The Ten.2 85 W punched above its weight class, handling strong carves on firm snow and higher speeds just fine, though testers caution that the forward flex won't hold up to bigger, stronger skiers—they should bump up to the Ten.2 95 W for a little extra fore-aft support. But for those who roll with a little more relaxed attitude, this 85-flex will more than deliver, and at a super price.
This boot is made for the thicker-legged gal (or those who just don't like too snug a grip on the leg shaft), and with an eye toward even more calf caressing, here you'll find Tecnica's Cuff Adapter feature, an Allen key adjustment that opens the calf fit an additional 12 mm.
To cruise, or to charge, that is the question, one tester said, and that query crystalizes the consensus of our test team that the 2018 Tecnica Mach1 105 W MV splits the difference between a performance boot and a comfort boot seamlessly. Its fit is contoured and the grip is firm against the foot and leg, but with an amount of cushion that makes the initial slip on inviting and warm. They said to put boot to bindings and head it downhill and discover that balanced turns come effortlessly, with minimal inputs, but then roll the dial to max and find that this boot's top end may exceed yours! As with so many boots that appeal universally, some testers wished it was more creature comfort while others wanted more ski crushing power—that's an indication that this one's slotted right where it needs to be for most accomplished women skiers.
Fit scores came in dead down the middle for a medium-width, with a few testers mentioning that it might trend a touch roomier than the category average. Most of the crew thought that the cuff height was right on the money, while a couple said it trended a bit taller. There were zero complaints about a too-tight calf, but this year's version is updated with a moldable plastic insert at the back of the calf, so good skiing gals with muscular lower legs should keep this boot in their top tier for Fall try-on.
On-snow this boot takes no prisoners… unless that's what you want. It can go either way, total domination on-piste and off-, or it can simply cruise from late-day start to early-apres toddies. One of the keys to the Mach1 line's success is its neutral stance set up that allows almost any skier to buckle-up, click-in and get to shredding without having to modify style or terrain selection. Testers mention that they instantly felt dialed and recommended it to any good skiing gal looking to up her game—or one who just wants to keep on doing what she's doing.
One of the coolest features of the Mach1 boots is the fact that many of their design elements are created with the help of a few of the best bootfitters in the USA—Project 165 is Tecnica's partnership with select bootfitters and their collaboration has been evident in the last couple seasons for Tecnica. Two of their crew are ABB testers—Nick Blaylock and Greg Hoffmann! The Mach1's Custom Adaptive Shape (C.A.S.) shell construction offers pre-dimpled areas on the shell where a heat stretch is more easily accomplished and will hold better over time. The C.A.S. liner is highly shaped to match the foot's anatomy and is both moldable and grindable, due to its firm EVA foam construction. This year's C.A.S. Cuff Adapt feature utilizes a taco-shaped heating pad that warms the low-temperature plastic calf insert and liner to a molding temperature, and then simply wearing the boot will move the cuff to an ideal position for both slender or thick lower leg shapes.
The all-new 2018 Tecnica Mach1 Pro W LV impressed testers with a revised and more-comfortable liner and a stronger 115 flex that delivered smooth, solid turns through soft, variable terrain and over hard surfaces alike. One tester claimed that these were "Wonder Woman's boots," if she were a skier, and another said they provided "everything a ripper girl could want," so we're going with that—skis well, in a nutshell. This is a true narrow fit in the lower boot, they vouch, noting that the forefoot is quite tight on the bony points and will need a light grind or punch for all but the most slender of feet. Bravo, we say—narrows should be narrow!
In combination with a narrow-snug fit in the lower boot—particularly in the heel pocket and forefoot-- the upper cuff remains remarkably (newly) comfortable along the calf, which testers widely approved of. Women with narrow feet and slightly thicker lower legs should not be scared off into medium-width territory, as this one may suit nicely. Several testers mentioned that the top of the shin fit was a bit edgy feeling, but each was won over by how well the boot performed on snow—meaning it wasn't a fit deal-breaker for them.
Our test team applauded the bump up to a 115 flex—perfect for solid skiers who have a history of over-powering women's boots at the 100-105 level. There were no such comments here. While firm in its flex-feel, testers commented that the power supply was predictable and smooth, not harsh. This was easily tapped power that did testers' bidding in a variety of conditions.
The signature Mach1 Custom Adaptive Shape (C.A.S.) technology is expanded here beyond just the pre-dimpled stretch zones for common fit problem areas and a moldable-grindable EVA liner. Now the calf is moldable—both shell and liner, simultaneously—by way of the C.A.S. Cuff Adapt feature. A unique heating pad warms the low temperature plastic insert (and liner) to a moldable state, and then the boot is worn to match the cuff to the leg. The cuff can reduce its volume by 5 percent for slender legs or increase its volume by 10 percent for thicker legs. This is the sort of bootfitter (and skier) friendly feature that Tecnica's Project 165* team is becoming known for.
*(their bootfitter consultants group, two of which are on our ABB test team: Nick Blaylock and Greg Hoffmann)
The 2018 Tecnica Mach1 130 MV returns to take its place amongst the very best of the medium width All-Mountain boots at this year's test with a score that put it in the top 25% of a very strong field. Testers cite its nearly perfect blend of performance and comfort elements as the key to its success for a variety of foot shapes, skiing styles and in all manner of snow conditions. While the Mach1 130 MV comes with a full slate of cool bootfitting features, few testers mentioned needing them given the clean out-of-box fit. One tester summed it up as such: "Well, you put it on and go rip—if you don't love it, you suck."
Testers approved of the boot's firm grab on the heel and ankles achieved by the well-mated shell and liner shape, but they also liked the way the fit tension relaxed toward the forefoot and toebox—well suited to the "V-shaped" foot, they said. A few testers were calling it the Orange Crush for how tight this medium-width fit over the top of the foot at the instep, though some found that this pinch point relaxed with some wear time. The lower leg shaft is encased in a firm and anatomically shaped cuff, which testers liked for a direct connection to the ski. They mention it has a firm feel against the shin at first, but appropriately so for a 130 flex.
The stance geometry is dialed, according to testers who unanimously gave fore-aft and lateral angles "ideal" scores. This, combined with a firm and progressive flex feel and an immediate edging response to lateral moves earned the Mach1 130 MV high performance scores. While testers gave it solid-sole Frontside boot power ratings, they like the off-piste tuning of its grippy plates for a slightly more dampened ride through chop.
The Custom Adaptive Shape (C.A.S.) bootfitter-centric toolbox is well crafted for simple fixes of common problem areas, but few testers reported needing to implement them. The C.A.S. shell is marked by dimpled fit zones where heat stretches would commonly be needed. The reduced mass in those areas makes for a more-defined stretch and better retention of the modification over time. The C.A.S. liner's signature exterior is made of a dense microcell EVA foam which can be heat-molded or ground upon to offload pressure on hotspots.
What do testers like most about the 2018 Tecnica Mach1 130 LV (aside from a consensus that it skis like a thermonuclear weapon of downhill domination)? They like that this narrow fits like a narrow! Meaning, there's an obvious differentiation between the fit tension (squeeze factor) of the medium-volume MV and this narrow class LV. The anatomical shaping for the wider points of the foot's anatomy is still here in the LV, just slimmed down to grab a hold of the foot and leg with the death grip of a zombie reaching up through the dirt. And that's a good thing!
Most testers had a few minor hotspots at the typical locations, depending on their particular fit issues—and they made mention of these mainly in the form of praise. Meaning, they cited the boot's tightness as a virtue, and agreed that in the narrow width group, some bootfitting should be needed for all but the most slender of kangaroo feet. Fit scores were evenly arranged along the tight side of the spectrum, however, indicating that the anatomical shape is right, with curves where they belong to better match the shape of the human foot. More than a few testers mentioned that the tongue and flex feel is firm against the shin—not in a problematic way, they said, but they cautioned that the boot is not for sissies.
Strong like bull. Sports car flat cornering. Pure polyurethane power. Testers loaded their test cards with comments like these about the Mach1 130 LV. Many mentioned that this boot drove the ski on hard snow as strongly as the race-bred boots of the Frontside category, but managed off-piste junk with ease and forgiveness. Virtually all testers approved of its stance angles for athletic skiing.
The Custom Adaptive Shape (C.A.S.) bootfitting features are the same here as they are on all the Mach1 boots for men and women—the C.A.S. shell is dimpled in common fit problem areas to aid with heat stretching and the C.A.S. liner is both heat moldable and grindable. In addition to these helpful fitting tools, the Lift Lock buckles are handy—they stay locked open when pushed to their end stop and the Power Lock power strap hook-in-loop connection sidesteps having to thread the strap webbing through a cam-lock buckle every time. These top-shelf niceties are found on the Mach1 130 MV as well.
While the 2018 Scott G2 120 Powerfit is a modern design with a revised, fully thermo-formable liner, testers comment on (and appreciate) its old-school sensibilities. It doesn't pander to the no-touchy-my-toe, no-squeezey-my-foot trend like so many other brands. This narrow group rip-shoe is true to the definition of "narrow last," say testers, one of whom mentioned: "There isn't enough room for a molecule of air between my foot and the shell!" It's the narrowest boot of the all-mountain fixed cuff field, and they liked it for that--and for the fact that it skis like fighter jet when strapped to a skilled pilot.
The G2 fits short, narrow and close over the top of the foot, in the ankle and heel and up through the lower leg shaft, with a cast-like grip on the calf to boot. This fit wasn't for everyone—our lowest volume testers with high tolerance for compression simply loved it, while others squealed a bit and wanted liner molding, shell grinds and the like.
The G2 120 has a springy, energy-laden flex feel that testers said seemed as strong as many of the 130's we tested. There's a G2 130 Powerfit available, but it'd be a stout beast of a boot. Most felt that the 120 was an ideal blend of progressive flex with strong transmission of movement laterally to the skis edge. Quickness and agility scores were through the roof due to the shrink-wrapped fit—no loss of movement here.
Ha! What features? You get four buckles, a power strap and a Velcro rear spoiler. Don't ask for a cuff adjustment—ain't one. The liner has two pull loops—that's pretty sweet—and the Ultralon foam liner is highly moldable (recommended).
The all new 2018 Salomon X Pro 100 W comes toughened up to a 100-flex, which testers liked for its solid feel on edge and firm, supportive feel against the lower leg. Not changed is the characteristic X Pro medium-width fit that suits almost every foot.
Few outliers, fit-wise, with the exception of a wide-ish toebox (not a bad thing) and a bit snug heel and ankle (not a bad thing)—all other fit zones came in with right-down-the-fairway medium width scores. Testers like the cozy, initial fit—a Salomon liner standard—and found the closure system easy to manage.
Reliable, consistent power and easy transitions turn to turn found here, testers agreed, saying that this boot is perfect for the intermediate who's stepping up her game and doesn't need her gear getting in the way. Testers remarked that the price paid for stability and predictability was some lack of snap and agility, but not enough to scare anyone away. Prefer a dreamy G.S. turn over a spastic short-radius? Perfect, this boot's for you.
Salomon's Custom Shell 360 heat molding system is a great way to open up the fit in tight spots and slightly improve the boot's stance alignment for a specific skier. The X Pro 100 W is also available in a Custom Heat model (at a higher price tag), and it's white!
