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
In its sophomore year the 2018 Atomic Hawx Ultra 130 reminded testers why it was a favorite last year too—so light and so snug, with surprising toe room for such a compact package. Super-charged power and snap characterized this unique all-mountain narrow's on-snow M.O.
The boot sole length (BSL) of the Hawx Ultra 130 is shorter by 5 mm than average and yet it fit as roomy in length as the rest of the group and might even sport a little extra width for the toes than most narrows. The Hawx Ultra Progressive Shell design leaves plastic thick where needed for support and stability but thins it out where better wrapping is required—this reduces weight and opens up some bonus interior room. Incorporated with the thin and feely Memory Fit 3D Platinum liner the Hawx Ultra 130 provides a locked-down fit from the midfoot to heel and up through the cuff while maintaining an open toebox. The feel against the leg was a little tall with an elasticized flex feel that gripped the calf firmly but without a pinch, testers said. Several testers mentioned that it's not the easiest on and off.
That snappy flex feel that testers noticed indoors translated to rapid-fire edging moves and loaded-up, slingshot-style, rebounding transitions on snow. The thin-walled Grilamid cuff wraps the leg shaft and gives a skier two joy-sticks for driving skis in all directions with no-delay transmission of movement. On first feel, the thin, springy cuff gave testers cause for power concern, but no such trouble existed with the Hawx Ultra 130—it put skis of all widths on a rail and drilled turns at all speeds in all terrain. A few bigger, taller guys said they could over-power the cuff during Flintstonian flexing, but generally it held up to normal all-mountain abuse. The Grilamid cuff and thinned-out polyurethane lower boot gives the boot a noticeably light feel, which combined with the snug fit translated into serious agility, testers agreed.
The Memory Fit shell molding feature allows a skier to oven-cook the boot, wear it for a couple minutes, cool it down and enjoy a more personalized fit. Most of our testers liked the out-of-box fit just fine, however. The Hawx Ultra 130 also comes with slate of handy stance-alignment options, from lateral cuff
Our test team, comprised of Apex-testing veterans and newbies alike, took the all new 2018 Apex XP-L through its paces and came out the other side with praise for the comfort and convenience of the system's inner walking boot and an appreciation for Apex's unique approach. Testers said that if the act of having to walk in ski boots is what keeps a skier from skiing, then this may be her sport's salvation.
Testers reported that the inner boot fit was anatomical and secure, by way of the dual Boa reel closure system. However they reported a variety of fit inconsistencies when the inner boot was mated with the exterior open-chassis. Custom molding the liner did help to moderate the fit tension somewhat, they said, but some found that issues persisted at the navicular, ankle bones and shin.
Testers familiar with previous women's versions approved of the changes made this year, adopted from the men's XP. The boot sole length is shorter, providing a smaller footprint on the ski, and the docking tolerances between the soft boot and the exterior frame are tighter, for better transmission of movement from skier to ski, both of which they could feel. These veteran testers also noted that the lateral power of the boot was improved over previous iterations, partly due to a new carbon-fiber-infused nylon heel cup on this year's frame. Testers agreed that when compared to other boots of the category at this year's test, the XP-L's edging quickness and general fore-aft support lagged a bit behind the group.
A few testers took advantage of the stance and flex adjustments on board the XP-L. As with the men's version, the flex is adjustable in three settings using elastomer bushings, and the forward lean can be set in one of four positions. A dual-sided lateral cuff adjustment functions to better match leg angles for a flat ski position on snow.
Testers ran the 2018 Apex XP through the gauntlet of indoor fit tests, custom liner tests, on-snow performance tests, and as with last year's test of the XP, they liked the way the open-chassis frame is now better connected with the inner boot than in the past and they appreciated the now shorter boot sole length than was found on previous versions.
The initial slide into the dual Boa reel walking boot is a sublime comfort experience for boot testers--the best part of the Apex fit system is the fact that the "walk mode" is a heat moldable snowboard-boot-like inner with a soft, traction sole. Our custom molding tests performed on the liner showed subtle improvement over the already well-padded, comfy fit, testers said. Engaging the inner boot into the open-chassis frame is a toe-first, then drive the heel in, affair. After corralling and securing the long, buckle straps, several testers mentioned that the pleasant, even fit of the inner boot was negatively affected by the external frame. They cited hotspot areas cited at the navicular, the outside of the foot at the styloid and heel pocket. Apex confirms that in situations where fit issues are not fixed by liner molding the open chassis can handle some light grinding and heat stretching with the help of a skilled bootfitter.
For a skier whose primary complaint about ski boots is how difficult they are for him to walk in, the Apex is an obvious solution—exit the open chassis, throw the skis over a shoulder, hold the poles and the pair of frames in the other hand, and off you go! One of our testers needed to ski down, drive to shipping/receiving, load boxes, return to the chairlift carrying gear and then slide to the mid-mountain lodge—he wore the Apex boots for a reason! Testers had the most success with the XP on smooth, predictable and low-angle surfaces. Laterally the boot is strong and smooth and glides groomers in tall-standing, stately arcs, but testers said that variable snow and more demanding terrain resulted in more pilot effort, and fewer smooth transitions.
The stiffness and forward lean position is adjustable on the XP using the rear Flex-Arm, and the walking boot employs a high-traction Vibram Icetrek outsole and a Thinsulate inner. A dual-sided lateral cuff adjustment is key for getting edge angles dialed, and it's available on the XP.
The Bold 120 is a super value for skilled skiers with higher volume feet (height-wise especially) seeking a blend of creature comfort and cushioning with real edge power.
Roomier than the category average and noticeably cavernous over the top of foot and instep—a great fit solution for the very high-arched or thick instep skier. The Intuition liner is well cushioned and on the soft side, which most skiers appreciated for the pillowy intial feel but a few also mentioned it allowed for a bit too much shearing movement while skiing. A thick foot and full liner molding will put it in its place, testers surmised.
Our test team was impressed with the power to the inside edge—derived from a slightly bowlegged stance set up that loaded-up the inside edge more than average—but testers said that the boot held that edge at speed and loved hard carves on smooth surfaces best.
The articulating instep construction made for superior entry and exit, according to testers, who also liked that there was a two-position (hard/soft) flex adjustment.
The ML-3 returns unchanged but our test team ran it through the wringer in rigorous fashion, testing it both off-the-rack and after custom modifications—it remains a great solution for skiers seeking a supreme walking boot and a unique downhill solution.
Testers love the smooth, easy going feel of the inner boot and its dual Boa closure zones that allowed for personalized fit tension throughout. They were less enthusiastic about the overall fit when mated with the open chassis frame, citing a few hot spots, notably at the navicular bone. Tester agreed that the calf fit was open and great for women with higher volume legs. All agree that the fit runs short—sizing protocol for the ML-3 is to go up one size larger than normal.
As they have in the past, testers were impressed with the lateral power of the Apex design—the rear frame that supports the back of the inner boot is rigid and transmissive. They said that edging is strongest and most consistent when the leg remains in the sweet spot of the frame, i.e. engaged against it, which a few testers mentioned put them on their heels. The forward lean and lateral angles are both adjustable.
The ML-3 has an adjustable flex feature involving different density elastomer shims for the rear control arm. The liner is thermo-moldable, which testers liked.
The Hawx Magna 90 W is ideal for women with wide feet and bigger calves looking for a comfortable off-the-shelf fit and solid all-mountain performance. It doesn't hurt that it practically puts itself on the foot.
The Hawx Magna has huge volume throughout the lower shell, testers said, but with enough anatomic shape to follow the foot's curves and hold the heel and ankle for skiing movements. The cuff is upright and open, ideal for big calves. The entire shell can be Memory Fit heat molded if there is a need for more room. Testers said it would take a massive foot to require more room.
Strong snow management skills considering its cushiness and massive volume, testers said. Great lateral balance and an even flex feel made turn initiation automatic and helped maintain a smooth and stable ride regardless of speed or turn shape.
As with other Hawx models, the Power Shift feature can alter forward lean angle (three positions) as well as tweak flex.
Fits so many different feet and legs and suits many different skiing styles—the Hawx Prime 100 W sets the bar high for medium-width versatility.
Medium to wider feet and thicker legs did best in the Hawx Prime (Prime is new name indicating medium width in the Hawx line) but the well-padded Thinsulate liner did a great job of cradling lower volume foot and leg shapes. Some testers felt a lack of anatomical shape at the forefoot (flat and tight against bunions) and wanted to fire up the oven for a Memory Fit shell test, which some did to an improved fit at that location after five minutes cook time, two minutes molding and two minutes cool-down.
Testers love the feel of the lower boot on the snow—the legendary Hawx flex sole still impresses with how it bends to match the arc of the ski and tap into a deep and lively feel from turn-to-turn. The upper cuff was a little lacking in power at times for some testers on hard snow but for an all-mountain SUV with auto-pilot predictability they were okay with some minor on-piste performance compromises.
In addition to Memory Fit as a shape shifting element, the Power Shift feature allows for three-position forward lean tweaks and a hard or soft flex setting.
Our female testers are a tough, skeptical bunch. New-fangled plastics and high-falutin' gizmos don't impress them much. Unless, of course, the boot fits great and rips. The new Hawx Ultra 110 W made quite an impression on them because it's got all those attributes and wraps them in a noticeably lightweight and compact package.
Snug everywhere except the toebox where there's some welcome wiggle room. Despite its smaller than average boot sole length, the Hawx Ultra somehow manages to supply a little extra length, width and height for the toes while maintaining category-standard narrowness elsewhere. Fit notes were repetitive, all reading "ideal, ideal, ideal, ideal" for flex feel, tongue cushion, cuff height and stance.
There's no point in fussing with backcountry-boot-inspired plastics like Grilamid (similar to Nylon, super stiff and thin-walled) if it doesn’t make the boot ski well. In this case, it sure did. Testers could feel the thin-wrapping feel of the Grilamid cuff and easily noticed the lighter weight both in hand and on the foot. They said it skied stiff and snappy with a resilient, powerful feel that was highly reactive. The lower shell is traditional polyurethane, but with varied shell wall thicknesses to reduce weight and increase power while providing a shorter boot sole. Well done, testers said.
Memolink is a plastic additive used in Hawx boots as well as a few others in the Atomic line. It allows for shell molding to the foot and leg shape. Our tests have shown subtle results that even out peak pressure points and slightly increase volume. The Power Shift mechanism tweaks forward lean angles and modifies stiffness. Most testers didn’t monkey with it, finding the boot well set-up as is.
The DMS W 100 is a great technical boot for frontside skiers with thicker, higher volume feet than can't typically get into the frontside category (usually narrows). This one skis strong and with more volume than billed.
The consensus among testers was that the overall fit of the boot was a generous medium-width and many testers scored the toebox, forefoot and instep fit as that of a wide ride. The forward lean was slightly more raked forward than the category average and testers liked the flex feel which was on-target for a 100 flex, they said.
The rearward support was solid and laterally the DMS W 100 puts a ski on-rail with the best of them, testers said. They gave it reduced quickness and feel scores due to the excess room up front and through the throat of the boot. They did like the warmth and relaxed fit, in general, but thought it missed the target for the category.
The My Fit System is a liner and shell molding option, available on 60% of Dalbello's line, which is cool, but testers say it would take one heck of a thick foot and instep to need it here.
The Luna 80 knows its job and performs it well. It’s built for less aggressive skiers who possess wider feet and ample calves. Testers have applauded this one alongside boots 30 flex points stiffer and $300 more at the cash register for the last three years running.
Roomy everywhere, testers say, with a skooch of extra space for thicker ankles and heel. The liner is exceedingly soft but still supportive. It embraces the foot in an open-armed, loose sort of hug. The three-piece (aka cabrio) shell construction eases entry and exit and testers liked its even, long-travel flex.
A fun and poppy ride no matter where you venture. Testers were again pleasantly surprised by how well the Luna 80 skied on variable terrain, in different snow conditions, through a variety of turn shapes and at a wide range of speeds. Not for expert skiers but it might help to make one out of a gung-ho intermediate, testers said. Stance angles are neutral and create a good starting point for a variety of different styles.
Flex and calf volume adjusters and a walk-mode all come with this one for $400. Sweet deal.
The lightest and softest model in the DaleBoot line-up. The VFF is a great option for lighter weight and less aggressive skiers looking for a fully custom boot with a long and lively flex pattern and the warmth and easy entry that come with the three-piece shell and Intuition liner combination.
Both the lower and the upper boots are custom made for every customer. Dealer partners take measurements and tracings of the foot and the boot is built at the Salt Lake City factory and shipped back to the dealer for final fitting of the Intuition liner and fine-tuned stance alignment utilizing DaleBoot's own snap-on canted soles. We tested the VFF built as a wide last, and while our test model hovered in the 102mm range, the boot can be made as wide as 112mm or as narrow as 92mm. You read that right. A whopping 30mm of differential.
The VFF is light and lively with a uniquely tuned-in feel for the ski and snow due to the three-quarter length bootboard. It puts the forefoot in direct contact with the shell floor. The flex is soft and long in travel but progressive. It has a stopping point that can be adjusted from a flex index of 80 to 100 using the Variable Forward Flex cable adjustment. Testers liked the dynamic, snappy feel of the VFF on smooth surfaces and said it handled off-piste challenges well given the soft and comfy ride.
The coolest feature of the DaleBoot is that it's a one-off build for each skier and for one price includes Intuition liner molding (with a variety of styles, volumes and densities), stance alignment and any additional fit fine tuning needed.
The Delight 85 InTemp has a built in heater element that thinly wraps the top and sides of the toebox, not underneath the toes, for creating an all-day, radiant heat blanket over the piggies.
The cuff is low on the leg and much softer than the 85 flex billing, testers said. It has an upright starting position that testers said would be supportive for low-intermediates and beginners. The lower boot fit was inconsistent off the rack, testers said, but mentioned that it evened out to a generally wide fit all over after liner molding.
The Delight 85 is quick and playful in easy-going (low edge angle) turns, testers noted. It failed to control the ski's edge angle at turn finish and when taxed at speed or on harder snow. Testers agreed this is a great cruiser for aspiring skiers seeking a warmth solution.
Did we mention that the Delight 85 InTemp has a bitchen heater system? The battery is stealthily stowed in a compartment at the back of the liner cuff and the large button is waterproof and easy to use.
