Full Tilt Descendant 8

Model Year
2017-18
Category
All-Mountain Walk
Last Width
102
Flex Index
#8 tongue/120
Price (MSRP)
$750.00USD

The Gist

Testers gave the 2018 Full Tilt Descendant 8 high marks for its warm and highly customizable liner, a category best entry and exit score and a lightweight feel on the foot. However, they cautioned strong, technical skiers that the cuff's overly forward stance and very soft flex combined to collapse under load.

The Fit

To enjoy the 102 mm width available here, skiers should be sure to heat mold the Intuition Pro liner. Prior to molding it fits uncharacteristically snug in width behind the forefoot and over the instep—after customization the liner more evenly addresses the foot and its wide last feel is revealed. Testers report that the length fits short, so this may be a model in which to upsize to gain even more wide-load room. Testers say the cuff is low on the leg, set more forward leaning than the norm, and softer flexing than advertised.

Performance

Cruisey, schmeary turns made off the heels worked well, testers said. Lateral power may have been there, but testers said it was difficult to access due to the over-flexed leg position that the forward lean and soft flex left them with.

Cool Features

There are many available options for the Descendant 8, which falls under the Full Tilt Evolution style shell. There is a stiffer, #10 tongue available.

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-30.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Cabrio/3-PC
Boot width profile 
Wide
Also in this Collection 
Descendant 6, $625; Descendant 4, $450
Cantology Compatible 
No
  • 2017-18 Full Tilt Descendant 8 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Full Tilt Descendant 8 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Full Tilt Descendant 8 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test

Kudos

  • “Catlike quickness side to side if you can get there.” -- Mike Evans
  • “Pretty shapely and free-flexing—like to schmear? Here you go!” -- Marc Stewart
  • “Easy on and easy off and super warm!” -- Charlie Bradley

Caveats

  • “So far forward—like chest on the steering wheel, nose in the windshield forward.” -- Mike Evans
  • “Flex collapses—my heels hurt from the excessive flexion.” -- Marc Stewart
  • “Too damn soft and forward—quad burner!” -- Charlie Bradley

This boot available at...

Plymouth, MI
Westwood, NJ
Chicago, IL
Schweitzer, ID
Ann Arbor, MI

Special thanks to all of our sponsors!

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