The 2019/2020 Full Tilt Ascendant was tested in the men's On-Off Area wide category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
Who did testers say would like the Ascendant? Just about anybody who’s looking for a lightweight (Grilamid), warm, supremely easy on and off boot that comes with a walk mode, that’s who. And it’s tech compatible, with the good touring range of motion that comes naturally to a releasable three-piece shell construction. Testers liked the revised, lasted Intuition liner construction that allowed for better custom footbed use and suggested that full-thermo liner molding be front-and-center on the post-purchase to do list.
The Fit
Testers say don't buy this boot without trying on a couple sizes. It fits even shorter than other Full Tilts, they said, and they already fit shorter than the norm. Going up a size from testers' usual and heat molding the Tour Pro Intuition spiral wrap liner got them the advertised 102 mm fit. They liked the way the full thermo liner evened out the few hot spots and provided a more contoured pocket for the ankle bones. They mentioned that skiers might want to pull the rear spoiler before molding the liner to promote a more upright stance and comfortable calf.
Performance
Testers liked the ease of the hike mode actuation, but didn't get excited about the touring range of motion until they pulled off the removable tongue (a la Dalbello Lupo boots) and stashed it away in a pack—then the cuff really glides, and with the option of GripWalk rockered soles and the boot's light weight testers thought this would be a good solution for longer uphill missions to build a big kicker somewhere that patrol wouldn't see. The skiing performance of the Ascendant depended much on the size of the boot tested—testers who sized up got enough room that their feet could spread and find balance, and the cuff felt a little taller and stronger to them. Other testers felt the cuff overly low and forward, which negatively affected their control and stability.
Cool Features
The Ascendant is truly packed full of cool stuff. Yes, a Grilamid shell and tongue lightens the load, and tech binding compatibility further reduces the weight of the uphill kit. Once the tongue is removed, a waterproof snow gaiter maintains a weather break for the lower leg and foot. GripWalk soles and alpine DIN soles come with the Ascendant (that's cool, we think), and the Tour Pro liner has the neatest internal lacing system we've seen for keeping a spiral wrap liner snug around the leg while the cuff is loosened for touring.
Kudos
Caveats