Dalbello Viper 120

Model Year
2014-15
Category
All-Mountain Traditional
Last Width
100
Flex Index
120
Price (MSRP)
$650.00USD

Those are some of the comments testers made about the Viper 120, which returns with a complete liner makeover and a cleaner, classy looking buckle set. The Viper is one of those boots that does everything right, and yet by virtue of its classic design and sedate graphics seems to get overlooked in the draft. But the testers who authored the above quotes know talent when they see it.  As a group, we found this one of the best fitting and skiing boots at our test and certainly one of the top medium width boots available.

Viper's fit numbers paint a picture of the ideal medium width boot. It’s not narrow class tight anywhere, but there’s also no wide-style slop to be found either. Testers noted that the fit is anatomically smart—extra room for navicular, ankle and the lateral side of the forefoot—which stems from Dalbello's Contour 4 shell shaping. They said the new liner still provided a cushioned fit but with a slightly snugger feel overall and without any pressure spikes or hot spots. Testers liked the calf fit for how universally it struck their leg. It wasn't too tight or too loose for any tester and with its removable spoiler, stands as one of the better big guy, big calf options in the category.

Speaking of big guys, this is a good value for bigger, stronger skiers because most testers gave it stiffness scores that edged up alongside 130 flex models. The flex feel is firm but evenly distributed and progressive, according to our testers. They also liked the amount of forward lean (not too forward, not too upright). The good bang-for-buck here extends to other members of the Viper family like the 110, 100, and 90 flex versions.

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.0-32.0
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium

Kudos

  • “Good stance, skis well. As stiff as a lot of 130's.” -- Mike Wiksten
  • “Comfy but feels tight. Balanced, smooth flex. Not a damn thing wrong.” -- Kevin Gabriel
  • “In touch with the ski. The snow feel and performance will provide a good skier all he needs.” -- Bob Gleason
  • “Super comfortable entry and exit. Awesome control and direct contact with the snow.” -- Erik Korman
  • “Puts it down right where you want it. Perfect, go rip. ” -- Mark Elling
  • “Quick like a tank, but skied like one through varied terrain. Powered through all the junk.” --
  • “Versatile. Should be great for a lot of people.” -- Dallas Goldsmith
  • “Quick edge to edge. Light and nimble. Great conventional boot.” -- Keith Holmquist
  • “Given the comfort and room in the toebox, they were quite responsive.” -- Stacy Crumpler

Caveats

  • “Felt a little sloppy in the rear for my narrow heel.” --
  • “Not responsive enough for me.” -- Garrick Dardani

This boot available at...

Westwood, NJ
Stowe, VT
Morris Plains, NJ
Chicago, IL
Portland, OR

Special thanks to all of our sponsors!

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