It would have been hard for our test team to imagine many improvements that needed to be made to the Cochise, but this year’s update provides several that were widely appreciated.
The Gist
The all-new Strider Elite 130 Dyn takes the tester-favored Strider Pro 130 and squeezes it into a lighter weight package via a new liner and buckle (thank you!) design this year. Unchanged is its snug-medium fit character and cork-clad liner heel and ankle pockets that grip the rearfoot fit for hard-charging lines. Testers again put the Strider in the “real-boot” sub-category among Freeride boots, meaning it won’t disappoint serious skiers on the descent and it offers an adequate and user-friendly set of uphill skills. Testers are impressed with the rare combination of light weight and a damp, stable feel engineered by the Grilamid shell and carbon-Triax cuff.
The Fit
Testers agree that the Strider Elite 130 Dyn sits just on the snug side of the medium-fit center line, with a much-improved fit this year in the ankle pockets and heel by way of the revised liner. The aggressive ankle fit is now relaxed and while it still remains snug it's better shaped and more cushioned. The flex-feel is firm but on target for a 130, they said, with just enough cushion for the shin. The Laced 3D Cork Fit Primaloft Lite liner is articulated for touring and is light weight, but still manages to both cushion and control the foot. The Tri-Force design Grilamid lower shell can be custom fitted with Nordica's Infrared molding system, but there weren't many testers calling for it, as liner molding took care of most of their fit needs easily. Testers have always loved the closure of the Strider, but they are ecstatic this year for the revised buckle design (it's a regular buckle, sweet!).
Performance
One tester said last year of the Strider Pro, form has high-fived function here, and the rest of the crew agreed--things haven't changed there. Testers were surprised by the Strider Elite 130's power-to-weight ratio as the thin-shell-wall Grilamid lower boot and carbon reinforced Triax cuff teamed up to produce a noticeably lightweight boot that pumped out remarkably strong and quick turns. It didn't take many of those turns for a tester to forget it wasn't his own daily driver and go start looking for fresh lines. The hike mode got pretty decent marks for mobility range and quality of movement—one of the best of the alpine-strong tourers for sure, testers agreed. The wire-bale cuff release actuation was simple and effective, they said, though took a little practice to get latched initially.
Cool Features
The lightweight, Spartan 45 mm Velcro power strap was a favorite—no silly pulley-buckle B.S. here, thank you Nordica. The Strider Pro's wire-loop-hooky-bale buckles that were disdained by some and loved by others are gone, gone, gone here, and nobody's gonna complain about that. The combination of Dynafit certified tech inserts and GripWalk soles made this boot viable in a variety of different bindings: low-tech, alpine GripWalk, or A.T. frame, and testers appreciated that versatility (as will retailers). Testers are still divided on the boot name's coolness, since it sounds an awful lot like an elliptical trainer found on the Home Shopping Network—but hey, you can get exercise with this one too, and with way better views.
The Gist
Coming from a group of serious skiers, when they said this was a serious performer, well, we took them seriously! Last year it got nearly perfect scores for its edge power and stability and also for its quickness and feel for the snow, the Strider 115 W Dyn will not disappoint rippers looking to dominate demanding pitches on big skis--it was testers' favorite medium width freerider. This year it has a new graphic but still sits on the narrow side of the medium group, the liner’s aggressive heel and ankle fit relaxed with wear time but testers recommend a liner cook.
The Fit
The women might not know it, but their fit impressions of the Strider mirrored that of the men—an ultra contoured match to the foot and the leg, just on the snug side of the medium width middle-ground. The cork-clad exterior of the Precision Fit W Primaloft liner provides a bulwark of solid, yet moldable material that cradles the curves of the rearfoot with a firm pushback that says, performance, testers report. They loved the initial, cushioned, comfy feel on first entry, but they more appreciated the fact that the liner had guts and held the foot well after some serious test runs and a bit of sweat. Lots of comments like: snug, ideal grip, conforming, curvy.
Performance
The Strider 115 W Dyn's edge power score was its highest (and one of the highest edge power scores of all women's Freeride boots, regardless of width), which backs up what testers were saying—full on Alpine boot power to the edge on any terrain, at any speed. Testers mentioned that the Strider was no slouch for quickness turn to turn, citing its light weight on the foot as a source of fast movements, but they gave the stability and power of the Strider 115 W Dyn the nod as its best characteristic, especially when paired with a highly functional touring range of motion and an easy to use, intuitive cuff release switch.
Cool Features
The Primaloft insulated liner might appeal to the creature-comfort focused, but most of our testers were eyeing the rockered and Michelin rubber soled GripWalk plates that come on the boot and the Dynafit tech fittings for use with lightweight low tech bindings. The Grilamid plastic lower shell is moldable via simply wearing the boot after Infrared heating, though few testers mentioned a need to change the boot's shape beyond basic liner molding. They liked the ease of closure and most testers liked the unique buckle bales and catches—and this year it's white and black with some blue pops, tres trail chic.
The Gist
Our team calls the new XT3 110 W LV the best freeride boot they've ever tested from Lange for it's larger-than-life downhill power (well, it's more robust than the stated 110, they said) combined with newly minted touring range of motion and lighter weight than in the past. It's a roomy forefoot fit for an LV, they said, with a tall fit over the top of the foot but they liked that for some extra warmth and circulation while touring. The classic Lange V-Shaped last remains intact as the rearfoot fit grips the ankles and heel in a more typical low-volume fashion. Testers like the strong flex feel of the 110 but mention that the initial fit is firm against the shin. The XT3's cuff release mechanism works better than previous models and it finally enables real touring range of motion, both forward and back, which testers applauded.
The Fit
Classic low-volume Lange fit for the ankles and heel, as well as up through the cuff, combined with a more relaxed fit in the toebox, forefoot and over the midfoot--testers said this was a great fit map for comfortable ascending and in-control skiing down. Entry and exit wasn't aided by the Dual 3D liner, which has some tacky-feeling fabric that tended to glom onto the sock and crumple-down or even pull out of the shell on exit. Testers hoped that after liner molding it would stay better seated in place. Testers say the shin fit is firm and the flex is solid, feeling stronger than the 110 listing.
Performance
This is where this latest spawn of XT lineage continues to outshine other freeriders--it skis well! Testers say the Dual Core Light polyurethane shell remains damp and stable and the Lyfran polypropylene cuff felt snappy and energetic. Downhill performance did not disappoint, but testers weren't surprised about that--they were fairly surprised that the touring mechanism worked as well as it did (no hang-ups) and they loved that the boot toured more like a BC boot than ever before. Best up-down performance yet for Lange.
Cool Features
In addition to its full-thermo Ultralon liner with double pull loops (good), easy to actuate Active Power V-Lock cuff release, rockered GripWalk soles and Dynafit-certified tech fittings, the XT3 110 W LV also sports grippy mid-arch cladding for secure scrambling and boot-packing.
The Gist
Last season, the Mindbender 130 got testers thinking about how comfortable this category has become—its silky, luscious liner had them salivating on the first slide in, and while it received the roomiest fit scores within the narrow group, testers loved the ample room for warm and compression-free touring. The toebox and forefoot offers lots of space in width and height but the fit tapers to a snug grip for the ankles and heel. Great power-to-weight ratio with a trick set of features, testers said. This year it returns with a bold new paint job but otherwise unchanged.
The Fit
While testers agreed that it is not a narrow fit, they liked the way it felt! The room in the toebox and forefoot, both in width and in height, flew a bit in the face of the quite snug heel pocket. Some testers liked this combination and others felt the height over the toes allowed them to shift a bit into the backseat too easily. That said, toes were warm and comfy on the chair or touring! The clamp on the lower leg shaft felt more in line with typical narrow boot grippage, and testers liked the flex feel against the shin. The ease of entry, exit and closure were a hit across the board.
Performance
If testers lacked a little fore-aft security at times, they loved the lateral edge work of the Mindbender 130--crisp and reactive for such a light and comfortable boot, they agreed. Most were surprised at its edge power and simultaneous sensitivity for the snow (due the thin shell well and close feeling connection to the ski). In touring mode the Mindbender has few peers in this category, it's a long-traveling, friction-free affair with decent range both forward and back. The metal to metal Powerlock spine functions as billed for a rigid connection between cuff and lower.
Cool Features
With a full-thermo moldable liner and an oven-cookable shell, the Mindbender offers some pretty easy tools for creating more room, but testers say start with liner molding only as the shell really moves and is easily over-done for added room. The boot comes mounted with GripWalk soles and testers dig the easy releasing Ripcord Power Cinch strap at boot top.
With high scores last year for its dialed stance and its convenience, warmth and features kit, testers affirmed that the Mindbender 110 Alliance is a multi-playground master with more throttle response and quick handling than expected for its high level of fit luxury. This season it returns unchanged--its thin shell polyurethane and Pebax keep it light, and testers still love the slick two-position forward lean adjustment on the metal-to-metal hike mode apparatus. This is the roomiest of all women’s narrows, regardless of category, so testers said average feet should not fear this untracked pow reaper that has solid game on firm inbounds surfaces as well.
Testers agreed that the Mindbender 110 Alliance is essentially a medium volume boot, though it tapers enough at the base of the lower leg and around the ankles and heel to keep hold of the lower volume foot and leg in those locations. The toebox and forefoot feel is quite roomy, but testers didn't mind the extra space for warm and comfortable touring and all-day no buckle fussing for on-area days. While the lower leg is held firmly, testers mention that there's still plenty of room over the top of the foot.
For a comfortable combination of solid descending skills and a light-enough capable tourer, there aren't many boots that can match the Mindbender. The touring range of motion is legit both forward and backward, with a long and friction-free stride that testers dug. The boot skis as close to a fixed cuff all-mountain ripper as you can get with a hinge feature. Testers drove big skis all over the mountain with this one and all approved.
Using Pebax bio-resin in the cuff shaves weight and takes a little burden off landfills by avoiding typical petroleum based plastic. It's a straightforward four-buckle overlap affair otherwise, with GripWalk soles and a slick cam-buckle release on the power strap (stolen from Dynafit, but still cool).
The 2021/2022 Tecnica Cochise Pro W DYN GW was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Freeride medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
When a woman says she wants to take you home, you’re ecstatic, but when she’s talking to a ski boot, it means you’re steal-worthy, the highest of all boot tester compliments. That happened multiple times for the Cochise Pro W on the first day of our boot test. Testers put this boot at the top of class for its ability to mate real downhill performance with legitimate touring acumen and a set of handy features that actually work to make skiing more functional and fun—again. It’s done it before, but it’s done it once over in this latest, completely revised build.
Testers unanimously like the snug medium fit (or is it a relaxed narrow?) of the benchmark 99mm last shape—they cite perfect curves that match the anatomy of the foot and enough grip in areas of control to ensure that the skis go where intended. Testers also widely agreed that the cuff is ideal in height as well as stance angles in every direction, though a few testers felt the firm liner and flex feel stood them a little taller than they’d like and mentioned wanting a little rear spoiler or slight amount of heel lift. Testers like the flex feel, firm or not, and they really like the ability to cook the liner and auto-mold the Celiant tongue material to customize the shin fit.
How well did the Cochise Pro W perform? Well, it was the best of its entire category! Okay, it was the only entry in its category. But if you took the Cochise’s total score and put it up against the entire field of narrow and medium fixed cuff women’s boots it would be in the upper 30th percentile of that rippingest of groups—so, it skis like a real boot, no ifs ands or buts. Testers love how it pairs downhill performance with a touring skill set and offers a complement of features that are all functional, no fluff. Its edge power score was a 4.80 and its comfort, convenience and features score was a perfect 5.00, so we’re not making this stuff up.
The bootfitter driven C.A.S. fit features remain on board the Cochise, with nice adaptations to both the shell and liner for enhanced fit tweaking. The new articulated liner is a nice blend of performancey firmness and comfy soft stuff, and it does move better fore and aft while the cuff is released. The integrated lock system on the cuff release arm is small but testers said they were able to deal with it no problem with gloves on—if you can’t figure it out at the end of the day, don’t drive down from the hill, maybe? The power lock hook grabber thing on the power strap is generally approved by testers—just hard to sling em over your shoulder at the end of the day. Get a Transpack.
The 2021/2022 Tecnica Cochise 130 DYN GW was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Freeride medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Tecnica was in a position with the Cochise 130 where they had very little to gain by changing it—it was already one of the very best freeride boots on the market. So what did they do? Changed the whole damn thing… shell, liner, cuff release mechanism, all of it. They must have puffed out a big ol’ sigh of relief when everybody absolutely loved it. Our testers sure did. Better fit. Better skiing. Better hike range-of-motion. Better gizmos. Better price. Well, no, the price is still the same. But it didn’t go up!
Testers said this is a benchmark example of how a 99mm lasted boot should fit—with the exception of the ankles, which were freakin’ snug until things got warmed up and broken in (or cooked, or CAS liner grinded—yes, grinded. Ground?). The in-between narrow and medium width realm has been defined by the Cochise for years and still is. It’s tight enough in control zones but relaxed a bit in all the right places for improved blood flow and zero hot spots . Testers said the cuff angles, height and flex feel were on the money for a 130 and just cushioned enough for all day shin love without feeling spongy. The fit over the top of the foot is firm, but not aggressive.
The Cochise 130 averaged 4.67’s in all of its performance categories, except for edge power where it received a 4.83. The medial side of the shell is thickened to provide more power to the inside edge and the new T-Drive style cuff release mechanism is more rigidly designed and also locks out to avoid a premature release, which everybody hates. This year’s Cochise skied stronger, so we’ll give it to those two new elements—nicely done for a boot with a hinge. It stomped the majority of the boots in the narrow and medium width fixed cuff category too.
The bootfitter driven C.A.S. fit features remain on board the Cochise, with nice adaptations to both the shell and liner for enhanced fit tweaking. The new articulated liner is a nice blend of performancey firmness and comfy soft stuff, and it does move better fore and aft while the cuff is released. The integrated lock system on the cuff release arm is small but testers said they were able to deal with it no problem with gloves on—if you can’t figure it out at the end of the day, don’t drive down from the hill, maybe? The power lock hook grabber thing on the power strap is generally approved by testers—just hard to sling em over your shoulder at the end of the day. Get a Transpack. Also, hard charging women skiers or guys with small feet should take note—it’s available down to a 22.5.
The 2021/2022 Roxa R3 Freetour TI I.R. was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Freeride medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The all-new Roxa R3 Freetour Ti I.R. impressed testers with its light weight and massive touring range of motion wrapped in a capable all-mountain explorer. It’s a snug 99mm, testers said, with a close to body grip through all key fit zones and an upright stance that made for all day striding and sliding.
Testers say this is a narrow fit labeled as a 99mm but with full thermo liner molding it was a comfortably snug match to the foot and leg. Several testers commented that the instep fit was particularly snug while the heel and ankle pockets offered a little extra relief. The R3 Freetour’s cuff height is ideal, said testers, who liked the fore-aft balance for its slightly upright positioning. Testers agreed the tongue feel was firm in cushioning but under duress the shell gave way to a longer flex feel than they expected for a 120.
Testers found the R3 Freetour’s sweet spot in smooth medium radius arcs that rolled from one set to the next in ready fashion. Predictable and untracked surfaces were the R3’s playground and testers liked the slightly loosened lateral feel for drifty edge engagement and slashy moves on wind-loaded rolls.
The all Grilamid construction makes for a lightweight and crisp-feeling ride, and the dual pull loop Intuition I.R. tongue liner further enhanced the light feel on the foot. Testers appreciated the simplicity of the hike mode switch and said that the touring mode range of motion was some of the best of the test.
The 2021/2022 Full Tilt Ascendant Approach was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Freeride wide category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
Full Tilt is expanding its freeride game with two tech compatible striders, the Ascendant and the Ascendant Approach. We tested the latter and testers liked the long travel 120 flex feel that made for easy impact absorption and a longer range of motion when touring. The Intuition Pro Tour split tongue teamed with the Grilamid shell for a lightweight (and warm) out-of-the-gate solution.
The Fit
Testers say this boot ran short, lengthwise, even for a Full Tilt, and wanted to get in a size up—or maybe two! This is one to buy in-person, not online (when is that ever a good idea anyway?) to make sure the size is right for you. The Evolution Tour 102mm shell provides enough room for the forefoot and testers liked the transition up through the instep into the cuff. While the size tested felt a little low against the leg, sizing up will gain a taller feeling cuff for a more solid fore-aft platform.
Performance
Testers thought that the 120 flex coupled with the traditional style tongue liner put the leg in a forward leaning position. They suggested the step up the Sammy model for a double thick spiral wrap liner and 130 flex to stand a bit taller for those looking for a more upright stance preference. Hiking and skinning was surprisingly good and testers dug the GripWalk soles
The 2021/2022 Dalbello Lupo AX HD was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Freeride medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Testers liked the array of features on this medium width lightweight freerider and also the traditional polyurethane plastic used in the lower shell to maintain a damp connection with the ski. The three-piece construction enables a wide range of touring range of motion, which the tools-free, removable external tongue amplifies for long-stride ascending.
Testers suggest that a full liner cook on the Lupo Air HD liner is a good place to start for smoothing out the transitions between fit zones. Testers thought the lightweight cuff was slightly shorter than average, and with its lightweight polyamide plastic construction combined for a softer-than-expected flex feel which worked well for our shorter and lighter testers. Testers felt the length fit was shorter than average and a few of the bigger guys suggested going up a size for in-betweeners as a way to gain both toe room for touring and a slightly taller cuff as well.
Light and lively from arc to arc in lateral transitions, testers felt that the Lupo AX HD was a fine all-mountain access point for skiers looking to maximize terrain and touring potential with only one boot. The uphill capability alone made this a good option for the lift-centric skier who wants a little further range afield than most in the category can offer.
Testers are most impressed with the fully removable tongue for maximized touring range of motion, but yes, you have to stow it in your pack—for shorter tours it does just fine leaving it in place. The 40mm Velcro power strap is simple and trouble free.
The Gist
The R3W 105 TI I.R. enters the fray for next year with an updated graphic and a tongue-style Intuition-Roxa full thermo liner to remain our test team’s favorite three-piece freeride boot. It's a svelte 99 mm three-piece (cabrio), contouring closely along the curves of the foot and lower leg and minimally padded by the custom liner to maintain a direct, connected feel with the ski. The Grilamid shell and Polyurethane cuff combine for a unique blend of light weight and strong flex feel. The hike mode's range of travel is impressive and GripWalk soles add to its easy rolling stride, testers said.
The Fit
Testers say this 99 mm rides the fit fence between the medium width and narrow groups. The toebox is snug, and the shell feels very close to the navicular and ankle bones—most testers had a full liner molding on their to-do lists. The heel pocket is a bit tight, they say, but right. The calf offers a bit of relief from the squeeze, so average legs attached to slender feet will do well here. Testers noted a sharp feeling tongue against the shin, and again were hopeful that cooking and molding the tongue-style I.R. liner would put that to bed.
Performance
Uncharacteristic of most three-piece boots, testers said the flex feel is stout (stiffer than the 105 labeling) and because it starts from an upright position it required some push to find a fore-aft sweet spot. Testers liked the power that the solid cuff generated in lateral moves and said it tipped all manner of skis onto edge and held them there well. The boot's performance sweet spot is in the lateral moves, testers agreed, allowing the stiff, thin-shell-walled lower boot to feel the snow surface and sink its teeth in. Transitions between turns were lively and quick and edging response was immediate, testers said.
Cool Features
Testers like the collection of gadgetry here. The power strap buckle is wide and easily dialed in for tension. The 45-degree second buckle retains the foot at the instep effectively. The ski-hike cuff lock is simple to actuate, and in conjunction with a long and friction-free range of travel in hike mode, they liked the easy roll of the GripWalk soles when walking. Note that the R3W 105 TI I.R. is tech compatible, and that if a skier plans to use them with alpine bindings, be sure those are GripWalk compatible--a set of alpine DIN soles does come in the box.
The R3 130 TI I.R. has taken the classic three-piece shell's flex feel to a newer, more solid level, testers have said, and this year it returns with updated buckles a new look and an option on either a tongue or spiral-wrap style Intuition liner at the same price. The 99 mm BioFit last of the R3 design puts it on the snug side of the medium width group, and the all-Grilamid construction of the lower shell, upper cuff and tongue adds up to a noticeably light feel on the foot, though testers say the tall and stiff cuff commands serious leverage over the edge.
Painted-on close for a medium width with a particularly snug fit over the midfoot—our lowest volume guys loved it but quite a few of the others were a bit tingly and looking for the heating stacks for a custom Intuition liner molding session. The ankles, heel and lower leg shaft were encased in a well-padded cast, they said. Testers mentioned that the tongue was a bit on the firm side against the shin, at boot top, and the solidly upright cuff didn't budge much.
The test team agreed that the boot's forte was in strong lateral moves where the rigid lower boot and tactile feel underfoot really shined for rolling edge to edge in smooth and tuned-in transitions. Testers said there was a nice fore-aft sweet spot to make these liquid lateral moves from. Testers also agreed that the fore-aft stance started from a slightly too-upright position and offered so little flexing movement that it was hard to do much other than roll laterally from burly arc to burly arc and try to stay in the driver's seat as the speeds increased.
Testers liked the R3 130 TI I.R.'s uphill action—lightweight, easy to actuate mechanism, friction free travel in both directions (terrific rearward, adequate forward) and tech-compatible with GripWalk soles (and alpine DIN soles in the box). Testers remain split on whether they love or hate the 3-buckle system with Velcro pulley top buckle, but either way it gets the job done for closing up shop around the foot and leg, they report.
