Testers loved the Tecnica Mach BOA HV 105 W for its ample volume and plus-size curves, and that's without their huge appreciation for how the BOA closure system put a new spin on the Mach1 wide rid
The 2021/2022 Lange RX 130 was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Traditional medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
To say that the new Lange RX 130 is the slightly roomier doppelganger of the narrow RX LV is an understatement—to the hundredth, they scored an exact tie at a nearly perfect final score of 4.83. Testers have come to expect a winning performance from the RX line-up and this year was no different with Lange’s re-energized 100mm. Just like its narrow brother, the RX 130 also received two perfect scores out of five test categories. Just like the LV, one of them was for edge power. The other (and this is the beauty of the medium width version) was for warmth, convenience and features—this is the new Lange, folks.
We took a close look at the fit scores for the medium RX and compared them to the RX LV narrow. Not surprisingly we saw a moderate opening of each score parameter for the 100mm with the exceptions of the toebox, instep and calf where an extra bit of room was available. One fit zone was tied for both—the ankle pockets, which testers said were on the snug side for the medium width group but so well-shaped that few testers minded. The cuff was a hit with the thicker legged testers who were able to generally keep the rear spoiler in place comfortably, and testers were fans of the new RBT (Reactive Boost Tongue) shin fit before they even knew it was new. How could we work a gnu into this write up?
The RBT tongue is initially a fit feature, the way it contours along the lower leg and cushions the shin in newfound ways of bliss for the shin-tortured. However, once the flexing occurred while tapped into a ski and sliding, testers discovered that there is a performance minded reason for integrating this e-TPU, or expanded thermoplastic polyurethane, into the tongue. Testers cited a more resilient feeling flex pattern and a cushioned feel yet strong energy transfer to the front of the ski. Snappy, active and energized were some of the descriptors for how the new tongue’s foam affected feel on snow. As mentioned above, the boot received a perfect score for its dialed stance angles which not only backs up what testers have been saying for years about how an RX allows skiers to move the way they want to without adjustment, but it also makes both the RX’s quickness and edge power grades seem poor by comparison—and they were both 4.71! For an ideal blend of balanced stance, rock solid edge control and hyper aware contact with the snow testers say there are few better than this one.
We think it’s pretty cool that the RX 130 received a perfect score for convenience, warmth and features. That’s what we been sayin’ about Lange for many years, and all of our testers say that people still remember the Lange from the 70’s and 80’s. It’s time to get with the times, peeps. Our testers are also stoked on how Lange’s Cool Features are core boot elements rather than superfluous doo-dads. The Dual Core plastic injection process is legit—in our tests between non-Dual Core Lange models and newly released Dual Core versions of the same model (same mold, same liner) testers were instantly blown away by the different feel the internally sandwiched plastic densities gave to the boots. It was simultaneously better flexing but more powerful with a noticeably quicker turn entry and progressive transfer of energy to the ski. This new Reactive Boost Tongue (RBT) technology is similarly real—testers who knew nothing about the liner update came back from their on-snow tests raving about the tongue’s combined comfort and new level of energy release while skiing. Of course there’s cool stuff like GripWalk soles, dual screw style lateral cuff adjustment and a fat 45mm Velcro power strap, but for our team that’s just the icing on a very tasty cake.
The 2021/2022 Lange RX 130 LV was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Traditional narrow category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
With a nearly perfect score the Lange RX 130 LV lands on the podium again, and it was no surprise to our test team. What they did find surprising was that this new RX LV actually fit and skied better than the last RX LV. The RX line is a little bit like Simone Biles—it’s really just competing against itself year after year. One tester said, “A 130 flex boot should not be this easy to put on but it is, and a boot that skis as well as this does should not fit this well out of the box, but it does.” We think that’s a pretty good place to start.
Testers’ fit scoring showed an evenly snug fit throughout the lower and the upper—no fit surprises for a low volume performance boot here. One tester said that the RX LV is how a boot should fit and another said it was the fit benchmark that all others should follow. These comments we’ve heard before but the all new tongue construction garnered all new praise. Testers loved the cradle-matched fit of the tongue’s shape against the shin through the full spectrum of pressure—it’s a more cushioned feeling tongue now, for sure, they said. But it also maintained a tall and strong stance and didn’t contribute to any collapsing feel. Testers characterize the RX 130 LV’s fit as tight everywhere but lacking hotspots. Several testers said the anatomical fit map must have been made for them.
Of the two perfect scores the RX 130 LV received, one was for its balanced stance, which testers remind us, annually, is you guessed it, perfect. That is where its top gear performance starts, from a neutral homebase that works for pretty much every skier, but it then translates to huge power to the edge and stability at speed and through terrain (another perfect score for edge power). Quickness does not suffer at all according to testers (a 4.83 for quickness and steering), especially with the energy laden Reactive Boost Tongue that they say really does seem to transfer more energy from flexion to the front of the ski—while remaining cushiony feeling against the leg. Win win for the shin.
Our testers are stoked on how Lange’s Cool Features are core boot elements rather than superfluous doo-dads. The Dual Core plastic injection process is legit—in our tests between non-Dual Core Lange models and newly released Dual Core versions of the same model (same mold, same liner) testers were instantly blown away by the different feel the internally sandwiched plastic densities gave to the boots. It was simultaneously better flexing but more powerful with a noticeably quicker turn entry and progressive transfer of energy to the ski. This new Reactive Boost Tongue (RBT) technology is similarly real—testers who knew nothing about the liner update came back from their on-snow tests raving about the tongue’s combined comfort and new level of energy release while skiing. Of course there’s cool stuff like GripWalk soles, dual screw style lateral cuff adjustment and a fat 45mm Velcro power strap, but for our team that’s just the icing on a very tasty cake.
The 2021/2022 Lange RX 110 W was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Lange RX 110 W remains one of a small group of medium width performance all-mountain boots that remains at the very top of the heap year after year. Where a lot of brands’ medium-class boots fit more like wides to capture that out-of-box fit customer, the women’s RX line has always been about a blend of comfort with performance. There’s enough fit tension difference from the narrow RX LV to keep them from stepping on each other’s toes, marketwise, but no more—this is an all-mountain weapon that doesn’t hurt anywhere.
A few of our testers mentioned that the only place they noticed any excess space was up in the toebox, and everything else just fit. Upon closer evaluation of the fit-specific data for: toebox, forefoot, navicular, instep, heel, ankle and calf, the RX 110 W fit just to the snug-side of average within the medium width All-Mountain Traditional group with the exception of a slightly roomier-than-average instep and calf and the tightest heel and ankle pockets of the medium group. Testers unanimously approved of the new liner’s tongue construction, with a lot of comments about its higher level of cushioning and ultra-even fit against the shin coupled with a shared sense of surprise that it also seemed to energize the boot’s fore-aft energy and speed up communication between the leg shaft and the front of the ski.
Early turn engagement has been a positive characteristic of Dual Core plastics used in Lange models, and the new RBT technology (Reactive Boost Tongue) enhances this. The honeycomb polyurethane foam structure transmits more energy, earlier to the ski’s shovel upon flexion but without feeling too reactive or twitchy, testers said. The softer feeling shin and simultaneously stronger skiing the RBT tongue produced made for increased speeds through terrain and lumpified snow, testers reported, and they said that good skiers with chronic shin fit issues should put this boot at the very top of their lists. While the new tongue story was all about rebound, quickness and transmission of fore-aft movement, how did the RX W fare going side to side? Well, the edge power score was a perfect 5.00, so we figure it did okay.
Our testers are stoked on how Lange’s Cool Features are core boot elements rather than superfluous doo-dads. The Dual Core plastic injection process is legit—in our tests between non-Dual Core Lange models and newly released Dual Core versions of the same model (same mold, same liner) testers were instantly blown away by the different feel the internally sandwiched plastic densities gave to the boots. It was simultaneously better flexing but more powerful with a noticeably quicker turn entry and progressive transfer of energy to the ski. This new Reactive Boost Tongue (RBT) technology is similarly real—testers who knew nothing about the liner update came back from their on-snow tests raving about the tongue’s combined comfort and new level of energy release while skiing. Of course there’s cool stuff like GripWalk soles, dual screw style lateral cuff adjustment, a fat 45mm Velcro power strap and a Thinsulate laminate in the liner, but for our team that’s just the icing on a very tasty cake.
The 2021/2022 Lange RX 110 W LV was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional narrow category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Oh, how many times has a women’s narrow-class Lange ended up on our podium’s top spot? That’s happened more times than you can count on two hands, and this year the RX 110 W L.V. did it again. Lange continues to impress with its ability to find fit and performance tweaks that push their boots a little further without running the risk of ruining a good thing. This year’s comfort and quickness kick-back comes from a new tongue construction utilizing a high cushion and rebound material also found in high end running shoes. Testers had positive things to say about the flex feel and fore-aft reaction time before they knew anything about the new tongue tech.
The RX narrows still manage to fit like narrows, just with fewer and fewer peak pressure points on common bony prominences—the shell shape is dialed and the so is the liner’s, testers unanimously report. Testers found that the boot offered just a fuzz more air space for the piggies in the toebox, but from there back everything was under fit tension lockdown with descent performance in mind. There were virtually no fit complaints outside of a few comments that the boot seemed to fit shorter than in the past (which may be an improvement, as an extra long fit has been mentioned before). There were several positive comments about the increased cushioning felt against the shin but without a mushy feel that detracted from a ski reaction to flexion—quite the opposite, the tongue felt cushier to testers but with more energy released to the ski. One tester put it this way: “Best tongue I’ve had in a while (haha)--very comfortable on my shin and calf.”
We’re just going to let testers’ comments under the performance categories do the talking here:
“Lange low volume boots are a joy to ski and you really just can’t go wrong.”
“Built to ski aggressively and fast. So strong for making dynamic turns. Full of energy.”
“Really comfortable cushy tongue and super powerful. Best of both worlds, performance and comfort.”
“I’m digging the cuff response--love the way it rebounds through a range of motion from full flex to more upright stance. Doesn’t have that hard-stop or brick wall feel when flexing like some other performance boots.”
“Wants to be skied hard. Rises to the occasion when challenged.”
“Awesome, powerful boot. Perfect for the hard-ripping chick.”
“Exhilarating to load up the ski and carve baby, carve!”
Our testers are stoked on how Lange’s Cool Features are core boot elements rather than superfluous doo-dads. The Dual Core plastic injection process is legit—in our tests between non-Dual Core Lange models and newly released Dual Core versions of the same model (same mold, same liner) testers were instantly blown away by the different feel the internally sandwiched plastic densities gave to the boots. It was simultaneously better flexing but more powerful with a noticeably quicker turn entry and progressive transfer of energy to the ski. This new Reactive Boost Tongue (RBT) technology is similarly real—testers who knew nothing about the liner update came back from their on-snow tests raving about the tongue’s combined comfort and new level of energy release while skiing. Of course there’s cool stuff like GripWalk soles, dual screw style lateral cuff adjustment, a fat 45mm Velcro power strap and a Thinsulate laminate in the liner, but for our team that’s just the icing on a very tasty cake.
The 2021/2022 K2 Anthem 115 LV was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional narrow category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Testers loved where the Anthem 115 LV was slotted in K2’s narrow performance women’s line-up, right between the cushion and comfort of the 105 and the all-on, all-the-time Athem Pro’s 125 flex. Testers say the Anthem 115 LV is exactly what expert skiing women with lower volume feet are looking for—but with extra room in the toebox and the calf for real human bodies! This new lightweight powerhouse was on the podium in the most competitive boot category we test, the best showing for women’s K2 boots since their arrival on the scene about eight years ago.
Some of our testers mentioned that the heel was aggressively snug, so chronically loose heel gals should keep this on the short list. Testers loved the tight fit in typical control areas like ankle and heel and base of lower leg, but said that the toebox, forefoot, instep and calf all got a little bit of a relaxed fit—no major hot spot complaints from the test team or mentions of needing to cook shell or liner (both are heat moldable). Testers were intrigued by the down-hook style power strap with a strap-cinch type closure rather than a metal cam. Most liked it for snugging up the extra room for slender legs at boot top.
The fast twitch responsiveness of the Anthem 115 stems from the boot’s light weight and its springy flex feel, both of which derive from the new Powerlite polyurethane shell and polyurethane cuff combination. Testers said the thin shell wall gave the boot a reactive and snappy feel without too much twitchiness. Its scores for edge power and stability were tied with those for quickness and steering at 4.86, nearly perfect. For the boot’s overall skiing performance there were virtually no complaints, but for skiers needing more, there’s a step-up available to the Anthem Pro.
The Anthems all come with the Women’s Adjustable Cuff for opening up the calf fit without having to cook the entire shell, which is a good option for those who just need a little relaxed circumference at the top but don’t want to risk a loosened fit elsewhere. The Powerfit Pro liner in the Anthem 115 is the same one used in the Pro, so fit is virtually identical to that stiffer model, whereas the 105 uses a softer Precisionfit Liner that opens the fit substantially. Testers like the K2 GripWalk soles for their tackier than average feel, and most testers dug the new down-buckle connection on the no-cam power strap, claiming that it was both more convenient and just as powerful as fiddle-f’n metal cam buckle versions.
The 2021/2022 K2 Anthem 105 LV was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional narrow category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The new Anthem 105 LV returns with a stiffer spine and lighter weight and one of the most comfortable fits of the entire test, our team reports. This sleeper won testers over with its ease of use and cushioned feel against the foot and leg but had them praising its top all-mountain agility test results which they hadn’t seen coming. One of the best of the bunch for just about anyone, they said.
While the Anthem 105 LV shares the same shell as its stiffer big sister 115, it utilizes a softer Precisionfit Pro liner, which testers loved for its soft draping against the foot and cushioned padding throughout, but they also noted that the 105 felt more medium-ish in its squeeze factor when compared to the quite snug grip of the Anthem 115. Not that this was bad, testers loved the open toebox and forefoot for a flat, balanced stance on the floor of the boot and plenty of circulation to go ‘round. They said the hold through the ankles was substantial and the heel grip was good enough for them, though it didn’t have the Achilles clamp of the 115. Testers said the cuff and liner tongue combo had a great feel against the shin for flexion and ample room for real skiers’ calves, even in the stock calf fit setting (it can get bigger).
This is one of those, “it did everything I asked it to” success stories from the boot test. Our test team is full of good, aggressive skiers who trend toward liking stiffer boots in the narrow and medium All-Mountain Traditional categories, so when a 105 flex rises to the top of their score sheet it’s really saying something. Testers loved the lightweight, snappy feel of this boot from turn to turn, and some went so far as to say it was one of the most lively feeling boots of the entire test. Its edge power was commendable for a 105 testers said, but they offered a few reminders that if torque and stability for high-speed, high-impact skiing are a premium, then opt for the 115 which has that covered. For anybody else, the 105 is just right, they said.
The power strap on the 105 is regular old Velcro, but that’s fine with our crew. They said the “grippyness” of the GripWalk soles on the K2’s seems stickier than other brands and had a nice, cushioned roll for walking about. The oversized buckle throws were a hit with testers and all agreed it was easy to get on and off, and warm. The Women’s Adjustable Cuff can be tweaked to further flare-open the boot top for muscular calves or shorter legs, which a few of our higher-volume calf testers loved.
The 2021/2022 Head Raptor 105 RS W was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional narrow category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Our hardest charging and most critical testers loved this boot—and that’s saying something. By far the best showing for a women’s narrow all-mountain in years for Head, maybe in forever. The new shape impressed testers who were worried that it was too roomy in the toebox (is that a thing?) to be a true performer, but came to find it only added to comfort, warmth and sensation without any detriment to the deep-trenching power of the new Formula RS 105 W.
Yes, it fits a little long and roomy in the toebox compared to the average narrow category favorites and perhaps most noticeable to testers coming from years of shorter-than-average Head Raptors. The fit remains generous in the forefoot but tapers back quickly behind that point to a firm and sculpted grip in the ankles, heel and lower leg shaft area. Testers felt like the heel and ankle were great without liner cooking and without Liquid Fit injection, so put those on the back-burner for fine-tuning after a few weeks of skiing this boot as is, they suggested. The calf fit is flared-enough for muscular calves attached to the narrow feet that will be happy in this 98mm last, but any real calf volume will require using the dual-cam cuff adjustment to open the cuff circumference by 10mm, and the Form Fit shell is cookable for those with higher volume legs but who want to stick with the RS for the narrower shell fit around the foot.
The power of the new Formula is so smooth, said testers, that it wasn’t immediately apparent—until the speeds at which our testers were traveling through all manner of terrain and snow surfaces registered with them. The flex feel is more progressive and longer in travel than either women’s Raptor or Nexo models of the past but without any complaints of collapse or failure with high impacts or heavy legged drivers. Newfound flex energy made this a much more agile and precise boot for testers who felt that they could moderate drift and steer at will with fine feathering of the edge and ability to manage engagement tip to tail easily.
Head claims that they have a new and secret polyurethane that is the source of the Formula’s mojo—our inquiries have been met with proprietary plastics weasel words and such. The new cuff adjustment mechanism offers 2-degrees of total movement and better glide between cuff and shell via different cuff attachment inserts. Testers liked the power strap's adjustable Power Plate that helped spread shin pressure where they wanted it. Testers dig Liquid Fit injection for snugging up the heel and ankle fit but recommend that people ski the boot to break in the liner before adding that material—a little goes a long way they say!
The 2021/2022 Head Formula 105 W was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Testers said the new Formula 105 W is one of those rare combinations of hot-spot free anatomical fit with best-of-test level performance that should appeal to a broad spectrum of skiers. Grab-and-go all-mountain skiing without any trouble was the takeaway from our team who said this would be a winner for Head.
It’s a roomy medium fit up front—the toebox fits long, wide and high, and the forefoot has plenty of room for the ball of foot to spread out and find a comfy planted place. Like it’s narrower sis RS, the medium Formula W also tapers quickly behind the forefoot to a firm but well-shaped fit around the ankles and heel pocket, though slightly relaxed from the vice-like heel of the narrow RS. Testers notice that the rest of the Formula’s fit is properly differentiated from the narrow as well, with a taller feeling instep and a more open feeling cuff for thicker legs.
Testers compared the level of performance to the women’s medium Tecnica Mach1, and it’s been a test favorite for 4 years running, so that’s pretty good company. The balance of power and quickness was evenly matched, testers said, and zero complaints were lodged for stance issues—neutral fore-aft, neutral laterally, with an even and progressive flex feel that skied stronger than the 105 labeling. This is a new polyurethane plastic being used in the Formula line-up and thus far, it seems like a win over the overly damp feel of the Raptor of old. A couple testers mentioned a feeling of disconnection between cuff and shell that they didn’t experience with the narrow Formula RS but were unable to put their finger on it and thought that perhaps molding the liner and shell would merge the two for them.
Liquid Fit liner injection remains a favorite of our testers but none wanted it done immediately here—they thought the out of box heel and ankle hold was superior and would prefer to ski the liner enough to get it to better match the interior shape of the shell before adding any material. The new cuff adjustment mechanism offers 2-degrees of total movement and better glide between cuff and shell via different cuff attachment inserts. While the calf fit is noticeably roomier than the Formula RS, there is also a dual-cam cuff adjustment to open the cuff circumference by 10mm, and the Form Fit shell is cookable for those with higher volume legs. Testers liked the power strap's adjustable Power Plate that helped spread shin pressure where they wanted it.
The 2021/2022 Head Formula 130 was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Traditional medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Our test team had been waiting for Head’s real replacement to the Vector medium width (Nexo didn’t really count for us) but we hadn’t been expecting an all-mountain version of a fully revised Raptor! Testers said thank you Head for finally showing up to the medium width performance party, and doing so in style. The Formula 130 will be a slam dunk for skiers looking for a classic performance ski boot with modern shape and fit features—virtually no flaws found by our testers.
The Formula presents a proportionately “opened-up” fit map to overlay the narrow Formula RS’s, testers said, differentiated enough to be its own boot but sharing all the narrow’s performance cred and also not straying into “wide-ish” fit territory. The new toebox shape is long for a Head, and perhaps a little longer-feeling than many in the category, and yet the barely increased boot sole length wouldn’t have given it away. The toebox is generous in width and height, as is the forefoot fit, and then the grip begins to tighten behind that point to a firm but shapely grasp on the ankles and heel. The heel is just slightly more relaxed than the RS’s Achilles anchor, which testers liked for a touch more comfort straight out of the box. The calf fit was right on the money for a 100mm testers said, and they liked the liner’s rear spoiler left in place for fit and stance.
Testers loved the instantly accessible power (it did receive a perfect score for edge power) of the Formula 130—no adjustments needed to the boot’s quirks, as there were none. They all clicked in, pointed downhill and began having a great time through all manner of terrain, speed and snow conditions. That is one of the hallmarks of a great boot—that many different testers can go skiing, have a few super runs and have nothing bad to say about the boot. It’s a scalpel, a sledgehammer, a paintbrush—a performance multi-tasker.
Testers didn’t feel any need to inject the liner with Liquid Fit as they said the ankle and heel was money right out of the box, but they all like the idea of it after some time spent skiing it in. Our experiences with Liquid Fit are all positive, but don’t do it unless you need it, and don’t over do it is our advice. The Form Fit shell offers some cook-wear-and-form moldability, but similarly none of our crew felt they’d need it. Testers still don’t love the Spine Flex buckles, but as one said: just take a pill and get over it. The new bilateral cuff adjustment (aka canting) system is simple and functional—just swap in the 0.5-degree circular inserts and off you go. Many testers preferred the Formula’s fat 50mm Velcro power strap with Head’s gliding Power Plate pressure distribution piece over the Raptor-style double-power stretchy pulley, but both work well.
The 2021/2022 Head Formula RS 130 was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Traditional narrow category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Testers had nothing but good things to say about this new one from Head, starting with multiple claims that this would become a tester’s daily driver—and that’s high praise coming from this critical bunch. Frontside power with all-mountain suspension is how another tester described it, and others commented on how surprised they were at the level of edge power and rapid fire response achieved with such a comfortable fit. Best Head to hit the All-Mountain category ever, was the consensus.
Testers agreed that the toebox and forefoot fit was one of the roomiest of the narrow last group, and while initial impressions raised eyebrows, concerns were allayed once testers were moving downhill as that extra space didn’t detract from skiing performance, they said. The entry and exit is stupidly easy (especially for testers expecting a more Raptorish get-on) and the closure system is traditional and straightforward with the exception of twisty, fiddly Spine Flex buckles which testers love to hate. The open front fit is reduced on the trip rearward to an evenly snug lock on the ankles and a legitimately tight heel pocket. Several testers mentioned a low and pinchy heel grip which we explored and found that the liner heel counter material and a slight convexity in the shell’s heel area combined to poke some folks. We did a light grind on a test boot’s shell to reduce those contours medially and laterally and it solved the problem instantly. Testers loved the fit against the shin and the slight flare at the boot top for a comfortable calf fit.
Testers said this all-mountain boot had frontside power to the inside edge on hard snow—fueled by a slightly outboard stance set-up (+0.5 degrees out of the box)—but they didn’t have any trouble moderating that edge angle in softer snow or to get off the edge into another turn. The cuff height and angles were spot-on for testers across the board. The Formula RS 130’s top (nearly perfect) scores fell in the edge power and quickness categories, so skiing performance takes a front seat for this boot but according to testers without leaving convenience and comfort behind.
Testers didn’t feel any need to inject the liner with Liquid Fit as they said the ankle and heel was money right out of the box, but they all like the idea of it after some time spent skiing it in. Our experiences with Liquid Fit are all positive, but don’t do it unless you need it, and don’t over do it is our advice. The Form Fit shell offers some cook-wear-and-form moldability, but similarly none of our crew felt they’d need it. Testers still don’t love the Spine Flex buckles, but as one said: just take a pill and get over it. The new bilateral cuff adjustment (aka canting) system is simple and functional—just swap in the 0.5-degree circular inserts and off you go. Many testers preferred the Formula’s fat 50mm Velcro power strap with Head’s gliding Power Plate pressure distribution piece over the Raptor-style double-power stretchy pulley, but both work well.
The 2021/2022 Full Tilt First Chair 120 was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Traditional medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Our test team acknowledges the First Chair’s heritage and fan following and can see why so many elite bump skiers and freestyle athletes find a match with the Raichle-descended Full Tilt designs—the long travel flexion and under-edged set up makes perfect sense in high impact and highly steered applications. For modern all-mountain skiing the First Chair 120 will appeal to soft snow junkies and wave feature slashers on straighter, softer ski styles, our test team said.
The fit runs short enough that all of our testers went up one size larger than their normal test boot size, and this has been consistent with our tests of Full Tilt across the range of models—other brands boot sole lengths have stretched out over the decades, but this one has remained fixed at its original 1984 dimension. This is not a slight, merely an observation. If you are new to Full Tilt and aren’t sure of your size, be sure to make your purchase after trying on your model at a brick-and-mortar ski shop (when wouldn’t you do that, anyway, right?). The Intuition liner allows for adequate shape changes via full thermo molding with pre-pads for bony prominences, which we fully recommend. Testers characterized the overall fit as cushioned and comfy—good for guided shmears and slashes rather than tip and rip frontside arcs.
First Chair is aptly named, said our testers who liked it best in soft snow on smooth surfaces. As an untracked pow skiing fanatic’s boot it may have no equal with its tip lofting flex feel and finely feathered edging moves. The warmth and comfort factor is high here, testers said, lending credence to its catalog tagline: From first chair to last call. Here’s to that.
The First Chair sports a handy down-hook power strap release (not original but still cool) with a cinch-locking cam buckle closure on it. GripWalk soles breathe a bit of new life into a 35-year-old design and make for more comfortable treks out the gate to find the fresh.
The 2021/2022 Full Tilt Soul Sister 100 was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Soul Sister still impresses our test team, year after year, and especially so this year with the stiffness step-up to a 100-flex, which our aggressive skiing crew applauded. They all still struggle a bit with the buckles and cables that are unique to the Full Tilt experience but manage to get it sorted and get on with the business of skiing, which this boot does well.
The length fit is shorter than the average, which some testers were fine with and others mentioned wanting to try the next size up. The spiral wrapping Intuition Pro Wrap liner was well cushioned and warm, and for testers who did a full liner mold it proved highly adaptable to a variety of foot shapes. For those unfamiliar with the process, be sure to work with a bootfitter who will pre-pad bony prominences on the foot and utilize toe caps to maximize available toe length. Our testers with larger calves said that even with the more flared Women’s Cuff, the Soul Sister suits the average and more slender sisters’ calves best. There are long cables available as an aftermarket parts purchase.
Slinky, buttery, slarvy, snappy were the words testers used to describe the Soul Sister 100 on snow attitude. It’s an all mountain performer with a penchant for quick and steery moves, they said. Not that it couldn’t drive a bigger ski or handle harder surfaces, but testers say it’s not a frontside specialist.
Full Tilt’s aftermarket parts menu is a pretty slick set of features in itself—you might select a stiffer tongue or a longer cable for the calf buckle or possibly replacement cuff adjustment cam plates in case you lost them (don’t lose them!)
