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
Testers were amused by the Freesoul 10's Harlem Globetrotters' sweat band boot cuff and they liked the boot's feel against the shin throughout its very long flex range. But testers also pointed out that the boot's lack of support fore-aft made it difficult to transmit energy to the ski and edging power was similarly limited.
While entry and exit received high scores, testers weren't enamored of the three different styles and directions of buckles that seemed to complicate the closure without any redeeming purpose.
Testers all felt that the boot was being tested a bit unfairly, a bit outside of its designated target application—the park—and felt that it could be an adequate shock-absorber for cool kids wanting to get from feature to feature in style.
The Bold 120 returns this season with some cool upgrades—completely revised Intuition liner, midsole grip and rad, new electric lime color—all of which added up to a more appealing package for testers.
The Roxa Bold 120 test results were still something of a split decision this year—some testers loved the upright stance and solid feel on snow while others had issues with an inconsistent fit. Though testers liked the improvements that the Intuition liner brought, many commented that the toebox and heel were both quite tight, though the fit in between lacked a snug feel. Testers suggested heat molding with toecaps to better even out the fit tension throughout.
All testers agreed that the tipped-out stance angle of the cuff loaded a lot of power (and inside edge bias) to the ski, which made the Bold a ripper on smooth groomers.
Testers liked the Bold 120's side to side predictability but didn't characterize it as lightning quick—a reliable ride with adequate support for all-mountain ventures at a heck of a price was the takeaway.
If you're only going to offer one narrow lasted boot aside from your race product, it better be a good one. Perhaps Rossignol put extra effort into developing the Experience SI 130 since it's surrounded by a bunch of mediums and wides and extra wides. Or maybe the brand’s lone soldier feels like it has to work that much harder for lack of back-up.
No matter the reason, it did it again—top of the class for the second year running on the All-Mountain Traditionalist category podium shared with a very select few. It actually got better scores than the RX 130 LV (its psychic twin), and you know that has to tweak the Lange folks, them being so performancey and all.
Why does the low-key, Mr. Nice Guy, under-the-radar Experience SI 130 do so well? Some testers like to say its strong genetics drawn from the long-gone B Squad line. The bloodlines have finally thinned out to a point where the masses can appreciate the power and accuracy that remains. Others said that it's the new pigment in the shell plastic that gives it renewed juju. Most just pointed to a flawless stance, a great flex feel, and a liner that grips the heel and ankle like a race boot with a relaxed fit around the rest of the foot. That’s the key to building a great narrow boot in the all-mountain category.
Minor liner changes this year continued to bump the fit scores forward. There were few fit complaints cited on test forms. It's tight, but middle-of-the road tight for the 97mm group and evenly so. There’s a little extra forgiveness up front in the squared-off toebox and slightly open forefoot. Testers noted that the cutaway plastic instep pocket on the tongue helps relax fit over the top of the midfoot.
Sometimes, when boots get blown up to big boy proportions, the proportions get blown out—not here, testers said. The Alias Sensor 120 boasts a monstrous fit that maintains a shape that makes sense again this year (though it returns with a new cosmetic and revised liner toebox).
The width of the boot is huge in toebox and forefoot, but similarly so over the top of the foot and through the instep, where big, thick feet usually have a lot of volume. Testers said that the transition from the top of the foot through the throat of the boot and up into the shin was perfectly engineered for comfort and support of a power forward's hoof and lower leg. And yet testers found that the heel and ankle pocket was still shaped to contain and control those areas for accurate edging moves on the hill. There isn't much fancy going on, but testers said that was just fine—a strong 120 flex to support the big, good skier that needs a real 104 mm cargo hold lower boot was all the Alias 120 needed to put together with its fit and stance for them to push it above the cut in this category.
Testers didn't mind the lack of rear spoiler here, probably not needed for the crusher calf, but the skinny legged may notice the Alias 120's upright stance. Our test team thought the balanced position this boot created was perfect for the target. Tall, strong and ready for whatever a good skier may drive it into.
We think boots like the Patron Pro could save the sport of skiing. First, by strapping into this boot a skier would be reminded that a boot is supposed to fit snug, like it means business, tight like there is intent to rip at the highest level. Next, it would grab hold of that skier and re-train him on how to properly stand on skis—there will be flex in the ankle, there will be a bend in the knee—if that feels foreign to him he will either ski more, get himself to the gym, or quit. Assuming the former, this skier would realize that the absolute power and precision of this boot is too much for his worn-out, bought-online junk sticks and be forced to go straight into the shop to buy an all-mountain performance ski that suitably matches this performance boot. Then, after skiing like some crazed, heroic version of himself all day long, this skier will buy drinks in the bar, decide to go heli skiing, and re-commit his life to the sport.
Well, we think this could happen, and we'd like to think that a boot experience could be life-changing, but one thing that we are sure about is that the new Patron Pro is all of that stuff we just mentioned. It is the archetype of the ski boot that all the best skiers envision—it is functional, but it is unadorned. It is not fluffy, it is not soft, it is not medium-anything. It is full-throttle, narrow class, stiff and unapologetically strong on edge. It wants you to be a better skier, no matter how good you already are.
That said, this version (revised last year) has a wonderfully cushioned shin fit compared to its previous self and its former calf jabbing tendencies have been resolved. The toebox and forefoot (while still performance-fit) are more anatomically shaped and opened-up. Testers loved the touches on this off-road Dobie (essentially what it is) and wondered how Nordica was able to keep the power and precision of the track machine but combine it with what felt like big-travel suspension. Specifically, the more flexible bootboard design did the trick, along with those liner changes that better distribute shock and help the foot to seat flat to the boot floor.
Dennis Hopper boot. Get it? Easy rider! (nobody gives a shit about Peter Fonda) Easy on, easy fit, easy to ski, easy to like, said testers. The all-new NXT N1 is Nordica's wide rider too—it's 102mm with room to spare, testers say.
The open-for-business lower will comfortably house the largest, thickest of feet, and the boot's clever Cuff Profile calf adjuster can flare open the back of the boot top to accommodate even elephantine calves. This one is designed to never elicit even a hint of foot squeeze at initial try-on. It runs long, gives weight-bearing forefoot splay a wide berth and wraps it all in a soft (but not mushy) liner.
But if you think the NXT is all comfort and no performance, think again. Testers gave it high marks for smooth transitions turn-to-turn, a solid connection to the ski and a relaxed, upright stance that makes all-day cruising an attainable goal. Some testers said it didn’t really hit the 120 flex mark but with the next-step-down N2 at 100, that's probably as it should be—let’s call it a 113.25 flex.
Laterally and torsionally the boot held up to abuse with a damp and easygoing attitude. It was just fine everywhere on the Bachelor volcano, testers said, and will be a fine ride for most good skiers with higher volume feet and legs. Thick footed charger-rippers may want to go with NRGy, because NXT may just not appreciate the stress. Skiing's supposed to be fun, right?
Testers who've been following Nordica's medium-width boot evolution over the past few years were excited—and anxious—to ski the all-new NRGy Pro 1 after faltering starts with former Hell & Back and Fire Arrow models. Just getting it on their feet inside gave them good vibes. After just a few turns on the hill, they broke into smiles—it skis! After a couple runs their heart rate monitors edged higher. It really skis!
Testers found the flex even and natural—though a firm and upright 130 flex for sure. It used that functional flex to crush all manner of terrain and mix it up, turn-shape-wise, through variable snow and over smooth surfaces. Nordica’s return to a polyurethane shell construction from Triax plastic used previously put a smile on the face of our testers who liked its predictable, snappy feel. They also agreed that the neutral balance underfoot made for smooth, strong turns anywhere. The NRGy is a versatile platform and the 130 version we tested matched particularly well to bigger, stronger-skiing guys.
The cuff rides slightly taller than average in the category, so some of our shorter testers struggled to get out in front of the stout upper. They suggested that the 120- or 110-flex Pro 2 and Pro 3 versions might suit guys built like them better. The fit in the lower boot runs longer and wider than most others in the medium width group, and the tall fit over the top of the foot and up through the midfoot favors both thicker and higher-arched feet.
The auto-moldable ankle pockets started off snug and their fit improved by the run. The ankle area speedily conforms if you take the time to heat mold the Custom Cork liners. The Pro 1 and Pro 2 liners offer chipped-cork molding packs integrated into the ankle areas.
The SX 120 is versatile and delivers lots of bang for the buck. Its 102mm width is going to work for more skiers—and at a better price—than the brand’s big gun mediums and narrows. And it delivers all that without sacrificing much on the performance-meter.
The SX represents the latest link in Lange’s fixed-cuff evolution. The founding RS shape and stance platform spawned the all-mountain RX line which then swelled to accommodate a thicker, higher volume foot and lower leg in the SX. Lange's so-called Four Pillars technology—1) neutral stance geometry; 2) mono-injected construction; 3) anatomical liner with limited seams through the toebox and tongue; and 4) it's available across the last width spectrum. Rather than proffer some anomalous mush bucket to accommodate the wide foot/relaxed-fit market, Lange blew-up what they knew worked into a higher volume fit.
Testers who don't typically like skiing wide boots liked the SX 120. Not because it isn’t wide; it's right in line with what we’d expect of a 102. But it’s roomy, not sloppy. Testers also liked the SX because it stands right. It balances under the foot and grabs the lower leg in a neutral but strong and functional way. This boot skied well even when the tester’s foot and leg didn’t fill its caverns. But pack it full of foot and the quickness scores go way up. It's a one-percent boot for the working class foot.
Lange has long been known as a performance brand, dating back to its domination of the 1968 Grenoble (France) Olympics where it captured five of the six Alpine gold medals awarded. But if you don't think of Lange boots as comfort and convenience players then you haven't been paying attention the last few years. Of all the brands, we think Lange has struck the best balance between performance, fit, stance and convenience across its range. This observation comes from multiple years of recent boot testing where Lange models have topped each category.
The RX chassis has become benchmark for the combination of elements listed above, to the point of becoming a category fixture--changing little each year, yet maintaining its pack leader status. One of the things we like about the RX boot is how Lange refuses to make changes for change sake alone—there's just no reason to change a winning recipe.
For this year, we’re treated to a slightly different external layer on the liner and a stitching modification on the tongue. As a test team that's seen many great boots disappear simply because the factory felt the need to make a change for marketing purposes, we applaud the fact that Lange continues to send this winning horse to the post even as it ages up.
As far as narrow boots go, the RX 130 LV is not abusively tight. Testers put it in the middle of the narrow group for fit tension. And they mentioned it has a slightly longer fit and a bit more toebox room than many other narrows.
A few testers mentioned that the forward flex felt a little softer and longer-traveling than other 130's, which most testers liked for easing the shin fit in off-piste bashing. This is the nature of many 130 and 120 flex boots now—slightly softer in flex than expected but still laterally and torsionally stable for driving a ski on edge. This is a good combination for the vast majority of skiers who want a performance step-up without a rigid feel against the shin or difficult entry and exit.
With its rookie year in the rearview mirror, the Spyne 130 LV put up solid numbers and avoided a sophomore jinx. It came to camp with an improved liner and a new look that our scouts approved. The PrecisionFit Intuition liner's new toebox shape and tweaks made to enhance the way the liner mates with the shell opened up the fit in all the right places—and kept them snug where they need to be.
While the LV shell truly is low volume (especially in the heel, ankles and along the lateral side of the foot), we received none of the tight toes and numbness complaints we heard last year. A few testers mentioned that the fit over the top of the foot felt more contoured and comfortable, further eradicating the two-run tingle several experienced last go-round.
The graphics are changed too, and to a virtually unanimous positive vote (OK; one dissenter described the hue as puke). The colors didn't change how the boot skied though, and testers gave the Spyne 130 LV meaty power scores.
They praised the stance angle set-up. The boot set our skis a-trenching and managed them well at all speeds through a variety of terrain. Strong yes, dull-witted no. Testers noticed a supple, springy flex feel, attributing it to the unique link between lower and upper boot. Spyne boots aren't fixed at the rear spine (hence the name) but neither are they free to collapse. The Energy Interlock mechanism binds the cuff to the lower with a slightly stretchy connection that lets energy load and release in an active manner.
Helping to bolster the boot’s stability and power is the rigid Y-shaped Powerfuse SpYne (see the big Y down the boot back?) that stiffens the boot laterally and torsionally without having to rely on bulky plastic elsewhere that can hamper entry and exit. It earned great in-and-out scores.
There’s tremendous fit versatility here. In addition to the Low Volume version we tested, testers praised the option to go to a medium-width Spyne 130 or the new wide-lasted Spyne 130 HV (high volume) while maintaining this same stance platform and trim levels.
If success in the medium width category means appealing to a broad spectrum of skiers and different foot shapes, then the Spyne 110 can hang a “Mission Accomplished” banner without fear of being mocked.
Testers thought this step-down, 110 flex skied just fine, holding its own against a bunch of boots with brawnier numbers. It’s adequate for all but redline expert skiers or larger guys who simply need the support of the medium-width big brother Spyne 130. The softer flex and slightly lower-than-average cuff height of the Spyne 110 make it a great choice for guys with shorter legs and big calves who need their boot top to hit just below the widest part of the muscle.
Other than the cuff, testers rated the fit decidedly "medium," with score averages that center punched the category range. The revamped liner has a more supple construction and the re-shaped toebox is a success, providing good out-of-box fit for testers across the board. The multi-layer, multi-density Intuition foam liner can be heat molded to improved effect on a hot stacks but few test forms indicated a mandatory call for it. That's a big step forward for the Spyne 110.
The K2 Spyne 90 returns with a new, sedate cosmetic that will appeal to a lot of good skiers looking for a little less flash along with a complete liner redesign that made much of the previous versions flaws vanish, just like that. It also comes with a set of replaceable, grippy toe and heel plates for more cushioned and secure walking.
Testers still say that the Spyne 90 fits more like a medium and stiffer than billed. So for skiers looking for a medium-wide 110 flex at a heck of a price, we'd say this is a perfect option for you! This is probably one of the top three boot values of the test this year--again. The well-balanced K2 boot geometry is at the heart of its success. Tester after tester mentioned standing right where they wanted to on the ski. There wasn't a single mention of a lack of performance or deficit on snow—testers were blown away with how hard it ripped. Testers also vouched that the new liner had more toe room and a more even fit—improvements on last year's rendition.
Now, that doesn't mean it was perfect—there were some fit demerits that knocked it off the top podium perch. The cuff is a touch low, and the shin fit still a little abrupt, according to testers. But keep in mind that the K2 EVA foam-based liner construction responds well to heat molding, so these issues may go away in a hot flash.
