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
Dalbello splits its boots into two architecture families, three-piece and overlap shells. We've always been impressed with the cabrio designs from Dalbello, as they maintain their solid "real-boot" status of stance and transmission of movement while offering some cabrio-centric benefits. This year we are very impressed by the more traditional four-buckle overlap architecture found in the the new Veloce. Its clean lines evoke other sophisticated Italian go-fast icons like Ferrari and Ducati, but without any new fangled embellishment--testers used old-school to describe the Veloce 130 in a complimentary way.
Polyurethane shell, polyurethane cuff with a traditional tongue-style liner, four-buckles and a cam lock power strap--add to that a stance set-up that drilled the bullseye fore and aft as well as side to side and there's not much to frown about here, according to our test team.
The initial fit impressed testers for a combination of ease of entry followed by a very cozy address against the foot and leg--testers used words like silky, cushioned, smooth, contoured, luxurious to describe the liner feel but did not use any words like pack-out which would indicate that its fit wasn't all fluff. Testers said the grip on the foot was maintained in a firm enough way to enable high performance skiing but without any hot spots or discomfort. They said it suited medium width fit needs well, both in the lower and in the upper boot shaft where the boot top offered appropriate flare for a muscular calf without allowing excessive fore-aft balance seeking.
While the Veloce 130's high scores in both the Anatomical Fit and Convenience and Warmth parameters point to its A-game, testers gave its next highest scores in both the Dynamic Balance and Edge Power groups which parallel the many comments about its neutral positioning and stable, predictable command over the ski on hard snow at speed as well as through a broad variety of off-piste junk. Comments pointed to damp power reserves and tenacious edge hold taking a priority position over spritely agility and laser-quick direction changes but few testers complained about its steering accuracy or fast-twitch potential.
Some testers used the old-school moniker to discuss the shell's toebox shape--definitely well-rounded, literally, as opposed to oblique or squared-off but testers loved the fit for the toes nonetheless. The Veloce's return to a simple and straightforward lateral cuff adjustment appealed to our bootfitter tester types who also approved of the uncluttered bi-injection on the lower shell that offered benefits of bottom-end power transmission with softer wrapping plastic up higher on the shell without creating hazards for grinding or stretching where they'd be commonly needed. GripWalk soles come mounted on the boot as is the current fashion.
Bravo Dalbello! Veloce e un vincitore!
Testers affirm past-years' takes on the Atomic Hawx Magna 105 S W GW in their consensus that for as massive an amount of room as is offered in its lower boot fit, the luxury liner performs well above expectations. While the only thing particularly new about this year's Magna is the revised Mimic liner with an improved, smoother feeling and roomier toebox construction, testers nevertheless were surprised again by its combination of cushioned comfort and power lurking beneath its cozy demeanor.
Testers scores provided quantifiable proof that it's a roomy one, receiving the widest scores of the women's test in toebox, forefoot and calf fit. For the wide last target, these scores back up the perfect score that the Magna received for Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel--an aircraft hangar's worth of room is not a demerit in this category, especially when paired with proper skiability.
That is the key to the Magna's wide last allure, the fact that it still skis well enough for expert skiers in all-mountain conditions. Testers note that it's not winning any agility competitions but its on-snow performance persona is reliably strong and predictable.
The testers who put the Atomic Hawx Prime 115 W through its paces comprised a mix of boot retailers, boot fitters, instructors and hard core local skiers--so that's a good blend of folks to see what shook out as common threads both good (mostly) and bad (minimal). The boot sellers and fitters may have been slightly biased going in, as the Hawx Prime women's boot is one of the go-to medium widths for shops that carry the brand--these testers mention that it provides a "universal" kind of fit that appeals to many skiers and as such is usually in the try-on mix with other mediums and often the one remaining on the customer's feet at the end of the trial.
The common fit thread that came through in tester commentary is an ideal blend of fit tension, or squeeze factor, in the lower boot from heel and ankle (rearfoot) to the forefoot and toebox--tighter in the rear, looser in the front. This is not good balance for a race car, but great for a medium width performance ski boot. The newly revised Mimic liner impressed the team for the open and smooth-feeling toebox construction. Testers also unanimously agreed that the vase-like flare at the boot top was well-matched to the athletic (or just thick) calf, and the combined feature set of the Adaptive Fit System Cuff and heat moldable Memory Fit shell make it possible for the calf-fit-challenged to keep a true medium width foot fit while gaining wide-last-territory calf room. This calf-loving fit map should have many skiers putting the Hawx Prime W on their short list.
Another cool feature of the Hawx line is the fore-aft stance adjustment offered by the Power Shift rear cuff anchoring mechanism--this allows the cuff to be made slightly more upright or more forward, but few testers ever mention wanted to employ this tool as the stance angles seem to work for virtually everyone right out of the box. Testers say no big frills on board the Prime but also no problems or unnecessary features--a common refrain from testers was praise for an unencumbered ski experience with plenty of fun and the absence of gear-related hassles. Most shops will carry the 105 flexing Hawx Prime W, which offers enough horsepower for most good skiers, but our test team liked the 115 for its ability to stand up to harder terrain hits and taller, more aggressive skiers mashing on the throttle without collapsing the flex.
The Atomic Hawx Ultra 115 S W GW remains one of our test team's favorites for its true narrow fit and no-compromises performance acumen. In a category where few narrow boots fit truly narrow, the women's Hawx Ultra bucks that trend and offers the low volume foot and leg the kind of firm grip that the 98mm last should. Testers love the closeness of the wrap through the bottom of the lower leg, around the ankle bones and behind the heel at the Achilles tendon. For as tight as it fits (tightest score in group for toebox and lateral column) testers were surprised by its lack of hot spots. Testers were particularly pleased with the fit over the bony top of the foot, where while snug, the boot maintains enough curvature and height to maintain good blood flow and comfortable closure and retention.
Testers love how well the Hawx Ultra 115 connects the body's movements to the skis' performance--the close fit is a large part of that, but testers cite a rapid transmission of energy through the boot and an exceptional amount of power generated by such a lightweight package. The all polyurethane construction aids in maintaining a stable and damp feel on hard snow and bumpy conditions, though the thin shell wall in non-critical areas shaves weight and lets the plastic wrap the foot's curves. The flex feel is energetic and rangy, but without complaints of being collapse prone or overly soft. Testers say the 115 flex marker is accurate on the Hawx Ultra.
The shin fit did bother a few testers who found a bit of bite low on the leg shaft--without the benefit of a liner mold it's tough to say how that would improve for those testers, but our bootfitters on the team have found that molding the Mimic liner makes substantial fit improvements and combining that with an oven cook for the Memory Fit shell often resolves minor shin and instep issues. The Hawx Ultra 115 remains one of those not-so-easy on and off models for our testers, partly due to the stiff, thin and somewhat sharp plastic overlaps but most would make a willing trade for the fit and performance that comes with that. The softer 95 flex would offer easier entry and exit for those skiers who must prioritize that element.
GripWalk soles come mounted on the 115 as well as the 95 flex Ultra and while the women's top shelf Ultra rolls with a 40mm Velcro power strap instead of the cam buckle style found on the men's 130, the women's team had no issue with how that closed up the fit at boot top. The Adaptive Fit System Cuff is a good feature for improving the calf fit for more muscular legs without having to go full-monty in the Memory Fit oven.
The Atomic Hawx Magna 130 is one of a handful of wide-lasted boots to have ushered in the era of Big-is-Badass in the ski boot world. It hasn't been that long that the 102-104mm boot has been afforded the level of respect it garners today. Not too far back in the day, big meant bucket and wide was simply a waste of time for good skiers. Not anymore, and the Magna helped pave the way for that by offering an anatomically proper fit (though expanded proportionately), solid construction that stands up to good (and large) skiers and a neutral stance that harnesses the boot's power in a functional way.
Testers like the Magna for its massive lower boot environment. Spacious doesn't do it justice. Cavernous doesn't capture the fact that the ankle and heel is still retained in adequate fashion for connected skiing. Curvaceous is pretty good--there's room for any high volume foot's topography, that's for sure, and testers would generally agree that the 102 mm measurement is understated. The upper cuff is not massive in circumference but open enough for thick trunks above the ankle and below the knee. The boot top flares enough to avoid calf jabbiness and the overall cuff height feels a touch lower than that found on the Ultra and Prime designs which allows for the great-of-gastroc to find ample accommodation.
Testers also like the Magna for the fact that it skis like a regular old performance boot--no surprises in stance or stability and given enough foot and leg to fill the void spaces it manages to snap off turns with respectable cadence.
The revised Mimic liner was a hit with the test team that appreciate its out-of-the-box fit as well as its highly customizable construction and features. While the rest of the Magna's features slate is fairly straightforward, testers like the dual side cuff adjustment and quick releasing cam buckle pull tab in particular.
Why the Atomic Hawx Prime 130 didn't earn a gold medal at this year's test is a mystery to the half of the test team that thinks it's one of the best medium-width boots available, but just like in politics, there's another whole half of folks who are just plain dumb. Oops, we mean, of a different mind, of course. Perhaps the testers who favor the Prime happen to be bootfitters and boot sellers who know how many skiers this boot fits and how well it skis all around the hill for a variety of different skiing styles and experience levels, and the others, well, maybe they just don't get how valuable that is. For most folks who sell Atomic boots, the Prime will be on the short list of models to try on the average foot, plain and simple.
This is not to say that the Hawx Prime 130 is not unique--it, like its narrow Ultra brethren, sports a thin-shell-wall construction and a close-fitting shape through the lower portion of the cuff and into the ankle and heel pockets. The prime's flare at the boot top is more pronounced than that of the narrow Hawx, appropriate for the average calf, and the width flare moving into the forward half of the lower boot is dramatically suited for a wider forefoot, especially along the lateral side of the foot where the Prime swings out in an accommodating fit arc. The newly revised Mimic liner has a more open toebox, which suited the fit map of the medium Prime nicely, testers agreed, though some thought it was so roomy that it gave up half an ounce of fore-aft balance and performance--thicker socks anyone, or maybe Toasty Toes?
The snugness of the lower leg and ankle pocket fit is belied by a welcome relaxation over the top of the foot. Where some medium widths control the foot by clamping down over it with a flat and numbing squash, the Prime maintains a fairly domed ceiling shape that keeps the nerves and blood vessels on the top of the foot from getting shut down. One of the Prime's ace-in-the-hole fit features is its Memory Fit oven cook option. While this is not a requirement by any means (and many fitters will use this as a last-resort after other more traditional fitting tweaks) it is a great way to open up the fit globally, especially in sometimes tricky zones like the instep or calf.
Testers can't ignore how well and predictably the Hawx Prime 130 skis anywhere on the hill and through any snow condition. There is no deal-breaking stance problem or an issue with its power or quickness. Perhaps some testers didn't appreciate how it fades into the background as they explored better and tighter lines through dicey surfaces. In short the Prime does it all, everywhere, for a broad swath of skiers, and for that it shouldn't be overlooked in any skier's search for a new medium-width daily driver.
The Atomic Hawx (yes, with an X, please) Ultra 130 continues to put a smile on veteran testers faces for a few key things, and these have remained consistent with this benchmark narrow model for several seasons now.
The fit is tight! And we like that--it reminds us that not all narrows are on the American diet of annually expanding last lines. In particular, the Hawx Ultra (and this also remains fairly characteristic for softer iterations down-line) is tight throughout the lower leg but especially at its base and this snug grip transitions into a bar-setting seal on the ankle bones and heel before gradually moderating toward the forefoot which is slightly relaxed compared to the rest of the firm squeeze and then fully opening up into medium-class snugness in the toebox itself. This last fit zone, the toebox, is revised this year with a seamless neoprene toebox that some testers thought felt a bit incongruous (roomy) compared to the otherwise tight-and-right fit throughout, but toe room is a highly subjective thing--some like a firm sense of containment on the pigs while others like floaty piggies going commando for maximal blood flow and warmth. Our testers felt that snugging the toebox for those with an affinity for constriction would be easily accomplished with a bootfitter's help. For as snug overall as the Ultra is, it manages just enough relief over the top of the foot to maintain sensation and warmth--a testament to the Mimic liner's construction, particularly the no-plastic cutaway area on its tongue.
The Hawx Ultra is both strong and precise when driven by a skier with a sense of touch and technical know-how. This is not a sluggish, thick-shell-walled bludgeon that any overweight advanced intermediate can hang over the cuff with and expect to whip it up every hill like a plow-horse. The refined Hawx Ultra will not have that. It is a thin-shelled polyurethane machine that offers a spring-loaded and resilient flex feel that will load a ski as a response to well-crafted movements from above (you, the good skier) and point said ski exactly where intended for perfectly executed arc after arc. This beautiful partnership of skier input and boot's response works best when the forward flexing movements are neither excessive nor heavy-handed. Our lighter and more finesse-oriented testers consistently love the cuff feel and response, while our heavier and taller bashers occasionally complain that the Hawx will collapse a bit under flex duress. They should lighten up.
The Hawx Ultra stance angles are neutral and modern (meaning a touch upright) but the cuff offers dual sided lateral adjustment and the rear Power Shift anchor mechanism will allow for more forward or more upward adjustment if needed (do this with a skier in the boot, levering in the desired direction to get the little bugger to align properly and lock into place). The 130 version we tested relies on a cam-buckle style power strap, which testers dig, and GripWalk soles come mounted on all Ultra models down to the 110 flex.
Testers still cry and whine a bit about how this boot may offer challenges to entry and exit. It's a thin-walled cuff and a little sharp on the hands, so especially when it's cold the overlap can bite the top of the tootsie as it passes the boot's throat. So, be careful, keep it warm in your Transpack from vehicle to lodge and consider hanging out with a toddy by the fire to allow the Hawx Ultra to warm up for exit if you're that soft. If a skier doesn't realize the fit and performance is worth a little bit of its start-and-finish struggle, then perhaps the Hawx Ultra 130 isn't for him or her.
The 2021/2022 DaleBoot VFF Pro Women's was tested in the All-Mountain Traditional category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The revised VFF Pro Women's was an answer to testers many years of prayers that there might come a day for a buckle system update, and praise Ullr, that day is come! The clean and crisp feeling (and looking) cuff is modeled on its venerable predecessor but it sports, shall we say, normal buckles! Testers liked their feel in the hand but even more importantly liked the wrapping closure of the new cuff design which gripped their shin in a characteristically cushioned and long-travel DaleBoot sort of way but with a bit more performance constriction and with a stronger flex feel.
The fit with a DaleBoot is. Meaning, it’s all about you—it’s custom—and our tests over the years have shown that a one-off shell build plus an Intuition-DaleBoot custom molded liner adds up to a great fit. That said, the new cuff is thicker on the sides, which generates more edging power but also contributed to a more robust fit though the upper boot where the lower leg felt more supported than your previous VFF Pro. Testers loved the ease of buckling with the revised and less-unique clasping, and while the lower buckle will remain reversed (that’s not so crazy considering the many three-piece designs that followed DaleBoot’s 5-decade lead on that) but they will transition that bale buckle to a modern catch for next season. As the fit relates to a women's specific boot, DaleBoot was building women's specific boots before that was a thing--the boot is built custom for the person, so really it should be called a person-specific boot.
The VFF Pro always sat on the agile and steery side of the quickness-power fence, but not so much now as testers said that the revised cuff build and a slightly more positive (tipped out) lateral stance unlocked some previously untapped horsepower and torque in this lightweight-before-lightweight-was-cool cabrio. The direct-drive feel of the forefoot sitting directly on the thin and stiff polyether shell floor remains a characteristic asset of the new VFF Pro as that design element has not changed. Nor has the three-quarter-length bootboard with adjustable weight-bearing posts that allows for incremental ramp angle tweaks as well as available adjustment in rearfoot varus and valgus (for the super techy stance geeks among us). The well-cushioned and rangy flex feel is also still recognizable as a signature DaleBoot trait, though the new cuff’s “travel slots” are more easily extended to offer even more travel in flexion for those who want it. As with all VFF Pros of yore, the free-hinging three-piece flex range is restrained by an adjustable spring-tensioned cable and lever-action tightening throw on the rear of the cuff.
As with all DaleBoot models the coolest feature of the VFF Pro is that it is built for each individual customer in their Salt Lake City factory and then shipped to the partner-dealer who does the final liner molding and stance work, plus any additional fit tweaking for one single price. The original provider of on-sole canting, the VFF Pro still offers a wide range of modular canted soles to put the final touches on a custom fit.
The Gist
The debut of the women’s S/Max was met with widespread tester approval last year and it returns unchanged for another go this season. While some boots are powerful but heavy, and others might be agile and light, yet unstable, testers said that the new S/Max 120 W combines all performance elements in a perfectly even blend. They also like its true to narrow class fit—very snug in all the right places. One tester said, look out ladies, there’s a new boss b!#(% in town--powerful, driven, and tight. Very quick Custom Shell HD molding made subtle but good changes, they said.
The Fit
Testers put this on the tightest end of the narrow class for its fit in the lower boot and cuff. It's a true narrow and testers with slender legs and narrow heels absolutely loved the evenly contoured grip on every nook and cranny. Our thicker legged testers didn't like the cuff fit as much. Testers said that the shape is anatomical in every way, so long as the calf isn't too big, though Custom Shell HD molding could open that up a bit. The instep fit is close and testers said the flex feel is firm (a real 120) but evenly distributed on the shin. A few testers commented that it was not the easiest on or off in the group.
Performance
Our test team loved how this boot skied everywhere on the hill, from firm groomers to dicey crud. They called it light and reactive but simultaneously stout and damp. Some testers felt the flex lacked a little rebound, but all appreciated the 120 flex power and relayed that transitions turn to turn were synaptically quick.
Cool Features
One tester said the best feature of the S/Max 120 W was the fact that it was a real boot without a bunch of girly fluff and B.S. And along those lines, the features are stripped down here. Yes, it can be custom molded--the Custom Shell HD process is fast and effective for subtle shape changes our tests have shown. Testers like the Sense Claw 45mm cam buckle style power strap for cranking the cuff closure and dual liner pull loops are nice for getting this one on.
The Gist
The Pure Elite 120 has always earned its highest marks for its balanced stance, rapid-fire quickness and its high level of comfort, warmth and convenience. Testers remind not to let its fuzzy, furry liner fool you into thinking that this isn’t a top tier performer. They say it’s one of the stiffest and strongest of all the women's all-mountain boots, and while it is the roomiest of the narrow class in virtually every fit parameter, it doesn’t stray into true medium volume. Ease of use, good looks (testers like this year's graphic update) and great skiing get it perennial gold.
The Fit
Testers agree it's one of the roomiest of the narrow category—borderline medium—with a tall and upright feeling cuff and a roomy toebox (length, width & height). A few of our low-volume testers successfully dropped down one size in this model. On the whole, testers don't mind the extra room, and they say that the anatomical shaping is spot-on for the human foot and leg. They all love the faux fur, and universally praise the evenly progressive flex feel, if firm, at a legit 120.
Performance
Our taller, more aggressive skiers loved the Elite 120's tall, upright and stiff cuff in their normal size—they had the long leg leverage to get over the top of this boot and uncork its raw power and quickness. So too, did the shorter testers who were able to size down and get a lower cuff fit. Average height and shorter testers who stuck with their normal size felt a little pushed back onto their heels by the cuff and commented that they wanted a little heel lift to help put them in the driver's seat. Every tester, to a woman, agreed this is one powerful and responsive ride.
Cool Features
The fuzzy liner is made with Merino wool, so high warmth scores were not a figment of testers' imaginations. A set of GripWalk soles is available as an accessory (nice for walking, compatible with GripWalk bindings only).
The Gist
Last year one tester said, as you buckle, the engine revs! And out of more than 20 individual tests the comments about a tight yet perfectly-mapped fit were virtually universal. The combination of a tightly, deep-seated heel fit with just enough room over the top of the foot for circulation and uniformly snug contact throughout the rest of the boot had testers fired up to ski. Testers said the light-but-strong Tri Force shell construction did not disappoint while on edge (trenching) or in rapid fire transitions to set the next rail. It was the highest scoring boot in its category and this year remains unchanged outside of cosmetics.
The Fit
One tester said of the Promachine 130, just trying them on sets high expectations, and that sums up testers' fit impressions pretty well. They were excited to get this one on snow as soon as they buckled up, because they felt that this narrow fit like a narrow should. However, testers were simultaneously shocked that it did so with such well placed curves following the foot that it avoided the usual narrow boot hot spot map. Only testers with high, bony insteps and prominent styloids (base of the 5th metatarsal) had any complaints that would require a bootfitter's assistance.
Performance
The slimmed down, thin-shell polyurethane shell and cuff gives the Promachine 130 a light feel in hand, but testers assure that there is no resulting deficit in the power department. That it scored an average of 4.86 (out of 5) for Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support after 16 individual tests is a validation of the fact that lightness doesn't only mean quickness—though its scores there bear out that it wasn't a slouch there, either. Testers repeatedly commented that the Promachine 130 had race boot guts, especially on hard snow at high speed, but maintained an easily moderated throttle feel and could feather and smear on demand, a skill which Frontside boots often lack.
Cool Features
The Tri Force shell and cuff construction utilizes a mix of thinner and thicker plastics in different stiffnesses to create a rigid, transmissive boot that still wraps the foot and goes on and off easily—good features. The IsoTherm 3D Cork Fit liner is well sculpted to match the foot and the shell's interior incorporates its namesake wicking laminate to keep this slim boot warm and dry. Testers liked the GripWalk soles which come mounted on the boot, as well as the standard feature stuff you'd expect at this trim level like dual lateral cuff adjustment, dual liner pull loops, 45 mm power strap (with the Power Driver plate) and removable Velcro rear spoiler.
The Gist
Edged for first place by a mere two-hundredths and sporting a nearly perfect score for edge power and stability, last year testers said the Promachine was an absolute powerhouse that needed not a single fit modification out of the box. Lively and balanced, they said it’s also tall and firm against the leg, and they liked that just fine. This is a real skier’s boot, they said, the kind that appeals to an all-mountain shredder who might often opt for a stiffer men’s model. One tester said, this boot has your back! This year, the teal highlights are gone--oh well.
The Fit
Testers used lots of evenly sprinkled 2's (1 tightest, 5 loosest) to rate the Promachine's fit in both the lower boot and the cuff. It's not race boot tight, but just right tight for the category, they said. Its tightest score was for the heel pocket and its roomiest was for the calf—that's a fit blueprint that will work for a lot of women. One tester whined about the heel pocket being too tight around the Achilles tendon, but our custom tests showed the 3D Cork Fit Primaloft liner did a good job of opening the fit where needed without losing a firm grip elsewhere, so we told her to quit whining.
Performance
Though testers called it the perfect mix of power and agility, it received a perfect score average for Quickness, Steering & Feel so apparently testers corroborated Nordica's claim that the thin shell wall Tri Force construction lightens the boot and provides better ground feel without a loss of torque. While the boot's lightness was noticed, it wasn't the primary element that testers were attracted to. They were far too focused on how well they skied everywhere on the mountain on the Promachine 115 W to worry about the boots myriad other good features, of which less weight certainly is one.
Cool Features
Testers like the rolling, grippy stride of the GripWalk soles that come mounted on the boot and noticed (and appreciated) the soles' aqua highlights that matched the rear spine and Power Driver power strap plate (which they also liked for its shin pressure displacement). Our techie testers also appreciated the full complement of useful stuff, like dual lateral cuff adjustment, a removable Velcro rear spoiler, two liner pull loops and four easy to use buckles (yes, with aqua highlights).
