The Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro W is completely new this year in both shell and liner but that didn't stop it from taking the top step on the podium in the Backcountry category, again, for the
Testers loved how well the Scott Cosmos Pro gripped the heel, ankles and instep--a fantastic fit for the low volume foot, they said. They also liked the indoor flex feel for it's smooth, progressive feel and long range of travel. The Cosmos Pro is one of the best in class for its touring range of motion and its smooth quality of stride, testers said. They also love its stealthy black look and clean, shapely lines.
The Cosmos Pro is described as a 103.5mm last, which would indicate a wide boot by alpine standards. Often, backcountry boot manufacturers may use a larger size (27/27.5) for this measurement, so that could explain some of the width discrepancy, but testers scored the boot with 1's and 2's, fit tension metrics that should suit the tightest of the narrow boots we test. Testers noted that the Cosmos Pro fits short, lengthwise, and suggested that most skiers would want to size up to ensure enough room for the toes while touring--this, also could close the gap between the advertised width and its fit reality, testers surmised. They advised that this would be a good one to try-on in person before buying to select the right size, or at least be sure of the return policies in place for an online purchase (which of course we brick-and-mortar bootfitter types can't support).
Some testers found a bit of a disconnect between the static flex feel they experienced during dry testing and the way the forward flex held up during skiing. A couple testers mentioned that once clamped into the bindings, the Cosmos Pro was rendered somewhat collapsible under firm flexing movements. They suggested that lighter skiers or those with a softer touch on snow would avoid taxing its fore-aft stability. Other testers made no mention of this issue and instead complimented the Cosmos Pro on its consistent and controlled edging game, powered by the snug, well-wrapped fit on the foot and leg.
Testers were interested to try the all new Gea RS at this year's test. Sometimes a "new" boot is hardly revised, with perhaps a minor liner material change or some tweak to buckle styles, but this is a really, really, new Gea RS. Change is difficult for some folks, and our test team had a hard time letting go of one of their favorite backcountry boots in the Gea RS of old, but they also found new things to rally behind with this new one.
First, it's a completely different mold shape, and likely the same or very similar to the 4-Quattro boots that we tested last year. This is a stripped and ripped new boot--its shell shape is closer to the foot than its predecessor and its liner is less bulky and padded. This boot says performance in the way it addresses the foot--it's pretty damn snug they said, and especially so over the top of the foot. Where the predecessor was one of those easy-going medium fits that was universally pleasing to most feet and legs, this new one tightens the screws down a bit. For the testers who matched its fit map they discovered a newly responsive and crisp feeling Gea RS that drove a ski harder with less effort and pointed the ski exactly as directed. The Grilamid Bio lower shell and carbon core inserts in both the shell and cuff produce a highly transmissive, powerful feel.
Scarpa has always been sly with their fit metrics--pay attention to where their sizing breaks with regard to the shared shell--it's the same with the smaller half-size and the larger whole-size (i.e. a 24.5 and 25.0 share the same shell). Similarly the listed last width of their boots is often measured off their particular sample size, 27.5, rather than virtually all other brands' sample size of 26.5...this may explain the 102mm label here. Testers say it's a snug medium, not a wide. The takeaway, testers said, is that this is one for in-person try-on for a purchase, not an online roll-of-the-dice.
Testers like the revised walk mode apparatus and found it both easy and solid in its engagement. They really appreciated that the forward lean angle of the cuff could be straightened up by 2-degrees. It could also be made even more forward-leaning by the same increment but testers said that would not be needed for them. If diversity is a goal in boot feature technology, the Gea RS buckle assemblage has a global village's worth of it! The down-hooking power strap is useful for sealing the top of the cuff where one traditional buckle resides. The mid-way, 45-degree buckle is a ratchet strap and the lower closure relies on a buckle-tensioned Wave Lite cable system that does the job nicely according to testers.
Testers were a little bittersweet about the new Scarpa Maestrale RS because, well, they really liked the old Maestrale RS. But, as with most change, there were good things to look forward to as well in this same-name but very different Maestrale RS--particularly how well it skis! Testers gave the new Maestrale RS a perfect 5.00 in Edge Power, the highest score in that metric across the board in the Backcountry category. As expected the Maestrale RS didn't lose a step in its uphill game, with testers loving its stride length, smooth quality and light weight upon the foot--as usual.
This is a power-packed minimalist uphill-downhill machine, testers said, pointing to the carbon core inserts in the lower shell and cuff as the light and rigid foundation that bolstered the Grilamid Bio and Pebax R-New plastics' transmissive qualities. This boot delivered real alpine-level power to the edge, testers said, and while they said it was energetic and springy feeling, it wasn't fidgety and remained damp-enough when controlling big skis at speed over variable snow surfaces. More than one tester commented on its on-area descent capabilities and its confidence-inspiring reliability in demanding terrain.
For the right feet and leg shapes the Maestrale's downhill game sealed the deal for testers as their new favorite BC boot. For testers whose feet and legs fell outside (i.e. wider or higher volume) the Maestrale RS's fit map, well, they were less enthused. The new Maestrale RS fit is not as universally mediumish or forgiving (read, well-padded) as its predecessor. Testers described something of a platypus bill as the foot shape required for the new Maestrale RS--wide at the toes and forefoot and low, vertically, through the instep and midfoot. While the 102mm descriptor might indicate a wide fit, testers said that only related to the width at the forefoot, as the three-dimensional space was more snug-medium in fit character. Testers mentioned that the heel pocket and calf were particularly snug, which suited some of our testers perfectly.
The boot feels close to the snow, with very little bulk separating foot movements from ground feel, and testers liked this performance trait for quick and sensitive steering and edging movements. But the shell also feels quite close to the foot and the liner is spartan in its cushioning, so testers with wider or bonier feet found some hot spots to whine about.
Testers liked the updated features here, like a revised walk mode switch that they found easy and solid, and they liked the forward lean adjustment that offered a two-degrees more upright or more forward cuff position if needed. The variety of buckle and strap styles provided for some initial fiddling about, as cabrio BC boots will, but testers liked the closure system once they worked out the bugs.
The Salomon S/LAB MTN SUMMIT is produced in sizes from 22.5 to 30.5 so at this year's test we decided to try-out the unisex gender bender with both our women's and men's test teams. Results were similar for both camps, with a resounding and unanimous thumbs up for the boot's light weight and massively smooth hiking range of motion that made our testers want to trek just a little bit further for another untracked lap.
The boot's closure system is unique and required a little extra time to sort out for testers brand new to the S/LAB MTN SUMMIT's entry protocols. The lower BOA reel rides on a gliding plastic carriage that sits over the midfoot and connects into the instep area "ankle strap," which provides for a lightweight and positive clamp down over the top of the foot. Testers found that pulling a little extra slack out of the BOA reel helped them navigate the snug boot throat and load into the minimalist lower boot. The upper cuff is closed-up via a wide pulley-style Velcro power strap plus a narrower velcro mini power strap above it. Testers were split about all that Velcro, with some liking the infinite micro adjustments found with the Velcro-set pulley tension and others wondering when the hook and loop might give up on its gription.
Our women's test team found that the fit in the lower boot offered a lot of vertical movement in the toebox, which made for warm and comfy toes while hiking but a bit of loss of fore-aft control as the toes often went seeking the ceiling to help maintain a balanced position. Testers thought the BOA and ankle strap controlled the midfoot well, though testers with bony, high arched feet found it overly aggressive there. Testers said that the instep, heel and ankle zones offered more mediumish fit tension levels.
Testers found the cuff a touch low and upright in stance angle, which they liked for comfortable hiking and skinning but found that it made maintaining a centered position in challenging snow conditions a bit tricky. They liked this set-up for touring to untracked pow stashes--which is the point of this lightweight goods-access unit, anyway, they suggested.
The Salomon S/LAB MTN SUMMIT is produced in sizes from 22.5 to 30.5 so at this year's test we decided to try-out the unisex gender bender with both our women's and men's test teams. Results were similar for both camps, with a resounding and unanimous thumbs up for the boot's light weight and massively smooth hiking range of motion that made our testers want to trek just a little bit further for another untracked lap.
The boot's closure system is unique and required a little extra time to sort out for testers brand new to the S/LAB MTN SUMMIT's entry protocols. The lower BOA reel rides on a gliding plastic carriage that sits over the midfoot and connects into the instep area "ankle strap," which provides for a lightweight and positive clamp down over the top of the foot. Testers found that pulling a little extra slack out of the BOA reel helped them navigate the snug boot throat and load into the minimalist lower boot. The upper cuff is closed-up via a wide pulley-style Velcro power strap plus a narrower velcro mini power strap above it. Testers were split about all that Velcro, with some liking the infinite micro adjustments found with the Velcro-set pulley tension and others wondering when the hook and loop might give up its gription.
Our men's test team found the fit map similar to the women's take: open toebox and forefoot, tight over the midfoot and instep, low in cuff height. Guys with lower than average instep heights enjoyed the S/LAB MTN SUMMIT's fit the best, and they had an easier time getting it on as well. Shorter and lighter testers preferred the cuff feel and fore-aft balance offered by the boot, whereas the heavier and taller guys felt a little under-supported by the cuff.
All our male testers loved the MTN SUMMIT's hike mode range of motion and quality of stride and universally praised the ease of hike mode switch operation. Testers thought that skiers looking for a minimalist, untracked-pow-seeking conveyance they'd be pleased with this one's offerings.
Testers were taken with the washable 3D Platinum Tour liner which they said was thicker and more comfortable than typically found in this category but without creating a bulky feel. One tester said, surprisingly plush and comfortable liner--so different from any boot before in the category. A washable option for the BC sweat sponge was universally applauded by bootfitters on the team, who said that it might become requirement for working on boots that come in from elsewhere for any potential remolding. Testers felt the liner and shell worked in tandem to produce a nicely medium width fit tension throughout the lower and upper though testers mentioned that the cable laced lower buckle was difficult to vary tension over different parts of the foot.
Testers were blown away by the uphill capability of the Backland XTD, praising its long, natural stride and lightweight feel underfoot. They liked the straightforward release and lock of the touring mode lever and thought the Stretch Guard 360 weather proof gusset worked as billed to ease entry and seal the deal as it related to wetter conditions (which we had some of during testing). Testers were less impressed with the cuff's flex feel which a few described as "hinge-y" and collapsible on aggressive descending. Lighter weight testers and those with a lighter touch on the snow didn't report these issues.
Testers put both the BC style rockered sole version (Skywalk touring norm sole) available in the 115-flex to the test alongside the softer 105-flex version with an integrated, molded-in GripWalk sole (Skywalk GripWalk sole) to see how things might shake out. Other than the obviously softer flex feel (which didn't help this test team) of the 105 and a step-down to a Velcro power strap in the softer version, testers found few glaring differences--however, the molded GripWalk outsole was a hit with the test team for its obvious convenience of compatibility with a variety of different bindings. Testers didn't suggest that this model would be a great on-area descender on a GripWalk alpine binding--but it could be done!
Testers who were not necessarily backcountry veterans were won over by the Backland XTD Carbon 120 GW for a variety of reasons--the first being access to the goods. The molded GripWalk outsole meant that some testers were able to use their GripWalk compatible alpine bindings to at least experience how the boot fit and performed on snow, even if they weren't testing it going uphill. And they loved how well it drove their on-area sticks! Yes, it was a little under-powered in that application but they felt that it handled most of what they threw at it and held up pretty well against other stiffer 130's. The crew that mated the Backland XTD Carbon with a more appropriate, lighter weight ski and tech binding found that the set up was at the top of the heap for a combination of natural and smooth ascending and more-than-capable descent skills. This little two-buckle affair had few flaws for testers to write home about.
Atomic calls the Backland XTD a "touring last 100 mm" which we assume means it runs a little to the snug side of all-mountain alpine medium width boots--cuz it did. Across the board testers praised the evenly contoured shape in both the lower boot and upper cuff, claiming the Backland's fit as one of its very best traits. Hyper-focused testers thought that the cuff height ran a touch to the low side on the leg, which made for lots of mobility while going up but left a little leverage-lacking on the down for the stork-legged on the test team. Some testers also commented that the instep felt a bit more snug than most medium widths but not enough that testers dropped its fit scores, which remained at the top of the category.
The GripWalk version comes with a 50mm Velcro power strap, which our testers liked, though the full rockered touring norm lugged sole comes with a quick-releasing cam buckle style strap. Testers were fans of the washable 3D Platinum Tour liner, which our bootfitter testers agreed might become the new standard for any re-molding of used BC boot liners. Wash that thing or we won't put it in the oven!
The Tecnica Zero G Tour Scout W is updated this year with a completely revised liner, which testers said impressed them for its fit improvements and praised how those went even further in unlocking this lightweight's descending super-powers. Yes, testers said that they felt like "enhanced" super-humans when they donned these fleet-of-foot ski shoes.
Were our testers really that fired up? Sometimes these things are simply best left to our testers to say: "A great fitting true narrow (tighter than 99mm). Though it has a nice amount of room in the toes, which is nice on a backcountry boot. But the heel, ankle and navicular are snug, snug, snug. This boot is best of its category by far! It skis like an alpine boot. Powerful, reliable and responsive. But with a comfy liner. No complaints here."
Yes, testers said it was a little off the mark on fit tension--they say this 99mm fits like most performance 98mm and 97mm alpine lasts--but they apparently didn't mind that as the lower volume fit was well done for the anatomy of the foot and leg (Anatomical Fit got a perfect score of 5.00). They loved how closely the shell and closely mated liner followed the curves of the foot, negotiating typical problem fit areas with well-placed curves. This was a close but hot spot free fit they said, with some extra room for length and width in the toebox--which they appreciated for touring or hiking missions with the cuff released. While the liner is fully thermo moldable, testers said the pre-molded, out-of-box fit of the new liner was stellar, commenting that the blend of firm hold upon the foot and just-soft-enough cushioning throughout made for a dreamy initial feel that didn't change for the worse with repeated on-snow trials.
The double-blocking cuff release mechanism impressed testers for its simplicity of use but also for its rigid lock-down when it was time to ski and a free-hinging rotation when it was time to sweat. They approved of the stance angles of the Zero G in every direction (another perfect score) and liked the just-right height of the tongue against the shin as well as the way it distributed pressure along the leg during flexion--no shin bang or bite at any point on the tongue.
Testers were very impressed with the strength to weight ratio of the Zero G, pointing toward an all-Grilamid (our favorite lightweight plastic) build for shell and cuff. While they wouldn't pass up the Cochise for a 50-50 resort-backcountry crossover boot, they said the Zero G would be more than capable of ripping some firm groomers at speed if it was asked to. Testers also liked the color this year, which they claimed was best-of-test.
Our test team is having a hard time comprehending how some brands are managing to pack as much skiing power and stability into small, lightweight packages. Take the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro--one tester said this: Yeah, this thing is as quick as any race boot, steers as good as any race boot--how the hell did they do this? It's magic, goddamn sorcerer's work there. Race boot quickness and steering? Well, perhaps that's a little bit of hyperbolic tester talk there, but our test team's consensus was that the Zero G Tour Pro might be one of the very best skiing and fitting true backcountry boots we've ever tested.
The Zero G's liner is all new this year and it did the trick for testers who claimed that it was a nearly perfect fit for the human foot and leg. Testers say it fits more narrow than medium in the in-between fit zone that is the 99mm last. It's a close fit everywhere, they said, but without offending typical wide and bony spots. While the liner is low profile and light, it offers enough padding to keep the plastic just far enough away for a warm and comfortable experience on snow. Yes, the new liner is fully moldable and articulated for touring, with two liner pull loops and a minimalist rear spoiler--it also sports expanded use of grindable CAS exterior material for enhanced fitting work if needed, but testers said no, it's good to go out of the box.
The co-molded carbon fiber and Grilamid cuff has much to do with this little micro's bigger-than-expected power reserves--it's light but rigid, and the double-blocking cuff release mechanism increases anchoring strength when locked for skiing but allows free rotation of the cuff when popped loose. Testers loved the Zero G's rare combination of descending power mated with real backcountry travel functionality, packaged in a near-flawless fit. While testers didn't really expect to use it in a race course, or even on hard resort pistes, they said you could get by with its close-to-alpine levels of downhill performance. Quick, strong, light and comfortable--one of Tecnica's best efforts, they agreed.
The Scott Freeguide Tour was a new model for our test team, who put the slightly stiffer Freeguide Carbon through the ringer at last year's test. The Tour offers a 120-flex rating and a non-Boa closure liner as the defining features that set it apart from the Carbon--that and a few less bucks on the price tag. The other thing that testers said one gains with the Freeguide Tour is a slightly softer liner construction which put this model at the top of the heap for creature comforts as well as ease of entry and exit. Testers said that for a warmth, comfort and convenience driven backcountry skier there may not be a better option than this one.
The unique "hybrid cabrio" design employs a hinged plastic tongue which allows for unimpeded entry to the boot and then also enhances the forward range of motion when the cuff is released for touring. Testers said the release mechanism is clean and functional and the resulting amount of travel in hike mode is large and smooth--the Freeguide Tour was one of testers' favorites for its comfortable fit and ergonomic strolling stride.
Testers weren't as impressed with the Dual Flex Action Tongue when descending through critical bits of terrain or at demanding speeds. Testers said there was a too-soft feel to the flex with a tendency to collapse if hammered hard. They loved the rearward support of the boot's spine while skiing and also said laterally the boot was stable and strong for controlling the ski on edge. So, their comments trended toward suggesting lighter weight skiers and those with less reliant-on-tongue skiing styles would most favor the Freeguide Tour. Yes, there is that stiffer option available in the Freeguide Carbon if more flexion beef is desired.
Our test team had a chance to test the new Gea RS to see how it compared to its predecessor and testers were impressed with the step-up performance wise brought by the stiffer Grilamid Bio cuff. Strong moves to the edge were backed up by this boot's lateral stability and supportive fore-aft flex feel, and testers said that its light weight and close-to-the-foot medium fit profile kept it among the quickest in its category. In fact, it received perfect 5.00's for both Edge Power and Quickness.
Testers also gave it a perfect score for its Dynamic Balance, saying that it put them in the, well, perfect position for good skiing movements and offered a proper feeling height against the shin for strong and comfortable moves to the front of the ski. They liked the ergonomics of the cuff's long stride when released into touring mode and said the quality of movement was smooth and unhindered.
Testers remind that the Gea RS is one of few backcountry boots claiming to be a medium width that actually fits as such. It's a closely-contoured fit, meaning a little on the snug side of the 100mm marker, but generally was about what testers expected from a middle-of-the-road fit. Testers mentioned that the liner was adequately padded and warm, citing side-by-side comparisons with other BC category entries that proved the Gea's warmth.
Testers still struggle a little to avoid some sharp plastic bits when getting into the boot and the various overlaps and strap style buckles continue to confound upon first try, but after some familiarity with the system they say the minor start-up struggles are worth it for the whole up then down performance package it offers the accomplished skier.
The Maestrale line has been through a variety of iterations, ups and downs, tighters and loosers, over the years and our test team says the Maestrale RS's current iteration with its revised cuff material is the best combination yet of a good, anatomical fit matched with real ski boot descending skills and legit BC touring functionality. Testers still grumble a little bit about getting past some sharp and jumbled overlaps and straps but once in and locked down they say there are few backcountry category competitors that can match the nearly universal medium width fit and easily managed features.
According to testers, Scarpa remains one of the few brands that consistently incorporates more environmentally friendly plastics into its designs without tanking their performance potential. The new Grilamid Bio cuff proved to be strong and stable when driving big, fat skis at speed through a variety of different terrain and snow surfaces, and testers said that response time remained as good as it's ever been with the Maestrale design. They thought that the balance of medium fit, strong edging skills, quick steering reactions and functional cuff-release features and functionality kept the Maestrale RS in the top group of BC boots tested.
Some testers felt that there was an excessive amount of space in the toebox and forefoot, but for many tourers this would seem a benefit, and depending on how much toe-cappage one used during liner molding a more snug liner fit in the forward cab could be achieved pretty easily.
Stance angles were neutral and allowed for easy balance for cruising, charging or ascending, alike. Testers liked the cuff release mechanism and loved the resulting stride range of motion and smooth feel. They generally had no complaints (beyond some entry and exit consternation) except for some of the usual grousing about ladder strap style 45-degree buckles and zig-zaggy Wave Closure buckles--which was probably good news--when testers' negative comments fall on buckle design, you know the boot's gotta be pretty solid overall.
