Head Raptor 110 RS W

Model Year
2017-18
Category
Frontside
Last Width
96
Flex Index
110
Price (MSRP)
$700.00USD

The Gist

The 2018 Head Raptor 110 RS W garnered many perfect scores of 25 at this year's boot test, dominating the women's Frontside category and scoring highly enough to put it in the top 3 of all the women's narrow All-Mountain boots if we'd mixed it in there. Testers loved this boot for how well it made them ski.

The Fit

Testers rate this 96 mm last as one of the very tightest fits of the test (at least in the lower boot), but they liked the shape of this super snug Frontsider. There were very few complaints of hotspots, except over the top of the foot, where high-arched or bony midfoot folk got a little crunched. Testers praised the positive grip on the foot for its confidence-inspiring control of the ski. You say you don't like your heels lifting up? The Raptor 110 RS W is your solution. Need a little more room for your calf than for your heel? It's got you covered there too, for as snug as the lower shell is, the upper cuff runs a touch low and open, suitable for many leg shapes.

Performance

For many testers, the Raptor's good fit is just a bonus—they'd like this boot for how it skis, even if they had to suffer a bit. Across the board, the Raptor rings the winner bell for quickness and lateral power to the edge—testers unanimously said they chose to ski harder and faster in this boot because they could, in confidence. While the Raptor 110 RS W is entered in the Frontside category, testers repeatedly praised its off-piste power and balance and said it shouldn't get pigeon-holed as a groomers-only sort of boot. Some testers thought the cuff's more forward-leaning stance angle gave a skier a bit more leverage over the boot's flex, making it feel a little softer than 110, but this did not affect fore-aft support scores, which were tops.

Cool Features

Testers like the straightforward Velcro powerstrap and traditional buckles on this year's Raptor 110 RS W—no fiddling around, just get it done up and go. They also appreciate the dual-sided cuff adjustment for dialing lateral stance where needed.

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
22.0-27.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Narrow
Also in this Collection 
Raptor 90 RS W, $600
Cantology Compatible 
No
Total Avg Score 
21.79
  • 2017-18 Head Raptor 110 RS W at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Head Raptor 110 RS W at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Head Raptor 110 RS W at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test

Kudos

  • “Edge power is solid—this boot rails! Excellent feedback from the snow, very responsive.” --
  • “Touchy feely! You can sense everything underfoot! Steering factor is alive!” -- Linda Parazoo
  • “Sweet for an aggressive frontside carver with a narrow foot!” -- Kelsey Holmer
  • “I felt totally plugged-in and connected to my skis with this boot!” -- Catherina Simones
  • “Great for the lady that really wants to get after it! Super feel for the snow!” -- Kelly Finnen
  • “Love at first sight—and second, and third!” -- Nancy Bouchard
  • “If my feet could marry this boot, they'd elope tonight! Charge harder!” -- Megen Johnson
  • “Awesome, versatile performance!” -- Melodie Buell
  • “Just like my old race boots—but I won't lose my toenails come Spring!” -- Michael Kendrick Powderly

Caveats

  • “Somewhat challenging to get in and out of.” -- Colleen McGuire
  • “Very firm for all-mountain skiing—I needed more cushion for the pushin'!” -- Kimberly Kinney

This boot available at...

Costa Mesa, CA
Ellicottville, NY
Portland, OR
Princeton, MA
Valatie, NY
Killington, VT
Morris Plains, NJ

Special thanks to all of our sponsors!

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