Nordica Dobermann GP 110

The Gist

The 2018 Nordica Dobermann GP 110 isn't the runt of the litter, he's just the softest flexing of the ass-kicking Dobermann family. Why were we testing the 110-flex and not the 120-, 130- or 140-flex Dobie? This was Nordica's Soft-Value entry—we ask every brand to submit a softer-flexing, bargain version to make sure we mix up the review offerings a bit. The Dobermann GP 110 was the highest-scoring Soft-Value ski boot of the entire test, men's and women's combined.

The Fit

It's a Dobermann, so it's narrow, but evenly so, from the toebox to the heel, the ankles to the instep and up through the upper cuff. On a scale of 1-5 (1 being World Cup tight), it got all 2's—perfect for the Frontside category. The fit is close, but without hot spots (beyond the normal bony point ouch zones), and testers loved the smooth and progressive flex feel—a bit stronger than 110, but still an easy-flexer. The Dobie 110 is great for low-volume feet, slender legs and lighter-weight skiers. It's a great low-volume, high-value option for teen boys and women as well.

Performance

This is consummate Dobermann on-snow dominance, just toned down a bit for the lighter and less-aggressive. Accuracy on edge defined, the Dobermann is precise and agile—a joy to ski for a skilled skier with a light touch for the snow. However, testers say there's plenty of low end torque and stability at speed, even on the hardest snow. Is it warm and cushy and easy to put on and take off—not so much. Does a Dobermann make you a better skier instantly? Yes it does.

Cool Features

This is classic four-buckle overlap land, so not a lot of frills, but the Dobermann GP 110 shares the same cuff adjustment mechanism found on the others in the Dobermann group—it's a dual-lateral adjustment that also has "rotational" tweakability to alter the internal- or external-rotation of the shell to either match or attempt to manipulate a skier's knee tracking during flexion, either for improved balance or increased inside edge power—pretty slick when needed and properly implemented.