La Sportiva Synchro

Model Year
2018-19
Category
Backcountry
Last Width
102.5
Flex Index
125
Price (MSRP)
$759.00USD
The 2018/2019 La Sportiva Synchro was tested in the men's Backcountry category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

The 2019 Synchro updates its predecessor Spectre 2.0 with a bump up in stiffness to a stout (and testers said legit) 125 flex and a revised, hinged Double Power tongue construction. Testers say that while it's slightly heavier and more burly, its touring range of motion and quality of movement remains top of class. The fit requires full thermo liner molding to even out the peaks and valleys, testers said, and the new Pegasus Plus buckles elevate closure to performance art (but tricky).

The Fit

Prior to full liner molding testers were unimpressed with the disjointed fit of the lower boot—loose in the toebox and forefoot, tight over the midfoot, loose in the heel, sharp against the shin. All of these fit problems were moderated by proper liner molding. The flex feel is very strong, testers said, if still a bit firm against the shin. They liked the extra room in the toebox for touring warmth and sensation. Testers warn that the aggressively tight and flat feeling inside ankle pocket (or lack thereof) that was characteristic of the Spectre remains problematic in the Synchro.

Performance

Testers said that the uphill game of the Synchro was second to none in the Backcountry group tested. They liked the simple release actuation and felt that the touring motion was ergonomic, smooth and long-ranging. They were less impressed with the way the Synchro descended, finding it inconsistent to the edge and generally disconnected from the feel of the ski.

Cool Features

We didn't think that the La Sportiva buckle system could get any cooler looking or more difficult to deal with, but they succeeded on both counts! While testers love the aesthetic of the Pegasus Plus buckles they unanimously found them difficult to deal with.

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
25.0-31.5
Hike Mode 
Yes
Construction 
Cabrio/3-PC
Boot width profile 
Wide
Also in this Collection 
n.a.
Cantology Compatible 
No
Total Avg Score 
3.20
Shell/Cuff/Tongue Plastic 
Grilamid/Pebax w carbon-Grilamid/Grilamid
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
3.00
Dynamic Balance 
3.00
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
3.00
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.00
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
3.00

Kudos

  • “Fits okay, if lacking a little shape—strong flex feel and a tall cuff for support. Terrific touring mode!” -- Mark Elling
  • “Feels strong—has a stiff flex. The forefoot room is crazy big for warm toes. Good hike mode range of motion.” -- Kevin Gabriel

Caveats

  • “Stupidly complicated brain-teaser entry and closure--free the heel but challenge your mind. ” -- Greg Hoffmann

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