The Gist
We tested the Element 120 last year as a narrow and we tested it again this year (with a cool new sublimated graphic) as a medium—99 mm boots do straddle the fence there—and now we're pretty sure it's a narrow! Testers liked the way the tight fit improved with the molding of the full thermo I.R. Freeski Wrap liner and appreciated the way it padded the smooth slide into the cabrio lower. Our testers liked the Element 120's flex feel and its quick transitions from turn to turn.
The Fit
Prior to liner molding testers found the fit overly tight at the forefoot and across the top of the foot and into the instep. After molding, the fit was more consistently snug-side-of-medium, they said. The liner feel against the shin was a favored element of the Element 120, and the three-piece shell had a firm but resilient, spring-loaded feel that the testers liked.
Performance
Once testers got the fit evened out by liner molding they found the Element 120 an enjoyable, light and lively ride. The all-Grilamid construction make for a lightweight, transmissive boot that provided good feedback from the snow surface, testers said. They liked the energetic flex and rebound provided by the cuff and tongue and said the lateral moves from edge to edge were smooth and predictable. A couple testers felt the stance was slightly inboard and lacked immediate inside edge engagement, but said that rolling deeper into the turn tapped its power stores.
Cool Features
The three different buckle styles make for a little fiddling at first but testers liked the instep retention of the 45-degree middle buckle. The reverse-position bottom buckle keeps the lever from being damaged in rocky hike-to situations. The Element 120 is available with both traditional tongue and spiral wrap style Intuition-Roxa liners.
Kudos
Caveats