The 2021/2022 DS Asolo Factory 115 W GW was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional narrow category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
Our women’s test team had a one-year sabbatical from testing the DS Asolo Factory 115 W and said that this year’s new cork-clad liner is a game changer for improved fit and performance. Testers called it a light and tight all-mountain performer that would particularly suit good skiers with low volume feet paired with average to muscular calves.
The Fit
The new IF Pro Cork W liner was an anatomical dream come true for testers who’d lived through the Asolo Factory’s first-generation lump-tech liner. This one made the fit work for the human foot and lower leg, they said, with an open (though slightly shorter than average) toebox, a tapering snug grip behind the forefoot and through the heel, ankle and instep, and a flared-out boot top to accommodate a bit of calf muscle. Testers thought the cuff height struck the leg a little lower than average for the category, so slightly shorter leg shafts may find the perfect match here.
Performance
The Grilamid shell and cuff combination shaves weight and creates an agile feel underfoot, testers said, but also remained stable on edge though bumps and uneven terrain. Testers thought that the lowish cuff height detracted slightly from its fore-aft stability in tricky conditions, but the cuff height combined with light weight made for a reactive and accurate steering linkage, they said. Average to shorter legged testers felt right at home.
Cool Features
Much of the power to weight ratio that works here is owed to the shell’s Power Cage construction that utilizes stiffened ribs in high stress areas and thinner, better wrapping plastic elsewhere for better fit and weight savings. The addition of GripWalk soles adds to the convenience of light weight for long treks across parking lots or windswept ridge lines. Testers liked the cam buckle power strap for positive leg wrapping closure.
