The 2021/2022 Full Tilt Ascendant Approach was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Freeride wide category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
Full Tilt is expanding its freeride game with two tech compatible striders, the Ascendant and the Ascendant Approach. We tested the latter and testers liked the long travel 120 flex feel that made for easy impact absorption and a longer range of motion when touring. The Intuition Pro Tour split tongue teamed with the Grilamid shell for a lightweight (and warm) out-of-the-gate solution.
The Fit
Testers say this boot ran short, lengthwise, even for a Full Tilt, and wanted to get in a size up—or maybe two! This is one to buy in-person, not online (when is that ever a good idea anyway?) to make sure the size is right for you. The Evolution Tour 102mm shell provides enough room for the forefoot and testers liked the transition up through the instep into the cuff. While the size tested felt a little low against the leg, sizing up will gain a taller feeling cuff for a more solid fore-aft platform.
Performance
Testers thought that the 120 flex coupled with the traditional style tongue liner put the leg in a forward leaning position. They suggested the step up the Sammy model for a double thick spiral wrap liner and 130 flex to stand a bit taller for those looking for a more upright stance preference. Hiking and skinning was surprisingly good and testers dug the GripWalk soles
