The Gist
The debut of the women’s S/Max was met with widespread tester approval last year and it returns unchanged for another go this season. While some boots are powerful but heavy, and others might be agile and light, yet unstable, testers said that the new S/Max 120 W combines all performance elements in a perfectly even blend. They also like its true to narrow class fit—very snug in all the right places. One tester said, look out ladies, there’s a new boss b!#(% in town--powerful, driven, and tight. Very quick Custom Shell HD molding made subtle but good changes, they said.
The Fit
Testers put this on the tightest end of the narrow class for its fit in the lower boot and cuff. It's a true narrow and testers with slender legs and narrow heels absolutely loved the evenly contoured grip on every nook and cranny. Our thicker legged testers didn't like the cuff fit as much. Testers said that the shape is anatomical in every way, so long as the calf isn't too big, though Custom Shell HD molding could open that up a bit. The instep fit is close and testers said the flex feel is firm (a real 120) but evenly distributed on the shin. A few testers commented that it was not the easiest on or off in the group.
Performance
Our test team loved how this boot skied everywhere on the hill, from firm groomers to dicey crud. They called it light and reactive but simultaneously stout and damp. Some testers felt the flex lacked a little rebound, but all appreciated the 120 flex power and relayed that transitions turn to turn were synaptically quick.
Cool Features
One tester said the best feature of the S/Max 120 W was the fact that it was a real boot without a bunch of girly fluff and B.S. And along those lines, the features are stripped down here. Yes, it can be custom molded--the Custom Shell HD process is fast and effective for subtle shape changes our tests have shown. Testers like the Sense Claw 45mm cam buckle style power strap for cranking the cuff closure and dual liner pull loops are nice for getting this one on.
