The 2021/2022 Salomon S/Pro 120 GW was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Traditional medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
The fit compliments gushed and oozed out of testers in a flood of love for the revised S/Pro 120 GW—and they didn’t know what had been changed until after their tests. The all new Customfit 4D liner boasts a seamless design from tongue to instep to toebox and a revised, sandwich laminate of firm and soft foam layers around the ankles. Testers were so focused on talking about the cushioned but simultaneously firm fit they almost forgot to mention how well the S/Pro skis—but they did, calling this one a seamless, mindless solution for all-mountain performance and fun.
The Fit
While new liner’s initial entry (so easy and smooth) and cushioned first-feel stole the show with testers, the S/Pro’s characteristic fit map hasn’t changed dramatically since last year. Testers say that the wider-than-medium fit through the lateral forefoot remains intact, and the wide-forefoot, skinny heel folks find that combo to be a perfect solution for their needs. The ankle and heel pockets were on the snug side of the medium class and the cuff retains its known snug grip along the leg shaft, with just enough flare at boot top for some muscle mass.
Performance
Testers love the push-button, auto-focus style all-mountain attack the S/Pro 120 offers. No need to alter one’s technique or manage any boot-fussiness, they said—just get to skiing wherever and however you want. The cuff geometry is cited as neutral in the front-to-back plane and testers said that side-to-side there was no over-powering inside edge feel to mess with silky soft snow sliding and deep-gouging off-piste slashing. The blend of power to quickness was evenly balanced, with a nod to edge power over agility according to test scores. Note that the S/Pro’s highest scores still came in the fit and comfort, warmth and convenience categories.
Cool Features
The tried-and-true shell molding Custom Shell HD system is still a go-to for folks looking for a convenient way to mellow out minor hot spots and open up some needed extra space, and it serves to make some subtle stance alignment improvements for skiers who typically need a cuff adjustment (isn’t one here without using the Salomon Oversize Pivot drill-out kit). GW means GripWalk, and testers like that for standing and strolling. A 45mm Velcro power strap is simple and functional.
