Much like the Dalbello Chakra AX's many layers of liner, shell, cuff and buckle overlaps, testers found many layers of elements and features to peel back, discover and unlock its all-mountain and hike-to capabilities. Also like getting the Chakra AX on the foot and buckled up, testers took their time in getting to know this boot and its ins and outs.
The medium width fit with a particularly comfortable yet snug hold on the heel and ankles was the first hit for testers, who liked the anatomical shape that suited the average foot, leg and calf quite well. They cited a bit of extra room over the top of the foot and through the instep, which they appreciated for skiers with a thick or bony fit issue there--in conjunction with the open throat cabrio lower this offered a potentially good solution for the blood flow and cold foot challenged, testers mentioned. Testers liked the tall and upright cuff, which helped balance out the slightly soft flex at 95, creating a good starting point for a centered stance and a little extra room for a thicker calf. They also liked the cushioned liner feel against the foot and leg, citing that it was one of the most comfortable fits of the category.
Testers found no surprises during on-snow descent tests--they loved the smooth entry into turns and stable control the Chakra provided through each arc, regardless of speed or snow surface. They commented that balance and power were more than adequate for the category but gave the boot higher quickness scores for its lightweight package and accurate guidance of the ski in tight spots and tighter radius turns.
The test team wasn't blown away by the touring range of motion or ease of use of the walk mode switch but neither did they have any real problems with it. The Chakra struck our testers as a more area-based adventurer that would handle short forays off the beaten path before returning for another chair ride to send a ripper to the bottom. They liked that the cuff was a lighter weight material, but they liked more that the lower shell was traditional, stable polyurethane. They liked the addition of GripWalk soles to this year's version of the AX and they said the simple 40mm Velcro power strap worked just fine.
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