The Tecnica Cochise freeride boot has been through a number of revisions and updates over the years, with nary a backward step, and now Tecnica takes a huge stride forward with a wide-freeride (freewide?) option in the Cochise 105 HV W Dyn. In our collective memory we can't think of a true 102mm last boot with freeride features on the women's market, and there has been a need for one. Our test team was excited to get this one on their feet, out the door and down the hill, which they did, to unanimous acclaim.
Testers gave the Cochise 105 HV W an overall score of 4.90, which was the second-highest score of the entire women's test. They gave it perfect 5.00s for Edge Power (testers said this is a tall-cuffed, stout 105-flex that flexed more firmly than advertised) but also for Convenience, Warmth & Features, in something of a Beauty and the Beast appraisal. All of the common, favorite elements of the Cochise line-up were available here, testers said--from an easy entry or exit and straightforward buckle-up to its uniquely customizable CAS liner and shell. But this one comes with a legitimate wide-lasted shape that will appeal to thick-footed skiers looking to get out and about, beyond the typical on-area hike-to stashes. A tech-compatible wide boot for women simply hasn't been a thing until now, and our testers were stoked to discover that it didn't disappoint.
Testers thought that the heel and ankle areas were just snug-enough to keep a lid on unwanted ski wandering without getting pinchy. A couple testers commented that the cuff circumference didn't seem proportionately wide enough--those with thick calves wished for more buckle range options.
They all liked how this boot skied--mainly for how strong and stable it was in controlling fat skis at speed through variable terrain. It's a damp and powerful ride that inspired confidence in all terrain applications. They said it is quick enough (a 4.83 ain't bad), if a skier has the foot mass to fill the extra space and tune into the boot's response potential. Testers said that the cuff angle is a touch upright, fairly tall on the leg and stiffer than billed, so they said that it was a challenge to access the quickness that was there, waiting to be tapped. Our taller and more aggressive testers loved this set up. They reminded folks that there is a 95-flex version of the HV as well. Every tester praised the Cochise's balanced lateral stance.
Features are on the mark for what's expected of the Cochise lineage: locking T-Ride walk mechanism, dual liner pull loops, dynafit tech inserts, GripWalk soles and a 45mm Velcro power strap. Time to go skiing!
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