The Fischer Transalp Tour W's impressed our testers with a just-right blend of fit, downhill power and uphill capacity. Testers said it nailed the target audience for good skiers looking for a strong skiing BC boot that didn't miss a beat for a lightweight feel and big range of motion for touring. While it lost a few points for convenience of entry and exit, it remained solidly on the podium in gold medal status.
This was one of our test team's favorite backcountry boots for how nicely it matched the foot with a narrow heel and slightly wider forefoot. Testers said it fit tighter than many medium-width boots (not uncommon in this category) but they felt that the proportions and contours were right on the money for the female foot. While all testers agreed that the Transalp runs a little short, lengthwise, they didn't have big problems with that. One tester suggested that if possible, skiers might try on the larger size to see if that gained a slightly longer, more typical medium-width fit without losing the grip on the heel and ankles, which were very strong fit zones. Testers also mentioned that the fit over the midfoot and into the instep was right where it needed to be, even if a skier had a knobby top of foot.
A size-up might benefit the longer-legged skier looking for a more solid fore-aft platform for descents in tricky snow or with a heavy pack, as the taller cuff and liner feel might provide a bit more leverage over the ski, as well. However, our testers thought that other than a slightly lowish cuff feel on the leg, it was not a collapsible or weak feeling cuff. They pointed the Transalp downhill through a variety of snow conditions and terrain options and came out smiling--this was a lightweight that skied up a weight class or two, they said.
The fabric gusset that contains the liner and keeps moisture from the elements on the outside of the boot created a bit of a barrier to easy entry and posed a bit of a challenge when re-inserting a liner that was removed for drying or to swap insoles, but this was a minor inconvenience according to testers who felt spending a little extra time getting the boot on was a fine trade for how well it fit and skied. The minimalist design with open areas between the shell and cuff (necessitating the weatherproof gusset) is also responsible for how well the cuff rotates with the liner while in hiking mode--testers felt its range of motion and quality of movement is up there with the very best backcountry boots they've ever tested.
Testers liked the slick operation of the single buckle closure on the lower shell's cable system and the hook-grip style Phatt Maxx power strap with a quick release ripcord was also a hit. No issues for our team as it related to actuating the cuff release mechanism with gloves on, and there was absolutely no complaints about the Ice Grey hue over an Aqua lugged outsole--a test team fave.
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