The Head Formula 105 W MV impressed testers with its understated look that belied a slew of solid and functional features for the accomplished expert skier. They were not surprised by how well the 105-flex skied in all conditions as they've come to expect Head performance in the Formula bloodline, regardless of model and they appreciated the simple put-it-on-and-go traditional closure system (four buckles and a power strap, dammit) for a straightforward, medium-width, all-mountain, ski control solution.
The initial fit of the Head Formula 105 W MV was less-than-ideal for a few of our testers who found the fit overly short in the toebox upon first try-on. They felt the there was room there in width and height, but the piggies heads were getting smashed, they said. Along with this comment was the mention of a heel that didn't feel seated deeply enough into its aft pocket. Testers who spent extra time indoors and did additional runs reported that both of these fit concerns were alleviated. We performed some liner molding tests later in the test period and found that some heat applied to the liner, especially in the heel and ankle zones, allowed the heel to better find its planted home in the back of the liner and shell, which also improved the length fit issue--that and a little stretch of the liner's toebox sealed the deal. So, testers made note that prospective buyers should not let a short-feeling initial fit be the end of their experience with this otherwise stellar boot--try some heat and give it some time, they said.
This is not an overly plush or fluffy affair, testers said, and they liked it that way. The cosmetic is stealthy, though not quite sedate, and everything about the boot downplays its on-snow game--even the flex index, which at 105 was deceptive in its understatement. Testers say the boot skis better and more strongly to the edge than the stiffness metric would indicate. There is also a secondary spine anchor that can be added to further stiffen the boot by an additional 10 clicks.
The 3D Perfect Fit EVO Pro liner feel is well-shaped (especially after a heat mold), testers said, but they mention it has a firm feel and solid grip on the foot, which they liked. They mentioned that while this liner feel appealed to them and an advanced-expert performance fit bias, there is a softer 95-flex version of the boot that offers the slightly more cushioned Perfect Fit EVO liner build. While it's rarely needed if a skier is in the right size Formula, as the heel pockets are snug by design, testers do remind folks that the Liquid Fit heel-locking, liquified parafin wax injection system is available here to fine-tune a loosened heel pocket after many days on the hill.
Testers loved the solid, predictable and stable feel of the boot's polyurethane construction, which they said held the ski on edge through variable snow in a confidence-inspiring way. They said it was quicker edge to edge than expected--perhaps lulled into reduced expectations by the anti-flashy cosmetic--and in fact the boot's highest score was given in the Quickness and Steering test element. For accomplished skiers looking for a firm-feeling (no fluffy BS) medium width that skis above its weight class, testers said the Formula 105 W MV is worth a close look.
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