Testers like the new narrow fit option offered by Dahu's 96mm LV. The new 02X LV 135 provided the closure for the narrow foot and slender leg that was lacking in the previous, one-width-fits-all approach that Dahu offered. Testers say that the low-volume fit combination created by the outer shell and inner "Cambium Boot" was on target for the advertised 96mm last, locking in the heel and ankle nicely but maintaining a bit of wiggle room in the toebox.
The other noticeably new element on the Dahu was how the two buckle straps now remained affixed to the medial side of the exo-shell. Testers preferred this for a less fiddly entry and closure process than they'd experienced previously with the fully releasable straps that took a bit of careful management.
Speaking of entry and boot system closure, the Dahu offers a unique take on this that requires a bit of attention for first-timers but avails some benefits not found anywhere else.
The liner, or inner boot, or Cambium Boot (depending on your parlance preference) is able to be worn on its own as a walking or driving boot, and testers agree it's a damn fine boot, in and of itself. The materials and design are top-shelf and testers dig the long, well-padded tongue that mates up with the shin by way of a lot of lacing eyelets that help snug the cuff around the leg shaft in a natural-feeling way. This inner boot can be slid into place within the exterior three-piece shell where it seats to the bottom in an interlocking fashion where the inner boot's outsole tread interfaces with the bottom structure of the shell. Sliding the foot and leg (inside the liner) into the shell takes a little practice but once the proper angle-of-attack is found it poses no issue.
The Cambium Boot can also remain planted in the three-piece shell (which hinges open much more than most cabrio styles) and be loosed-up by releasing the lace lock and spreading the liner--this makes entry shockingly easy. Testers found that leaving the liner in the shell made the most sense, unless there was a need to exit the shell for any walk-around activities, be it for working at a ski resort or more effective kid- and equipment-hauling from vehicle to lift or to ski school meeting places.
The closure system is straightforward with two oversized buckles and a powerstrap, and testers particularly liked the way the flex feel remained comfortable against the shin once the plastic environment was brought to bear against the inner boot.
Testers thought that the 02X LV skied admirably, with consistent and predictable edge changes and a progressive-feeling flex that offered no surprises. They report that there is a certain bulkiness to the design that mutes a bit of feel for the snow, but in a comfortable and vibration-damping way. While testers liked the fore-aft positioning of the cuff and the fact that it can be modified with a different forward lean bushing, they were less enthused about the boot's internal ramp angle, which they felt was higher than the norm. They mention that for skiers who struggle with boot entry and skiing balance due to limited ankle joint range, the Dahu may be an answer to both their prayers.
Kudos
Caveats