The women's Rossignol Vizion 4B Elite 90 W returned for its second annual go-round at our boot test and it impressed our veteran test team all over again with its complete package, but they were most impressed with its performance in two test criteria, and their scoring reflected that. Their initial entry and fit impressions were scored at a very high 9.71 and their convenience, warmth and features score came in at a perfect 10.00.
Let's have a look at what five different testers had to say about that initial interaction with the boot: As advertised, very easy to get in--the mechanism is very easy to use. I like the fuzzy cuff with the gold. So easy to get my foot in--and so comfortable--nothing else comes close. Best entry of a boot there has ever been--I can put this boot on hands free, it's incredible. So easy to get on, so dreamy.
The easy entry design of the Vizion shell allows the boot cuff to hinge rearward once it's released with a special buckle-actuated cable. This creates a vast opening that anyone can push their foot through, straight into the boot in one-handed, or even no-handed, style. The liner is smooth and furry and enhances the easy glide into the boot--most folks won't need to release the cuff, it's that easy to get on, but for the absolute least-hindered entry experience a quick flip back of the off-colored buckle does the trick.
Here's what they had to say about the boot's convenience of use, function of features and warmth: Puffy and cozy--such an easy introduction for a new or returning skier. The sneaky buckle for opening the cuff is just, wow--and the Sherpa fluff liner takes the edge off, visually and physically, so relaxing. I love the double-buckle cuff release and the double-sided powerstrap. Nothing but ease getting out to the slopes, with the easy entry that doubles as a walk mode, then just buckle down and you're in business.
The All-Mountain Access category is all about reducing barriers to having fun skiing--and for a lot of skiers the difficulty of getting a boot on and off is that primary barrier. The Rossignol Vizion boots epitomize the successful approach to that target customer. Testers remind that while they were testing only the narrowest option this year, there are mediums and wides available in multiple stiffnesses, as well--maximum access!
There are many other easy-to-get-on boots out there, but the offerings are usually very wide, very soft and may be of unique design that doesn't appeal to skiers looking for a more traditional appearance and function in their ski boot.
Our test team has been impressed with the fit in all the width and stiffness options available in the Vizion series and with their straightforward four-buckle overlap design, but they've been very pleasantly surprised by how well these boots ski--testers say they hold up to the descent demands of all but the most hard-charging of skiers.
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