At this year's boot test the ST2 was submitted for testing with one of its two different liner options. We tested the split-tongue, lace-up "Performance Liner," though this year the DEL 141 Thermoflex Liner (an EVA, spiral-wrapping style) is also to be available through First Degree dealers. The original ST1 liner is no longer available. While testers had some issues with the original liner—primarily grievances with how thick the tongue fit over the mid-foot, they were unsatisfied with the new ST2 Performance Liner, across the board. Testers unanimously found it too thin along the shin which made for an uncomfortable, unsupportive flex feel, they disliked the poorly shaped heel pocket and they struggled with the laces upon entry and exit. While we weren't able to test the spiral-wrapping EVA liner version we are confident that this (with proper molding) could provide many improvements over this year's split-tongue option as well as over the original liner. We will update this review with additional information as new models become available for testing.
With that said, the review below has been adapted from last year's to reflect what we know are the boot's best elements, which could really come to light with the right liner. The tester comments below are from this year's test.
Testers liked this year's shell construction improvements to the Stormtrooper line-up and felt that the ST2 in particular had stepped-up its on-snow performance game. Testers said the flex feel is still long and progressive (though a tad shy of the reported 130 flex) but the stability and power to the edge is dramatically increased this year. Little brother ST1 had a similar stiffness feel as the ST2 to testers but was noticeably less aggressive laterally and torsionally, and therefore may be a good deal for lighter or less demanding skiers at $599. The boot's short boot sole length seems to allow for a nice feel underfoot, though testers who didn't have demo bindings made note that without a binding re-mount they'd be a little too forward on their skis.
According to testers the ST2's best feature is also its most challenging to figure out. The five position forward lean adjustment on the boot's rear spine can be set in one of two different skiing positions—either a more fixed-rigid flex or long forward travel flex setting—and in one of five different forward lean settings. Additionally, the mechanism offers a full-release position that lets the boot function in hike mode—and testers agreed the range of motion is long and natural-feeling both fore and aft. As a fore-aft balance note, most of our testers preferred the middle setting (#3) of the five available, but depending on a skier's binding set-up he might like more forward #2 or more upright #4. The jury was out on who in the world might utilize the most-forward or most-upright setting, but you just never know on a person's particular stance preference anymore.
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