Testers like the Zay for its strong skiing character, light and agile feel underfoot and progressive flex feel that's tied into the radial cable closure system. They like all these things especially in the 130 flex, where the strength and power is commanding enough to outweigh some of the remaining convenience and finish complaints that remain present on the ZR platform (i.e., it's still tricky to get on and buckled up).
Testers favored the ZR 130 flex at this year's test because it was entered in the Technical Frontside category, where the Zay is operating within its wheelhouse. The All-Mountain Traditionalist category necessitates a certain level of intuitive ease of entry and, well, a traditional skier target that the Zay doesn't immediately hit the bullseye on. Let's face it, the 130 flex Technical Frontside customer is willing to work a bit to gain the performance output that effort will yield--the 110 flex All-Mountain Traditionalist guy may not.
All that said, testers loved the improvements brought forward this year in the form of a completely redesigned and hot-spot free liner and a new modern look for the shell's exterior. They like the boot's sensitive roll side to side that's enhanced by the unique dual density bootboard (softer medial side, split longitudinally with a firmer lateral side) . More technically skilled skiers on the lighter weight end of the spectrum will most appreciate this boot, testers said.
Note that while testers universally did not like the super slippery sole plates installed on the ZR 110, Zay reports that production models will offer more grippy material.
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