Race boots
The real innovations are in the hybrid world.
- Author: Claudio Primavesi
- Photographer: Pierre Lucianaz
The top-of-the-range products remain untouchable. The Dynafit by Gignoux, the Stratos or the Alien 4.0. They’re difficult balancing acts that started life from what used to be a little-known material— carbon— and were achieved after years of experiments, and much trial and error. We’ve now reached the state of the art, and if anything needs to be changed, it’s simply a matter of minor tweaks.
The world of semi-carbon promises more excitement, and almost every season brings some new innovation. The latest is La Sportiva’s Stratos Hybrid, which features some interesting solutions. Plus, it provides a little more opportunity for customization, as the shell can be modified—something not possible with full carbon. As one of our testers said (we’ll name the sin, not the sinner), you don't choose the full carbon boot you like most—you choose the one you can get on your foot.
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Materials are evolving, which is increasing the opportunities for pushing the boundaries of mountaineering splitboarding. It’s no longer just about easy tours, a few jumps and a beer. Thanks to innovative new setups and growing knowledge within the community, long ascents and steep terrain no longer intimidate.
Weighing from less than 100 grams to nearly a kilo, the common denominator are the pins into which you stick your boots and that enable you to climb. From the revolution of the pin binding to the latest hybrids for freeriding, here are all the best bindings the skimo market has to offer.
Probably The most accurate ski test out there.
