Top performance
The evaluation criteria change, as does the lineup in the list for our award. The main players need no introduction, except for two completely new models. For the rest, it’s about design variations to existing models. The reorganization of the awards has prompted us to focus increasingly on user-friendliness, to provide you with ever more informed choices that better meet your specific skills and abilities.
Boot of the year
Well, it’s done it again. First place in the category for the second year running. Cochise Light DYN GW is an exemplar for the freeride segment, performing outstandingly on both the uphill and downhill, and precision through turns. It’s not a pure freeride boot in the truest big mountain sense but performs exceptionally on all terrain. It can drive fat skis and eat up huge ascents without requiring changes to the setup or alterations.
Pro's choice
Essential design aimed at expert users seeking a no-nonsense no-frills workhorse that offers solid performance. It represents pure innovation for this category, delivering the first-rate performance that the complex freeride world seeks. The range of movement on the uphill has been slightly sacrificed to maintain focus on the downhill. A great piece of kit that expert skiers especially will appreciate. An alternative? Tecnica Cochise 130 DYN GW.
People's choice
The latest version with the Boa convinced our team. The generous volumes assure straight-from-the-box comfort, and it’s a boot that’s ideal for a wide range of tourers. It offers better walkability than many similar models, being soft yet progressive. A great boot for skiers of all levels up to super-expert, for resort skiing and short uphills with limited vertical. Check out also the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 Boa GW.
Smart choice
It’s the first time this model has managed to clinch an award. This year, thanks to our Smart Choice category, it’s taken home a justly deserved recognition. To be clear, it’s not a boot to suit all tastes but could pleasantly surprise even the most skeptical. It’s super lightweight, delivers freeride performance, and has a below average price tag. What’s more, for a boot with three-piece cabrio design, it walks really well without needing to remove the tongue. Also worth checking out is the K2 Diverge LT.
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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.
