Minimalism to the nth degree for uncompromising performance: the best in descent
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- In words
- Technical specifications
Buyer’s Guide reviews
The charts show our impressions from testing
Product info
Category average
In words
Intro
Unchanged from last season, it’s now in its sixth edition, with each iteration receiving minor refinements aimed at improving the overall performance. A few grams have been added with the latest upgrade, but only where needed, while it still remains one of the reference boots when it comes to absolute minimalism (see the hollow heel). The enhancements include the addition of a soft foam layer on the sole on the outside of the forefoot to enhance foot roll, and a higher gaiter.
Walking
The layer of soft foam on the outside of the forefoot around the sole adds a little extra power to your stride, attenuating slightly that jerking motion underfoot that puts it halfway between the Gignoux and the natural gait of the Alien 4.0. There's nothing to say about the cuff rotation, it is as free in its movement as it is from friction. Il tallone non è bloccato in sede come su Alien 4.0 e tende un po’ a scalzare in camminata (ma anche a essere conciliante con piedi meno magri posteriormente).
Lab
The fit is full carbon, but compared to its direct competitors, there’s a tad more space, with some wiggle room for the toes. The cuff foam is thick and one of the best out there, providing a good balance between stability and damping. It takes a bit of time to figure out the best tension for the ski-walk mech and closure system. The well-designed buckle makes sure the cord stays put during races. A modicum of care is needed when donning crampons, as the heel is super minimalist.
Skiing
Several factors contribute to making it the reference boot in terms of skiing performance, starting with the thick foam in the cuff, which improves progressive flex and damping. But it’s really the overall package that contributes to the result: a high and extended flap that closes well allowing for better turn control and fast driving during descents; the perfectly calibrated forward lean; the pivot point placed high and rearward on the shell to deliver the most effective geometry; the overall rigidity of the structure. Skier inputs are directly and precisely transmitted, allowing for corrections to be transferred to the ski-binding system instantly. On the downhill, it’s the best out there.
Technical specifications
LINER MATERIALS
carbon fiber
SHELL MATERIALS
carbon fiber
INSERT TYPE
S4 Insert
Buckle description
race-ready ski/walk mechanism with Dyneema cable + speed lace
Sole description
Vibram Litebase
Liner description
Stratos VI
No. of buckles
2
Lean forward
10°/19°
Available sizes
24–29.5 mp, including half sizes
Released in
2023
Made in
Italy
Price
2000 €
Declared specsMeasured by us
We measured the measure 28 to get all the details
530 gr
Individual weight
XXXXX
N/A
Liner weight
XXXXX
N/A
Shell weight
XXXXX
N/A
External shell length
XXXXX
N/A
External shell width
XXXXX
N/A
Inner shell width
XXXXX
N/A
Pin distance
XXXXX
N/A
Force to 20° back
XXXXX
N/A
Force to 20° forward
XXXXX
80 °
Cuff ROM
XXXXX
N/A
Maximum cuff height
XXXXX
N/A
Maximum tongue height
XXXXX
N/A
Maximum forefoot width
XXXXX
N/A
Maximum ankle width
XXXXX
N/A
Sole thickness at toe
XXXXX
100 mm
Last
XXXXX
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