Boots

The best thing you can do with buying boots is the get the ones that fit your foot best. Don't worry about what brand or model they are, try on all the boots you can and get the ones that are the most comfortable. It'll really make skiing more fun for you.

That said, I use Rossignol FreeRide XXs from like 5 years ago that fit me nicely and I can't even thing of getting new ones right now.

i hear Lange is by far the best fit/feel boot but never tried. i love the 1080 boot also, had a pair for 4 years now, flex is great, padding superb

go to a shop or 2 or 3... try on tons of different boots and find the correct size, dont let the salesman sell you on the first boot you try on. Also, the boot is going to feel softer than it actually is in the shop because of temp...
if you can move your toes too much in the shop the boot is prolly too big and once it breaks in will be a sloppy fit
It isnt about what tanner rides, or what pep rides, its about what boot fits your foot right, flexes right for you and has the support you need

you say your dalbellos have no padding? then they are probably really responsive... if you go for comfort you lose responsivness and stiffness. thats why the best boots (race boots) kill your feet...

my thoughts are suck it up and get the better preforming boot not the better feeling