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These are not SPKs or Full Tilts. If you want something soft and flexy, look elsewhere. However, if you want a boot that will not blink at anything you throw at it be it dropping a cliff after a straightline or hitting large jumps in the park, then here you are.
These are the most stable, powerful, responsive boots I've ever used, hands down. They have the features needed to be able to get around while hiking, and a no nonsense design that skips the stupid leather outers and crappy plastic buckles in favor of materials that work.
I'm using them with Booster straps (the expert ones I think, 3 layer elastic) and a Sole footbed as a replacement for the stock one that you should throw away regardless.
Performance
Best boots I have ever skied. Hands down.
I'm a fairly big kid weight wise (5' 8" and 195), and I ski big skis (191 ON3Ps and 189 Hellbents), so I need a boot that is not a weak connection between me and my skis. These things put so much power into the ski, and offer terrific response regardless of what I'm doing. They do not blink at straightlines through moguls, tearing through chop, landing large jumps fakie in the park or BC, and are fine to hike in which is essential for me.
Super supportive for all types of skiing, these will not let you down.
Design
Pros:
Clean looking design, I like the subdued colors.
Vibram DIN compatable soles are super nice, I can walk around without sliding, which is really nice and will keep me from slipping on rocks when hiking this summer. The clack clack that is normally associated with boots is not here. The soles are replaceable too, so sole wear will not be what causes you to have to replace your boots.
The spoiler on the back of the calf makes inevitable backseat landings much less painful.
Laces on the liner allow you to unbuckle for hiking and still have a decent amount of snugness.
Recco reflectors, which add a little bit of safety, but don't let it go to your head.
The stock strap has elasticity to it, which is necessary if it is to function well, but I put my Booster straps on immediately, and would recommend them regardless of the boot to anyone.
Cons:
The boot board is pretty hard, nowhere near as soft as the Active Absorber in a Full Tilt or something comparable. I like the idea, but it is way too stiff to do much.
The screws that hold the sole on sit in plastic instead of metal threads, and I think it would be possible to strip them out fairly easily, and then the boot sole can fall off in places. Minor concern, but it's worth noting.
Overlap on the toe area lets in snow. Duct tape fixes this, but they've been making boots for eons, they should have fixed this by now, the two bottom buckles should not have to be cranked all the time to solve the issue.
Value
For the features, I would say yes. Expensive, but worth it, especially with the replaceable soles and stiff flex that is harder to get ahold of in boot.
Fit
Boots are an individual fit, so while these fit me well, they may not do the same for you. Try them on at a shop, and find out.
Despite my relatively wide feet, the 98mm last still fits fine. While heat moldable liners are becoming far more commonplace, these are another example of a good liner that comes stock.
Characteristics
Stiff. With a 135 flex, this is a low grade race stiffness. Not for the faint of heart of the light of body. But it opens up so much possibility for destroying everything and anything in your path.
Durability
Durability has been fine so far, but I've used them for 7 days, and so I'm not qualified to comment.
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