Skippress - Index

Skippress - US_2007_2008 - Index

MISSION CONTROL
INNOVATIONS IN FLEX AND FIT PUT BETTER TURNS AT THE TIPS OF SKIERS’ TOES
On the slippery slope of skidom, ski boots are — almost literally — where the rubber meets the road. Picking
a boot with the right fi t, fl ex and forward lean can mean the difference between carving turns with Indy-car
precision or weaving across the snow like an old jalopy.
As far as fi t and fl ex are concerned, four-buckle boots have been adept at delivering both since before disco
died. They snugly secure your foot at four key areas — fi ve with the power strap — for comfort, warmth and
control. But some interesting innovations in how boots close and fl ex are shaking up the science of skiing this
season. Here’s a quick primer on all the new bootology.
38
KRYPTON KRYZMA
BY JEFF BOKUM C,PED.
HAWX
KRYPTON IL MORO
ATOMIC
Atomic’s brand new Hawx feels as cool as it looks. Designed for all-mountain performance, this
four-buckle beauty is anything but old school. The technological advance is obvious in a series of
chevron-shaped slots stamped into both sides of the shell’s forefoot. The slots are fi lled with a softer,
damper material than the rest of the boot for a cushier ease of movement that still translates into
better lateral edge hold. That’s because as the forefoot is allowed to fl ex more naturally, skiers can
step more powerfully into their turns without sacrifi cing control. And those soft slots also dampen
vibrations from the snow.
Other new features include a relaxed forward stance that improves ease of movement — especially
when walking. A spring is molded into the sole of the boot to increase the rebound energy when
you’re navigating everything from the cafeteria to the couloirs.
DALBELLO
Last year, Dalbello had its most successful year ever. Building on this momentum – especially at the
top of the freeride food chain — Dalbello is introducing several new models this year.
The Il Moro is a specialty freestyle, terrain park, halfpipe model based on the popular Krypton, but
with lots of new pipe-smoking features. Super-light and cushioned for landing big airs, the Il Moro
also introduces a unique cuff with a low-friction shin-pad closure that locks on with snowboard
buckles. Riders can choose a loose boot for in-air articulation or ratchet up to rock the rest of the
hill. The Kryzma, the Krypton for women, has an inner boot that’s narrower in the heel, providing
a femme-specifi c fi t for female freeriders.
For all all-mountain skiers, the Proton series (and the corresponding Electra for women), feature
two different-density shell plastic polymers for an optimum balance of selective rigidity and
support. Whether it’s in the high-performance Proton P12 or the intermediate-aimed P8,
all the models utilize Dalbello’s NEWFIT shell last with tapered contouring for precise foothold,
and relaxed geometry in the toe box with extra room for comfort and warmth.