Skippress - Index

Skippress - US_2007_2008 - Index

FISCHER
Fischer’s success in the boot-making biz has been marked by a focus on its orthopedically
innovative SOMA stance technology, especially in its high-end racing boots. So after carving up
everything with last season’s all-mountain MX collection, the company decided to refocus on
its performance and racing roots this year. The big dog in the Fischer line, the RC4 Somatech,
gets a re-engineered liner and two new line-mates. The Pro110 is a softer fl exing boot that
features a real racer shell. The Progressor 120 is a freeride-friendly boot with a stiffer fl ex.
Fischer’s all-mountain Heatfi re and MX collections will feature new models as well.
FULL TILT
From Squaw to Stowe, ski purists still bemoan the passing of the legendary Raichle Flexon Comp.
Its cable buckles, open-throat entry and superb fi t are remembered with the kind of fondness usually
reserved for loyal dogs and local beers. But now, Full Tilt Ski Boots has given all those old school-style
freedoggers a reason to cheer. A new boot company — completely owned by K2 Skis but operated
out of Sun Valley, Idaho — bought the Flexon mold and introduced the new Flexon last year. Now,
there are fi ve different Flexons available, all of them featuring new school features like an Active
Shock Absorber.
40
DREAM THANG
CONCEPT 95
WORLD CUP 130
HEAD
Head’s new high-end Raptor already got the highest seal of approval last season when Bode
Miller and Switzerland’s Didier Cuche skied early prototypes to World Cup wins. Now, the
Raptors introduce a downsized instep for better control, a more anatomical toe box for better
fi t, and a new stance with increased forward lean and a more versatile fl ex system.
For skiers who like a little less angle with their hardpack, Head’s Edge group gets updated
with an all-new shell and liner, while the women’s all-mountain Dream Thang gets a new
biggest sister in the 12, a boot for ladies who know how to dial-in their performance with
more ways to customize the shell.
LANGE
PROGRESSOR 120
RC4 COMPETITION 110
KONFLICT
Four-buckle boots have been adept
at delivering since before disco died.
Long a leader on the white circus that is the World Cup, Lange’s marquee WC collection gets
a more mainstream model in the WC 100, which features a softer fl ex for skiing outside the
gates. The WC-inspired Freeride collection, on the other hand, adds a stiffer, harder charging
130 model for skiers who are ready to rock for real. Formerly only available to Lange’s highfl
ying team of international freeriders, the street-legal 130 has a shock-absorbing boot board
and elastic power strap. Also for freeriders, the Fluid line adds three boots featuring the Fakie
tongue which features a gel that helps support your shin when you’re setting up jumps over
your shoulder or just warping backwards.