Photo - La Grand Casse, Tignes, France.
Vanessa Fry is a freelance photographer and DVD producer/ director now working out Val d'Isere, France.
Her photographic work will be available to download soon on Digital Railroad whilst a showreel of Vanessa's film work will be available to view in the New Year.
For any further info please contact Vanessa at - info@dissent-ski.com
Dynastar skis are one of the few remaining French brands to continue making skis within their own French boarders. As they are made a stones throw from Chamonix and in the Mt. Blanc valley itself they reap much inspiration from their surrounding environment, perhaps the most famed Freeride ski and snowboard area in the world.
As part of a project to invest in the area Dynastar are contributing 50€ per pair of skis sold to the Mt. Blanc and Chamonix valley.
Other news at Dynastar is available from thier website and includes the stunning second podium in a row for Canadian star Britt Janyk.
An aggressive and sporty advanced to expert all-mountain boot, the S13 is a good looking and powerful performer.
Perfect for the regular snow-goer, the Superheat 3 liner is firm but has good levels of comfort as it forms itself to all areas of your feet.
S13’s are high-performance boots with a strong and adjustable 120 or 110 flex. The S13 has a 100mm last that accepts most foot shapes – they are especially good for aggressive skiers with large volume feet. The FCS is a skeletal plastic inner that slips in-between your liner and shell. The FCS is easily modified by your ‘fitter for a snugger fit and tuned performance.
For women the Head Dream Thang is an excellent comfort performance offer with a lavish liner.
A wide fitting 100mm last which can be slimmed down when fitted with Head’s unique Full Custom System (FCS).
PU Cuff is firmer and improves transmission from the lower leg to your edges – better carves.
With “Rawhide Design” the Mojo XP’s look stunning. If you imagine a very cool Clint Eastwood clipping a pair of boots on in his Spaghetti Western days the Mojo XP would be his choice.
Head have developed the leather-look plastic for the Mojo and even though it may sound a little dubious the boot itself is based around the equally stunning and new for 2007 Raptor. The Raptors are very cleanly designed, there are no unnecessary add-ons, so they are light, precise and have a variable 110 or 100 flex.
Almost identical to the Mojo XP save for the rubberised boot board the Supershape RS are the perfect partners for the advanced to expert looking for a precise medium-lasted boot to carve some gorgeous arcs on-piste.
Aggressive expert skiers may wish for more power so go for the Raptor RS 120, they share the same last but offer a more performance and an innovative Double-Power strap and lace-up liner.
Heads RS fit is a medium-narrow last with around 98mm over the forefoot.
Newly developed liners with floating tongues and lace systems on the higher models give the snuggest of fits and as with the majority of liners these days, superlative comfort.
Mojo XP
Raptor Supershape RS
110/ 100
Raptor 120 RS
130/ 120/ 110
An aggressive and sporty advanced to expert all-mountain boot, the S13 is a good looking and powerful performer.
Perfect for the regular snow-goer, the Superheat 3 liner is firm but has good levels of comfort as it forms itself to all areas of your feet.
S13’s are high-performance boots with a strong and adjustable 120 or 110 flex. The S13 has a 100mm last that accepts most foot shapes – they are especially good for aggressive skiers with large volume feet. The FCS is a skeletal plastic inner that slips in-between your liner and shell. The FCS is easily modified by your ‘fitter for a snugger fit and tuned performance.
For women the Head Dream Thang is an excellent comfort performance offer with a lavish liner.
A wide fitting 100mm last which can be slimmed down when fitted with Head’s unique Full Custom System (FCS).
PU Cuff is firmer and improves transmission from the lower leg to your edges – better carves.
This boot looks great for £200 and the rapport of performance to comfort for the sporty intermediate to advanced skier is impressive at this critical price point.
The large volume shell is ideal for large volume feet and skiers looking for optimum levels of comfort.
Extended leaver buckles allow for easy closure and the cuff-ratchets also slide across to accommodate larger calves.
Heat moulded liners and a supportive and adjustable 80-70 flex complete the package.
Womens models feature extra comfort features such as fur-style liners and female specific heel support.
High volume 104mm last.
High-performance Heatfit liners.
Flex adjustment
Stabilizer frame for lightness and control.
Unique to the UK at this price point.
Flex 70-80
For keen Ski & Board skiers the Impact is a quintessential model. Derived from the successful Falcon the Impact range is the lightest in its class. They have great ease of use with the “Over-sized Sensifit” – a softer and thinner plastic used over sensitive areas of the foot. All Impacts glide effortlessly on to your feet and even in the stiffer 10 or Pro models they seem conveniently docile until pushed.
Salomon have carved 5mm away from the outer shell at the rear and replaced the Carbonflex system with an “Energizer”. This gives the Impact boots a smoother more progressive flex that is offset toward your inner-ski edge. Directing your power away from the outer edge to the inside enhances your control and grip to where they need to be.
Liners in both Impact and the parallel women’s Idol range feature custom fit liners for an accuracy and comfort in the “Sport” to the very precise, sublimely comfortable and slightly sexy leatherette CF Pro or Race liner that graces the Impact 10 and Pro.
All models feature –
A medium fit with extended room around the toe area.
Custom fit liners.
Advanced Shell technology – graduated outer shell improves comfort and directs your power to where it is needed.
All models have a neoprene toe-bow for warmth and comfort.
3D Clip – articulated on the Impact 10 reducing pressure over the forefoot. On all models the position is adjustable to three separate positions.
Impact 8 - 90 flex
Impact 10 - 110 flex
Idol 8 - 70 flex
Idol 9 - Flex 80
For keen Ski & Board skiers the Impact is a quintessential model. Derived from the successful Falcon the Impact range is the lightest in its class. They have great ease of use with the “Over-sized Sensifit” – a softer and thinner plastic used over sensitive areas of the foot. All Impacts glide effortlessly on to your feet and even in the stiffer 10 or Pro models they seem conveniently docile until pushed.
Salomon have carved 5mm away from the outer shell at the rear and replaced the Carbonflex system with an “Energizer”. This gives the Impact boots a smoother more progressive flex that is offset toward your inner-ski edge. Directing your power away from the outer edge to the inside enhances your control and grip to where they need to be.
Liners in both Impact and the parallel women’s Idol range feature custom fit liners for an accuracy and comfort in the “Sport” to the very precise, sublimely comfortable and slightly sexy leatherette CF Pro or Race liner that graces the Impact 10 and Pro.
All models feature –
A medium fit with extended room around the toe area.
Custom fit liners.
Advanced Shell technology – graduated outer shell improves comfort and directs your power to where it is needed.
All models have a neoprene toe-bow for warmth and comfort.
3D Clip – articulated on the Impact 10 reducing pressure over the forefoot. On all models the position is adjustable to three separate positions.
Impact 8 - 90 flex
Impact 10 - 110 flex
Idol 8 - 70 flex
Idol 9 - Flex 80
Salomon’s sporty new intermediate boot replaces the Performa in most ski stores. The Mission shares some of the best features of the upper-tier Impact and Falcon ranges. Spaceframe construction – a grading of the plastics for a soft feel on the outside edges, lighter overall weight, enhanced comfort and ease of use over traditional shells is carried over into a large 103mm last for ultimate comfort for the widest of feet.
The Mission is a much more accurate boot than the out-going Performa – which remain available for sizes up to around a UK 16!
The Mission CF possesses an excellent rapport of comfort, performance and price, ideal for the progressive, intermediate skier.
The CF stands for “Custom Fit” – this is a fully heat mouldable liner that takes into account the majority of your lumps and bumps and gives an accurate impression of your feet for improved comfort.
Medium to large 103mm last.
Most comfort orientated with some sporty intentions.
Neoprene toe-box for warmth and comfort.
Aluminium clips.
Single side canting.
Replaceable heel & toe plates.
Custom Fit Liner
Flex 70
The SPK is the result of some thorough testing and a good deal of time spent designing a boot that will separate you from the crowd.
A 95 flex for SPK Pro and Kaos came about due to riders demanding increased levels of support in all types of skiing.
The Pro has exclusivity – they are a limited run of 1000 pairs worldwide.
Their funky good looks don’t detract from the Pro’s performance; they are highly practical and amazingly comfortable. Either the Pro’s or Kaos are THE boots for serious Freestyle skiers and one of the most dedicated freestyle-Freeski boots available.
For freestyle of Freeride skiers looking for a more conventional and firmer ride then the Gun and Scarlet are updated and available.
The generous high volume last allows slimmer footed skiers to “down-size.” Try one size smaller than your normal boot measurement for an improved fit.
The furry liner is unbelievably comfortable.
3D shock absorber under the heel and under the forefoot absorbs shocks when landing.
Speedfit liners, a rapid lace fit system, evenly cosset your feet to give good control for all mountain skiing and great convenience.
Padded spoiler and shin pad offers support and improved comfort for landings in the Park.
SPK Pro
SPK Kaos
Flex 95
“Aggressors” are leading the way for Nordica’s offset-clog technology.
The lower clog of the boot is offset to the outside from the traditional angles of a ski boot; this increases your edging and also initiates the turn more rapidly. Fischer also produces an exceptional race boot with similar technology.
With several flex options and two lasts - the World Cup for the slimmest of feet, Profit for broader foot shapes - one can select the ideal Dobermann for your skiing.
As always the Dobermanns are a pure race boot packing a mean bite if your technique isn’t up to their demanding levels.
World Cup models also come with the laced leather liner.
Superb leather liner with laces for the ultimate fit for the most demanding skiers.
World Cup shell is extremely narrow and will normally require the work to squeeze your feet in.
Performance Fit an excellent combo of a medium-narrow fit with great performance and all-day comfort.
World Cup last- Very narrow, 96 mm across the forefoot.
Flex - 100 - 150
Fischer’s entry-level model with the innovative Somatic construction.
Somatic or V-stance boots offer an offset shell with your toes-pointing outwards. This allows the skier to flex in a more natural way, reducing strain on joints plus improving edge grip and ski response.
A relatively soft 75 flex is good for lighter sporty intermediate skiers or novices looking for their first ski boot purchase.
A comfortable medium fitting last is mated to Fischer’s’ own Custom-moulded FFS liner that offers adequate performance and comfort at a good price point of £175 – but it is the Somatic construction that you are gunning for here.
Higher performance skiers may wish to try the ’95 model and there is the attractive Vision range for women.
Medium volume last.
A comfortable and sporty fit for the recreational-intermediate skier.
V-stance.
Tolerant flex.
Flex 75
Flex 95
Fischer’s entry-level model with the innovative Somatic construction.
Somatic or V-stance boots offer an offset shell with your toes-pointing outwards. This allows the skier to flex in a more natural way, reducing strain on joints plus improving edge grip and ski response.
A relatively soft 75 flex is good for lighter sporty intermediate skiers or novices looking for their first ski boot purchase.
A comfortable medium fitting last is mated to Fischer’s’ own Custom-moulded FFS liner that offers adequate performance and comfort at a good price point of £175 – but it is the Somatic construction that you are gunning for here.
Higher performance skiers may wish to try the ’95 model and there is the attractive Vision range for women.
Medium volume last.
A comfortable and sporty fit for the recreational-intermediate skier.
V-stance.
Tolerant flex.
Flex 75
Flex 95
Skiing is seeing some stunning innovations and the Hawx is probably the most talked about boot development this season.
All Hawx models feature iFlex technology. This allows the zone around your forefoot to flex as your foot would naturally when flexing through the “range” of the boot. There have been some very positive reports of enhanced control and the boot does attempt to take a “biomechanical” to harness your body and the mechanics of skiing. Atomic claim that iFlex achieves the aim of allowing you to remain better balanced and targeted over the “sweet spot” off your skis – this is around the ball of your feet.
Available in four flexes with boots for both sexes. Certainly worth a try for something a touch different.
Medium fitting lasts.
iFlex - Revolutionary forefoot flexing of the shell itself.
Magnesium buckles.
Custom moulded liner.
Flexes from 80 to 110 available.
Rossignol have certainly made lots of improvements to their boot range over this last couple of years. For many regular skiers the key models are the Bandits and Electra’s.
In response to the popularity of the skis Rossignol have created a range of all-terrain boots with the Bandits. The 12 are the most popular model offering good support for the advanced all-mountain skier.
Rossignol’s Active Cockpit technology uses stiffer materials where required to heighten feel and power whilst the forgiving flex and hearty rebound are most tolerant when skiing off the beaten track.
The Electra 12 is a great all-mountain boot for the experienced female skier. A specific women’s liner adds to your comfort and improved control.
Rossgnol’s Zenith range also provides good on-piste ski boots for medium volume feet.
Medium-narrow lasts – around 98mm
Active Cockpit – stiffer materials closer to the foot for more accurate transmission.
Rubber boot boards – improved absorption and warmth.
Heat mouldable liners.
A real back-county specialists boot and worn by some of the world’s best Freeriders such as 4 times world champion Manu Gaidet.
A narrow last gives great hold over your foot for excellent transmission and control over your skis in all conditions. For fast back-country skiing in Europe you aren’t always going to be blessed with powder so a boot with lots of support will keep you in balance and give you the confidence to hit the crud at speed.
For confirmed experts.
98mm last.
Soft PU bootboard for shock absorption.
Easy-closure buckles
Canting
Adjustable flex.
Flex - 120
Rossignol have certainly made lots of improvements to their boot range over this last couple of years. For many regular skiers the key models are the Bandits and Electra’s.
In response to the popularity of the skis Rossignol have created a range of all-terrain boots with the Bandits. The 12 are the most popular model offering good support for the advanced all-mountain skier.
Rossignol’s Active Cockpit technology uses stiffer materials where required to heighten feel and power whilst the forgiving flex and hearty rebound are most tolerant when skiing off the beaten track.
The Electra 12 is a great all-mountain boot for the experienced female skier. A specific women’s liner adds to your comfort and improved control.
Rossgnol’s Zenith range also provides good on-piste ski boots for medium volume feet.
Medium-narrow lasts – around 98mm
Active Cockpit – stiffer materials closer to the foot for more accurate transmission.
Rubber boot boards – improved absorption and warmth.
Heat mouldable liners.
Nordica’s popular Speedmachine and Olympia ranges feature medium width shells and an overt sportiness for skiers looking to ski everywhere with good dollops of performance and comfort.
Straightforward four-clips boot made livelier with extremely accommodating heat mouldable liners, plenty of room around the toe-box and the innovative use of varied Power straps. Constructed to match differing levels and weights of skier Power straps alter the characteristics of their shells to better match the target skiers’ performance.
Both Speedmachine and Olympia models feature modern convenience features, especially the HP Slide-in that allows skiers to glide their feet into the boot with ease.
Medium last.
Comfort fit liner – heat mouldable.
HP Slide-in – easy entry/exit to the boot.
Power strap.
Speedmachine 8
Flex 100
Speedmachine 10
Flex 110 - 100
I love the Attiva Pro. It is a boot for expert women, and there are many women in the Ski Club who are capable of skiing a boot such as the Pro. Based on race boot design with a toned down flex the Attiva Pro is simple in construction, has a narrow-ish last that just cossets the foot and enables you to feel exactly what is going on with the snow.
Many professional level skiers use boots such as the Pro as the support they offer enables you to power, feather and direct your skis with the authority of senior management rather than a college-grad trainee.
The men’s model which is a lovely fit but generally aimed at racers is the Race Pro 110 – a great boot for those who are already strong off or on-piste performers.
100mm last is medium – narrow.
Hinged in-step catch.
Flex adjustment.
F.I.T. tongue – floating integrated tongue for superior comfort.
Attiva Pro fleece lining.
Lycra lining insert – snug, smooth fit.
Tecnica are famed for the comfort they offer to skiers with a deep instep. The higher performing Diablo and Attiva both offer this benefit and a medium volume last.
The Diablo’s are available in various flexes and with more precise and customisable liners depending on how much you wish to spend.
Crammed with features and adjustable both ranges are great for advanced to upper-expert skiers. Attiva’s have the Vento range as siblings but good male skiers should opt for the Diablo range if they are aiming to ski regularly.
Diablo – mid volume and triple density shell for tuned performance and comfort.
Ultrafit liner –custom moulded and precise.
Attiva – medium – high volume last.
AVS – under-heel shock absorption.
Rapid access – hinged cuff for ease of access.
Flex adjustment.
I love the Attiva Pro. It is a boot for expert women, and there are many women in the Ski Club who are capable of skiing a boot such as the Pro. Based on race boot design with a toned down flex the Attiva Pro is simple in construction, has a narrow-ish last that just cossets the foot and enables you to feel exactly what is going on with the snow.
Many professional level skiers use boots such as the Pro as the support they offer enables you to power, feather and direct your skis with the authority of senior management rather than a college-grad trainee.
The men’s model which is a lovely fit but generally aimed at racers is the Race Pro 110 – a great boot for those who are already strong off or on-piste performers.
100mm last is medium – narrow.
Hinged in-step catch.
Flex adjustment.
F.I.T. tongue – floating integrated tongue for superior comfort.
Attiva Pro fleece lining.
Lycra lining insert – snug, smooth fit.
Nordica’s popular Speedmachine and Olympia ranges feature medium width shells and an overt sportiness for skiers looking to ski everywhere with good dollops of performance and comfort.
Straightforward four-clips boot made livelier with extremely accommodating heat mouldable liners, plenty of room around the toe-box and the innovative use of varied Power straps. Constructed to match differing levels and weights of skier Power straps alter the characteristics of their shells to better match the target skiers’ performance.
Both Speedmachine and Olympia models feature modern convenience features, especially the HP Slide-in that allows skiers to glide their feet into the boot with ease.
Medium last.
Comfort fit liner – heat mouldable.
HP Slide-in – easy entry/exit to the boot.
Power strap.
M-tech boots are aimed at the front and backcountry skier. Capable on-piste, tolerant off. The flexes range from 80 – 110. The M100 is perhaps the choice model for advanced skiers, owning broad feet, starting to “get into” some powder and hiking.
Standard features include Recco reflectors for avalanche rescue, a rubberized “Multi-condition” chassis that’s great fro rambling over rocks or just pottering to the piste.
The M100 has the looks, features and performance to satisfy most backcountry skiers.
Experts and racers will love the ultra-high performing RT CS range – beauty and performance in simplicity.
Medium – high volume 102mm last.
Multi-condition chassis.
Canting.
Power control flex adjustment – race developed flex/ power control.
Custom sport mouldable liners.
Flex - 100
A jazzed-up, softened down race boot from Lange’s excellent World Cup based new Freeride model. The 110 flex is perfect for all-mountain advanced to expert skiing.
The last is narrow and the liner firm yet comfortable for excellent touch on the snow. The Lange Freeride 110 is a precise boot both on and off the piste.
Hermann Maier has recently returned to Lange boots, his chosen footwear in his vintage years and this boot, the Freeride 110 is an almost identical shape –just a touch softer!
Narrow last derived from the excellent World Cup race boot in the distinctive blue Lange livery.
Very snug around the whole foot but the toe-box is improved over previous years and feels much roomier.
Flex - 110
Skiing is seeing some stunning innovations and the Hawx is probably the most talked about boot development this season.
All Hawx models feature iFlex technology. This allows the zone around your forefoot to flex as your foot would naturally when flexing through the “range” of the boot. There have been some very positive reports of enhanced control and the boot does attempt to take a “biomechanical” to harness your body and the mechanics of skiing. Atomic claim that iFlex achieves the aim of allowing you to remain better balanced and targeted over the “sweet spot” off your skis – this is around the ball of your feet.
Available in four flexes with boots for both sexes. Certainly worth a try for something a touch different.
Medium fitting lasts.
iFlex - Revolutionary forefoot flexing of the shell itself.
Magnesium buckles.
Custom moulded liner.
Flexes from 80 to 110 available.
Full Tilt’s Bumble Bee replaces Raichle’s legendary Flexon Comp ski boot. Renowned for their progressive flex the BB’s give you a great range of ankle movement and will really help many skiers conquer bumps and off-piste skiing. A women’s model, the FT Lady, is also available. Both replicate the original 3-piece Swiss design and tolerance of a wide-variety of foot shapes.
New features include FT’s own full heat-mouldable liner with a wrap-around design and shock absorbing rubber boot-boards (the layer supporting your feet underneath your liner) for improved comfort on landings and warmth.
Definitely worth a try!
A medium-narrow fit.
Intuition liner - heat-moulds for a fully customised fit.
Rubber boot-boards.
Cable buckles – adjustability and progressive flex.
Full Tilt tongue – perhaps the most progressive flex in skiing.
Adventurous all-mountain intermediate and advanced skiers will enjoy the Fluid range. With a medium volume fit and progressive flex the Fluid’s are good all-terrain performers and more tolerant than Lange’s race boot-derived “Freeride” range.
Originally designed by Pininfarina the Fluids 80 FR looks great and is a perfect proposition for non-aggressive advanced skiers or good intermediates looking for some adventurous skiing.
Fluid 90 - Flex 90
Fluid 80 - Flex 80
Like a sporty GTI car the B-tech range from Atomic is sporty, a little aggressive and gets you in the mood for driving. So good intermediate skiers who manage a couple of weeks a year on-snow will be fans – especially if you have a larger volume foot.
B-techs are roomy, they have 104mm across your forefoot along with innovative features such as an offset shell, flex adjustment and Thermic pre-wiring on most models – batteries not supplied!
Recreational or fist time buyers head for the B70 or 80, move advanced skiers looking for lots of volume try the 90 or 110.
B80 – Flex 80
B80W – Flex 70
B90 – Flex 90
B90W – Flex 80
104mm shell.
Offset shell
Grip pads – rubber soles for comfortable and secure walking.
Thermic wiring on most models.
Recco avalanche sensor.
The manufacturer says this about the Atomic B90 ski boots:
Like a sporty GTI car the B-tech range from Atomic is sporty, a little aggressive and gets you in the mood for driving. So good intermediate skiers who manage a couple of weeks a year on-snow will be fans – especially if you have a larger volume foot.
B-techs are roomy, they have 104mm across your forefoot along with innovative features such as an offset shell, flex adjustment and Thermic pre-wiring on most models – batteries not supplied!
Recreational or fist time buyers head for the B70 or 80, move advanced skiers looking for lots of volume try the 90 or 110.
The manufacturer says this about the Booster Straps:
The strap worn by Bode Miller is now used by a great many athletes of all skill levels ... for instant ski response. Many will have noticed the strap appearing out of the suit of many athletes, including Bode Miller. The article in question is Booster, an essential accessory for optimising ski boot performance. When used correctly, it guarantees maximum ski boot performance and therefore extraordinary ski control, improving comfort and completely eliminating the empty space between the boot tongue and shin, thus serving a shock-absorber function and aiding the prevention of shin bang and other boot maladies. The Booster Strap is made of high strenght elastomeric webbing with an anti-slip micro-adjustable cam buckle. The elastomer allows flexibility, vibration and shock damping. The cam buckle assures a better fit and more comfort. The Booster Strap elastically fastens together the leg and the ski boot and provides direct ski control so the skis will start turning sooner and and will end the turn faster. The graded elasticity of the product allows skiers to choose the reaction speeds that best suit their technical and physical characteristics and skiing ability.
Check out France for snow!
Unbelievable amounts of snow are falling across the Alps. With a forecasted 1m of snow to come this Monday 2007 could be a vintage winter in the making. Tignes, France opened today, Verbier, Switzerland this weekend and many Austrian resorts are starting to turn their lifts.
Skiing today in L'Espace Killy (Tignes/ Val d'Isere) was stunning in every respect - cold, minus 17 with wind chill raising the bar to a frost-nippy -25 degrees, fresh powder around knee deep (at least 40 cm has fallen in the last 36 hrs) and stunning blue skies.
It really did feel like the middle of January and yet the slopes were quiet, the main run all the way back to town (Tignes Val Claret) was open and winter definitely felt like it is here!
With cold weather, low wind and lots of snow forecast there seems few autumns in recent memory that would stand up against a start like this weeks snow falls. Hope to see you on the slopes soon. Chris
Chris Haworth talks of his time testing the new X3 race boot -
The new Salomon X3 race boot is perhaps the most technologically advanced race boot on the market. After several seasons of testing Salomon have created a boot suited to the most modern racing technique.
The clog (lower part of the boot) measures a skimpy 93 mm across the forefoot - this is an average of 2mm narrower than many of the competitor race boots - the big difference here though is the X3's sublime last. The form of the boot and how it is shaped to the skiers morphology is excellent and demands much less grinding or stretching in comparison to previous models - comfort without the hassle.
The cuff is also several centimetres snugger around the calf for extreme lateral accuracy and the boot feels infinitely stiffer and tauter than the outgoing X2. With four bolts running through cuff and clog plus dual canting there is plenty of room to tailor the flex and angles of the X3 - something that we haven't had from Salomon's top-line boot for a while.
The liner is one you may have seen around to some extent - it is the leatherette-lined cork and oil liner that Salomon has used this last couple of years - but with some tweaks such as the added use of Neoprene over the majority of the foot for a snugger fit. The tongue is also exceptional and provides great feel plus a comfortable support for your shins.
All-in-all the X3 is perhaps the finest race boot on the market for the racer. For the expert skier they are almost too much for general skiing as they are so "direct". Think about edging on an X3 and it is done for you, they are incredibly precise, rather intolerant but a fantastic ride in the correct conditions - i.e when you've blue ice, some red and blue gates to hammer through and your feeling on top of your game.
5/ 5
This is one mean looking pair of skis- in fact they were the only skis that stopped me in my tracks at last seasons ISPO exhibition. The dark snake-skin finish matched to huge dimensions and a very sporty flex makes for the coolest freeride skis out there. I imagine they will be fantastic on-snow and they looked truly stunning at exhibition.
6 out of 5!
Sports couture.
The innate value of our products consists of our specially developed tip-to-tail woodcores which, through delicate harmony between outer glass and titanal layers set new standards in ski construction. Phenol sidewalls and nano-high speed running bases have their origin in racing, making each and every Indigo ski a piece of high-end sports equipment.
The unique combination of aesthetic minimalism and perfect workmanship is revealed in every detail. Come and discover our world.
Based around slalom ski geometry the Indigo Python's are available in differing finishes- all 3D though, no cheap-skating in the Indigo factory. Very powerful skis for the advanced to expert skier in the 165 length, they are a delight to use, combining the prowess of a race ski with the finesse and touch of design that Indigo are known for.
A great pair of all-mountain carvers for the advanced to expert skier looking for something a little different.
p.s. There is also a dark snake-skin effect graphic which is a touch more masculine.
Sports couture.
The innate value of our products consists of our specially developed tip-to-tail woodcores which, through delicate harmony between outer glass and titanal layers set new standards in ski construction. Phenol sidewalls and nano-high speed running bases have their origin in racing, making each and every Indigo ski a piece of high-end sports equipment.
The unique combination of aesthetic minimalism and perfect workmanship is revealed in every detail. Come and discover our world.
I can't wait to get my hands on a pair of the Big Mountain Black Boa's. They looked fabulous in the flesh when I saw them at ISPO in January. The construction is proven, the flex firm but elastic and the finish faultless. A friend of mine who has a pair was surprised buy how sporty this pair of skis are, he bought the 185 version in last seasons graphic and found the flex a handful if he was having an off day, event though they may not appear hard-core they are aimed at strong technical skiers. If you have the technique, the money and the time to get to the hills this winter then grab a pair!
The manufacturer says this about the Indigo Bigmountain Black Boa Skis 2008: Sports couture.
The innate value of our products consists of our specially developed tip-to-tail woodcores which, through delicate harmony between outer glass and titanal layers set new standards in ski construction. Phenol sidewalls and nano-high speed running bases have their origin in racing, making each and every Indigo ski a piece of high-end sports equipment.
The unique combination of aesthetic minimalism and perfect workmanship is revealed in every detail. Come and discover our world.
Indigo Boa ski twintip detail. With optional inset diamond.
The manufacturer says this about the Indigo Boa Ski Detail 2008: Sports couture.
The innate value of our products consists of our specially developed tip-to-tail woodcores which, through delicate harmony between outer glass and titanal layers set new standards in ski construction. Phenol sidewalls and nano-high speed running bases have their origin in racing, making each and every Indigo ski a piece of high-end sports equipment.
The unique combination of aesthetic minimalism and perfect workmanship is revealed in every detail. Come and discover our world.
indigo's latest models and colour range for 2008. The Black Boa represents their latest innovations in construction and design. Made by hand with the finest materials the range looked stunning when I saw them at ISPO, the worlds largest winter-sports trade fair, unfortunately though I will have to wait until this season to test a pair.
The manufacturer says this about the Indigo Black Boa Ski 2008: Black Boa, the collection, combines sleek elegance with high-tech performance. Skis, poles and helmet are perfectly co-ordinated to suit one another. Sports couture, there is no way past this collection in the 2007/8 winter.
The innate value of our products consists of our specially developed tip-to-tail woodcores which, through delicate harmony between outer glass and titanal layers set new standards in ski construction. Phenol sidewalls and nano-high speed running bases have their origin in racing, making each and every Indigo ski a piece of high-end sports equipment.
The unique combination of aesthetic minimalism and perfect workmanship is revealed in every detail. Come and discover our world.
Although I have yet to attain the years when I will hang up my Alpine boots for a pair of Nordics I thought it only fair to include the new and aesthetically gorgeous Indigo classic cross-country ski. No doubt sublimely crafted, a touch expensive but worthwhile for the discerning.
The manufacturer says this about the Indigo Nordic Ski Classic 2008: Sports couture.
The innate value of our products consists of our specially developed tip-to-tail woodcores which, through delicate harmony between outer glass and titanal layers set new standards in ski construction. Phenol sidewalls and nano-high speed running bases have their origin in racing, making each and every Indigo ski a piece of high-end sports equipment.
The unique combination of aesthetic minimalism and perfect workmanship is revealed in every detail. Come and discover our world.
Detail of hand craftsmanship in creating a pair of Indigo ski poles.
The manufacturer says this about the Indigo Handmade Skipole 2008: Sports couture.
The innate value of our products consists of our specially developed tip-to-tail woodcores which, through delicate harmony between outer glass and titanal layers set new standards in ski construction. Phenol sidewalls and nano-high speed running bases have their origin in racing, making each and every Indigo ski a piece of high-end sports equipment.
The unique combination of aesthetic minimalism and perfect workmanship is revealed in every detail. Come and discover our world.
Surely one of the most beautiful skis ever made. The Boa freeride/style ski is aesthetically stunning, wonderfully constructed (by hand in Munich, Germany) and should be one of the most versatile all-mountain skis for the expert skier. Available in very useable 175 and 185 lengths or the very Big Mountain inspired 195 model for fast back country action and big airs. I'm no freestyler and am not particularly keen on riding in Parks when there are whole mountains to be ridden but the Boa is a ski that I would be happy to spend a lot of time on in virtually any condition.
Superb, expensive but worth it.
5/ 5
175- 185- 195 cm
Sports couture.
The innate value of our products consists of our specially developed tip-to-tail woodcores which, through delicate harmony between outer glass and titanal layers set new standards in ski construction. Phenol sidewalls and nano-high speed running bases have their origin in racing, making each and every Indigo ski a piece of high-end sports equipment.
The unique combination of aesthetic minimalism and perfect workmanship is revealed in every detail. Come and discover our world.
Beautifully made and exquisite to ride Indigo skis. Hand-made in a small seven person company in Munich, Germany the Indigo range features six principle styles of ski served in differing yet stunning detail.
The "Carving" is split into two groups with either the short, snappy and slalom-esque 155 & 165 models, whilst the strong 175 and 185 lengths are almost full-blown GS race skis with 21 m side-cuts that pretty much adhere to FIS racing rules.
The "Allmountain" models are relatively tame in the 162 and 172 lengths but the 182 is designed for expert skiers and the sorts of people that have the opportunity to head out of the city for the weekend and put some turns in on their favourite hill.
The "Big Mountain"" is also available in three lengths and provides a stylish alternative to some of the more crass Freeride skis out there.
One of my favourite skis of the last two seasons, the Twintip Boa, it a fabulously versatile and sublimely attractive pair of skis. They are without a doubt the most stunning pair of skis when you see them either in the rack or on the snow. Now available in three different lengths, 175 to a pretty full-on 195 cm.
All new for 2008 is the Boa King. At 191 cm they are aimed at Big Mountain Freeride. All the dimensions, 132-104-123 mm and a 30m turning radius, and the hand-made sandwich constructions are there for a fabulous ski- with looks, a construction and their firm but pliable flex I would be astonished if they didn't give you one of the best powder rides out there.
Check out the individual Indigo reviews for more info.
Sports couture.
The innate value of our products consists of our specially developed tip-to-tail woodcores which, through delicate harmony between outer glass and titanal layers set new standards in ski construction. Phenol sidewalls and nano-high speed running bases have their origin in racing, making each and every Indigo ski a piece of high-end sports equipment.
The unique combination of aesthetic minimalism and perfect workmanship is revealed in every detail. Come and discover our world.
The manufacturer says this about the Head join the Cool Earth mmovement.:
HEAD shows corporate carbon responsibility with COOL EARTH
Climate change is on everyone’s lips, also in our industry after this very warm winter season. Many companies, organisations and private individuals are aware of their responsibility toward the environment and are acting. HEAD N.V. is among them. Through its strategic partnership with Cool Earth, a globally active environment protection organisation, HEAD N.V. is supporting a program that is fighting climate change through the protection of rainforests.
In this special issue of Brand News, CEO Johan Eliasch discusses HEAD’s motives for the partnership and explains the goals and measures of Cool Earth.
We want to create awareness among our consumers and sports enthusiasts; we want to motivate them to support our activities by buying our products and at the same time encourage them to immediately contribute to the drastic reduction of CO2 emissions.
Mr. Eliasch, why are rainforests so important?
Johan Eliasch Rainforests play a fundamental role in regulating the world’s climate by locking up atmospheric carbon in their vegetation. 4,000 m2 of rainforest contain more than 100 tons of carbon. When this is destroyed, the carbon is released and the earth’s temperature rises as a result.
Cool Earth is a global charity launched in June 2007. What is their goal, and how do they plan to achieve it?
Johan Eliasch Cool Earth aims to tackle the climate crisis in a cost-effective, mass membership way, long before governments are able to swing into action. It will enable individuals and groups including schools and businesses, to directly fund rainforest protection on a massive scale and safeguard this invaluable resource. As a co-founder of Cool Earth I wanted to short circuit the delay between intent and action. HEAD will be protecting endangered rainforests in the Amazon region of South-America.
HEAD has announced an alliance with the global environmental charity, Cool Earth. What does this cooperation actually entail?
Johan Eliasch HEAD’s partnership with Cool Earth will result in a worldwide environmental program in which we secure to protect over 7,000 acres of highly endangered rainforest per year. This is equivalent to ten times HEAD’s annual emissions.
Can you explain why HEAD N.V. is doing this?
Johan Eliasch Gladly. Environmental responsibility has always been part of HEAD’s corporate values, and we feel it is now important to unite corporate responsibility with direct action. To be able to educate sports enthusiasts about the effects of carbon emissions, and what they can do about it, was an important part of our decision. We all depend on a stable climate to ski, play tennis, or dive. If we don’t wake up and make a difference now, we won’t be doing these things in their natural environments much longer. 50 million acres of rainforest, about the size of Britain, are cut down every year, releasing six billion tonnes of climate warming CO2
Does this mean HEAD is fully offsetting its carbon footprints?
Johan Eliasch Offsetting is not enough. As well as working to minimize our emissions, HEAD is supercharging its carbon responsibility by investing in the protection of 7,000 acres/28 km2 (per year) of endangered rainforest, This is equivalent to over 1,800,000 tonnes of CO2.
Which rainforest is HEAD protecting?
Johan Eliasch Cool Earth operates throughout the world, working together with rainforest nations. HEAD will be protecting endangered rainforests in the Amazon region of South-America.
Can you make the actual size of HEAD’s protected forest more understandable?
Johan Eliasch The size of the forest can be better understood if you consider that 1 acre is approximately one American football field. You can then think about the forest size in different ways: 7,030 acres equal approximately 7,000 American football fields. Or imagine 106,515 tennis courts, or 3,652 FIFA soccer fields. The protected rainforest of 7,030 acres equals approximately 106,515 tennis courts.
When did the HEAD partnership with Cool Earth begin?
Johan Eliasch The initiative was announced in August 2007, and the rainforest will be protected as of the fall of 2007.
The manufacturer says this about the Nordica, Dobermann, GS, Skis, 2008:
Target
Athletes, high level skiers, ski instructors who want the reference ski in giant slalom.
Sizes
171 (R16.5),176 (R18),181 (R19),186 (R20)
Sidecut
111-67-97
Available colours
red-white
Construction
FULL TWIN V ACTIVE TI ⁄
Type of core
wood
System/binding
X-BALANCE SYSTEM INTEGRATED - N0312 TI or N0514 bindings by Marker - 3D
GS skis aren't getting easier with the new FIS rules that have just come into force and Nordica's flagship race ski is really a very elite ski for the dedicated GS racer or instructor looking to pass their race exams. Fabulously grippy and smooth the GSR is a powerful pair of high speed carvers that in the hands of experts is useful weapon to hammer through the gates.
The manufacturer says this about the Nordica, Dobermann, GSR, Skis, 2008: Target
Athletes, high level skiers, ski instructors who want the reference ski in giant slalom.
Sizes
171 (R16.5),176 (R18),181 (R19),186 (R20)
Sidecut
111-67-97
Available colours
red-white
Construction
FULL TWIN V ACTIVE TI ⁄
Type of core
wood
System/binding
X-BALANCE SYSTEM INTEGRATED - N0312 TI or N0514 bindings by Marker - 3D
The manufacturer says this about the Nordica Dobermann Pro SL XBi Skis 2008:
Target
Athletes, high level skiers, ski instructors who want the reference ski in slalom.
Sizes
155 (R11.5),165 (R13),170 (R14)
Sidecut
120-67-103
Available colours
black-white
Construction
FULL TWIN V ACTIVE TI
Type of core
wood
System/binding
X-BALANCE SYSTEM INTEGRATED - N0312 TI or N0514 bindings by Marker - 3D
Nordica's "race stock" version of its immensely lively and grippy Pro SL XBi. This is the ski you want for racing slalom, whipping through the gates and being as aggressive and quick on your skis as possible. The Nordica range of slalom skis for the last five years have always come up with the goods and the new 2008 version doesn't disappoint.
5/ 5 for power, grip and slalom performance.
Athletes, high level skiers, ski instructors who want the reference ski in slalom.
The manufacturer says this about the Nordica, Dobermann, Spitfire XBi, Skis, 2008:
Target
Expert skiers, advanced skiers, ski instructors who want have a polyvalent ski for all the turns.
Sizes
154 (R12),162 (R13),170 (R14),178 (R15.5)
Sidecut
122-70-105 (SIZE 170-178); 120-70-103 (SIZE 154-162)
Available colours
red-white
Construction
FULL TWIN V ACTIVE TI
Type of core
comp-wood
System/binding
X-BALANCE SYSTEM INTEGRATED - N0312 TI or N0311 TI binding by Marker - 3D top.
Target
Engineered for easy turning, stability and versatility, these smooth performers will help any intermediate allround skier improve in any snow conditions.
Sizes
152 (R12),160 (R14),168 (R16),176 (R17,5)
Sidecut
116-70-100
Available colours
red
colour variation:silver
Construction
ENERGY FRAME Composite wood
Type of core
composite 2 wood
System/binding
X-BALANCE SYSTEM - N0310 binding by Marker
