ISPO & Gear News Ski touring bindings and boots 2021

When it comes to shoes, the trends of recent years continue, for example, almost every model is available in an entire series, which usually consists of at least one entry-level model, one mid-range and one high-end shoe. These differ not only in weight and stiffness, but also in price. Traditionally, the top model is made of Grilamid or carbon-reinforced plastic, while the cheaper models are made of Pebax or PU.

The shoes are also getting lighter and lighter. While a good all-round touring boot weighed at least 1700g almost 10 years ago, a few years ago it was only 1500g. In the meantime, we have probably reached 1300g in this class.

Boots

Atomic

At Atomic, the popular Hawx series is getting a new design for the coming season, which should make it easier to put on and take off. The series will also be extended by several models and the top models will be given a top inner boot with the "Mimic" liner, which is based on racing boot models. The more ascent-oriented Backland series is also being expanded to include several carbon-reinforced models.

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Dalbello

Dalbello is expanding the Quantum series around the Quantum Asolo models with so-called Quantum Free models, which will be launched on the market in flex gradations of 130, 110 and 105. The new models have an additional buckle instead of the Boa system and are a little more downhill-oriented, but still only weigh around 1200g. At just over 800g, the minimalist Quantum Lite models, which will also be available for the coming season, are significantly lighter.

In the strongly downhill-oriented area at Dalbello, it can be reported that the Krypton 130 and the Chakra 115 will come with Grip Walk soles and tech inserts in the future, which should please many freeriders, as this means that a fully-fledged freeride boot can be used with bindings such as the Shift or the CAST system.

Dynafit

In addition to new ultralight boots (DANN and Mezzalama), the changes to the freetour models in the Hoji series are particularly interesting. The fit has been changed again and the models now comply with the standard for ski touring boots, meaning that there are no sharknose or similar special shapes on the toe of the boot. Good news not only for the use of crampons, but also for binding compatibility.

K2

The BFC boots have been revised at K2. They are now around 15% lighter across the board. In addition, the fit should now be more suitable for wider skiers.

Lange

Lange is launching the XT3 Tour series of ski touring boots on the market, which, with a weight of around 1300g and a shaft rotation of 55°, are significantly more ascent-oriented than the well-known models in the XT3 series. Nevertheless, Lange speaks of a flex of 130 for the top model, which can at least be described as exceptional in this weight class.

La Sportiva

La Sportiva is launching the Vanguard, a new high-end shoe with 63° shaft rotation made from carbon-reinforced, bio-based Pebax. Despite its weight of just 1450g (in size 27.5), the three-buckle boot is clearly designed for downhill skiing. The Vanguard has all the finesse, such as an adjustable template, an external lock, a two-part tongue and so on.

Scott

The tried-and-tested Scott Cosmos gets a redesign. The shoe now only has 3 buckles, which also makes it lighter. In addition, the construction has changed, especially the tongue, which is now similar to the Freeguide Carbon, and the shaft rotation has also been increased. The Cosmos will be available in three versions next season: The Cosmos Pro, which is made from Grilamid and features a Boa liner and powerstrap, plus the Cosmos Tour, which is made from bio-based Pebax, and the more affordable, normal Cosmos. In addition, the Cosmos models are now certified according to the standard for ski touring boots.

Tecnica

The most interesting new product Tecnica is launching is the Cochise 3.0, which brings the extremely successful boots into the third generation. The innovations are far more than just cosmetic: the shell has been redesigned and is now not only more anatomically shaped, but also a little lighter. There is also a new locking mechanism and a new liner, and for the first time there is also a low volume model for women.

Bindings

ATK

At ATK, the Freeraider 16 stands out as a novelty. As you might guess from the name, this is a super-light binding (370g) with a Z-value of 9-16. In order to ensure the best possible power transmission and stability on the descent, the new Raider Toe Shim is used on the toe piece in addition to the familiar Freeride Spacer on the rear jaw.

Dynafit

Many Dynafit bindings are being slightly revised, usually with the aim of further reducing weight while increasing stability as much as possible. For example, there are changes to the toe piece on the Rotation 14 and an improved stopper on the new Blacklight (ex. Superlight).

Fritschi

Fritschi is revising the top model Tecton 12. The main innovation here is in the material, as carbon reinforced plastic will be used in both the toe piece and the back piece from next season. This will further improve the already excellent power transmission of the binding and also increase its durability.

Marker

The Marler bindings remain largely unchanged, but in future several bindings will have the carbon plates of the Kingpin V-Werks. The Alpinist 10 is also a new binding in the ascent-oriented segment.