Fit and handling
As with the previous model, the last width is specified as 99mm and is therefore slightly narrower compared to some other ski touring boots. Both the liner and the shell can (and in my opinion should) be adapted very well to the individual foot. In my case, there were a few pressure points in the toe area, which were easily eliminated during boot fitting.
Although not necessarily relevant to this paragraph, I would like to mention at this point that the standard insoles of the inner shoe are only good for decoration and should be replaced with your own customised insoles. In my opinion, however, this is only a minor point of criticism, as I would have changed the insole in any case.
The walking mechanism is locked in the classic way by flipping a "lever" in the lower calf area. As the lever is difficult to grasp when flipping it into the walking mechanism, Tecnica attaches a small cord to the lower end of the lever so that it also works with gloves. This is not always easy, but works perfectly once you get hold of the cord.
Ascent characteristics
The shaft rotation is specified by the manufacturer at 60 degrees and is impressive for a boot of this type. The freedom of movement to the rear enables a relatively natural walking motion even in longer, flat passages. However, in order to achieve maximum freedom of movement, both the top two buckles and the powerstrap have to be very loose or open, which in my case unfortunately leads to minimal play in the heel area. For this reason, I also close one of the two upper buckles loosely on the ascent and accept a few degrees of loss. The freedom of movement towards the front is also pleasant and is sufficient for me as a ski tourer focussing on the descent. The liner has a lace that can be tied to minimise slipping in the liner. This lacing strap is particularly important to me on the descent; I always tied it up on the ascent, but then realised that it often opens during longer ascents. Finally, the biggest plus point in terms of ascent performance is the low weight of the boot. At just under 1400g per ski boot (size 26.5) it "lifts" easily and also makes a ski tour beyond 1000 metres possible.
I also noticed the Vibram sole of the Zero G Tour Pros very favourably: Climbing passages on rocks or the snowy path to the bus are no problem with the non-slip sole with its surprisingly good tread.
Downhill characteristics
Most readers of this test report will probably know that the flex values given for ski boots are not standardised values and do not provide uniform information about the stiffness of a ski boot. However, the flex value can be used as a good guide within a manufacturer's range.
The flex of the Zero G Tour Pro is specified as 130 and is therefore at the hardest end of the range. You can also feel this hard flex on the descent: while you still thought you had a ski touring boot on your feet on the ascent, the boot starts to feel more and more like a freeride boot when you close the buckles, the powerstrap and switch to downhill mode. Of course, the perceived stiffness is very dependent on how tightly the buckles - and especially the powerstrap - are closed. On the descent, the boot flexes quite comfortably, although it seems to me that it only flexes progressively from a certain point and becomes firmer with increasing pressure. However, as I usually tend to clench the boot well (which works very well with the power strap, by the way), I don't notice this negatively. As the boot is, as already mentioned, pleasantly stiff on the descent, it's also easy to master faster runs in hard snow or snow that's been skied over. Power transmission is very direct and when the buckles and power strap are closed, the foot (in my case) has no play whatsoever inside the ski boot.
With the right insoles, lateral power transmission is also very precise and leaves nothing to be desired.
In my opinion, the downhill performance is really good for a ski touring boot. The boot also cuts a fine figure in hard snow and allows sporty skiing in all conditions. It's not rock-hard and stiff, but it doesn't have to be - there are alpine and freeride boots without any "walking comfort" for that.
