So, the story begins... I bought a pair of Lange Banshee 7 from a well-meaning but uneducated kid at REI. Turns out I could fit 3.5 fingers behind my heel in the shell... yeah, I was a complete boot-jong.
so after suffering through them for 3 years, its time for new boots. I like the surefoot gurantee and i've heard good things about them, so while i was in aspen i decided to take the plunge.
i tried on Lange Comp 100s, Salomon Courses, Technica Icons, and a pair of Saloman Performas. Then I tried on the Lange Freeride 120 Comp.
They fit the best, so I bought them (more expensive than i want to think about, especially with the surefoot insole) and left. they made my insole overnight.
pick up the boots with insole the following morning. which just happens to be a bluebird pow day, 8-10" of fresh on aspen highlands and 2 clouds in the sky (big puffy cumulous).
in excess of 20 laps were made on temerity and steeplechase in the trees after finding a kindly local on the first chair up to chase through the trees.
Day 1 Report: the balls of my feet would start to ache and scream about half way down each run, but the increase in performance was mind-blowing. feet hurt to the point of being unable to buckle the lower 2 buckles. also, shin bang was experienced for the first time.
went in that night, told them about the problems with the balls of my feet. they said no problem, we'll deal with it.
day 2: was occupied on snowmass chasing around teh mountain looking for stashes. feet hurt much less (balls of my feet no longer screamed, just ached). shin bang continues.
day 3: feet still slightly uncomfortable but things are much better. shin bang continues but is not as bad.
so for the review:
Surefoot: 5 stars (out of 5)
Lange FR120 Comps: 4 stars (out of 5) simply because I have not fully broken them in.
Pros:
Amazing edge to edge quickness in comparison. Much more responsive to forward pressure and the movements of my legs. Even, smooth flexing.
Cons:
Expensive (all and all, it came to a lil bit under a grand... :(). shin bang was experienced. Any ideas?