The boot offering from Head indicates the same attention to function that skis enjoy. An example is the i-Type construction that incorporates a flex walking sole that locks into a rigid element in the binding so no performance is lost for skiing. The cuff also unlocks automatically for easy walking but returns to a locked position just by stepping into the binding.
And this year an entirely new line of all-mountain high performance boots called Vector makes its debut. New injection technology has allowed such precise tailoring of the shell that Head claims that this is a benchmark line that literally spans the high-performance and comfort segments in one boot. A new innerboot and, on the top model, an articulating buckle element called Spineflex that allows perfect wrapping when the buckle is closed, are just some of the new features.
RAPTOR ... race
Raptor 130, 140 and 150 rd (racing department) hold top spot and although they are not for everyone, they should be on the short list for any skier that wants the best performance/race boot on the front of the mountain. Some important changes to the shell should improve fit and function in the latest offerings. Boots in this category are typically low volume and often need custom fitting but that’s all part of maximizing performance. It defeats the purpose to buy a high performance boot and then go up a size so it’s more comfortable.
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Raptor 150 RD |
Raptor 130 RD |
The RS series have a softer shell than the RD boots as well as a softer and thinner liner. Raptor 125 rs, ltd rs and 115 supershape rs are slightly wider (98mm) too. Raptor 130 and up are 95mm lasts. Last widths are given as the wide part in the forefoot roughly equivalent to the measurement across the metatarsals. For most people 95mm is tight. Innerboots are high quality with a lacing option in the top models and maybe that’s why Head says Raptor is even more comfortable this year.
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Raptor 125 RS |
Raptor LTD RS |
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Raptor 115 Supershape |
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Technology you should know about
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VECTOR ... All Mountain High Performance
Vector is all-new combining a special multi-injected shell, new Superheat4 liner and Spineflex buckle in the Vector 120 model. All are 103mm in width and all liners are prepared for a heat system.
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Vector 120
- Superheat 4 liner with auto-tuning tongue
- Spineflex alloy buckles
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Vector ltd
- Superheat4 liner with auto-tuning tongue
- Micro adjustable HP alloy buckles
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Vector 110
- Heatfit liner with anatomical frame footbed
- Micro adjustable HP alloy buckles
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Vector 100
- Heatfit liner with anatomical frame footbed
- Micro adjustable HP alloy buckles
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EDGE+ ... All Mountain comfort
Head continues to tweak the successful Edge line that is known for blending performance with comfort. Edge is slightly softer with higher foot volume and aimed at intermediate to advanced skiers. As a general rule what differentiates the top-of-the-list models from those below is the number of features.
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Edge+ ltd
- Superheat3 liner
- Anatomical frame footbed
- Flex adjustment
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Edge+ 11
- HP HeatFit liner
- Anatomical frame footbed
- Flex adjustment
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Edge+ 10
- HeatFit liner
- HP anatomical footbed
- Flex adjustment
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Edge+ 9
- HeatFit liner
- HP anatomical footbed
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Edge+ 8.5
- Comfort liner
- HP anatomical footbed
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MOJO and PEAK ... freeriding boots
These are usually mid to high performance boots with a few special features. As Head says, “you don’t just fly, you also land.” That’s why many boots in this category feature some sort of absorbent material in the heel or tongue to soak up slams on hard snow. In some Head models it’s called “shock bumper.”
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Mojo J.O. Pro rs
- HeatFit Pro liner
- 4 micro-adjustable racing alloy buckles
- shock bumper
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Edge+ Mojo
- HeatFit liner
- HP anatomical footbed
- Prepared for heating system
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Peak XP
This is not a touring boot, it’s a high performance alpine boot with a flex walking sole. It also has some special mountaineering features for those that like to hike for the big lines.
- EVA liner with custom breathing concept
- 3 micro-adjustable alloy buckles
- FlexWalking sole with vibram grips
- Climbing clip ratchets
- Inverted first buckle (doesn’t unclip while walking in crusty snow)
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Peak sh3
- SuperHeat3 liner
- Prepared for heating system
- 3 micro-adjustable alloy buckles
- FlexWalking sole with vibram grips
- Climbing clip ratchets
- Inverted first buckle (doesn’t unclip while walking in crusty snow)
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i-TYPE ... all day comfort boots
All Day Comfort may be a new category that Head has invented. By combining fleece-lined innerboots (106mm wide last) with the FlexWalking Sole and the AutoSkiWalk feature you have a boot that is easy to take on and off, easy to walk in but also fully functional on the hill for intermediate to advanced skiers.
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i-Type 12
- SuperHeat3 front entry liner
- Vibram grip pads
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i-Type 10
- HeatFit rear entry
- Softwalk and grip system
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i-Type 8
- Comfort rear entry liner with fleece lining
- SoftWalk and grip system
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Technology you should know about
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WOMEN’S BOOTS All-Mountain High Performance category
Head’s Dream collection of women’s boots is almost unique in that the lower shell is specifically lasted for women’s feet only. Many boot brands use a generic lower shell mold and only modify the upper cuff for women’s legs. This year one Vector model for women is added to the line. All have 4 micro-adjustable buckles and all liners are prepared for a heating system.
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Vector 100 one (experts)
- Women’s HeatFit liner with anatomical frame footbed
- Flex tuning
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Dream 12.5 one (professionals)
- Women’s SuperHeat3 with fur lining
- Flex adjustment
- Adjustable wedge arch support
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Dream 10.5 one (expert)
- Women’s SuperHeat3 with fur lining
- Flex adjustment
- Adjustable wedge arch support
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Dream 9.5 one (expert)
- Women’s HeatFit with fleece lining
- Flex adjustment
- Adjustable wedge arch support
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Dream 8.5 one (advanced)
- Women’s HeatFit with fleece lining
- Adjustable wedge arch support
- SoftWalk heel
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Women’s All-Mountain Comfort category
All-Mountain Comfort includes the women’s versions of Edge+ boots. They feature a generous 104mm forefoot width, self-shaping footbed and fleece or fur lined innerboots (all prepared for heat system).
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Edge+ 11 one (advanced)
- Women’s hp HeatFit with fur lining
- Flex adjustment
- SoftWalk heel and grip system
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Edge+ 10 one
- Women’s HeatFit with fleece lining
- Flex adjustment
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Edge+ 9 one (advanced)
- Women’s HeatFit with fleece lining
- SoftWalk heel
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Edge+ 8.5 one
- Women’s HeatFit with fleece lining
- Women’s self-shaping footbed
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Women’s All Day Comfort category
The i-Type design for women makes a comfy boot just a bit more so. Last width is 106mm and of course the FlexWalking sole and AutoSkiWalk features are standard.
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i-Type 12 one (advanced)
- Women’s SuperHeat3 front entry liner prepared for heat system
- Vibram walking pads
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i-Type 8 one (intermediate)
- Women’s comfort rear entry
- SoftWalk and grip system
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