Dalbello Men's PANTERRA 120 GW MS Ski Boots

Product Information

This season, the brand that keeps the soul of three-piece ski boots alive swapped its single-number flex rating for standard flex indicators. Full Tilt also released a true 130-flex tongue—built using a proprietary combination of TPU and Grilamid—in the First Chair 130. In combination with a new Intuition liner, GripWalk soles, and that incomparable feel that only Full Tilt boots provide, the First Chair 130 gives cause for anyone who thinks FT only builds “soft” boots to reconsider. Dalbello Panterra 130– My biggest gripe with the Panterra 120 is that it doesn’t quite live up to the high-performance standard that I prefer. However, the 130 works to close that gap. You still get plenty of comfort and all of the awesome features that cater to hiking, but they also offer more power transfer as a result of their stiffness.

The Dalbello Panterra 120 is a solid ski boot for those who want something with decent performance and comfort. They come with a great hike-mode system and the comfort they provide is customizable on several different levels. They are also affordable, great for riders with wide feet, and make a good option for intermediate skiers who want to get to the next level.

Our Verdict

I’m awfully fond of a lightweight ski boot! There’s just something about knowing that something weighs less but still gets the job done just as efficiently as something twice as heavier. Dalbello ranks as the highest-scored cabrio boot in the Comfort category thanks to the Panterra 120’s smooth flex, ease of entry, and overall skiability. With a seriously plush fit, this boot is a shoe-in for teenage skiers learning to carve and skiers with limited range of motion below the knee. With GripWalk compatibility and a simple walk/ski mode, this boot can stay on throughout après too. “Roomy, comfortable, and provides solid skiing.” We love the 130 flex version of both boots for advanced intermediates up to expert skiers, because it’s a nicely progressive stiff-flex boot that feels softer than a 130 rating would indicate. Flex isn’t a standardized number — one company’s 130 can be much different than another’s — so it’s best to treat these as rough indicators of stiffness.

To give this all-mountain, high-performance boot maximum lateral stiffness and forward drive, Tecnica used a carbon spine to connect the cuff to the shell. The spine regulated the boot’s flex so we could ski with more power and precision in all snow, temperatures, and terrain. Dalbello released an updated version of the Panterra 130. There are upgrades to ergonomics with the intent of increasing comfort and performance, including a new tongue designed to fit better into the shell and make getting in and out of the boots easier. The liners have also been redesigned for a more comfortable fit. We've yet to test the latest model, but we are now linking to it in this review. Above, the model we tested is shown left, followed by the revised boot, right. We are experts in supplying ski & snowboard equipment to international destinations & can ship to most countries worldwide. We start with a freshly made brew and ask you to complete a questionnaire so we can start to build a picture around your needs and what you are looking to achieve from your boot fitting appointment In addition to the lower price tag, the major differences are that the Pro includes RECCO and a wishbone-shaped grip that stretches between the heel and toe on the underside of the boot. That additional grip offers extra traction while riding a snowmobile, climbing metal ladders, or hiking terrain. The Pro model is a bit lighter, too.As expected from Salomon, the S/Pro MV 100 boasts a highly customizable and heat-moldable shell, smooth and predictable flex, and plush liner that comfortably holds your foot in place. Further, build quality is up to the French brand’s typical standards, so we don’t have any concerns about longevity. The 100-flex version should match well for anyone from ambitious beginners to advancing intermediates, but powerful or expert skiers will want to step up to the S/Pro Supra Boa (available in 110, 120, and 130 flex versions). Finally, it’s worth noting that Salomon offers the S/Pro in both narrower-width Alpha (98mm last) and higher-volume HV (102mm) variations. GEAR OF THE YEAR: Lange XT3 The Lange XT3 130 All-Mountain Ski Boot Photo courtesy of Lange The Lange XT3 110 W All-Mountain Ski Boot Photo courtesy of Lange This article was originally published in the 2020 Gear Guide print edition of SKI Magazine. It has been modified to accommodate hyperlinks. The Best Men’s Comfort Ski Boots of 2019 BEST IN TEST: Nordica Sportmachine 110 The 2018/2019 Nordica Sport Machine 110 Photo courtesy of Nordica