Nordica Speedmachine
The Nordica Speedmachine ($749, 2010 prices) is an expert level four buckle boot available in three flex patterns. The 130 is the stiffest, and the 110 is the most flexible. If you are looking to rail high-speed turns and land big air, go for the 130. The Speedmachine also offers customizable flex patterns so that you can change to stiffer when hitting the bumps or softer when skiing the powder and also has adjustable canting to further customize the fit to your foot and ski stance.
Salomon Impact 10 CS
The Salomon Impact 10 CS ($599, 2010 prices) features Salomon's Advanced Shell/Custom Shell technology, which uses a moldable plastic so that you can customize the fit of the shell to your foot shape. The flex index is 120, a good compromise between racing stiffness and all-mountain recreation. Four buckles and a power strap ensure you can lock your foot down inside the boot, and the thermomoldable liner allows full customization.
Rossignol Zenith Sensor3
The Rossignol Zenith Sensor3 ($629, 2010 prices) is an all-mountain boot that offers race performance with a more comfort-oriented fit. Three flexes (120, 110 and 100) allow the skier to find what works best for his style. The four-buckle design uses a diagonal orientation between the buckle and the clasp to get the boot to wrap better around the foot. The cuff incorporates a polycarbonate insert to increase stiffness and responsiveness.
