NordicaDobermann Pro EDT 130 (95 mm. 130 flex)

Kevin Gabriel puts the service dogs to work off the summit, Mt. Bachelor. photo Kirk DeVoll

Don't fix what ain't broke. That's the Dobermann's long-standing M.O. And even though they went and tweaked the program last year with the new E.D.T. integrated boot-rail/boot-board design, the motto still rings true. Testers who've given the Dobermann the thumbs-up over the years still do, and claim that the rigid boot base makes the boot even more transmissive of energy and fine driver inputs to the ski. The flip side is that this boot is a rigid driver--like an Impreza STi with stiffened springs--and gives back what you put in without slop or dissipated energy, but isn't a cushy commuter. The boot must be driven. It's also still as narrow as the category comes--especially through the lateral column--so will require the typical plug boot prep by your ABB bootfitter, per the usual drill, for all but the slenderest of kangaroo feet. And yet testers gave props to the Dobermann's overall comfort, sans the occasionally misplaced bony bump.

Tester Comments

       Ross Duncan: "Good solid boot. Solid and predictable. Powerful."

       Brian Elling: "I'm very impressed with how all the narrow category boots ski, but this one--even though the design has been around the block--seems changed for the better."

       Bill Farwig: "I thought the boot's best qualities were it's lateral control and balanced stance--and a nice liner!"

       Kevin Gabriel: "Transfer of energy was smooth and damp. At speed this boot just got better--lean on it and let it go. Amazing quickness. As fast as you can turn this boot was right there, exploding into the next turn."

       Jeff Rich: "If you like skiing hard and fast you'll love 'em. Like a turbo-charged Porsche, power through corners at 100 mph."

Mr. Sunshine, tester Ross Duncan, working it.