Ener-G: “Other boots may offer more of this or that, but Garmont's Ener-G has all around balance for touring and turning. A four-buckle boot, it has plenty of power to drive big skis, yet as one tester pointed out, “It has a semi-soft, smooth bellows” to maintain tele sensitivity and prevent tip drive. Triple-injection technology enhances lateral control for holding an edge, but subtle details embellish the boot. Though stiff, the cuff pivots freely in walk mode for unrestricted touring freedom, or locks forward at 19° and 24° for charging. The buckles latch with natural ease, plus the top two buckles offer a touring hook for greater movement, and the bottom one is reversed, for easily clamping.”

Syner-G: “ A triple-injected frame enhances the three-buckle Syner-G's lateral control, and the bellows are soft enough for smooth tele turns on firm to velvety-soft snow. Testers praised the Syner-G's touring acumen, several noting its lower cuff, touring clip on the upper buckle, and lower resistance walk mode. The G-fit liner practically mandates taking time for custom fitting, but when done right it thoroughly justifies the time investment. “I was surprised by how much I could enjoy a little boot,” said one of bigger, less graceful testers. “The skinning, that buckle, and perceived cuff height goes away.” Others agreed. “Great all around, in and out of bounds boot for light weights,” said one. “Smooth walk mode,” said another. But a third lamented: “Not a hard charger when paired with big skis.”

7tm Power Tour: “In 2003 the tm Tour was the first binding to offer both a free pivot and reliable release, two keys for trekking in avalanche country. Originally, it was a neutral-skiing binding, but with a small bar of strategically placed steel, it now drives with aplomb, hence the Power moniker attached two seasons ago. And it still offers the largest free-pivot range of motion, a full 65°. Testers found the climbing peg, located under the heel yoke, can be a pain until you learn how to whack it into position with your pole. And performance? One tester out it like this: “Powerful enough to ski any line and with engagement as smooth as the individual wants it to be. The most versatile binding out there.” This year, 7tm offers an optional step-in heel lever. Though it tips the scales at over four pounds, providing all these features in one package seems a reasonable tradeoff.

Axon: “What can brown do for you? Well, for many testers, plain and simple, it delivers. The release of the earth-tone Axon last winter pleased a lot of people. Alpine skiers were impressed by the Axon's fat-ski-driving chops, but integrated Dyna-fittings gave them the option to save weight with a minimalist binding. “Great fit all around,” said a Utah skier, “and ultimately a powerful boot.” Tha Axon has two forward lean settings: 20° and 25° degrees. Testers did feel a stopping point in the forward flex, hitting a “tongue wall” when engaging the boot on high speed turns. Our most aggressive testers liked the new G-Fit High liner; its snug fit – due in part to a separately sewn sole – sits flatter inside the shell, for maximum width and she'll/liner intimacy without increased volume. The Axon is available with women-specific liners and shell sizes.

Helium: “The svelte brother of the Radium, Helium's three-buckle, overlap design sheds some weight for longer mountain forays. Additionally, a single-injected upper cuff makes the Helium more malleable for big days. While the liners of the Radium and Helium are the same design and thickness, the Helium's thermomoldable “Flash” liner is specifically designed for the three buckles (about 1 cm shorter) and provides a slight advantage when scrambling. “The overlap [design] is smooth,” said one tester, “and gives it a dependable feel.” Like the Radium, testers loved the sole for climbing and mountaineering but thought the walk-mode was still a bit stiff, and that the rocker could be more contoured. Dynafit-compatibility rounds out the Helium as a viable choice for people who like to move efficiently in the hills, skis as much as they tour, and stay warm.

Radium: “Garmont's new Radium us a giant leap forward in boot design from the already popular Mega Ride. Made with a progressive bi-injection Pebax upper cuff, four buckles, and a new overlap shell construction, the Radium hugs the instep for a more responsive boot overall. A new G-fit Rapid liner features the “T-bar” plastic tongue reinforcement, which augments leverage and shin protection. “Good ratio between flex/weight and lateral stiffness,” mentioned one tester. “The soles are super nimble too,” said our token Jacksonite. “Just walking around in them, thy make you want to scramble over rocks.” Testers did feel the walk mode was a bit stiff, and a little tricky to operate with gloves, but being relatively lightweight, with Dynafit-compatibility, the new overlap Radium is solid as an all-around backcountry boot, and can easily give the Scarpa Spirit 4 a run of its money. The Radium is also available with women-specific liners and shell sizes.”