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Dalbello, a couple of years ago, started working with extreme skier, Glen Plake to design a new AT boot because he had some ideas about making a Dynafit compatible Randonne boot that would be extremely skiable, and yet "move correctly" on the approach. Glen had been backcountry ski touring for a couple of decades, and in typical "Plakees", he felt that "the AT market had been getting away with a lot, and not being good stewards of design." Right? or Wrong!, the new Dalbello Virus Tour definitely is a refreshing approach to maximizing versatility, performance and function whether headed up or down. It has received a Backcountry Magazine 2009 "Editor's Choice" award. Taking some of the features of the successful Krypton line, Dalbello increased the volume to a 100 last, so it would be more comfortable for more feet and more tourable, while still maintaining downhill performance. The HMW Polyurethane D62 three-piece Cabrio shell (shell/cuff/tongue) at first reminds one of a rear-entry boot, but with a DIFFERENCE-it's really a MID ENTRY boot with guts. The Cabrio design is lightweight and durable with a low hinging cuff to permit a smooth forward flex and equally important; it has a wide range of rear flex which allows you to really extend your stride while touring uphill. The three low profile double hinge aluminum buckles really locks and holds your foot and heel in place, much like the feel of 4-buckle boots. A unique two piece split-hinged Bio-Stride articulating PU tongue gives you a predictable progressive 14 degree forward flex that is stiff enough to push any ski around, but when in the open touring mode it folds backward near the top to allow for a large amount of back and forward flex when headed to the secret stash. - 7 lb. 13 oz. per pair (Size 26.5)
- Randonnee
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