Tecnica Phoenix 100 Air Shell Ski Boots 2011

Comments about Tecnica Phoenix 100 Air Shell Ski Boots 2011:

I bought a pair of these boots in December. My initial experience with them wasn't good, and it hasn't got much better from there. Although the boots were initially comfortable, I found them hard on the soles of my feet. I changed the insoles for some foot doctor ones and that improved things. However, it wasn't long before the durability issues started. The upper lining of the boot (the red and grey bit) gets ripped to pieces if it is in contact with velcro. This is all to easy to do if you let the velcro strap at the top of the boot come into contact with it. You also have to be careful with the velcro on the bottoms of some ski pants too. Not a great material to choose for the top of a boot!
My main reason for purchasing the boots was the air shell. However, this isn't great either. I find that they need pumping up throughout the day to keep the same pressure.
I contacted Tecnica UK about the velcro issue and to be honest, they were rude and unhelpful. I didn't even bother contacting them about the deflating air shell as there didn't seem to be much point. They just wouldn't be interested.
It is a pity that a great concept has been ruined by poor materials and shoddy aftersales service.

Comments about Tecnica Phoenix 100 Air Shell Ski Boots 2011:

I initially tried on a pair of Phoenix 90 Air Shells in a local shop and was looking for that boot as it fit me as well or better than any other I've tried before. When I found the 100 I assumed it would be identical except for the fit. I was 'mostly' right - entry/exit is a bit more difficult than in the 90 (I'm assuming due to the increased stiffness of the shell). However - no complaints at all regarding the fit, comfort, customization/adjustment of the fit, etc. The air shell technology does allow you to 'regulate' the fit through the day as your feet change and the terrain varies, etc.

I've not had them in extremely cold temps yet but have not had any cold feet yet ...

Another review mentioned a complaint about the choice of material for the top of the rear portion of the liner cuff ... I found my velcro attached to it once and had to very carefully remove it ... barely noticeable, but it did leave some 'straggling threads' as a result ... I just am careful to keep the velcro away from it and no issues since.

Performance is solid for me ... I'm a level 7-8 skier on the 9 level chart ... I occasionally ski fast but am not comfortable in the air. I'm not a fan of moguls either ... so - I cannot really comment on suitability for extreme skiing or moguls but I doubt skiers looking for boots for those activities will be looking to these ... they are great for blue and black runs and are easily comfortable enough to slowly slalom behind my kids on green and easy blue runs pretty much all day.

All in all, these are great boots ...

By the way - the 2012 version of the Air Shells are a SINGLE air bladder ... the Phoenix 100 air shells are TWO bladders in each boot ... one across the forefoot and one above/around the heel. When i tried the 2012 single bladder version, I was unable to get the same quality of fit ... maybe just my imagination ... maybe just my foot ... but worth mentioning.

Comments about Tecnica Phoenix 100 Air Shell Ski Boots 2011:

Best boots I have ever owned. Great fit.

Comments about Tecnica Phoenix 100 Air Shell Ski Boots 2011:

Because of delays in getting two replacement for product defects, I only had to chance to use it once so far. I have a wide-brick for a feet (as my wife calls it) and this boot fit great. Even though the volume is 102, it seem to fit better than the usual Technica HVLs.
The "Air Feature" was noticeable and made the boot fit outstanding. Without it, the boot seemed little loose. I would imagine that the "Air" will compansate for packing out, which is a plus. The bladder does slowly lose air so you will need to occassionally "refill". The skis (Nordica JetFuel) seem more responsive than with Head S90. I could ski fast down all blacks and was comfy enough to follow my kids around on the blues. The temp was 10-20F (with windchill less than 0) but the feet did not get cold. Finally, it looks HOT!

Comments about Tecnica Phoenix 100 Air Shell Ski Boots 2011:

I have not used these boots on the hill yet but will over the next month.
I tried them on and walked around the house and the feel of these vs. my old boots are night and day. I love the air system and cant wait to use them!

Comments about Tecnica Phoenix 100 Air Shell Ski Boots 2011:

Great boot. I wanted the 100 flex but was concerned that it wouldn't be comfortable for a full day of skiing. The boot is very comfortable but also provides the stiffness I need.

Comments about Tecnica Phoenix 100 Air Shell Ski Boots 2011:

Very comfortable and not too tight.
Good color and reasonable price.

Comments about Tecnica Phoenix 100 Air Shell Ski Boots 2011:

High quality, comfortable, good looking boot. The air bladders don't really make a big difference. I've pumped in some air on cold days, and it's helped a little bit. There are plenty of other ways to adjust the boots, so you won't need the air bladders for fit. The material that makes up the upper part of the back of the inner boot is a bit fragile, so you need to keep the velcro on the power strap away from it.