Doug Garfield

All the standard Salomon features here: cushy comfort, warm, well made, easy in and out. But the killer feature in my opinion is the easy, forefoot flex as you roll off the ski. There's no restriction as there is in the NNN BC set-ups. In combination with Salomon's robust Raid binding, it's a superb boot for off-track skiing. Mind you, it's not a turning machine (no system boot is); you'll need three-pin bindings and Garmont Excursions or something similar if this is your objective. But the binding is very secure for two-footed parallel turns on tame snow assuming a fairly narrow ski like a Madshus Eon or similar model (skis wider than 60-65 mm are tough to get on edge with system boots). I wouldn't hesitate to use this boot with the Raid binding on a traditional-length touring ski (something with a 50mm waist) for all-day comfort that will take you far from the parking lot.

Hard to argue with design -- Flintlocks work; nice grips and straps -- but the swing weight isn't impressive for a "Pure Carbon" pole. They're nicely stiff (even lengthened out to 140 cm), but, there it is again, they feel heavy. The BD Traverse poles, while a tad heavier, feel lighter and what a deal!

The BC X11 is my second pair of Rossi three-pin boots. And this new version offers significant improvements, a better sole (Vibram, not SkyWalker), a nice two-buckle configuration that holds you snuggly in place (reduces heel lift), and a truly functional fore and aft flex that does not inhibit ankle suppleness -- Rossi does this so well. The boot fits true to size for me (one small gripe, the heel pocket is much bigger than previously, not the old Rossi Cockpit) and is warm without significant bulk. Overall, a great fit, tours beautifully, and keeps you dry.