Bootfitter's Notes: HEAD Raptor Ski Boots
For the last several years, we at the Start Haus have been very impressed by the close fit of the Head Raptor 130 RS and Head Raptor 115 RS for those in search of a narrow, performance-oriented ski boot. Austrian-based Head is a premier brand in ski racing, taking hundreds of podiums in all disciplines of alpine ski racing.
As a boot fitter, I find many people are surprised when I pull a Head boot as a valid option instead of some of the more well-known Italian based boot companies.
If you are an expert skier with a narrow foot and are in search of a stiffer flexing boot, I would argue you owe it to yourself to try a Head ski boot from the Raptor family.
In terms of fit, the Head Raptor fits snug and close everywhere; the boot is very close on the medial side* of the boot, low on the instep*, and offers a great snug throat*, making this a great boot for those with chicken legs, like myself. I found the toe box fit wide enough for my squared off toe shape.
I am very impressed by the performance pro liner in the Raptor 130 and 115. The liner is built with incredible attention to detail and with quality craftsmanship. The inner foam is quite dense, again offering very little foot movement giving the skier precision and lightening quick response.
Another comment I hear a lot of is “what’s the deal with the buckles?” The spine flex buckles are interlocking “spines” with an integral steel cable strung through them allowing the spine to flex when synched tight on the clasp. This prevents the top of the boot or roof from deforming and collapsing on top of the boot, which can happen with a rigid buckle. This technology is not smoke and mirrors - it actually works.
So who should consider in the Raptor 130 and 115? Expert skiers looking for a snug fit, but more comfort than offered by a World Cup boot. The lion’s share of our Raptors go to ex-racers, ski instructors, masters racers, and expert skiers who demand hard snow performance but still want to crush powder, bumps, and steep terrain.
Terms Defined:
Medial Side: Inside of foot
Instep: Top of foot
Throat of boot: Enclosure of shin and ankle
