Bootfitter's Notes: Tecnica R9.8 Ski Boots
Tecnica has long been manufacturing some excellent expert caliber narrow fitting boots, and the R series is no different. The 9.8 has two flex options with Tecnica R9.8 130 and Tecnica R9.8 110.
The R9.8 can be categorized as a "race" boot - not a true FIS plug boot, but great for young racers and master racers alike - unlike the tighter true race boots with lasts between 93 and 95 mm.
The 130 flex option will be appropriate for expert men and charging women used to stiffer boots. The 110 flex will be a smart choice for smaller or shorter men, and most expert female skiers.
Realistically speaking, the R9.8 is the successor to the Inferno with a different color, different polyurethane, and slightly updated liner. I have been skiing the Inferno 130 for the last two years, and have been very impressed with the fit and blown away by the performance of the boot.
I got off a World Cup 150 race boot extensively ground out to accommodate my forefoot; with the Inferno all that was needed was one small punch and away I went. I found the performance, astonishingly, to be comparable to that of the 150. Its edging control is immaculate, the stance is upright and slightly kicked on my bone structure, and I found it quite stiff for a 130, especially on cold days - more on that later.
As I mentioned, the R9.8 has the same shell as the Inferno, but uses a black PU (polyurethane plastic) as opposed to the previous orange colored PU. Tecnica is aware that the orange PU was temperature sensitive, and gets quite a bit stiffer in cold temps while softening when warmer, and as a result changed the plastic.
The steel plate chassis on the bottom of the boot has been ditched this year, lightening the whole package up and making it a tad warmer.
The fit in this boot is snug. There are some slightly snugger ski boots on the market, but this one is up there. It’s low on the instep* but doesn’t crush my average foot; I don’t get the first metatarsal* pressure I get on many 98 mm boots, but do notice a little sixth toe (5th metatarsal)* pressure. The heel pocket is snug, and powerful.
The liner now sports neoprene around to the sixth toe in an attempt (most likely) to stop complaints about sixth toe pressure. The liner has a bit less material on the instep making that fit zone more tolerable out of the box.
To sum up: the Tecnica R9.8 is a narrow boot built off the race models for expert skiers, ex-racers, or masters racers looking for a more accessible fit than the crushing World Cup boots. The on snow feel and performance is almost unmatched. This boot is a Ferrari.
Terms defined
Instep: Top of the foot, above the arch.
First Metatarsal: Knuckle of the big toe.
Sixth Toe (Fifth Metatarsal): Knuckle of the pinky toe, outside of the foot.
