Review: Part 1 - 2018 Dalbello Lupo AX 120 Ski Boot Comparison

Brand: Dalbello
Model: 2018 Lupo AX 120
Flex: 120
Last: 100mm

So I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a pair of 2018 Dalbello Lupo ski boots and will be testing them until the end of the season.  Part 1 of my review will be a direct comparison of the previous model that I currently ski on, the Lupo 110.  Part 2 will focus on on-snow performance.

Dalbello's goal with the new Lupo was to improve it's touring ability while still maintain its downhill performance.  The first thing you'll notice about the new line of boots are the colors.  It also makes it pretty easy to distinguish between the different models within the Lupo line.  I am testing the AX 120; the blue ones.  At first glance, the new line looks very different than the old Krypton/Lupo silhouette.  But delve a little deeper and they're not so different.

The boot shell is basically the same.  It has some minor aesthetic changes but you can tell it's come from the same mold.  For the first time, you can get a Lupo with a 100mm last denoted by the 'AX' prefix.  They have achieved this by thinning the boot shell, hence making the AX models a bit softer on the flex scale compared to their 98mm lasted counterparts.  All Lupo models now come with tech inserts for tech bindings (my Lupo 110s do not have tech inserts).  They also come with alpine souls, as well as AT souls.  The boot as a whole is lighter, which makes me wonder if it can stand up to the day-to-day abuse of a full season, or if it's just a weekend warrior.  Only time will tell on that one.  The plastic does seem less durable and scuffs easily, as you can see in this photo of the toe after 2 days.

You'll see in these photos I have my Intuition Powerwrap liners installed.  Unlike the previous Lupo models, the newer boots are not available with an I.D. liner.  After 2 days skiing the stock liner I had to swap it out for the Powerwrap.  More about that in Part 2.

The biggest visual difference you'll see with the new boot is the cuff.  It is all new with a redesigned ski/hike lever.  You'll see the cuff bulges at the back, which allows for a more uniform spine inside of the boot.  There is no cuff spoiler available unlike the old boot, which allows the leg to fit more snug against the cuff.  You'll also notice the top buckle and power strap are located higher up the cuff.  This allows better power transfer from the shin to the tongue of the boot.  Again, more about that in Part 2.

The tongues remain the same, albeit with a quick release function that allows you to completely remove it for uphill travel.  Combined with the new cuff, you have a huge degree of fore/aft travel for hiking.  The interchangeable tongues now have a bigger variety of flex, denoted by the pinwheel stamped on the back, allowing you to really dial in the flex you want.  Behind the tongue is a gaiter that keeps the liner dry when traveling uphill.  I found snow would seep in under the tongue on the old boot soaking the liner, so the gaiter is a nice touch.

The buckles have seen a small redesign but are essentially the same.  They do feel more durable and have a very satisfying snap when they close.  My one pet peeve so far is the tongue now hinges a lot more freely, which causes it to flop out from under the buckles.  After 2 days I was already getting annoying having to tuck it back under the buckles before I did them up.

Click here for Part 2.