Head Raptor 120 RS ski boots

Head Raptor 120 RS

Head has been making some of the best fitting, best skiiing boots in the world for many years, but up until recently they have received very little attention in the US market.  They are no longer flying under the radar.  Now, with an UBER successful World Cup racing team (i.e. Bodie Miller, Lindsey Vonn, Ted Ligety, Didier Cuche), and freeskiing legends Jon Olsson and Simon Dumont all skiing on Head product by choice, not because Head pays them big money, Head has proven to the world that athletes who make a living on the podium choose Head equipment when they need to win.

Raptor boots are the latest high performance design from the "boot brains" at Head.  This shell design has been super successful as a race boot.  The Headfit Pro liner fits very well right out of the box, but can be heat molded if necessary (this will make the boot overall looser, which is not always a good thing).  The Raptor's very anatomically shaped shell has new geometry influenced by World Cup racing needs, and offers the same close to the foot low volume design demanded by top skiers.

So, what makes Raptor so special.  There are lots of 98mm last boots on the market.  Compared to earlier generations, Raptor now has more room in the toes, and a more anatomical shape in the heel.  It also has a different fit through the intersection of the instep and leg, extending deeper into that area to allow better articulation of the ankle joint.  The ramp angle (heel height) is lower, and the forward lean is less than other, older race boot designs.

• Mono injected shell - Yea, it might be harder to get in and out of than those multi injected boots with soft flaps over the top of the foot, and it doesn't have replacable soles.  But, that is a small price to pay for a boot that is torsionally very stiff, and offers the ultimate link between foot and ski.  And, mono-injected shell is easier to modify where needed.  Grind it, stretch it, punch it out, whatever is necessary to get the ultimate match of foot to shell.  Raptor with HeatFit Pro liners fit very, very well, but it is nice to know that you can have mods made if necessary.
  

• SuperHeat Pro Liner - with shock absorbing material behind the leg.
  

• Rear Support Tuning - Allows the forward lean to be locked in at multiple different angles, and the flex to be set to 2 different settings (110 and 120 flex)

• Flex Index is 120/110 -  There is plenty of support for aggressive skiing, but enough forward travel to work perfectly with today's newer, shorter length skis.

• Adjustable Spoiler - A Velcro spoiler behind the leg can be removed to make the top of the boot larger, or to decrease the forward lean angle.  It can easily be moved to any location necessary to improve support, and the rubber material offers additional shock absorbtion behind the leg. The fit around the top of the leg, and the angle of the cuff is very important for a performance skier. 
  

• 98 mm Shell Last - is a very close fit, but the anatomical shape of the shell allows it to fit a wide range of feet.  Nice and close in the heel area, but with more room for the toes than other true race type shells.
  

• Aluminum buckles are all micro adjustable of course.  Very easy to latch and easy to operate with gloves on.
  

• Dual Cuff Cant Alignment - Allows the upper cuff of the boot to be aligned so that your feet are flat on the snow.

• Lycra Lined Upper Shaft - The foot glides right in thanks to this Lycra slide panel at the back of the cuff, and the pull up handle on the tongue allows the skier to open the boot wide with just one hand.

How does the Raptor fit?  Very close and snug fit for the average to narrower foot right out of the box.  Fairly cushy for a race boot, but not too mushy for the performance minded freeskier.  If you have a wide foot, or a super high instep, this may not be the best choice for you.  But, for most skiers with average to slightly lower volume feet, this boot will be the perfect choice.  The liner can be heat molded, but this is not necessary, as it will mold itself to your foot during the first few days you ski in it.

Not Sure About the Fit?
Call our toll free number, 1-8PROSKIGUY, and talk to one of our friendly expert boot fitters for free!  Our super knowledgeable fit masters are very good at asking you the necessary questions over the phone to gather the information they need to create a virtual fit profile for your foot and then match your profile to a boot that they feel will fit your foot shape, work great for your skiing style and ability, and fall within your price range.

Head is making serious strides toward becoming known as one of the world's elite boot makers and the Raptor series definitely confirms their innovation, fit, and commitment to excellence. Proskiguy helps you get a great buy on this nice boot, and FREE shipping in the deal!  Call or email us with any questions.  Thanks for looking.

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