Boot: 2022-2023 Rossignol Pure Elite 120 GW
Stated Flex: 120
Available Sizes: 22.5-27.5
Stated Last (size 24.5): 98 mm
Stated Forward Lean: 10.5° (adjustable to 12.5°)
Size Tested: 24.5
Stated Boot Sole Length (size 24.5): 285 mm
Blister’s Measured Weight (size 24.5):
- Shells, no Liners (left & right): 1387 & 1380 g
- Liners, no Footbeds: 322.5 g & 323.5 g
- Shells + Liners = 1709.5 & 1703.5 g
- Stock Insoles: 20.5 & 20.5 g
Buckles: 4 Micro-Adjustable Aluminum Buckles
Power Strap: 40 mm Velcro “Double Strap”
Shell Material:
- Cuff: Polyether Dual Core
- Lower Shell / Shoe: Polyether Dual Core
Liner: 5-Zone Preshaped Liner
Soles: Premounted GRIPWALK® (ISO 23223), Alpine soles in the box (ISO 5355)
Binding Compatibility:
- With GripWalk Soles: GripWalk or MNC bindings
- With Alpine Soles: Alpine or MNC bindings
[Editor’s Note: In the interest of getting you information sooner on some of the products we’re reviewing, we’re posting here some of our measured specs and manufacturer details, and will update in the future. Take a look, and let us know in the Comments Section below what questions you’d like us to answer.]
Intro
For the 2022-2023 season, Rossignol rolled out all-new versions of their Hi-Speed and Pure boots, which make up most of their alpine boot lineup and span multiple last options, including 98 mm, 100 mm, and 102 mm. While this new lineup is derived from their previous All Speed and women-specific Pure boots, the new Hi-Speed and Pure boots have been reconfigured quite a bit.
First, Rossignol integrated Dual Core construction into the shells (similar to what Lange has been offering in their boots). In short, the Dual Core method allows them to inject two different types of plastic to optimize stiffer or softer plastics in certain areas. The stiffer men’s models (the Hi-Speed Elite 130 Carbon and HI-SPEED Pro 130) use a carbon-fiber-reinforced polyurethane for the inner structure, but across the lineup, all the boots received the Dual Core construction method, with special attention given to the cuff. The new “Asymmetric Dual Core Cuff” uses higher density plastics on the inside of the cuff for better power transmission, while other parts of the boots are thinner to help optimize weight where less power transfer occurs.
The next notable difference is the way that they altered the hinge point where the lower shell is attached to the upper cuff. By adjusting this to be higher, Rossignol claims that the new Hi-Speed and Pure boots can better utilize the effective range of motion of the ankle joint, which reportedly enhances the power of that joint to better steer and leverage the boot. They effectively heightened where the boot hinges / bends by 1-2 cm, which reportedly increases efficiency when switching edge to edge, enhances steering, and adds more stability in the carve.
Lastly, Rossignol is emphasizing the customization and comfort features of this lineup. The flex can be stiffened or softened on each model, and forward lean is adjustable across the lineup. They also effectively eliminated any seams in the toe box of the liner. The Hi-Speed and Pure boots also feature their new 5-Zone Liner. The 5-Zone liner is preshaped with contours to better match the anatomy of the foot, including key zones such as the 1st and 5th metatarsal.
The Pure boots’ features that are solely in the women-specific lineup include a double velcro strap which can be tightened and leveraged in two ways, allowing for more finetuning and adjustment. In addition, the cuff has been reshaped across the Pure lineup to better suit a women’s calves, which typically extend farther down the legs.
For the whole background story on the new Hi-Speed and Pure boots, check out our Blister Summit Brand Lineup video with Rossignol:
What Rossignol Says about the Pure Elite 120:
“High-performance skiing meets all-day comfort. The women’s Rossignol Pure Elite 120 ski boots pair cutting-edge women’s-specific shell design with an unmatched fit for skiers who prefer a precise, low-volume fit. Using generative design, we’ve engineered the boot shell and cuff for maximum energy transfer and high-speed control through every turn. Adjustable flex and canting let you personalize the feel and response to match your skiing. Our five-zone preshaped liner maximizes comfort with a thermoformable design that includes five key areas that adapt to your foot, while structured zones maintain precise power transmission. Details like a seamless toe box and Merino wool insulation enhance liner warmth, so you can focus on your skiing. Elevate your ski experience with the Pure Elite 120.”
The Pure Series
Pure Elite (98 mm last):
- Pure Elite 120 GW: $749.95
- Pure Elite 90 GW: $649.95
- Pure Elite 70 GW: $429.95
Pure Pro (100 mm last):
- Pure Pro 100 GW: $699.95
- Pure Pro 90 GW: $649.95
- Pure Pro 80: $479.95
- Pure Pro Heat: $799.95
Pure (102 mm last):
- Pure 80: $429.95
- Pure 70: $379.95
Weight & Comparisons
For reference, here are a number of manufacturers’ stated weights (per boot) and our measured weights for some comparable boots. For our measured weights, we list the weights of each shell + the weights of each liner, then the total weights of the shells + liners.
Hawx Ultra XTD 115 W CT GW (24.5): 1458 g (stated weight)
Rossignol Alltrack Elite 110 LT W (24.5): 1530 g (stated weight)
Salomon Shift Pro AT (24.5): 1570 g (stated weight)
Salomon S/Max 120 (24.5): 1570 g (stated weight)
Lange XT3 110 LV W (24.5): 1614 g (stated weight)
Tecnica Cochise Pro W (24.5): 1285 & 1289 + 343 & 330 = 1628 & 1619 g
Rossignol Pure Elite 120 GW (24.5): 1387 & 1380 + 323 & 324 = 1710 & 1704 g
Lange RX 110 LV (24.5): 1876 g (stated weight)
Head Kore 105 W (24.5): 1372 & 1373 + 407 & 405 = 1779 & 1778 g
Things We’re Curious About
We don’t have a ton of time in the models that preceded the new Hi-Speed and Pure boots, but the design updates certainly spark our interest, especially from the perspective of our bootfitter, Kara Williard. So, we’re curious:
(1) When it comes to effectively utilizing the ankle joint’s range of motion, does changing the position and height of the hinge point make a noticeable difference? The Pure Elite also offers one of the most upright stances available among women’s alpine and touring boots, so we are interested to see how this affects its flex pattern and overall stance. We’re also curious to see how much a person’s ankle mobility plays a factor here.
(2) We are eager to see how the Pure Elite 120 GW boot performs in comparison to the other top-end women’s alpine boots we have tested. In particular, we are excited to compare its stated flex of 120 against the Nordica Promachine 115W.
(3) Overall, the fit and customization features of this boot are intriguing and seem like they make for an easily adjustable fit for those looking for a boot on the stiffer end of what’s offered for women. But how does this fit compare to the other low-volume choices?
Stay Tuned
We spent a bit of time in the Pure Elite 120 GW toward the end of last season, and we’ll discuss our initial thoughts about it in our upcoming 22/23 Winter Buyer’s Guide. We are eager to spend more time in it, but until then, let us know of any questions or thoughts you have about this boot in the comments section below.
Needs traditional forward lean, also an adjustable arch support similar to what was available in older style boots would make this a great boot. Slightly more increased ramp angle would also help.