New this year, the Hoji Free is the stiffer, narrower, freeride-oriented iteration of freeskier Eric Hjorleifson’s pro-model, the Hoji Pro Tour, released last year. The re-introduction of the toe lug and a new power strap are intended to cater to the touring set looking for downhill precision, uphill mobility and compatibility with frame bindings.
“This boot kills it in terms of bc-friendly features and downhill performance. Rock solid!”
Unlike the PDG, TLT8 and the other Hoji options that sport Dynafit’s flat Speed Nose toe, the Free features a traditional toe lug for use with both tech and frame bindings (and the Salomon/Atomic Shift) and to facilitate use with traditional crampons. A Grilamid lower shell and tongue and fiberglass-infused Grilamid cuff blend weight savings with chargeability. The 130 flex (versus last year’s Pro Tour’s 120 flex) had one tester noting the Hoji Free’s ability to “drive big skis; Grilamid uppers and lowers keep the weight down and provide a very abrupt flex.” A spoiler, when used, initiates a six-degree change in forward lean—from 11 to 17 degrees—a feature designed to facilitate a more aggressive stance. In terms of walkability, the back-of-cuff lever tethers together the walk mode, power strap and top buckle—dubbed the Hoji Lock system—and when lifted produces 60 degrees of cuff mobility. Per one: “The single action walk and top buckle release/lock mechanism is innovative and functional.” The Hoji Free’s lightweight strength had another tester exclaiming, “This boot kills it in terms of bc-friendly features and downhill performance. Rock solid!”
$899
dynafit.com
6.8 lbs.
Last Width: 102 mm
Sizes: 25-29.5
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