Andy Mink
Everyone loves spring skiing but not in January
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All photos are from fischersport.com
It's time. I've been skiing in the Fischer RC4 Curv GT, the low volume boot in the RC4 Curv series, since the tail end of the 20-21 season. I have about 30 days in the boots now. These boots replace my Head Raptor 140s, which replaced a pair of Technica Cochise 130s.
Fischer has incorporated quite a few features in the RC4 The Curv line that make getting a precise fit a fairly simple process. These features include an adjustable foot board, adjustable forward lean, grindable tongue, lace liner, Phatt Maxx power strap, vacuum fitting, and a velcro adjustable 3D ankle. Basically, these boots make it easy for the boot tech or boot owner to customize the fit of the boot. The one adjustment that appears to be missing is the ability to cant the cuff, though I have been told different cams are available.
For me, the ability to move the tongue back and forth a bit (it attaches with velcro) made a quick difference in the pressure at the bend of my ankle. I also like that the backing on the tongue is fully removable to add or remove padding. The 3D ankle is a velcro "patch" that can be removed, moved, ground, or have a little bit of padding inserted to snug down the ankle as needed. The adjustable forward lean has the ability to go from a more relaxed 14° to a more aggressive 17° lean. Fischer provides what amounts to a heel lift to adjust the ramp angle in the boot.
Perhaps the most important feature of the boot, in my opinion, is the shape of the toe box. It's a little wider and a bit higher than other boots I've used or tried on. This allows for the heel to be locked in snuggly yet the forefoot and toes can spread out in a more natural manner. I had to punch my Raptors, both for my big toe and 6th toe, to achieve this. This extra room does not preclude the boot from being a high performance tool. I'm glad Fischer determined that it is possible to have both comfort and performance without the need for many skiers to punch and grind. The only modification I've done to the boot is a slight cant on the sole of my right foot and my custom footbeds. I'll probably do a cant on the left boot eventually but it isn't crucial. My Raptors had the same modification. Other than that, and repositioning the tongues slightly, no vacuum fitting, no ramp angle changes, nothing.
On the snow the RC4s have a very progressive flex and are easy to modulate pressure to the ski. I find as I snug the strap and upper buckles down the boots become exponentially stiffer (as they should) but they can can be skied quite well without going full crank on the buckles. As a high intermediate skier I appreciate the option. Edge to edge movements are quick and precise with no slop or wasted energy. The boots are fairly warm, and the expanded toe box allows for a sock that is a bit thicker in the toe area. The plastic is a Grilamid type, though I can't find exactly what the official name is. Flex is more consistant compared to a PU type shell as temperatures change. I have had no issues with the shell or liner in my Kulkea Thermal Trekker boot bag; I know that can be a concern especially for those skiers who have punched or custom work done on liners. The only nagging issue I've found, and one that I can fix but haven't yet, is when removing the boots the wings of the clog can tend to bite into my foot if I'm not spreading them wide enough. I think a little time with the grinder should at least make the edges not as sharp. I haven't used the liner as a lace up though that would probably alleviate the issue too.
Buckles are of the threaded micro/bale and catch macro adjustment type. The wide, non-elastic strap is easily clipped to and unclipped from the catch and snugs down by pulling the tail of the nylon webbing. A quick press on the release latch allows enough play to unclip the catch to remove the boot. There is adequate room on the strap for a battery pack for foot warmers. The Curv Walk comes with Grip Walk soles installed but they can be replaced with ISO 5355 flat soles. In a 27.5 the RC4 Curv GT 130 Vacuum Walk weighs in at 1814 grams, has a last of 98mm, and sole length of 314.
Overall, I have been very pleased with The Curv GT. It provides (for me) a very comfortable fit right out of the box. The numerous options for easy customization are a boon for both techs and wannabe techs. Quick adjustments can be made without resorting to tools that most skiers, and some shops, don't possess. Fischer also offers this high performance boot as The Curv (medium volume) and The Curv One (high volume). Flex offerings are 110/120/130/140 in The Curv GT, and 110/120/130 in The Curv and The Curv One. Lady's boots range 95/105/115 in the medium and low volume lines. Anyone who wants a bit more room but still demands a high performance level from a boot owes it to themselves to take a look at the Fischer RC4 Curv lineup. Because you CAN have both room and performance!
The bootboard has the option to install or remove a wedge to adjust ramp angle.
The Velcro Adjustable 3D ankle is removable and can be repositioned and ground for a custom fit. Padding can also be installed.
The Grindable Tongue can be removed from the boot and the foam ground or more padding can be added. The hard plastic is also heat moldable.
Lean can be adjusted by removing two screws and flipping the plate.