First Look: Head Crux 105, Tyrolia Almonte, and Crux Pro Boots

 

Crux Pro 105 Skis

“Suspiciously light” was the first thing out of Slator Aplin’s mouth when I showed him the specs for the new Head skis. At 1327 g/ski for a 177 cm, they certainly fall on the light end of the spectrum for their size. Weight aside, we have a very traditional shape with a bit of camber, conservative tip rocker, and just a touch of tail rocker paired with a long 23m turn radius. 

Overall, this shape and weight make me think the Crux could be a solid competitor for the Zero G 105 on long days in the high peaks of the Tetons or Alaska. I’m happy with my choice of the 177 cm length here, I reckon the 184 would get knocked around a lot with the light build. 

The mount point of -10.5 is pretty far back, I’ll probably go forward +2 cm or so. 

Specs

Available lengths (cm): 170, 177 [tested], 184

Weight: 1327g 

Dimensions (mm): 133-105-122

Turn radius (m): 20.9 [170], 23.2 [177], 25.6 [184]

Core: Karuba w/ some sort of Graphene element

Build Comments: Triaxial Carbon ‘Jacket‘, clear/no topsheet, 

Shape: Traditional with camber, minimal rocker, long turn radius

Recommended Mount Point (cm from center): -10.5

Drill size: 3.5x9mm (Despite a metal reinforced mounting area)

Similar Models: Blizzard Zero G 105, Moonlight Mountain Gear Guide 103 

Price: $849.00

 

Almonte 12 PT Binding

The old wisdom of not buying a new tech binding in its first season does not apply to us at The High Route. I suppose it is our burden to try out new bindings and see how they hold up and if any major flaws present themselves. It seems like thenumbers are playing out such that we feel much less likely to get burned now than in the earlier days of tech binding refinement. There have been quite a few successful first-year launches without major issues in the last decade (see Slatnar or the Marker Alpinist before it). 

Speaking of the Alpinist, that (or the G3 ZED) seems like the best competitor/comparison for the Almonte. Most of this comparison comes from the majority plastic/composite construction of both bindings and the 300g ish weight and U-spring design. 

The Almonte includes a “performance spacer” with various shims, similar to the ATK freeride spacer. It has no moving parts, just a plastic shim that snaps in place around the brake. Between a heel platform and similar plastic/composite construction to the Alpinist, I’m excited to see how these perform in firm and variable snow. 

Specs

Release Values: 5-12 lateral, includes medium (5-8) and hard (8-12) U springs

Weight: 317g, including brakes, screws, crampon slots

Ski crampons: Dynafit compatible

Length Adjustment: 22mm

Risers: 2+flat without spinning the binding

Heel-toe delta: 11mm

Price: $439.00

 

Crux Pro Boots

The Crux Pro is an interesting addition to the 2+ buckle boot category. Its weight and feature set align with the Fischer Transalp, Atomic Backland XTD, or Dynafit Ridge. Similar to both the Fischer and Atomic, it features a Z buckle on the lower shell, two upper-cuff buckles, no tongue, and a bayonet style walk/ski mode lever. Perhaps most notable about the Crux is the low volume, narrow fit (I’ll need a 5th Metatarsel punch), and a very tall cuff. I’ve only got one day in the Crux, but the cuff height and the boot’s overall rigidity were very noticeable, especially after a few weeks in the damp, more soft flexing and lower cuffed Backland XTD. Walk mode friction seemed on par with the Transalp, and a bit worse than the outstanding Backland XTD. 

Specs

Weight/boot: 1420g (Stock liner and insole size 28.5)

Forward Lean: 12°, 14°, 16°

 

Overall, my initial impression is really positive for Head and Tyrolia’s first foray into the modern lightweight touring market. I look forward to spending time on all the new gear to report back in great detail for the final review.