Few skiers moreover precise racers need to spend their ski day in a real race boot. However essentially the most aggressive skilled skiers can push by means of the stiffest leisure ski boots. So Fischer serves up its RC4 PRO line, which comes near the ability of a plug boot in a extra approachable bundle.
New for 2024-25, the Fischer RC4 PRO MV BOA hundreds a ton of tech into the construct for a mannequin that’s onerous to categorise however will attraction to loads of hard-charging double-black skiers.
The carbon-infused race-grade cuff yields a 140 flex, which will probably be an excessive amount of boot for a lot of. However that can appease skiers who’re let down by different boots that aren’t as stiff as they declare.
Whereas it’s not Fischer’s first boot to take action, the RC4 PRO MV BOA comes inventory with the usually aftermarket ZipFit liner, saving fans the trouble and price of customizing post-purchase. There’s additionally a tech becoming within the toe for ski touring — however not within the heel and there’s no stroll mode. Extra on that distinctive setup later.
Briefly: The high-end Fischer RC4 PRO MV BOA ($1,050) ski boots carry race-grade efficiency down a notch and pair them with a extra forgiving match for leisure hard-chargers. The BOA enclosure and wider final broaden the pool of skiers who can comfortably drive this beast of a boot. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless a specialised instrument for skilled skiers who demand elite efficiency.
Learn The Greatest Ski Boots Purchaser’s Information to see how this high-end ski boot compares to our different favorites.
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Final
102 mm (27.5) -
Flex
140 flex -
Weight
2,185 g per boot (27.5) -
Sizes
24.5-30.5 -
Greatest for
Professional skiers
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Professional-grade stiffness -
Even forefoot strain through BOA system -
Excessive-quality aftermarket ZipFit liner comes inventory
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Restricted touring software -
Sizes bigger than different boots within the lineup
Fischer RC4 PRO MV BOA Ski Boot Evaluate
The Fischer RC4 lineup is aimed toward frontside skiers and options 18 totally different ski boot fashions starting from a beginner-oriented 85 flex all the best way as much as the 140 flex of the Fischer RC4 PRO MV BOA.
There are two PRO fashions: the RC4 PRO MV BOA that we examined right here, and the LV model, which is similar on paper however with a tighter (LV: decrease quantity) match. It additionally makes use of a standard four-buckle setup as an alternative of the forefoot BOA.
These two PRO boots achieve stiffness through the carbon-fused cuff, which blends carbon into the Pebax plastic to realize the outstanding stiffness that these boots ship. They’re additionally dear — pushing over $1,000 — due to high-end supplies, workmanship, and add-ons such because the premium ZipFit liner.
Whereas most informal skiers received’t need to spend over $1,000 on a ski boot, the skilled skier this boot appeals to could not thoughts spending just a few hundred further if the $700-900 high-performance boots from different manufacturers simply aren’t chopping it.
Plus, should you’ve been wanting to glitz your foot-kit with a ZipFit liner, the associated fee may very well be effectively worthwhile — these premium liners run round $500 a pop.
Testing Grounds
On my testing grounds in Colorado, I skied the RC4 PRO MV BOA late-season at Arapahoe Basin. I principally wore these boots on agency early morning groomers, some pleasant corn, and slush off-piste later within the day.
My native Fischer bootfitter suggested in opposition to taking part in with the ZipFit liner prematurely. So I skied it inventory and likewise didn’t carry out any customization on the shell, as I discovered the preliminary match devoid of any critical hotspots.
I examined the RC4 PRO with quite a lot of skis and in each snow kind I might discover together with moguls, icy hardpack, slushy groomers, and extremely variable off-piste.
For me, the RC4 PRO was at its greatest paired with Fischer’s CURV 85 GT, a heavy frontside carver that likes to remain planted and dig trenches. The boots stayed steady in crud as effectively, pushing the CURV ski by means of facet chop.
Match: Fischer RC4 PRO MV BOA vs. LV
The RC4 PRO MV BOA has a surprisingly relaxed match for a boot that’s theoretically only a few steps under a plug race boot.
I examined the 27.5 dimension, which is my regular dimension. Whereas that was the best alternative for me, it had noticeably extra room within the toe field than the 27.5 dimension of the RC4 PRO LV, which I additionally tried on however didn’t ski. The truth is, moving into the PRO LV was a battle at first and made slipping into the PRO MV like throwing on my home slippers as compared.
A part of this simple entry will be chalked as much as the broader 102mm final within the MV mannequin. However the extra size is an attention-grabbing distinction that I can solely chalk as much as a change in building to accommodate the BOA system. This may very well be a very good factor for skiers who discover themselves between sizes.
However in actuality, the MV mannequin was seemingly too comfy for me out of the field. If I skied an RC4 PRO past my testing interval, I’d seemingly find yourself with a greater match within the LV mannequin paired with skilled bootfitter changes to ease the vice-like match the place wanted.
ZipFit Liner: Exact Really feel
The usually aftermarket ZipFit liner, just like the BOA system, is third-party tech that skiers will both love or hate and will warrant a assessment of its personal. Not like foam-injected liners, the ZipFit has a leather-based shell crammed with bits of cork that subtly shift throughout use to type across the foot.
Bootfitters that work with ZipFit can add and take away cork. However many skiers can obtain good outcomes simply ny snowboarding within the shelf liners. My native bootfitter recommended spending at the least 7 good ski days in them earlier than even serious about making changes.
The leather-based shell of the ZipFit liners isn’t cumbersome like foam liners and pairs greatest with a snugly fitted shell. The heel pocket holds exceptionally effectively and match me effectively out the gate.
Like a snowboard boot, the ZipFit has cinching laces within the entrance, which comfortable the liner up independently from the shell enclosure. This provides a step when first entering into the boots, however does a greater job than foam liners at firmly holding onto your ft and decrease leg.
I discovered the ZipFit liners gave me a extra exact really feel contained in the boot. For folk who like ZipFit, this will probably be a significant plus and value-add for the RC4 PRO, because the standalone ZipFit liners price round $500.
For these unfamiliar with ZipFit, it may very well be an unknown match till they fight a pair on. It might give some skiers pause, since they must buy a unique aftermarket liner in the event that they don’t find it irresistible. Attempting the boots (or at the least a ZipFit liner) earlier than shopping for is extremely really useful.
Downhill Efficiency: Stiff and Stout
Stiffness is the headline right here, because the 140 claimed flex isn’t hyperbole.
I ski principally 130 flex, a.okay.a. “skilled” boots, except I’m testing softer fashions for assessment. The bounce in rigidity right here was instantly noticeable. Regardless of ambient temperatures within the 50s for a few of my testing days, nothing in regards to the carbon-reinforced cuff ever felt mushy.
That mentioned, I by no means felt overpowered by the boot. I used to be capable of finding my rhythm after accepting the aggressive stance it calls for and consciously driving by means of my turns. At 6’0” tall and 190 kilos, my dimension performs an element right here.
Lighter skiers will seemingly discover the stiffness to be overkill and should should struggle an excessive amount of to push ahead into a correct athletic snowboarding stance. This may very well be an incredible boot, nevertheless, for taller and heavier skiers who discover most boots too mushy to be responsive sufficient.
The RC4 PRO wouldn’t be my first alternative for freeride. Whereas the stiffness makes them aware of fast actions at pace, they felt a tad sluggish taking part in round at slower speeds in mini golf terrain.
They’d be a stable alternative in case your off-piste snowboarding is generally high-speed GS and massive mountain snowboarding, as a result of they prefer to be leaned into with regular power. I’d go for one thing barely softer — seemingly a 120 or 130 flex possibility — for extra playful aggressive snowboarding.
Touring Possibility
The inclusion of tech fittings within the toe is a head-scratcher at first while you see there’s no tech becoming within the heel nor a stroll mode. Skimo sorts will suppose the manufacturing unit made a mistake.
Fact be advised, this gives an uphill possibility for a really small subset of backcountry skiers and conditions. The 27.5 dimension of the boot is 2,185 g, which is just too heavy to be a practical possibility for something however quick missions, akin to getting again to the ski elevate from a sidecountry escape or rushing up a prolonged bootpack in-bounds.
However wait — are you able to even tour and not using a stroll mode? Sure. And the CAST system and Marker Kingpin bindings will work with this boot and supply alpine-like binding efficiency out-of-bounds.
I used alpine ski boots with no stroll mode in my early years of touring, paired with body bindings, since I didn’t have the cash to purchase AT ski boots. It’s unfathomable for devoted backcountry skiers who’re used to light-weight articulating boots. Nevertheless it’s an possibility with the RC4 PROs for resort-first skiers that undertake occasional large mountain strains past the ski space boundary.
The tech toe seemingly received’t be the primary purpose skiers purchase this boot. Nevertheless it additionally doesn’t actually take something away from it. When you by no means use the tech toe and solely ski it in-bounds, this might nonetheless be an incredible ski boot for you, due to its many different strengths.
Plus, the GripWalk soles are a pleasant contact for bootpacks and ridge hikes, in addition to traction across the base space and car parking zone.
Critiques
Right here’s the usual ski boot assessment caveat: Match is clearly extremely particular person. An important factor you are able to do to land a pair that’s excellent for you is to spend numerous high quality time with an skilled bootfitter discussing your likes and dislikes, your ft, and making an attempt on as many ski boots as you’ll be able to.
I’ve a comparatively flat, low-volume foot and like a suffocatingly tight match that tends towards low-volume boots. Although, I’ve fortunately skied sure MV (mid-volume) fashions.
The BOA H+i1 system continues to be comparatively new to the ski boot world, but it surely does what it claims and really evenly compresses the shell over the forefoot. With out heavy shimming underfoot, it took a tedious 35-40 twists per boot for me to realize the snugness that I needed. However higher-volume ft will fare higher. (Shimming introduced this down for me to a way more manageable 15-20 twists.)
Word that this ski boot has a customizable boot board — a detachable ground that rests on the underside of the inside decrease shell and in between the boot liner — and the shell is a vacuum-fitted and heat-moldable design. That dials the preliminary slot in additional, however provided that you’re employed with knowledgeable bootfitter who has the right tools.
Fischer RC4 PRO MV BOA Ski Boots: Conclusion
On the prime tier, the Fischer RC4 PRO MV BOA ski boots will appease racers and ex-racers who desire a boot that offers them the rigidity and energy they will’t discover in different expert-oriented choices.
The inclusion of the ZipFit liner and the readiness for skilled bootfitting assist justify the steep price ticket. These boots can enable essentially the most exact, customized match that’s attainable although some skiers could go for the snugger-fitting LV mannequin.
For skilled skiers who just like the RC4 line however aren’t positive they want a real 140 flex to have enjoyable on the snow, think about the RC4 130, which is barely much less stiff however is lots succesful. That mannequin is available in LV, MV (with BOA), and HV quantity choices.
When you’re nonetheless unsure if the Fischer RC4 PRO is your best choice, try the Greatest Ski Boots Purchaser’s Information for our different favorites in a variety of kinds.
Ski boots are so subjective — all of it relies on your ft. Fortunately, BOA’s dial provides the flexibility to make micro-adjustments for match.
The Dalbello Cabrio LV 130 three-piece boots ski easy and powerfully, but soften impacts in tougher snow — and in contrast to most conventional overlap boots, getting out and in of them is easy-breezy, painless, and fast.