I have a pair of these on my feet as I write this- size 42EU:
These were waiting from me when I got back from my morning Gamme 54 speed tour!
I have been wearing them and flexing them for an hour or so.
Some initial impressions/observations:
- these are a true and perfect 42EU in terms of the length of the footbed- identical to the Crispi 42EU that I have.
- these are the widest and largest volume NNNBC boot I have ever had on my feet.
- the quality of the materials and construction is a work of art
- the lacing system is excellent- better than all of the other boots I have (save my Scarpa hiking.mountaineering boots)
- the sole flex is softer- in all dimensions- compared to my VERY used Alaska BC.
- the sole flex is about identical to the Svartisen BC- perhaps a little stiffer.
- the ankle support is about the same as the Alaska- despite the leather upper. The leather upper on the Guard is very soft and thin.
- the Guard has a molded and contoured heel- like the Alaska
- lot of insulation- similar to the Alaska- more than the Svartisen
- the Guard has a foam liner around the upper heel and Achilles- just like the Alaska.
If the Guard is stiffer and more supportive than the Quest Advance/Skarvet BC, then that boot is much softer than I had thought! Glad I waited to buy the Guard.
After putting my thick high-quality wool insole, and my thickest, tight-fitted wool ski socks- the Guard advance fits even my low-volume feet PERFECTLY.
These are the most comfortable ski boots I have perhaps ever had on my feet. Even more comfortable than my VERY comfy Alaskas...
The sole flex is perfect for heavy-duty BC-XCd skiing- out of the box.
Like the Svartisen- I feel that the sole flex is too soft for a brand-new boot...I fear it will become waaaay too soft once the midsole is broken in...
More on this boot once I have put them through their paces!