Tecnica’s new Zero G Peak W: part of their three boots in the 1kg class.
It’s near the end of January – it is that time of year when the P.R. and marketing ramp-up.
For years, and for a good reason, WildSnow has covered new and emerging gear with a trend: lighter gear that skis well. We know “skis well” can be massively subjective. “Skis well” for some could mean “well enough” for those smashing and grabbing FKTs, and “poor” for pillow line aficionados.
You get the drift- there’s some subjectivity involved.
Let’s start with boots in this quick-hit post. First up are the tinkerers at Tecnica. In 2018, WildSnow reviewed an iteration of Tecnica’s Zero G Tour Pro ski boot. It’s morphed slightly since then and now comes in an orange/black combo, four-buckle, semi-lightweight, power-oriented overlap boot. Although not a boot featuring a massive range of motion, people dig the Zero G Pro for its stiffness and somewhat spartan weight: all this for just over 1300g in size 26.5.
The Zero G Peak Carbon. A lightweight overlap boot weighing sub-1kg (unverified) in a 26.5.
Life goes on, as does gear evolution. Last week Tecnica introduced their Zero G Peak series. A Tecnica press release quoted the brand’s North American Product Manager, Christian Avery, as saying, “We’re not coming at this from the skimo and race side of the industry. Having a background in more hard-charging overlap boots, we made performance our number one priority from the start.”
The Zero G Peak line separates into a few tiers. The weights provided by Tecnica are all sub-1kg. (All weights are unverified.) We assume most weights will bump beyond that threshold for larger sizes. The Carbon model features a carbon cuff, while all three have a carbon-grilamid construction. All have heat-moldable Tecnica C.A.S. light liners and a weatherproof gaiter similar to those seen on other models like Atomic Backlands and the Fischer Transalps. The soles are Vibram and one image makes them appear to be reinforced with carbon.
Tecnica’s version of a z-cable buckle secures the lower, while a powerstrap and buckle snug-up the upper.
A view of the lower’s z cable buckle system on the Zero G Peak Carbon.
Series ROM: 75 degrees, comes with a spoiler and a 35mm powerstrap.
Zero G Peak Carbon 990g at 26.5, MSRP $1,140
Zero G Peak W 900g at 24.5, MSRP $1020.00
Zero G Peak 980g at 26.5, MSRP $1020.00
The Zero G Peak liner for the Carbon and Zero G Peak models.
The vibrate carbon reinforced sole.
Tecnica enters the realm of the non-race 1000g ski boot several years after players like Scarpa, Atomic, Dynafit, Fischer, and LaSportiva.
We hope to take a closer look at the Zero G Peak boots in the next few months.
Tecnica has not yet announced information on a release date or availability. For the time being, we have these stylishly lit images from Tecnica.
While most of the WildSnow backcountry skiing blog posts are best attributed to a single author, some work well as done by the group.
13 comments
A very impressive design and I find it enjoyable to watch the evolution of AT boots! Should I fear the return of a rear entry AT boots like the Dachsteins I had back in the late 80s?
Well Scott kinda tried that a couple years ago and it bombed…so probably not.
Anxiously awaiting a head to head comparison of this boot, Scarpa F1 XT, and Salomon S-Lab MTN Summit!
Justin, don’t forget the TLT X! Skipping the TLT 9 apparently.
The new Backland looks tasty as well!
Thank you and good luck for the upcoming articles
I got to play with these and the new, super-expanded, line of Backland boots last week. As a lover of the Technical ZeroG Pro Tour, and an owner of a heavily modified pair of the Atomic Backland Carbon (gen. II -all black, but before the boa) , I was rather impressed with the boots in general.
The G Peak was not available to see in the carbon version, but the standard G Peak was quite comfortable if also rather flexible (scaffo/cuff collapses quite noticeably at the pivot). The G Peak was a prototype – of course – and hopefully the production version will have a bit more structure/stiffness; as it stood, I would place it at around a 90+ flex – something that can drive up to an 80-85 underfoot short ski well, but would struggle in dicey terrain with something much bigger if you’re relying on the cuff for improved control. Apparently the Carbon version has a stiffer scaffo and cuff, and has actually needed to be toned down a bit in the scaffo to bring back more comfort and a progressive feel to the boot.
The Atomic Backland range has split in 3 – there are a couple Backland Ultimates that are geared to the super light end of the market, a batch of more-powerful boots that revert to the dual-buckle configuration of the original, and then a ‘happy middle-ground’ range that is boa-enabled, but not quite as light/expensive as the Ultimates. The power version of the carbon was the one I got to try on and play with, and as an evolution of my boot, I thought it was a nice upgrade. Maybe a tiny bit stiffer, and better walkability with the tongueless design.
As ever, the march of progress goes on. But, I continue looking for my ideal boot to compliment my ZeroGs. I’d love something that can powerfully drive a 95-105 ski in a 180+ length, but walks closer to a Scarpa F1 LT or Backland and weighs in around 1100-1200g. Something with good support a the hinge so that the bulge there doesn’t rob you of power when the snow gets feisty.
Great info, Lance! Appreciate the insights.
Lance I’m in the exact same boat w/ ZGP and Backland Carbon, the Scarpa F1 XT looks like it might be the ticket for you! Although honestly the lighter weight of the F1LT might be a little better for my needs. You can find photos/ links to the 22/23 Scarpa DE workbook on issuu at the TGR gear rumor thread.
Its a shame that the updates to the more powerful Backland Carbon with the buckle at the bottom isn’t enough since it fits my feet well. I’m looking more for the F1 killer that fits my feet and walks good.
Ethan, it’s certainly worth looking into the new Backland Carbon. It’s a more solid feel, and the newly designed scaffo closure is great with even pressure over the foot. It’s a bit more solid, and the liner is also more robust. I was able to carpet test them only. It’s a boot that I would consider for my lighter touring boot for certain. I’d love to get out on my Tracer 88s and see just what the new Backland can do – my modified version of the older boot is good, but when the snow gets hard and/or pocked, they just reach their limit.
I truly wish one company would put a bit more space between the lower closure buckle on the cuff and the power strap – extend the back “tongue” on the cuff up an extra 1-2cm and space the power strap higher. I cut off the plastic of the cuff front up there and run the strap across the liner anyway, so there’s no need for extra plastic on the front of the cuff to get a benefit from this change, and you have the lateral leverage of a taller boot with only a handful of grams of weight gain.
Hi @Lance!
You said: “I cut off the plastic of the cuff front up there and run the strap across the liner anyway, so there’s no need for extra plastic on the front of the cuff to get a benefit from this change, and you have the lateral leverage of a taller boot with only a handful of grams of weight gain.”
Can we see a pic of that mod you comment anywhere? I can’t imagine how you do that cut.
Thanks in advance
Does anyone know what the BSL is?