Fischer RC4 PRO MV BOA Boots Assessment

Few skiers apart from precise racers wish to spend their ski day in a real race boot. However essentially the most aggressive knowledgeable skiers can push by 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 package deal.

New for 2024-25, the Fischer RC4 PRO MV BOA masses a ton of tech into the construct for a mannequin that’s arduous to categorise however will attraction to loads of hard-charging double-black skiers.

The carbon-infused race-grade cuff yields a 140 flex, which can be an excessive amount of boot for a lot of. However that may 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.

In brief: The high-end Fischer RC4 PRO MV BOA ($1,050) ski boots deliver 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 knowledgeable skiers who demand elite efficiency.

Learn The Finest Ski Boots Purchaser’s Information to see how this high-end ski boot compares to our different favorites.

• Final
  102 mm (27.5)
• Flex
  140 flex
• Weight
  2,185 g per boot (27.5)
• Sizes
  24.5-30.5
• Finest for
  Professional skiers

• 
  Professional-grade stiffness
• 
  Even forefoot strain by way of BOA system
• 
  Excessive-quality aftermarket ZipFit liner comes inventory

• 
  Restricted touring utility
• 
  Sizes bigger than different boots within the lineup

Fischer RC4 PRO MV BOA Ski Boot Assessment

The Fischer RC4 lineup is geared 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 identical on paper however with a tighter (LV: decrease quantity) match. It additionally makes use of a conventional four-buckle setup as an alternative of the forefoot BOA.

These two PRO boots achieve stiffness by way of the carbon-fused cuff, which blends carbon into the Pebax plastic to realize the exceptional stiffness that these boots ship. They’re additionally expensive — pushing over $1,000 — because of high-end supplies, workmanship, and add-ons such because the premium ZipFit liner.

Whereas most informal skiers received’t wish to spend over $1,000 on a ski boot, the knowledgeable skier this boot appeals to might not thoughts spending a number of hundred further if the $700-900 high-performance boots from different manufacturers simply aren’t chopping it.

Plus, in case you’ve been desperate to glitz your foot-kit with a ZipFit liner, the price could possibly 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 largely 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 a wide range of skis and in each snow sort I may discover together with moguls, icy hardpack, slushy groomers, and extremely variable off-piste.

For me, the RC4 PRO was at its finest paired with Fischer’s CURV 85 GT, a heavy frontside carver that likes to remain planted and dig trenches. The boots stayed secure in crud as effectively, pushing the CURV ski by 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 just some steps under a plug race boot.

I examined the 27.5 dimension, which is my regular dimension. Whereas that was the appropriate selection 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. Actually, stepping 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 could be chalked as much as the broader 102mm final within the MV mannequin. However the further size is an attention-grabbing distinction that I can solely chalk as much as a change in building to accommodate the BOA system. This could possibly be factor for skiers who discover themselves between sizes.

However in actuality, the MV mannequin was probably too comfy for me out of the field. If I skied an RC4 PRO past my testing interval, I’d probably 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 evaluate of its personal. In contrast to 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 very least 7 good ski days in them earlier than even fascinated by making changes.

The leather-based shell of the ZipFit liners isn’t cumbersome like foam liners and pairs finest 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 cosy the liner up independently from the shell enclosure. This provides a step when first moving 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 can be a serious plus and value-add for the RC4 PRO, because the standalone ZipFit liners value round $500.

For these unfamiliar with ZipFit, it could possibly be an unknown match till they struggle a pair on. It could give some skiers pause, since they must buy a special aftermarket liner in the event that they don’t adore it. Attempting the boots (or at the very least a ZipFit liner) earlier than shopping for is very really helpful.

Downhill Efficiency: Stiff and Stout

Stiffness is the headline right here, because the 140 claimed flex isn’t hyperbole.

I ski largely 130 flex, a.okay.a. “knowledgeable” boots, except I’m testing softer fashions for evaluate. The bounce in rigidity right here was instantly noticeable. Regardless of ambient temperatures within the 50s for a few of my testing days, nothing concerning the carbon-reinforced cuff ever felt tender.

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 my turns. At 6’0” tall and 190 kilos, my dimension performs an element right here.

Lighter skiers will probably discover the stiffness to be overkill and should need to combat an excessive amount of to push ahead into a correct athletic snowboarding stance. This could possibly be an excellent boot, nevertheless, for taller and heavier skiers who discover most boots too tender to be responsive sufficient.

The RC4 PRO wouldn’t be my first selection for freeride. Whereas the stiffness makes them attentive to 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 selection in case your off-piste snowboarding is usually high-speed GS and massive mountain snowboarding, as a result of they wish to be leaned into with regular pressure. I’d go for one thing barely softer — probably a 120 or 130 flex possibility — for extra playful aggressive snowboarding.

Touring Choice

The inclusion of tech fittings within the toe is a head-scratcher at first if you see there’s no tech becoming within the heel nor a stroll mode. Skimo sorts will suppose the manufacturing unit made a mistake.

Reality be advised, this offers 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 simply too heavy to be a sensible possibility for something however brief 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 with out 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 probably received’t be the principle motive skiers purchase this boot. Nevertheless it additionally doesn’t actually take something away from it. In the event you by no means use the tech toe and solely ski it in-bounds, this might nonetheless be an excellent ski boot for you, because of 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 evaluate 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 plenty of 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.)

Notice 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 an expert bootfitter who has the right tools.

Fischer RC4 PRO MV BOA Ski Boots: Conclusion

On the high tier, the Fischer RC4 PRO MV BOA ski boots will appease racers and ex-racers who desire a boot that provides 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 permit essentially the most exact, customized match that’s potential although some skiers might go for the snugger-fitting LV mannequin.

For knowledgeable skiers who just like the RC4 line however aren’t positive they want a real 140 flex to have enjoyable on the snow, contemplate the RC4 130, which is barely much less stiff however is a lot succesful. That mannequin is available in LV, MV (with BOA), and HV quantity choices.

In the event you’re nonetheless unsure if the Fischer RC4 PRO is the best choice, take a look at the Finest Ski Boots Purchaser’s Information for our different favorites in a variety of kinds.