Winter is closer than you may think. The season will start soon and it's good time to look for something new for your equipment. For example you can change your boots. It may be a good idea, especially when some interesting models for SNS just came out. Which ones will be appropriate for amateurs and which ones for pros? This post will give you an answer.
Few days ago I received a great catalogue of One Way products. What did I find there? All boots got upgraded in this season. Well known Premio 10, Premio 9 and Tigara has changed design and technology. At first glance these changes seem to be very slight, but in reality the difference compared to previous versions can be noticeable. Here I'd like to refer mainly to Premio 9, which is equipped with SNS Pilot 3 outsole. Until now, this model contained a conventional SNS Pilot Sport outsole. This means, that beams inserting into the binding have been moved backward compared to the first one (12/13 version). Still, boot will be compatible with previously used bindings, such as SNS Pilot SK Premio, SNS Pilot Sport SK/CL and SNS Propulse Premio CL. Moreover, Skate version will also fit the new SNS Pilot RS Carbon binding, which requires Pilot 3 outsole.
 |
| One Way Premio 9 Skate (left) and Classic (right). |
The new RS Carbon binding features low weight (only 254 grams), ergonomic lever and secured closing. Integrated wedge is supposed to improve the skating glide.
 |
| One Way SNS Pilot RS Carbon. |
Speaking about the highest model of bindings, we can't forget about Premio 10 boot. This one is a truly World Cup product made of the best material. Its rotating cuff and lateral insert is made from carbon. It features also an ergonomic 3D foam heel, which can fit every foot. The outsole isn't surprising (SNS Pilot 3), that was present in previous version. OW Premio 10 boot is available for skating technique (compatible bindings: Pilot SK Premio, Pilot RS Carbon), classic (Propulse CL Premio, Pilot Sport CL) and pursuit (Pilot SK Premio, Propulse CL Premio, Pilot RS Carbon).
 |
| One Way Premio 10 Skate (left) and Classic (right). |
The lower model of One Way boots is also notable, namely Tigara. This one has got a standard Pilot Sport outsole. Practically it means, that front beam inserting into the binding is located at the head of a boot. Similar solution is used by NNN. The price is certainly a big advantage of Tigara, compared to Premio models. All female skiers should be interested in women's version of this boot, designed specially for ladies by using purple and white colors. OW Tigara is available for skating technique (compatible bindings: Pilot SK Premio, Pilot Sport SK, Pilot Universal), classic (Pilot Sport CL, Profil CL) and duathlon.
 |
| One Way Tigara Skate for men (left) and women (right). |
 |
| One Way Tigara Classic for men (left) and women (right). |
Before we'll judge which boot is the best, we should take into consideration our personal preferences. If I had to choose one for me, I'd probably pick Premio 9 or Tigara. Only the outsole would be a problem to resolve. For some reason SNS has evolved to Pilot 3, by moving beams backward. According to producers, this solution guarantees the most efficient kick and stability, which is supposed to give an advantage compared to NNN. However, I can't explain, why limited edition of ridiculously expensive
Salomon Carbon Skate LAB boot features traditional Pilot Sport outsole, while the cheaper model has got Pilot 3. In addition, One Way athlete Sami Jauhojärvi was using Premio 9 (with Pilot Sport outsole) for skating technique during the 2012/2013 season, instead of Premio 10 (with Pilot 3). Perhaps the solution with boot's beams located at the toes is actually the most comfortable and efficient. Thinking this way, we should choose Tigara or look for the first version of Premio 9 in stores. Probably you'll find some of the 12/13 models. I personally don't want to judge, which system is better. Probably this difference won't be that notable for an amateur as well as weight. Skate version of Tigara is 60g lighter than Premio 9, because of more solid material in Premio 9. Whereas classic ones are very close, there's only 10g advantage for Premio 9. Furthermore, these two models are made with using very similar technology and provide similar level of comfort. However, in the future bindings such as SNS Pilot RS Carbon can be in common usage. It can cause, that boots without compatible outsole will become obsolete.
Thus, everything depends on our demands. For pros low weight and high comfort are essential. That's why Premio 10 would be the best choice for them. Ambitious amateurs, who love cross- country skiing on the highest level, can decide for Premio 9, which provides stability and power transmission similar to World Cup models. If we care only about very good quality in decent price, Tigara will satisfy us. Choosing the right boot isn't easy, but described One Way products can meet everyone's requirements. Now you can go to a store to find your matching pair and enjoy skiing in the upcoming season.
