Asolo Summit Boots

Posted: 01/25/2003 In Category(s): Reviews :: Product Reviews

After years of mediocrity, Asolo had all but knocked itself out of the climbing market. Thus, it's refreshing that not only has the company come back strongly with the new Summit but it has also leapt to the front of the pack.

Our official mountaineering gear tester and long-time ice climber filed the following evaluation after testing the boots on Colorado rock and ice:

Asolo Summit Boots
Asolo Summit

"The Asolo Summit is among the new breed of alpine climbing boots that are light, trim and offer exceptional ankle flexibility. A unique monocoque carbon/Kevlar frame forms the foundation that provides slight flex at the ball (a desirable feature) and absolute torsional rigidity. Wearing these boots, I was able to effortlessly edge on dime-width holds while climbing 5.10 rock (many other boots would have twisted off). With monopoint crampons attached, they delivered solid performance on ice routes.

The leather and fabric uppers have full rands for jamming and are insulated with 150-gram Thinsulate that is sufficient for all but the most frigid conditions. The lacing system is of course key in any performance climbing boot, and the Summit delivers here with ease of adjustment that stays secure. This boot is lighter than almost any other on the market yet does not compromise performance in the slightest. On top of all that, it’s aesthetically appealing to North American tastes (no Euro styling here that Americans may consider ugly).

This is the type of product that serves a wide-range of alpine and ice climbers far better than the bulky, heavy boots of yore. Yet it isn’t over the top like some of the new competition boots with crampons bolted to them. While a single new boot does not a company make, the Summit serves notice that Asolo is solidly back in the technical market."
      
Suggested Retail:  $385
www.asolo-usa.com
603-448-8827

5 hands clapping


Rating: SNEWS Full ClapSNEWS Full ClapSNEWS Full ClapSNEWS Full ClapSNEWS Full Clap

To learn more about how SNEWS® conducts product reviews, click here.



SNEWS® CHAT -- Have a comment, idea, retort, or an engaging thought that was inspired by this article or from our opinions expressed in the SNEWS® View? Just click here to comment now.
Products and Trends
GearTrends New Products Marketplace
Raptor 6 Raptor 6
Mar 1, 2010
The Osprey Raptor 6 is great for that after work spin on the local single track. It will carry all your essentials, including basic bike tools and a stretch woven front pocket will carry an extra layer. * 2-liter HydraForm™ Reservoir Included
Read Complete New Product Listing | Go to the GearTrends New Product Marketplace
Women's Nio Amphi Roll-up Pant Women's Nio Amphi Roll-up Pant
Feb 18, 2010
Best Uses For The ExOfficio Nio Amphi Roll-up Pant: Backpacking, Camping, Everyday, Fishing, Hiking, In-Transit, Lounging, Outdoor Work, Paddle Sports, Resort, Stay Dry, Sun Protection, Urban Exploration
Read Complete New Product Listing | Go to the GearTrends New Product Marketplace
ESCHLER e3: FLASH coldblack® ESCHLER e3: FLASH coldblack®
Aug 14, 2009
The new FLASH fabric which utilizes the coldblack® technology by Schoeller. It allows dark textiles to no longer absorb, but reflect heat. Thus, coldblack® reduces heat build-up and provides reliable protection from UV-rays.
Read Complete New Product Listing | Go to the GearTrends New Product Marketplace
Most Viewed Stories
Seven D.I. Dawn Patrol employees die in Bataan road accident
Mar 12, 2010
Read story
Mystery Shopper: Thin product selection, lack of fitting tools doom footwear sale
Mar 12, 2010
Read story
Three studies reveal surprising shift in social media use patterns
Mar 8, 2010
Read story
Merchandising Tour: Natural environmental display ideas from Winter Market
Mar 10, 2010
Read story
‘Wearable Technology’ showcase introduces sports/fitness products and technologies of the future
Mar 8, 2010
Read story
Community Chat
"Cardboard display material " by Eryn Willard (03/12/2010 12:27 MST)
Comments
"cardboard display " by eco bag gal (03/11/2010 13:17 MST)
Comments
"Corrugated Cardboard " by Ryan Hewson (03/11/2010 08:46 MST)
Comments
Join the conversations -- Ideas, Community. Becoming a member of the community is free.
Click here to activate your membership now. Dark Blue Triangle
Industry Releases
ConservationNEXT Backyard Collective Kicks Off 2010 Schedule
Mar 15, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
Highgear and Granger's Sponsor USARA Adventure Racing Events
Mar 15, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
High Sierra Supports 2010 Alpine National Ski Championships
Mar 15, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
Introducing the SteriPEN® AdventurerOpti with Ultra-Smart Optical Eye
Mar 15, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
K•Swiss launches global brand campaign revealing fresh identity for Spring 2010
Mar 15, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
SNEWS Headlines
Ardica issues safety recall for Mountain Hardwear jacket heating systems
Mar 15, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
ROTY winner Dynamic Earth has inspired Springfield, Mo., to embrace green building
Mar 15, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
Business Solutions Forum: Putting risk into perspective
Mar 15, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
SNEWS Reader Poll
Log in to view or participate in user polls.
Featured Content
Trend Reports
‘Wearable Technology’ showcase introduces sports/fitness products and technologies of the future
Mar 8, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Product Trends