2013 Tecnica Cochise boot line
Tried on the 2013 Cochise 130 Pro today, real nice boot though the liner seemed a bit soft and made me wonder how long it would take to pack out. Was looking to test-fit the Cochise Light (with Palau thermo liner), but Footloose in Mammoth only has the 130 Pro so far. The 130 Pro is definitely softer than a true 130 flex; the salesperson (Dave, super-helpful guy) had me try a Dalbello Scorpion 130 race boot for comparison and (at least at room temperature) the Dalbello is a whole lot stiffer. (The Scorpion is polyethylene, don't know what Tecnica "Triax" is made of.)
The Cochise tour mode was amazing, particularly swinging the cuff forward. Very smooth with hardly any resistance at all (the soft liner probably helps here), even with the upper buckles lightly attached. Didn't pay as much attention to the rearward range of motion as I should have...overlooked it.
I wear a US size 9 street shoe and normally a 26.5 ski boot, but in the Cochise/Demon it's a tough call between the 25.5 and the 26.5 for my foot. I measured an even 26.0 on the scale, with a 1.5 finger shell fit in the 26.5 and about half a finger in the 25.5. Unfortunately, out of the shell the 26.5 liner seemed a bit loose on my forefoot (could possibly wrinkle if the shell is tightened too much), and the 25.5 liner fit great but was a bit short. Also, on the 26.5 we tightened the lower buckles about half way into the range, which could be reduced with bontex shims under the liners, but it isn't ideal. With the liners installed the 26.5 felt really comfortable in the shop, which no doubt means they'll be too big after a few days use.
Decided to get the 25.5 in the Light model, since Marshall said the Palau liner is thin and thermo forming with thick toe caps should get me a bit more length. Just hope there's enough length to skin comfortably with the buckles loosened, I generally like my toenails right where they are.
Hope this completely unscientific ramble helps anybody thinking of mail ordering a pair of the new Cochise boots.
(EDIT: The Cochise Pro 130 uses the 98mm Inferno lower shell. The other Cochise models use the 100mm Demon lower shells.)