Neither the Dobermann GP family nor our 2016 assessment of its virtues have changed; while this commentary is a repost of last season’s report, the associated FIND buttons connect to 2017 starting inventory.
If you fit ski boots long enough, you discover that people have vastly different tolerance levels for what we’ll call “fit tension.” Some feet crave the confinement of a shell measuring 92mm – 95mm at its widest point; others may love the extraordinary support the narrow shell provides but can’t tolerate the compression and don’t a need a flex over 130. The new (98mm) Dobermann GP was made for the feet in Group B, the slightly wider sort that still want to snake through gates.
The Dobermann GP 130 borrows its fundamental features from the new GPX 130 but for a few subtle differences that together elevate the Dobermann into the race realm, where it belongs. Its sole is a World Cup DIN sole, i.e., no tread and no replaceable pads. The zeppa (shell footbed) isn’t made of shock-sucking PU but rigid plastic that’s 2mm wider for more accurate energy transmission. And the Cork Fit liner in the Dobermann is of the minimalist/race sort, not the more padded, Primaloft®-insulated environment of the GPX’s.
The Dobermann GP 120 shifts to dual-density PU, high-traction, replaceable toe and heel pads, but retains the race zeppa and cork inner boot. Whether you’re climbing the racing rungs or descending them (due to the annoying aging process), the Dobermann GP in its stiffer incarnations will provide the feel, fit and performance attributes you’re looking for.