Dalbello Panterra 130 ID GW Review

The Dalbello Panterra 130 GW earns a Best Buy Award for super-plush comfort, reasonable price, and variable last width to accommodate many different foot shapes and volumes. This isn't the highest performing boot in our lineup but made up for that with warmth, extra features, and a three-piece shell design that makes it easy to take on and off. For riders looking to step into a high-end boot but not ready to shell out the extra cash, or those having trouble finding a boot that fits out of the box, we don't think you will be disappointed with the Panterra.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

If you are looking for a boot that slides on easily and has a lot of room for odd foot shapes, sixth toes, or bunyons — the Panterra is your boot. Dalbello has given this boot a cross buckle system on the top of the foot that allows for a variable last width from 100 to 102 millimeters. This boot is large for a medium volume fit, so our testers had no complaints about the last being too narrow. The opposing buckles pull evenly across the top of the foot to vary the last without creating pinch points. The plush IF (Instant Fit) liner is soft and accommodating right out of the box. This liner is made from high-density Ulteva foam and is heat moldable. Panterra offers a number of liner options. Other pairing options include the ID liners that are made from more firm EVA foam.

The Cabrio three-piece system makes getting in and out of the boot very easy. There is no plastic to bend out of the way like on most other ski boots. The tongue simply pivots forward at a hinge point on the forefoot. The Panterra also includes a 51-degree pivot in walk made. The low hinge point on the cuff and lower connection make for good ankle comfort when pushing through a turn. This coupled with the Grip Walk sole makes getting around feel like a street shoe. This boot also had the longest sole length of any boot tested in the medium fit category this year at 318 millimeters. Try sizing this one down half a size, depending on the length of your foot.

Performance

With all the plush comfort packed into the Panterra, we were surprised to find that it handled the downhill considerably well. The 130 flex rating felt the softest of all the boots tested in this category. Of course, as we state in our Buying Advice article, not all flexes are equal across brands, and this is apparent with this boot. Different skiers are looking for different attributes in a boot depending on riding style. We prefer boots in this metric to perform with consistent progressive flex in fast turns on groomers and steep chutes and moguls. This boot's more flexible cuff is rated low in this metric because it reduces responsiveness and precision.

The plush IF liner also decreases performance as it is very soft and allows for a lot of movement within the shell. Consider the ID liner if you want a more firm response. The DB Hyperlite construction felt soft when we pushed through the boot in turns and almost made the cuff feel like it was collapsing unevenly onto the forefoot. For park riders or less aggressive skiers, this will suit your style more than a hard-charging slalom skier.

Materials & Durability

The Panterra is made from Dalbello's proprietary DB Hyperlite material in the cuff and lower with a polyurethane tongue. DB Hyperlite is lighter than polyurethane, and overall, creates a softer flex. This softer material conversely contributes to comfort while diminishing performance. Dalbello claims that this material saves on weight, and the Panterra lands in the middle of our lineup for weight at 3 pounds, 12 ounces. The construction is sturdy, and there were no issues during months of testing.

The Cabrio design can create issues if the user is unaware of where they are placing all the pieces. It is important to make sure that all the flaps are in the right place. It is easy to crank the F-5 buckles down when the cuff is incorrectly aligned with the upper buckles, and this will cause damage. Take the time to make sure everything is in its proper place before tightening the buckles down. Finally, the Grip Walk heel and toe caps are replaceable, which can protect and extend the life of the toe and heel lugs.

Warmth

The roomy nature and variable last make the Panterra one of the warmest boots we tested. The potential for plenty of air to circulate around the roomy toe box and the plush soft liner make for very good insulation. The IF liner holds heat well, even on sub-zero days.

The trade-off with having room to circulate air is the loss of performance. Also, on warm days in the late spring, our feet were sweltering. At least the boot is easy to get in and out of, so we could easily escape the heat.

Features

As a resort boot, there is plenty to love about the extra features of the Panterra. A 51-degree walk mode coupled with Grip Walk soles makes this our favorite alpine boot for cruising around the deck and resort. These features make this boot very approachable for those less confident or just nervous about icy parking lots. Aftermarket soles and spikes are always a good idea to throw on ski boots on those icy days to prevent slips and falls.

The Panterra also has a flex attenuator on the spine above the walk mode lever. We've seen this on a few models, and it does create a noticeable change in softness. This is a welcome function if you are considering a 130 flex but are not sure if you are ready to go up. If you are in between on your ability but hope to grow into a stiffer boot, this may appeal to you.

Value

This boot is a moderate price from a top-of-the-line manufacturer. Not many boots offer the comfort and extra features we enjoyed with this boot with such a flexible fit that can accommodate many lasts and foot shapes. Also, if you have a lot of trouble getting your foot in your boots and have considered rear entry boots, consider the Panterra as well. For comfort and ease of taking on and off, this boot offers plenty of features at a fair price.

Conclusion