Tecnica Zero G Decoy Pro First Impressions

From a gear perspective, it's a great time to be a backcountry skier. Boots are getting lighter and more powerful, allowing us to push it on both the skintrack and the descent. Each year, companies are innovating and attempting to fine tune their existing offerings in pursuit of the perfect boot. Unfortunately, the “perfect boot” does not exist. But we're getting close…

Lately we have seen an influx in hybrid boots that are actually hybrid boots, not just a clunky resort boot with a walk mode. For a skier looking for the best of both worlds with little compromise (yes there is still some), it's certainly a buyers market. If you are in said market, the Tecnica Decoy Pro should be towards the top of your list.

New for the 26/27 season, the Decoy Pro slots in between Tecnica’s Zero G and Cochise series of boots. Tecnica dubs it as “the uphill boot for downhill skiers.” It offers Cochise-esque performance in a package that leans more towards the Zero G on the skin track. The boot punches like its alpine counterparts on the downhill, yet still feels like a touring boot. A feat that is difficult to achieve. Weighing in at 1670g (1298g shell + 372g liner) in a 26.5, it comes in at a respectable weight for a boot of this class. This makes it more appealing to those seeking a true 50/50 boot instead of a resort focused choice that has the capability to tour on occasion. 

The shell of the Decoy Pro weighing in at a respectable 1298g

The liner weighing a more robust 372g - featuring a stout tongue and a solid heel pocket

The Decoy mimics the shell mold of the Tour Pro, yet fits slightly differently out of the box given the change in liners. The idea here was to have the same internal last and a similar fit to the Tour Pro. Tecnica calls this their "freeride mid volume" fit. Said liner has a more alpine-like feel which provides a solid performance fit, keeping in line with the nature of this boot. The liner uses a denser foam that contours your ankle and heel area tighter than the stock liner in the Tour Pro. This also contributes to it being a slightly warmer boot, which can be a concern for those that run hot out on the hill. I never felt it to be overly warm mid-winter, but could see it getting a bit stuffy as the Spring rolls on. 

After a little boot work I was able to obtain the same fit and comfort level that I have in my Tour Pros, which is the best case scenario since my first day in them was a 6 hour romp around Gulf of Slides. A far cry from my original “I’ll just be in these for 2-3 hours at a time” sentiment. The boot board in the Decoy is grindable and now flexible under the mid-foot, instead of the rigid plastic of prior Tecnica boots. Hopefully this improves their durability as this was a common problem we saw in the past. This also allows for another degree of boot fitting customization for those of us with tricky feet.

Quick note on fit - always see a bootfitter before pulling the trigger on a nice shiny new pair of boots. Buy once, cry once we like to say 'round here. Feet come in all shapes and sizes; even if your buddy says the Decoy is the best boot since sliced bread, it's better to make sure they'll work for you before hitting the hill full of regret. The Custom Adaptive Shell of the Decoy and other Tecnica boots makes their shell mold friendly, but you can only take it so far before you compromise the integrity of the boot. I certainly pushed the limit here as I am very picky when it comes to my boots (just ask any of my co-workers here). Come see us at the shop to get set up with that glass slipper you've been seeking!

I noticed the weight of the Decoy a bit in my first few tours with them but quickly acclimated to the feeling of a bigger boot. For reference, my 26.5 Tour Pros weigh in at 1300g so this is a decent jump up at 1670g. The Decoy felt heavier in the booter than it did on the skin track, chalk it up to gravity I suppose. The range of motion is where I felt the biggest difference, there is more cuff friction and less effective range of motion than what I am used to coming from a lighter boot. If you are approaching it from a more alpine-esque background, I think you will appreciate what this boot can do on the uphill. Like Tecnica says, this is an uphill boot for downhill skiers. Something that helped improve the ROM for me was sliding the buckle catches over one notch, loosening the upper cuff and allowing a bit more freedom flexing forwards when climbing.

Wandering around the alpine of Gulf of Slides on a bluebird day in January

The downhill experience made up for all of my nitpicking with the boot while walking up the hill. That first run in GOS was potentially the best of my season, grinning ear to ear after carving some GS turns down Main Gully. The upper cuff is carbon injected grilamid which makes the boot feel rather stiff, perfect for driving bigger skis. Another bonus is a booster strap that comes stock with the boot, providing a progressive flex and a secure shin to boot connection. The lower shell is constructed with PU, which offers dampening qualities that more touring oriented boots cannot. This combination makes for a superior ride quality when you get the green light to rip it. 

All of that being said, I feel that it would only be worth it to lug up the heavy boot when you have the green light snow conditions. If conditions are questionable and I feel that I will not be able to step on the gas much, I’d stick with my Tour Pro. Take this with a tiny grain of salt as I have multiple boots in the quiver each with their own intended purpose based on the days objective and conditions. I did feel I was able to make more sweeping and powerful turns with the Decoy, so it’s worth the effort on good snow as you certainly get back what you put in to get up your line. 

A green light day in the Maine backwoods - the Decoys are under there somewhere!

I would recommend pairing the Decoy with a ski that is 1400+ grams, with a ceiling of anything but alpine racing skis. I was able to use the Decoy with the Black Crows Navis (1700g), Elan Ripstick 88 (1550g) and the new Blizzard Canvas 100 (~1750g). All three played nicely and I would love to test them with a hard charging ski such as the Fischer Ranger or the Blizzard Anomaly. I used them in demanding environments such as the Eastern Slopes of Mt. Washington, Mount Mansfield, and in more mellow local backwoods glades and ski resorts in the valley. 

The boots felt at home inbounds as well as in the backcountry, feeling supportive enough for fast carved turns and steep consequential skiing alike. The Vibram gripwalk compatible sole allows for double duty on the resort and in the backcountry without having to change your alpine bindings to an MNC offering. This also provides grip on slick surfaces in the alpine, which is not always a given for a boot of this nature. 

Letting the Decoys cook in Gulf of Slides Gully No. 3

So who is the Decoy for? Again going to harp on the “uphill boot for downhill skiers” mantra here. The Decoy is aimed at maximizing the downhill experience while still feeling like a touring boot. This is where some other hybrid boots fall short; to me they still feel like an alpine boot is on my foot. I believe this is where the Decoy stands out from others in the crowd, the balance of weight to power is remarkable. 

The most direct comparison to the Decoy would be the Scarpa Quattro Pro & XT - a solid downhill option in a lightweight package, relatively speaking that is. However, the Quattro series of boots is rather low volume so they do not play nicely with those of us that have wider feet or a higher instep. Choose the Decoy if you are looking for a true 50/50 option or even if you are mostly touring but ride the occasional lift and want one boot to do it all. 

Enjoying a nice sunrise ski in Hillmans - the dampness of the PU shell helped here in the chalky windboard snow we found that morning