I've searched years for a ring press, but never liked what I'd get for the money. Earlier versions all had arms that made it difficult or impossible to do a toe box punch. Latest version from either Ski Kare or Sun Valley Ski Tools is primo, with a reach system that makes doing the 'big toe punch' incredibly easy. Using this tool, I can quickly increase the effective length of almost any backcountry skiing boot by a half to a full size (depending on the foot shape.) This will be a huge help with our boot reviews, as we like to correctly fit each boot before evaluation and can't run off to the boot fitter every time we get the latest shoe. More, the usual sample size in pre-production boots is a 27, but that's frequently too short for Americans, myself included. On the other hand, size 27 boots are usually the best fit for my skinny ankles. Now, I just lengthen the 27 a bit and get the perfect fit. Side punches are easy as well. Combined with our other ski boot fitting tools, we should be able to keep most of our boot testers' feet smiling.
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
