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Pro Don't look to Salomon for evidence of French social decline. Its designers continue to turn out consistently superior products. Longtime tester favorites, the brother-sister XWave/Rush duo has been freshened this season with a highly conforming liner that provides excellent envelopment. The holes punched in the lateral wall of the boot soften it in a way that makes the uphill ski more manageable in a turn. The XWave and Rush are secure, supple, dynamic and user-friendly. Once you buckle in for the day, you'll rarely need to touch the clasps again. "It fits almost any foot well," said Denis. The women were similarly impressed. The Rush is warmer, and its liner and shell are both female-specific. "It does it all, from speed to bumps, with a sweet, strong stance," said Lawrence. Con Some female testers found it slightly wide. Top Scores Closure System 3.7, Rear Support 3.6, Steering Power 3.6