Borrowing key elements like Power Cuff features from Nordica's World Cup Spec Dobermann racing boots the Speedmachine gives you the power potential of racing boots without putting your feet in pair of performance vises. The Speedmachine 12 goes fast but has rounded-down Nordica flex index numbers so you enjoy the fit longer than a handful of race runs. This is superb precision design that any expert will appreciate. The Speedmachine 12 offers most of the same features found on Nordica's critically acclaimed Speedmachine 14 ski boot although you don't enjoy the extra 10-mm. on the Velcro® top strap or racing-rigid flex rating. What you do get is the same bi-injected boot design with soft pliable plastic throughout comfort areas and rigid material where energy transfer is critical to precision edge hold. While it's certainly not the cheapest ski boot you'll find on the mountain you get a lot of exceptional performance from the Speedmachine 12--a factor that can make all the difference on big mountain vacations and especially at the finish line.