80/20 Boot

[phatlip]

Hi, I am seeking some tips on which boot to get. I mostly ride lift base (in&outbounds) but plan on doing a couple of backcountry trips next season (and forward). So my prediction is that I will spend not more than 10-20 %(max) touring and the rest divide 50/50 in & out.

What should I aim for?

A freeride boot that can do a bit of walking (like the Tecnica Cochise)?

Or a more tour oriented boot that can still ride well (like the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD)?

Any tips on the topic (and boot recommendations) are much appreciated.

 

[No.Quarter]

Get full tilts

JK go to a real Bootfitter to find what actually fits your foot. There are so many options in that category. I personally have the Salomon Quest Max 130 and they fit me great and fit into that category, but you may be miserable in them. Find a reputable bootfitter and they will show you the path.

 

[clorox]

If you fit either of the 3 piece boots (FT Ascendant and Dalbello Lupo), they both have really good inbounds performance but have absurd range of motion from the removable tongue. I have Lupo AX's and don't really mind putting my tongues in my pack for the way up or clipping them to the outside for subsequent laps.

Most Lupos and the Ascendant are made of Grilamid, which is lighter and less durable. Will also mean that the flex is softer, as my lupos are a lot softer than my Il Moro's, even though they both claim a 120 flex.

The Lupo pro does have a polyurethane shell, so it will be a bit heavier.

Really depends how hard you ski. Most days I don't put my boots to their limits but it does happen.

 

[phatlip]

I have not tried them, but maybe I should give them a go.

If you fit either of the 3 piece boots (FT Ascendant and Dalbello Lupo), they both have really good inbounds performance but have absurd range of motion from the removable tongue. I have Lupo AX's and don't really mind putting my tongues in my pack for the way up or clipping them to the outside for subsequent laps.

Most Lupos and the Ascendant are made of Grilamid, which is lighter and less durable. Will also mean that the flex is softer, as my lupos are a lot softer than my Il Moro's, even though they both claim a 120 flex.

The Lupo pro does have a polyurethane shell, so it will be a bit heavier.

Really depends how hard you ski. Most days I don't put my boots to their limits but it does happen.

 

[phatlip]

Both the Cochise and the Hawx Ultra XTD seemed to fit really well right out of the box. Would any of them really be the wrong choice?

Get full tilts

JK go to a real Bootfitter to find what actually fits your foot. There are so many options in that category. I personally have the Salomon Quest Max 130 and they fit me great and fit into that category, but you may be miserable in them. Find a reputable bootfitter and they will show you the path.

 

[WHITEFISHNATE]

LOVE MY HAWX

 

[phatlip]

Do you have the 120 or 130? Based on the blister review it seems like the 120 will suite my needs best, giving a bit more comfort. And is it your only boot for everything?

LOVE MY HAWX

 

[WHITEFISHNATE]

I have the 19/20 Hawx 130. These are the 1st performance boot I have owned, and I tried on 5 or 6 different high end boots with walk mode and the 130s were by far the most comfortable, as well as having the most features, and they just look sick.

 

[phatlip]

Great! Thats good to hear. I have the 18/19s on the way, so I guess I will see if they fit as well as the 19/20s did and maybe give them a go. Thanks a lot!

I have the 19/20 Hawx 130. These are the 1st performance boot I have owned, and I tried on 5 or 6 different high end boots with walk mode and the 130s were by far the most comfortable, as well as having the most features, and they just look sick.

 

[Casey]

I have the Quest 110s. Solid boot inbounds with a walk mode and optional tech soles. Worth checking out.

 

[phatlip]

Thanks. I have the QST 100s now and they seem a little wide for my feet.

I have the Quest 110s. Solid boot inbounds with a walk mode and optional tech soles. Worth checking out.

 

[Cgare]

I was in your position 1 month ago and was also looking for a 80/20 boot. The only way is to go and test different boots.

I ended up with the Hawx Ultra xtd 120 because it was the only one that did fit my feet good enough. By far the best boot ever out of the box. For me that is ?

I also tested some of the other boots in the same category (more alpine boots with walk mode, chohise, xt Free etc ) on snow and I would say that the Atomic does ski as well as any of the other boots in the category. I think there is some missunderstanding that the Hawx ultra xtd would be more of a touring boot. The 120 version have a real alpine style liner and skis much like a trad alpine boot.

Real good suspension with a progressiv flex and enough power transfer as long as you arent going with real heavy GS skis.

If you testing the boots in store or at home I would say that the XT free or Chohise does feel more nice in the flex (more progressiv and more cushy) vs the Hawx that ramps up more quickly but out on snow the difference is all gone I would say. Atomics true flex tech really makes the boot behave almost the same when its warm as it is when its cold.

Good luck

 

[phatlip]

I was in your position 1 month ago and was also looking for a 80/20 boot. The only way is to go and test different boots.

I ended up with the Hawx Ultra xtd 120 because it was the only one that did fit my feet good enough. By far the best boot ever out of the box. For me that is ?

I also tested some of the other boots in the same category (more alpine boots with walk mode, chohise, xt Free etc ) on snow and I would say that the Atomic does ski as well as any of the other boots in the category. I think there is some missunderstanding that the Hawx ultra xtd would be more of a touring boot. The 120 version have a real alpine style liner and skis much like a trad alpine boot.

Real good suspension with a progressiv flex and enough power transfer as long as you arent going with real heavy GS skis.

If you testing the boots in store or at home I would say that the XT free or Chohise does feel more nice in the flex (more progressiv and more cushy) vs the Hawx that ramps up more quickly but out on snow the difference is all gone I would say. Atomics true flex tech really makes the boot behave almost the same when its warm as it is when its cold.

Good luck

Hi,thanks a lot for your input!

I have the 130 18/19s on the way, got a good deal on them ($380). Have only tested the 19/20 version in store, but they fit pretty well right out of the box with no obvious uncomfortable contact points. I am hoping this will be the same for the 18/19. I have read that the 120 version might be better for more inbounds skiing because of the liner, but dont´ know how the 18/19 liner would compare. I have also thought of maybe getting a more alpine like liner from Intuition and swap based on use.

 

[Cgare]

i have previously worked as a bootfitter and I have always put several hours in every new boot to get them feel ok. With Hawx I actually didnt have to anything and they fit so much better then all my other boots. Lucky me ?

I have tried the 130 in both the 18/19 and 19/20 version and to me I did like the mure plush feeling of the 120 version. So for my use, most inbounds skiing it was a better choice.

They did change the liner of 130 to this years model so it is more supportive. We all have different preferences but if I would buy the 130 18/19 version and use it as you have descibed I would go for a new more supportive liner and keep the stock one for touring.

 

[phatlip]

Looks like it arrives tomorrow so then I will know it it fits as well as the 19/20 did. If not I will see if I can find a shop who has the 120 and hope thats the answer.

i have previously worked as a bootfitter and I have always put several hours in every new boot to get them feel ok. With Hawx I actually didnt have to anything and they fit so much better then all my other boots. Lucky me ?

I have tried the 130 in both the 18/19 and 19/20 version and to me I did like the mure plush feeling of the 120 version. So for my use, most inbounds skiing it was a better choice.

They did change the liner of 130 to this years model so it is more supportive. We all have different preferences but if I would buy the 130 18/19 version and use it as you have descibed I would go for a new more supportive liner and keep the stock one for touring.

 

[Cgare]

only difference 130 vs 120 is the cuff. On the 130 you have a slight stiffer cuff (grilamid) and the 120s cuff is made of slightly softer (and heavier) PU.

So if you got a good deal on the 130 and got a new liner it will be great for inbounds skiing.

FYI regarding binding compability, Atomic did change soles, 19/20 version has Gripwalk and 18/19 WTR.

 

[phatlip]

Straight out of the box they seem to fit 99% perfect. Been wearing them around the house for an hour or so and there are no obvious painfull contact points. It seems like my right foot is a bit wider in the front, but not a big issue. I might go and test the memory fit (have you?) to see if it can be even better. But that might be best after I have testes them with my skis on.

I have two different binding setups, the Atomic Shifts and the Marker Griffon 13 id, so I think both go well with the boot.

only difference 130 vs 120 is the cuff. On the 130 you have a slight stiffer cuff (grilamid) and the 120s cuff is made of slightly softer (and heavier) PU.

So if you got a good deal on the 130 and got a new liner it will be great for inbounds skiing.

FYI regarding binding compability, Atomic did change soles, 19/20 version has Gripwalk and 18/19 WTR.

 

[onenerdykid]

Straight out of the box they seem to fit 99% perfect. Been wearing them around the house for an hour or so and there are no obvious painfull contact points. It seems like my right foot is a bit wider in the front, but not a big issue. I might go and test the memory fit (have you?) to see if it can be even better. But that might be best after I have testes them with my skis on.

I have two different binding setups, the Atomic Shifts and the Marker Griffon 13 id, so I think both go well with the boot.

Nice! Glad it's off to a good start for you.

It's always going to be a huge help to you to visit a boot fitter who can see your foot inside the shell. This is the only way to know if you need the shell expanded or just the liner heated. Either way, there is a custom solution for you and it will make the boot that much more perfect.

 

[phatlip]

Never tried it, but its sounds like a good idea. Will look into it and see if I can find a good one.

Nice! Glad it's off to a good start for you.

It's always going to be a huge help to you to visit a boot fitter who can see your foot inside the shell. This is the only way to know if you need the shell expanded or just the liner heated. Either way, there is a custom solution for you and it will make the boot that much more perfect.