Salomon MTN labs as a one boot quiver?

[-WZ-]

So I'm looking into getting new boots next year as I've started touring a lot more this season and full tilts are no longer cutting it. Conveniently enough, 26.5 mtn labs and 26.5 full tilts have an identical bsl. I'm looking at getting a kingpin or ion setup next season with dedicated boots. However, I don't want to sacrifice much downhill performance if possible. I'm mainly asking about using them as an all mtn boot because I know they're compatible with wtr fks, which I run on all of my alpine skis. Say on a day if I went touring slack country in the morning and then in the afternoon wanted to switch to all mtn or park laps, would they still perform/not explode(like pinnacles are known to do) if I landed sketchy off bigger hits? I would still keep my old full tilts for full on park days and urban, but say I forgot to bring both pairs up of boots to the hill one day, would I still be able to get away with only using the mtn labs as a one boot quiver? I guess my main question is durability and performance out of these on the downhill, as coming from full tilts any walk mode on a lightweight boot is going to feel a world better.

 

[tomPietrowski]

They would certainly work. I spent some time in the park and just resort riding in them and they will handle it fine. But they would not be my first choice. I like the option of a din sole plus tech so for me things like the new Lange xt or pinnacle pro would be my first choice. Or you could look at the new quest pro boots that are in the way but they are really ugly.

 

[username13]

So I'm looking into getting new boots next year as I've started touring a lot more this season and full tilts are no longer cutting it. Conveniently enough, 26.5 mtn labs and 26.5 full tilts have an identical bsl. I'm looking at getting a kingpin or ion setup next season with dedicated boots. However, I don't want to sacrifice much downhill performance if possible. I'm mainly asking about using them as an all mtn boot because I know they're compatible with wtr fks, which I run on all of my alpine skis. Say on a day if I went touring slack country in the morning and then in the afternoon wanted to switch to all mtn or park laps, would they still perform/not explode(like pinnacles are known to do) if I landed sketchy off bigger hits? I would still keep my old full tilts for full on park days and urban, but say I forgot to bring both pairs up of boots to the hill one day, would I still be able to get away with only using the mtn labs as a one boot quiver? I guess my main question is durability and performance out of these on the downhill, as coming from full tilts any walk mode on a lightweight boot is going to feel a world better.

I ride the quest pro 130 and am leaning towards that same boot for everything.however if you haven't tried them on I suggest doing so first incase you were thinking of buying online..they fit small,I didn't fit into a 26.5 like my 26.5 quest pro...if you buy new,get them from a shops that will custom fit for free...I know people who only ski them and they stand behind them.the flex is more big lines and not park laps but I'm sure they would be fine.if you end up getting some soon I'd like to hear what you think

 

[-WZ-]

I ride the quest pro 130 and am leaning towards that same boot for everything.however if you haven't tried them on I suggest doing so first incase you were thinking of buying online..they fit small,I didn't fit into a 26.5 like my 26.5 quest pro...if you buy new,get them from a shops that will custom fit for free...I know people who only ski them and they stand behind them.the flex is more big lines and not park laps but I'm sure they would be fine.if you end up getting some soon I'd like to hear what you think

I've tried them on in shop and they fit snug for sure, but the heat moldable shell should clear up most of my discomforts. Most of the pressure was right under the bottom buckle, so I'm gunna go in again and wear them around a bit longer before I make a decision. What would be some other similar options for me? I've looked at a few but the mtn lab seems like the best reviewed out there so far. My criteria is a boot with tech inserts, also can be compatible with wtr bindings, decent walkmode, lightweight as possible but still burly enough for aggressive all mountain abuse (110 flex+)

 

[username13]

My quest pro 130's are pretty light,I would try some of the dynafits or atomic touring options..but for me it's usually comes down to the best deal I can get at the time.im also interested in those tech bindings you mentioned to mount on my MTN lab skis but waiting till later in the season to get my light ski set up ready hoping to save money and get everything used

 

[onenerdykid]

I'm mainly asking about using them as an all mtn boot because I know they're compatible with wtr fks, which I run on all of my alpine skis.

Technically/legally this is not true. The MTN boot sole is strictly the touring norm (ISO 9523) and is not compatible with WTR. WTR is a combination of the touring norm & a plastic AFD. Full rubber touring boot soles do not work in WTR bindings. While it may fit, you will have release problems.

Think of it this way (ignoring TLT inserts & TLT bindings):

All WTR boots are compatible with touring norm bindings.

Not all touring norm boots are compatible with WTR bindings.

So, WTR boots go in both WTR & touring norm bindings.

Touring norm boots only go in bindings certified for the touring norm.

More specifically, WTR boots go in both the STH 2 13/16 and the Warden.

The MTN Lab only goes in the Warden.

I hope that clears it up for you.

*for the nerds out there, this is a classic example of necessary vs. sufficient conditions. A necessary condition is a condition where if it is absent, then the event cannot happen (it is required). A sufficient condition is a condition where if it is present, then the event can happen (it is merely enough). Easy example - being a cat is a necessary condition for being a tiger. But being a tiger is only a sufficient condition for being a cat. Applied to our example - the touring norm is a necessary condition for WTR (without the touring norm, WTR cannot exist). But WTR is not a necessary condition for the touring norm- it is only sufficient (without WTR the touring norm still exists).