Thoughts on Atomic Hawx Ultra 130

[1KSheehan]

So I'm going to get some boots fitted and whilst I'll let the boot fitter recommend and tell me what boots suit my feet and my skiing style. What are your thoughts on the Atomic Hawx Ultra 130? I was just browsing their boot range seeing what they may recommend to me. and saw these what are your thoughts?

 

[tomPietrowski]

awesome boots in my opinion. One of the lightest alpine boots you can get which is always going to be a benefit. They perhaps dont have the smallest volume for a 98mm boot but hey like any boot they need to fit you to work. But if they do fit you certainly wont be going wrong with these boots

 

[1KSheehan]

awesome boots in my opinion. One of the lightest alpine boots you can get which is always going to be a benefit. They perhaps dont have the smallest volume for a 98mm boot but hey like any boot they need to fit you to work. But if they do fit you certainly wont be going wrong with these boots

And would they be any good for park?

 

[scratchskier321]

awesome boots in my opinion. One of the lightest alpine boots you can get which is always going to be a benefit. They perhaps dont have the smallest volume for a 98mm boot but hey like any boot they need to fit you to work. But if they do fit you certainly wont be going wrong with these boots

can't it get smaller than 98, and total volume after the shell heat fit?

 

[tomPietrowski]

And would they be any good for park?

Well they are light weight, reasonably stiff and don't have too much forward lean (i think its actually adjustable as memory serves) so yeah pretty much ideal so long as they fit.

can't it get smaller than 98, and total volume after the shell heat fit?

It can expand after heating, but no not contract unfortunately.

 

[Outoftowner]

My brother has them and he loves them. They're super light. I'll certainly consider them if they fit.

 

[CB4TSB]

Hawks are unique in that you either love them or hate them. They are not for everybody but the people whose feet the work for.. they are awesome. Its not like a salomon or rossi boot where you put them on and your not sure. You will know right away if they work for you. Just make sure you try on a pair before you order, that is if you are ordering online. Good luck boot shopping.

 

[JibbaTheHutt]

awesome boots in my opinion. One of the lightest alpine boots you can get which is always going to be a benefit. They perhaps dont have the smallest volume for a 98mm boot but hey like any boot they need to fit you to work. But if they do fit you certainly wont be going wrong with these boots

hows the peformance? by cutting weight has the lateral stiffness been affected? i'm sure i watched a video describing where weigh was cut and it looked like the backbone of the boot had been reduced significantly, does affect how the boot skis?

 

[onenerdykid]

hows the peformance? by cutting weight has the lateral stiffness been affected? i'm sure i watched a video describing where weigh was cut and it looked like the backbone of the boot had been reduced significantly, does affect how the boot skis?

When we started making this boot, one of the most important points was not to reduce performance for sake of getting light. Too many boots have gone down that road, and it's never a good compromise. Borrowing from what we learned in our touring boot, the Backland, we made the shell and cuff like a bike frame- thin where it can be, super reinforced where it needs to be. The result is a boot that is as light as many touring boots, but with a real 130 flex (or 120, 110, 100).

While flex is not a standardized thing, we want to make all of our 130s feel as similar as possible (and other flexes for that matter). We have a really awesome robot that flexes our boots and plots the flex pattern. We adjust the material hardnesses accordingly to arrive at (what we think at least) a 130 should be.

These boots also use a super special PU plastic where the flex characteristics don't change in super warm temps or super cold temps. Most of us are aware that a boot will stiffen significantly in the cold or get softer when warm (in store or spring skiing). That won't happen nearly as much with these boots- the flex stays consistent.

LSM was one of the first athletes to get a pair of these and he's beyond stoked with how they are working for him. Being able to drop over a pound off each boot is a super noticeable and beneficial thing while skiing.

 

[Negromancer]

When we started making this boot, one of the most important points was not to reduce performance for sake of getting light. Too many boots have gone down that road, and it's never a good compromise. Borrowing from what we learned in our touring boot, the Backland, we made the shell and cuff like a bike frame- thin where it can be, super reinforced where it needs to be. The result is a boot that is as light as many touring boots, but with a real 130 flex (or 120, 110, 100).

While flex is not a standardized thing, we want to make all of our 130s feel as similar as possible (and other flexes for that matter). We have a really awesome robot that flexes our boots and plots the flex pattern. We adjust the material hardnesses accordingly to arrive at (what we think at least) a 130 should be.

These boots also use a super special PU plastic where the flex characteristics don't change in super warm temps or super cold temps. Most of us are aware that a boot will stiffen significantly in the cold or get softer when warm (in store or spring skiing). That won't happen nearly as much with these boots- the flex stays consistent.

LSM was one of the first athletes to get a pair of these and he's beyond stoked with how they are working for him. Being able to drop over a pound off each boot is a super noticeable and beneficial thing while skiing.

This is off topic (somewhat) but how do you actually determine the boots flex? Like how do you decide what a 100 flex boots stiffness should be? Is there an industry standard (most brands have reasonably similar flex feeling like a 120 Atomic boot doesn't feel very different flex wise to a Technica 120) for flex rating or do you just base it off feeling and the boots material and construction?

 

[onenerdykid]

This is off topic (somewhat) but how do you actually determine the boots flex? Like how do you decide what a 100 flex boots stiffness should be? Is there an industry standard (most brands have reasonably similar flex feeling like a 120 Atomic boot doesn't feel very different flex wise to a Technica 120) for flex rating or do you just base it off feeling and the boots material and construction?

We start by analyzing the main competitors in the segment. We buy them all, ski them, put them in the robot, gather all of the data & tester feedback, and see how they all stack up. Some are on the stiffer side of the spectrum, some are on the softer side, some are in the middle.

We've always thought of our brand as a performance oriented brand, so we tend to fall on the stiffer side of the spectrum compared to other brands. We may not be the stiffest brand on the market, but we are far from the softest. If there were a standard, we like to think that we could be that standard. Flex is a topic we take pretty seriously and we really try to be as accurate and consistent as possible.

 

[Negromancer]

We start by analyzing the main competitors in the segment. We buy them all, ski them, put them in the robot, gather all of the data & tester feedback, and see how they all stack up. Some are on the stiffer side of the spectrum, some are on the softer side, some are in the middle.

We've always thought of our brand as a performance oriented brand, so we tend to fall on the stiffer side of the spectrum compared to other brands. We may not be the stiffest brand on the market, but we are far from the softest. If there were a standard, we like to think that we could be that standard. Flex is a topic we take pretty seriously and we really try to be as accurate and consistent as possible.

Thanks for the info, very interesting.

 

[onenerdykid]

Powder Mag just dropped a pretty sweet review on the boot:
http://www.powder.com/gear-locker/atomic-hawx-ultra-130/#ZG6fRiQ1yhIM5oT9.97

 

[scratchskier321]

Powder Mag just dropped a pretty sweet review on the boot:
http://www.powder.com/gear-locker/atomic-hawx-ultra-130/#ZG6fRiQ1yhIM5oT9.97

can these boots reduce volume after heat feat? or only get bigger?

 

[JibbaTheHutt]

can these boots reduce volume after heat feat? or only get bigger?

if its memory fit it will only be able to increase volume, only fischer with vaccum fit can reduce volume.

somebody correct me if im wrong

 

[1KSheehan]

Best thing I have done, going to a ski boot fitter. Went to the boot fitters funny enough, he recommended Atomic hawx Ultra 130 for me after measuring and sizing me. Did the custom fit and foot bed absolute sweet. super Lightweight, responsive and holds my feet very well.

 

[onenerdykid]

Best thing I have done, going to a ski boot fitter. Went to the boot fitters funny enough, he recommended Atomic hawx Ultra 130 for me after measuring and sizing me. Did the custom fit and foot bed absolute sweet. super Lightweight, responsive and holds my feet very well.

Awesome! Glad you are stoked on them!! Let us know what you think once you get them on snow! (Spoiler alert: they're fucking rad)

 

[onenerdykid]

Also named one of 2017's Top 11 boots by Freeskier!
http://freeskier.com/gear/atomic-hawx-ultra-130-review-2017

 

[1KSheehan]

Also named one of 2017's Top 11 boots by Freeskier!
http://freeskier.com/gear/atomic-hawx-ultra-130-review-2017

So the boots are super awsome everything but too stiff, the guy mentioned to me I can remove the bolts at the back to reduce the stiffness (flex) how much would this reduce. The 130 flex?

 

[onenerdykid]

So the boots are super awsome everything but too stiff, the guy mentioned to me I can remove the bolts at the back to reduce the stiffness (flex) how much would this reduce. The 130 flex?

On the 130, it would drop it down to a 120. But there are also 110 and 100 flexes available.

 

[SlowGroove]

I am looking at the Atomic Hawx Ultra 120 or 130. (I demoed last year’s Hawx — too wide but otherwise great — and then tried on many boots at local shops recently and the Hawx Ultra won for my feet, but both shops only carried the 120.) Atomic lists the 120 and 130 as having identical weight and both have the Platinum liner which I want. The visible difference seem to be color and that the 130 has two screws in the back, while the 120 has one of the screws removed. So, my question is whether the difference is primarily color and the presence of the second screw or is there something in the plastic that is stiffer in the 130, yet apparently weighs the same? If they can be adjusted up or down to equivalent stiffness, I’ll buy the 120s from a local shop, otherwise I’ll wait until I can get one on each foot somewhere and compare the feel — yes, I can be a little obsessive about this stuff. Thanks for considering the question.

 

[onenerdykid]

I am looking at the Atomic Hawx Ultra 120 or 130. (I demoed last year’s Hawx — too wide but otherwise great — and then tried on many boots at local shops recently and the Hawx Ultra won for my feet, but both shops only carried the 120.) Atomic lists the 120 and 130 as having identical weight and both have the Platinum liner which I want. The visible difference seem to be color and that the 130 has two screws in the back, while the 120 has one of the screws removed. So, my question is whether the difference is primarily color and the presence of the second screw or is there something in the plastic that is stiffer in the 130, yet apparently weighs the same? If they can be adjusted up or down to equivalent stiffness, I’ll buy the 120s from a local shop, otherwise I’ll wait until I can get one on each foot somewhere and compare the feel — yes, I can be a little obsessive about this stuff. Thanks for considering the question.

The 120 is for sure the most bang-for-the-buck, as it's basically 90% of the 130. But the 130 has some sweet upgrades. Besides the 130 being slightly stiffer, it also uses a Grilamid cuff (super light, super strong plastic) where the 120 is normal PU. This means the 130 is slightly stiffer, slightly lighter, and less temperature sensitive (= constant flex in different temperatures) vs. the 120.

 

[1KSheehan]

On the 130, it would drop it down to a 120. But there are also 110 and 100 flexes available.

Sorry how can I get the 130 down to one 110 and 100?

 

[cobra_commander]

have someone cut the lower.

Or just buy the less expensive but still pretty awesome 110 Ultra

 

[grilled_steeze]

I haven't skied them myself but I heard they're great for everywhere on the mountain, and I checked them out at my local shop and they are fucking LIGHT. probably the lightest downhill boot out there right now.

 

[cobra_commander]

Lightest boot that doesn't need to be light!

 

[1KSheehan]

have someone cut the lower.

Or just buy the less expensive but still pretty awesome 110 Ultra

Yeah removed a bolt and had the lower cut their solid now perfect flex. and if I want them stiffer I can go ahead and re add the bolt.

 

[PacificRimJob]

Awesome fitting boot... finally a good medium-low volume offering from Atomic after years of fitting only fat feet into Hawx boots and hoping for the best in the mediocre redster shape...

Heel hold and midfoot hold is fucking awesome, and the plastic they use is great.

the 130 uses a different plastic in the upper than the 120, and other than that it's basically the same boot. I've ordered this in a 120 and 100 for the shop i'm currently in (the 130 would be overkill for the clientele here, and we could always do special orders for it)

I just can't wait for when they inevitably make a touring version of the same boot.

 

[cobra_commander]

Awesome fitting boot... finally a good medium-low volume offering from Atomic after years of fitting only fat feet into Hawx boots and hoping for the best in the mediocre redster shape...

Heel hold and midfoot hold is fucking awesome, and the plastic they use is great.

I just can't wait for when they inevitably make a touring version of the same boot.

Midseason release I believe. Not sure why they didn't lead with it?

 

[PacificRimJob]

Midseason release I believe. Not sure why they didn't lead with it?

with the backland version? they apparently took their time sorting out the liner and which plastics to use. Thorough R&D.

I will say though, the hawx ultra does wonders with memoryfit. I'd get on that boot in a second if it fit me as well as others.

...stupid nordica not making a doberman touring boot.

 

[cobra_commander]

...stupid nordica not making a doberman touring boot.

so you could haul 8lb of boots up the hill? The Doberman skis great, for a bunch of reasons that it would make a shit touring boot.

current 2017 Cochise 130 is about as close as you will get right now

 

[onenerdykid]

I just can't wait for when they inevitably make a touring version of the same boot.

[url=http://

 

[onenerdykid]

Ugh, at least the boot you're hoping for won't be as much of a let down as that failed gif attempt

 

[spurtbom]

Hi people

I've tried the atomic hawx ultra 130 in my bootfitting shop recently but haven't bought them yet or tried them out on the slopes.

I am however wondering if I should buy them or, and this I why I'm posting this cause I want your opinion on this subject, the tecnica mach 1 (R) 130 LV

In short about my skiing: I used to do slalom on a beer league level (started too late, 35 now) and might take it on later on but I'm a ski instructor in my spare time and school holidays. I do ski since I was very young and like to ski aggressively but since I bought a pair of blizzard brahma's it can be a bit more playful too ;-)

My last pair of boots are the Lange RS 130

so in short: I would love to have a comfortable boot but still stiff enough (hence the 130 flex which I consider to be a must have) to ski on my level

thx a lot already

ps: It's kinda urgent lol

 

[.MASSHOLE.]

Hi people

I've tried the atomic hawx ultra 130 in my bootfitting shop recently but haven't bought them yet or tried them out on the slopes.

I am however wondering if I should buy them or, and this I why I'm posting this cause I want your opinion on this subject, the tecnica mach 1 (R) 130 LV

In short about my skiing: I used to do slalom on a beer league level (started too late, 35 now) and might take it on later on but I'm a ski instructor in my spare time and school holidays. I do ski since I was very young and like to ski aggressively but since I bought a pair of blizzard brahma's it can be a bit more playful too ;-)

My last pair of boots are the Lange RS 130

so in short: I would love to have a comfortable boot but still stiff enough (hence the 130 flex which I consider to be a must have) to ski on my level

thx a lot already

ps: It's kinda urgent lol

Which ever fits better, can't go wrong with either.

 

[scratchskier321]

The 120 is for sure the most bang-for-the-buck, as it's basically 90% of the 130. But the 130 has some sweet upgrades. Besides the 130 being slightly stiffer, it also uses a Grilamid cuff (super light, super strong plastic) where the 120 is normal PU. This means the 130 is slightly stiffer, slightly lighter, and less temperature sensitive (= constant flex in different temperatures) vs. the 120.

why do companies water down 120-100 flex boots like that?

 

[scratchskier321]

price point. but c'mon that sucks.

 

[onenerdykid]

why do companies water down 120-100 flex boots like that?

To hit different price points. Not everyone can afford an $850 ski boot. So we do our best to downgrade the boot, but take super care not to "cheapen" it. In fact, if you look at what you get with our ski boots vs. other competitors on the same price point, we will 99% of the time have more/better features. It ultimately comes down to this at the end of the day: when the end consumer wants to spend less money, they will get less. That goes for cars, bikes, TVs, houses, boats, shoes, etc.

But to a point I think you were making/alluding to, I think there are different ways that products can be downgraded. The tricky thing is that the boot market has a "barometer" in place and it's hard to go against it. I totally agree with you that some people want a 100 flex boot with the best liner (usually found in a 130) but so few people (in the grand scheme of buying ski boots) would pay top dollar for a 100 flex boot. The big problem is that so much of the boot market places value on a flex number. So if Atomic has a 100 flex boot with a premium liner but Competitor-X offers a 120 flex boot with a lesser liner for the same price, the market buys more of Competitor-X instead of Atomic. It can be frustrating at times, believe me.

 

[scratchskier321]

To hit different price points. Not everyone can afford an $850 ski boot. So we do our best to downgrade the boot, but take super care not to "cheapen" it. In fact, if you look at what you get with our ski boots vs. other competitors on the same price point, we will 99% of the time have more/better features. It ultimately comes down to this at the end of the day: when the end consumer wants to spend less money, they will get less. That goes for cars, bikes, TVs, houses, boats, shoes, etc.

But to a point I think you were making/alluding to, I think there are different ways that products can be downgraded. The tricky thing is that the boot market has a "barometer" in place and it's hard to go against it. I totally agree with you that some people want a 100 flex boot with the best liner (usually found in a 130) but so few people (in the grand scheme of buying ski boots) would pay top dollar for a 100 flex boot. The big problem is that so much of the boot market places value on a flex number. So if Atomic has a 100 flex boot with a premium liner but Competitor-X offers a 120 flex boot with a lesser liner for the same price, the market buys more of Competitor-X instead of Atomic. It can be frustrating at times, believe me.

do you think ppl tend to buy boots too stiff? aka if you lied and sold the 130 name as like a actual 115... do you think it would sell better?

 

[onenerdykid]

do you think ppl tend to buy boots too stiff? aka if you lied and sold the 130 name as like a actual 115... do you think it would sell better?

I think people do tend to buy more flex than they need purely from an ego perspective. Either they are rich and only buy the most expensive option (a 130) or they are totally the best skier on the mountain and again buy the top model (a 130). Many skiers are over-booted and should be in something softer or at least more appropriate for their weight, strength, flexibility, and skill.

If we would use 130 material and label it as a 115, it would actually sell worse. What sells better (and this is something we don't do but some other brands do) is a brand will use a softer material and label it a higher flex. Every Joey wants to be in a stiff boot, but they don't have the strength or technique to flex it. So, certain brands label a boot as "100" when it is only 70 or 80 material. This makes Joey feel like he got a boot with good horsepower (since it says 100/110/120/130 on the side of his boot) but is actually soft enough for his lack of skill. Like I said this is something Atomic doesn't do, and we try to be as consistent and "real" as possible. So this means that our boots tend to be on the stiffer side, only because some other brands are intentionally softer in order to cater to people's egos.

 

[onenerdykid]

do you think ppl tend to buy boots too stiff? aka if you lied and sold the 130 name as like a actual 115... do you think it would sell better?

Ah, I think I misread your question at first but still ending up addressing it...

 

[scratchskier321]

Ah, I think I misread your question at first but still ending up addressing it...

yep, all good. got it.

 

[Topsen]

Any plans on making a wider version of the Ultra?

 

[onenerdykid]

Any plans on making a wider version of the Ultra?

[img=]https://media.giphy.com/media/WxjGD98fIRVTi/giphy.gif[/img]

 

[ABskier]

If I buy the 130 and take the bolt out to make it a 120, is there still a bolt in the back, or is the cuff totally free? Also can I use more traditional methods to soften the boot (like cutting the lower)?

I really want to order these. Although at the moment the rossignol and head boots are a much cheaper option

 

[onenerdykid]

If I buy the 130 and take the bolt out to make it a 120, is there still a bolt in the back, or is the cuff totally free? Also can I use more traditional methods to soften the boot (like cutting the lower)?

Yep- the 130 has 2 screws, so you can remove the top one. You can also have the cuff and/or shell cut down to make it softer. I think one of the dudes in this thread already had that done to his.

 

[Session]

Oneornery,

I read that the boot can be blown out to 104mm? How accurate is this. Also as someone who has a high instep, how does the boot fit in those regards. For reference. I was unable to make the OG Ghost work due to my instep.

And obviously...Bootfitter. Just curious about your boot.

 

[onenerdykid]

Oneornery,

I read that the boot can be blown out to 104mm? How accurate is this. Also as someone who has a high instep, how does the boot fit in those regards. For reference. I was unable to make the OG Ghost work due to my instep.

And obviously...Bootfitter. Just curious about your boot.

In size 26, it is very easy to get the shell to expand to 102mm in the forefoot (which is what we claim). Bear in mind that 98mm is on size 26, on size 27 it is 100mm, on 28 is 102, etc. etc. So it also depends on the length of your foot/what size shell you are looking at. If you are a size 29, it will be 104 out of the box

Hawx Ultra has a low-medium instep height, and more generous than X-Max/Ghost. But it's still a low volume (98mm) last. If you have a super meaty instep, you definitely want to boot-fitter before pulling the trigger.

 

[ABskier]

I measured a 25.5 with callipers and it grew 11mm after moulding it.

I think the boot is pretty cool. Just can't justify the price difference from like a raptor 120 or an allspeed elite 130.

 

[onenerdykid]

I measured a 25.5 with callipers and it grew 11mm after moulding it.

I think the boot is pretty cool. Just can't justify the price difference from like a raptor 120 or an allspeed elite 130.

Based on MAP pricing in the US, all of those boots should be similar:

Hawx Ultra 130 is $699

Rossignol Allspeed Elite is $699

Hawx Ultra 120 is $599

Head Raptor RS 120 is $599 (also saw it listed at $549)

Are you in the US or somewhere else?

 

[mtbakerpow]

Hi people

I've tried the atomic hawx ultra 130 in my bootfitting shop recently but haven't bought them yet or tried them out on the slopes.

I am however wondering if I should buy them or, and this I why I'm posting this cause I want your opinion on this subject, the tecnica mach 1 (R) 130 LV

In short about my skiing: I used to do slalom on a beer league level (started too late, 35 now) and might take it on later on but I'm a ski instructor in my spare time and school holidays. I do ski since I was very young and like to ski aggressively but since I bought a pair of blizzard brahma's it can be a bit more playful too ;-)

My last pair of boots are the Lange RS 130

so in short: I would love to have a comfortable boot but still stiff enough (hence the 130 flex which I consider to be a must have) to ski on my level

thx a lot already

ps: It's kinda urgent lol

I'm also looking at these two boots when I'm not skiing in my park or touring boot.also cp spidering the Salomon x lab 130 or new x lab 130+. I'd love to hear from somebody that has spent time in both Salomon boots and that Mach 1 130 LV