Dynafit TLT 5 Boot

[Jonathan S.]

Read every one of those reviews/ads and thought they were mostly reviews regarding weight. Noone really reports how they ski. Thanks for googling for me tho.

“I took the TLT 5 Mountain TF (the one without carbon fiber and with the standard TF liner rather than a beefed up TF-X liner) to the ski area today. It performed remarkably well on very firm snow that was ice in places. It’s still not a Spirit 3 / Zzero 4 / Mega-Ride in terms of forward flex, but it’s pretty close especially considering how much lighter and better for touring it is. Not sure how much stiffer the carbon version will be in terms of forward flex, but I doubt it will be that different. Lateral stiffness was great but presumably will be even better with carbon cuff.
For comparison I also skied the Scarpa Maestrale and found it to ski better than expected, but not as well as the TLT 5. From flexing the Meastrale indoors I figured it wouldn’t be much more than an F3, but it’s definitely much more than an F3. TLT 5 seems to be the winner all around, but for significantly less $$ the Maestrale looks great too.”
“Jan, if you felt the TLT5 Mountain TF being a little soft in forward flex don’t worry, the pebax cuff of the sample you skied are not “final”. In production the thickness of the cuff’s internal wall will be increased and the pebax mix will be approx 20% stiffer. This will make the boot laterally stiffer and also a bit stiffer in forward flex.
If you have doubts about the “stiffness” difference between the TLT5 performance and the mountain I can tell you it’s amazing… not about 10% or 20% … I would say nearly the double… the combination of the stiff grilamid downhill tongue with the carbon cuff is impressive…
So if I have to give a general suggestion I would say the final TLT5 Mountain will be the boot for every body, excellent mix of up-hill agility and downhill support, incredible lightness to performance ratio… but still a little forgiving in the most challenging mixed snow…”

"We knew going in that the DNA skied awfully well for a super lightweight. With the additions for better skiing performance on the TLT series, we expected more downhill fun. The fact that it skis better than the DNA is not surprising, what was surprising however was that for a boot that only weighs 1050gr, it can power pretty much ANY size of ski with fairly solid precision. The carbon cuff has a lot to do with that as it has extraordinary torsional stiffness. But even with this stiffness, there was absolutely no shin bang or abrupt stiffening of the flex curve. Rather the flex is smooth all the way thru, linear but with solid support throughout. When you need to really drive the ski edge and put some power down, the boot doesn’t give up on you. While it is NOT a Titan in power, it is as good or better than most typical touring boots in the 1800 gram range. We skied on Movement Goliaths, the new Dynafit Stoked, Manaslus, G3 Zen Oxides, G3 Tonics, BD Justice as well as some lightwt speed touring setups like Movement Randoms and Dynafit Seven Summits SLs. We skied these combinations on ice, powder, spring-like corn, slow speed and ripping groomers. With the bigger skis, pushing the speeds on hardpack would eventually challenge the TLT’s, but most AT boots are challenged at this level. In every combination to a lesser or greater degree the boots were very comfortable with excellent power transfer. The only area that they have a “different” feel is with the Activ-Flex. This 5 mm of flex in the forefoot, makes the boot almost feel like it has a damper installed in the feedback loop from ski edge to the soles of your feet. The Scarpa F1 series with a bellows are particularly vague in this feel and sensitivity. The TLT has a much more positive feel underfoot, but this is an area where it differs from a pure rigid sole AT setup. Some people may not like that feel and not want to make the compromise. But given the extra efficiency gained in stride, personally, we feel it is totally worth the small amount of desensitizing because the power is still there."

[single]

Definitely a lot of good information in those articles, but not the TGR perspective, which while skewed and innacurate, makes me feel better about impulse buys.

Still interested in the skiers point of view as far as stiffness, not the tourers. Sounds like a lot of speculation and vagueness, I.E.:

50% stiffer and "can power a big ski in some conditions" leaves a bit to be desired. Do they mean, "its not miserable" or "They can run hardpack bumps?" I guess I am looking for someone to contrast or agree with that powder mag write up.

[harpo-the-skier]

I just tried on the pair Patches was talking about at Village Ski Loft. I am a 26.0 in my Zzero and Titan, and I thought I could size up to the 27.0 with the TLT5, both because the TLT 5 is rumored to have a tighter last than the other two boots, and because the BSL would be similar to my other AT boots.
Also, I needed a lot of punching for both lenght and width on my Zzero and Titan, so I tought I would fit the next size up in the TLT5 without the extra boot fitting.

The 27.5 TLT5 felt comfortable, too comfortable, and according to the bootfitter there I had more than 2 fingers in the shell fit.

I will probably demo the boots at Mammoth Mountaineering before making a final decision on what size to get.

I didn't bother to buckle the boots and text the flex, as it was a TLT5 Mountain, and I will be getting the Performance. If the Performance's flex is anywhere close to that of my Zzero 4c's, I will be satisfied. I wouldn't expectthe flex to be up to TGR standards, eg Titan or Factor.

If I end up with the 26.0, should I worry about my BSL changing from 296mm to 287mm?

[Patches]

If I end up with the 26.0, should I worry about my BSL changing from 296mm to 287mm?

I wouldn't worry, unless you have race bindings with a non-adjustable heel. If you have TLTs and they don't adjust enough, when you remount the heel do it with the heel preadjusted all the way to the rear for a few mm more hole-hole clearance.

Single, the answer probably depends on how good a skier you are.

[Jonathan S.]

If I end up with the 26.0, should I worry about my BSL changing from 296mm to 287mm?

Other way around: the bsl downsize is one of the boot's (many) advantages. Saves weight and provides extra agility during off-snow scrambling.
(Downside though it that I had to remount two of my setups.)

[harpo-the-skier]

Other way around: the bsl downsize is one of the boot's (many) advantages. Saves weight and provides extra agility during off-snow scrambling.
(Downside though it that I had to remount two of my setups.)

JS, did you remount to recenter your boot, or because the bindings couldn't be adjusted for the new BSL?

[Jonathan S.]

JS, did you remount to recenter your boot, or because the bindings couldn't be adjusted for the new BSL?

the latter (and I kept the toe pieces in their prior position)

[single]

Single, the answer probably depends on how good a skier you are.

Im pretty much the sickest thing since leukemia. Surprised you havent heard of me

I dunno man, I wouldnt want anything softer than the adrenaline, i'm not that good. If the tlt performance was on par, that would make my decision for me. I definitely dont have the technique to throw down in chuck taylors, but I dont think (hope i'm not) a total hack.

[marshalolson]

i always felt like the fit (not the stiffness) of at boots was where they lacked...

so these things are really a very tight and snug fit, through the mid foot and over the instep? how well do they lock your heel down under significant forward pressure?

i guess i need to demo a pair. i hope bent gate carries them.

even the titan fits like a box of kleenex compared to a proper alpine boot IMO.

do they prefer to ski from the ball of the foot, flat footed or from the heel?

[verbier61]

tried the TLT5 mountain (no carbon) today.
Very interesting design, lots of cool details. They walk at least as well as F1, maybe even better. I need snow to confirm it.
They are very, very tight around my slim and nasty foot. Heel is well locked, albeit maybe not as well locked as with F3. Feel as stiff as the F3 despite being some 400 or so grams lighter.
Can't wait to try them on snow. So far can't say on whether they prefer to ski from the ball, flat footed, etc.

[verbier61]

forgot the size issue....
I'm 27 for zzeus, megaride, F3 and F1, but can easily use a 26.5 scarpa.

The 27.0 TLT5 was OK. 27.5 was too much. No way to get into a 26.5 without awful pain.

[Jonathan S.]

I thought the DyNA/TLT5 lower shell is the same for 27.0 and 27.5, in which case I'm surprised you noticed much of a fit difference?
For nearly resistance-free fore/aft range of motion in tour mode, the DyNA/TLT5 (w/o the tongue) has way more than the F1 ... although you need to be pretty flexible and into maximizing your skinning stride to take advantage of it. (I know that I often was not this past season.)
The DyNA/TLT5 forefoot flex is far more subtle compared to the F1 (although the DyNA/TLT5 does have some flex there, unlike 100% cf boots such as PG & Stratos), so that's either a plus or minus that could be debated forever. (Personally I think it's just the right of flex -- having previously gone back and forth between the F1, F3, and Zzero4 -- although I don't have any sort of evidence to back it up.)

[verbier61]

yeah the difference between 27.0 and 27.5 was minimal and related to the liner and not to the boot, but I felt the 27.5 had too much room in the toe box

[harpo-the-skier]

yeah the difference between 27.0 and 27.5 was minimal and related to the liner and not to the boot, but I felt the 27.5 had too much room in the toe box

I heard from Dynafit USA that the only differnce between the .0 and .5 liners in the same size is that the .5 is pre molded on a larger last. So presumably after you cook them they should come out the same?

[verbier61]

mmmmmmh maybe, not so sure.
Otherwise the .0 liner might have a bit more foam.
I'll ask for that.

[Wunderkind]

Anyone have opinions on whether to size up? I was on a Titan last year and a 27.5 was pretty tight. I'm hoping to pro-form so trying them on is difficult - would love to hear if anyone has sized up or stayed the same.

Plan on using the boot with a 181 Anti Piste and a Speed binder... any thoughts there?

[harpo-the-skier]

Have you even read this thread?

Anyone have opinions on whether to size up? I was on a Titan last year and a 27.5 was pretty tight. I'm hoping to pro-form so trying them on is difficult - would love to hear if anyone has sized up or stayed the same.

Plan on using the boot with a 181 Anti Piste and a Speed binder... any thoughts there?

I just tried on the pair Patches was talking about at Village Ski Loft. I am a 26.0 in my Zzero and Titan, and I thought I could size up to the 27.0 with the TLT5, both because the TLT 5 is rumored to have a tighter last than the other two boots, and because the BSL would be similar to my other AT boots.
Also, I needed a lot of punching for both lenght and width on my Zzero and Titan, so I tought I would fit the next size up in the TLT5 without the extra boot fitting.

The 27.5 TLT5 felt comfortable, too comfortable, and according to the bootfitter there I had more than 2 fingers in the shell fit.

I will probably demo the boots at Mammoth Mountaineering before making a final decision on what size to get.

I didn't bother to buckle the boots and text the flex, as it was a TLT5 Mountain, and I will be getting the Performance. If the Performance's flex is anywhere close to that of my Zzero 4c's, I will be satisfied. I wouldn't expectthe flex to be up to TGR standards, eg Titan or Factor.

If I end up with the 26.0, should I worry about my BSL changing from 296mm to 287mm?

[Wunderkind]

I figured someone would say that. I should have said "Does anyone ELSE have opinions on sizing". Wildsnow's comment section is full of people saying exactly the opposite of what you say here, so I'm looking for additional remarks. I've read it all several times though - agonizing about the decision here.

[GeezerSteve]

Plan on using the boot with a 181 Anti Piste and a Speed binder... any thoughts there?

My F3's work great with my 181 [grunge] AP's & Comforts. Sounds like TLT5's ski betta than F3's. At the end of the day, whether a light AT boot works with a particular ski is a matter of technique and expectations.

[EvelKnievel]

Does anyone know if any shops in SLC have these yet?

[Wunderkind]

Does anyone know if any shops in SLC have these yet?

Call Wasatch Touring they tend to get demo dynafit gear in pretty regularly.

[skinnyskier]

In the same vein, does anyone know if a shop in the NW is planning to stick them, other than (presumably) Escape Route?

[GeezerSteve]

One would think that Marmot Mountain Works -- the first retailer to sell Dynafit bindings in North America -- would be stocking them.

[Wunderkind]

Found another article with good info on this boot:
http://notesfromtheneve.com/2010/03/...touring-boots/

[Federico]

a few info that should cover most of the questions in this post about the TLT5:

First of all boot concept... The TLT5 is born to cover a missing point in the ski mountaineering boots world. The idea was to offer a new benchmark in terms of up hill agility for those skiers which aim to climb MOUNTAINS with long distance, high altitude difference, technical mountaineering parts involving the use of crampons or rock scrambling even in vertical, no falling zone areas... and being these type of skiers also challenging the most vertical and steepest descent the idea was to offer also enought downhill support and stiffness to go down from everywhere in high safety and fun!.
As you can read from these few lines the performance of the boots are yes amazing for downhill but there must be always climbing and aiming for a summit involved... if it's all about the down, powder, jumps and so on... well this is simply not the right boot.
So even if the boots can drive without any problem even the fattest skis it make no sense to compare it with a pair of TITAN, BD FACTOR, and so on... it's simply a non sense because those boots are double weight.
Also talking about flex index is no sense... because flex index is pure marketing, there is no standard norms to calculate that number so eveything you read around several forums trying to compare boots on that number is just bull shit...
Especially when talking about ski boots with a ski walk mechanism it's not possible to have a comparison with alpine ski boots with solid cuff/shell construction...


Ski abilities, weight and so on...
- It's not possible to find in the market for W10-11 NOTHING that comes even close to the incredible up hill agility/weight and downhill performance ratio of the TLT5, especially with the performance(carbon) version.
- Up hill/skinning/climbing. Simply superior for ski mountaineering. full 60° cuff rotation, the shortest and most rockered sole lenght existing, weight with TF liner of approx 1kg per boot in size 27,5, the fastest ski walk transition mode (one movement).. The best for mountaineering activities, vertical climb, ice, rocks ...
- Downhill performance, especially on the carbon version just impressive if you keep in mind what described on the previous point...


Fitting: Very similar to Dynafit ZZero boots, so a bit wider compared with the TITAN from 09/10 production (Titan 10/11 will be e a couple of mm wider). In lenght exactly the same fitting as all other new generation Dynafit boots. In several forums people said TLT5 fit narrower or tighter compared with other dynafit boots, this is a wrong information. The first generation of test samples TLT5 Mountain with TF-X liner were fitting VERY tight but it was a liner issue fixed for the production.

Shell Punching: The shell can be punched as most of other turing boots, being the shell very thin it require some extra attention and expert hands to do it.

Differences between Mountain and Performance version: Weight is the same, up hill agility is the same... downhill performance extremely different approx 40% extra forward stiffness and approx 25% extra lateral stiffness. This is obtained thanks to the carbon fiber cuff.

Binding compatibility: TLT5 and DyNA shells are made to be used on Dynafit binding ONLY!, as they don't follow the ISO-UNI requirments in sole design. Despite of this the boots works on standard touring binding WITHOUT any warranty on the safety release. Machine testing resulted that the side release is approx 10-15kg less than what tuned on the bindings.

Insulation: Both TF and TF-X liners have a insulation abilities very similar than other touring boots, on normal winter condition you can't feel a difference. It's very important to consider that most of the touring boots are felt cold for other reasons.
- First is blood circulation, if the boot/liner fitting is too precise it can decrease the blood circulation causing cold feet.
- Second is way of skiing... if you move very slow and stop every 30 minutes with boots under deep snow eating, talking, waiting for the others, taking pictures and so on... every kind of footwear will be cold except for high altitude mountain boots...
- I personally experienced the TLT5 with TF liners at -25°C windy condition at 5.000 mt altitude without any problem of cold feet.

If there are other questions or doubt not covered please let me know