Let's talk AT boots

**watchyourfeet** · 01-16-2007, 10:29 PM

I'm due for some new boots. Right now I'm skiing Scarpa Denali XT's, and I'm shooting for some of the stiffer freeride boots out these days. The obvious options are the Garmont Andrenalins and Endorphins, and the Scarpa Tornadoes. What's everyone's opinion on these boots/ would you recommend any other boots in this category?

**mntlion** · 01-16-2007, 10:47 PM

yours with a booster strap, and a raichle tounge and a shim in the back?

thats about it, you have the other options covered

**kidwoo** · 01-16-2007, 11:40 PM

yeah that ^

I'd screw around with what you've got.....it's cheaper. I'd say throw some intuitions in there though.

**watchyourfeet** · 01-16-2007, 11:51 PM

Thanks, but the main problem I have with my boots is that until recent models, Scarpa had large toeboxes, and I've used my dad's Megarides and find that I like the slimmer toe on those. I've tried a few tricks to fill up space, but nothing seems to be the same. Plus I've had the Denalis for a long time, and they've generally just seen better days.

**hutash** · 01-17-2007, 12:33 PM

I haven't toured in my new G-rides yet, but have put in some Alpine runs on them. They aren't as stiff as my Lange's, but drive my 183 Teledaddies well. They are very light, and hiked well for some turns on some really hard wind pack and rocks. The Andrenalins and Endorphins are big burly (heavy) boots and do not look like fun on long tours, but look great on the down hill runs.

I have a pretty generic foot, so boot fit is usually easy for me, but I found the Garmont's to fit a lot like my Lange's, just down sized a little.

**skinnyskier** · 01-17-2007, 01:29 PM

I have about 12 days in my Tornados. They're last years model, bought on close-out this fall. I've done three smallish (2000-3000 vert) tours with them, using the black tongue. They've been used with Gotamas, Mantras and ARGs. I haven't done the "Pro" upgrade by switching to the Scarpa/Booster strap. I'm about 5' 11" and 165#.

So far: A-.

Pros: I actually can ski all my inbounds, sidecountry and short tours with one pair of boots. I never have to adjust my Freerides from alpine to AT and vice versa. Better skiability than my blue and grey Denalis.

Cons: They are stiff on the up track with the black tongue. They sucked ass until I dialed in a much more upright stance then I had at first. One guy forgot to check the screws attaching the front buckle assembly to the boot and lost one on a tour = badness. The sole doesn't scramble or walk as well as a real lugged AT sole.

**Rascal King** · 01-17-2007, 01:30 PM

This topic has been explained to shit. Seriously that's what the search function is for JONG.

**jSki** · 01-17-2007, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by hutash

I haven't toured in my new G-rides yet, but have put in some Alpine runs on them. They aren't as stiff as my Lange's, but drive my 183 Teledaddies well. They are very light, and hiked well for some turns on some really hard wind pack and rocks. The Andrenalins and Endorphins are big burly (heavy) boots and do not look like fun on long tours, but look great on the down hill runs.

I've been touring with a pair of G-Rides this year and love them. Perfect balance of weight/stiffness. I don't think they're making them anymore though.

Does anyone know why all the AT boots are so heavy now? Why even bother with then when the weight is approaching alpine boots.

**mntlion** · 01-17-2007, 02:26 PM

Jski:

some folks care about the way down and are great skiers (want a ski boot that can tour)

some people want light and are willing to sacrifice the downhill skiability for lighter uphill weight.

its finding the balance that matches your fitness, ski ability, preferences.

some people want dynafit, some the new duke. They both "tour" but for very different goals.

kind of like why a XC bike breaks on 6 ft drops to flat or why a DH bike's don't have a lockout for the shock. both have 2 wheels but that is about it

**Harv** · 01-17-2007, 05:28 PM

2nd A- on the Tornados. I also bought last years on close out, have been area skiing, touring and some cat skiing days in them. I am very happy with them on the whole. I don't notice them being much stiffer touring then the Denalis and they outperform them downhill hugely. The only thing that I think brings the grade down is they are damm near as slippery on rock as alpine boots....

**hutash** · 01-17-2007, 08:30 PM

What mtnlion said. It all depends on what you want. I like the G-ride since it is a good balance between walking and skiing. It is still made as the G-ride, and is nearly the same as the Mega-ride (dynafit compatible).

**skideeppow** · 01-17-2007, 09:39 PM

dobi 130, intuition liner and vibram sole. lighter than shit and unreal stable on the way down.

**verbier61** · 01-18-2007, 12:43 AM

If you have time to wait, a LOT of new HOT stuff in the field is coming from scarpa, dynafit, garmont and Lowa. You can't imagine what the offer will be in a few months.

**Lexi-Bell** · 01-18-2007, 02:47 PM

Where's upallnight?

**pde20** · 01-18-2007, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by verbier61

If you have time to wait, a LOT of new HOT stuff in the field is coming from scarpa, dynafit, garmont and Lowa. You can't imagine what the offer will be in a few months.

Just for starters, reference here:

http://tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73873

and/or here:

http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=582