This probably does NOT warrrant a new thread, but there are so many threads going about the new AT boots already that it has become hard to keep track of what info is where. Maybe they could be consolidated somehow? Anyway, I don't think there is one thread that covers all of these models so I'm starting a new one. Crucify me as you see fit.
I tried on the following boots today- BD factor, BD method, Dynafit zzeus, Scarpa skookum, Garmont radium. (Yes, it is raining here. I also got the laundry done.) These are most of the big player/options for the new crop of AT boots with dynafit compatibility. I'd tried the zzeus and radium on before. For comparison, I have skied Lange race boots in the past, and, most recently, salomon gun boots. I think a flex somewhere between the langes and the guns would make for a nice soft snow boot- resort or backcountry. (I am talking about forward flex here- can't really comment on lateral stiffness as I didn't ski any of these boots today. Just a shop demo.)
1) BD method- way softer than I was expecting/hoping for. This boot is much softer than any of the others I tried today. It is softer than my salomon gun by a good margin. You'd have to really like soft boots to like these. Given the significant weight of these boots, I'm not exactly sure why you'd choose them over other equally soft but lighter options. I'll comment on fit below, as they fit just like the factors.
2) BD factor- this is an alpine ski boot with a walk mode. Very nice. I'd ski them anywhere. Stiffer than my guns, not as stiff as a lange. Maybe 110 on the proverbial scale? Smmmmooth flexing. Fabulous walk mode- good range and very free-hinging. My feet are widish in the front and narrow in the heel-and these fit my feet well. They really felt they could be fit comfortably and still perform well. The boa gizmo takes forever to crank up to tightness but felt nice.
3) Dynafit Zzeus- very similiar stiffness to the factor (and, obviously, way stiffer than the methods) but more progressive- ie. softer near the neutral point but then stiffens up a LOT as you flex forward. I preferred the BD flex, but it depends what you like. Narrower forefoot than the BD- didn't fit me as well, but to each (foot) his own (boot.) Walk mode not as great in range and not as free-moving as the BD's, and noisy (squeeky)- just the sort of thing to make you absolutely NUTS on a long skin track.
4) Scarpa Skookum- I flat out didn't like these. Huge volume around the heel/ankle, wierd feeling flex (non-overlap), and the boot lowers would bulge out to the sides if I really flexed them hard. Maybe the flex is better if the boot fits your foot, but I didn't like these at all.
5) Garmont Radium- very similiar flex to the factor and zzeus. Fit was tighter around the toes than the BD boots with equally good heel holddown, but more volume around the ankle it seemed. Of course, this is pre-liner-cooking. Noticebly lighter, even just handling them, than the factors. Walk mode similiar in range to the BD boots, but not quite as free hinging. Maybe would loosen up with time/use? No sole swap option for use with alpine binders.
Summary?
If I wanted a one pair o' boots quiver and planned to ski mostly inbounds with the occassional bit of slack-country, I'd buy the factors in a heartbeat. Honestly, this boot would be a reasonable choice for someone who doesn't tour, just for the walk mode in the lodge or liftline or schlepping from the parking lot.
I would not even consider the methods- which is a surprise because I thought I'd end up in these boots. They are only 70 grams lighter than the factors, and just too soft in my opinion. I found myself thinking, "Why would I bother with these?"
I didn't like the skookums fit or flex, but that is mostly just personal opinion.
The zzeus would be a good choice of you wanted a narrow last boot. I suspect they would ski much like the factor, though I didn't like the flex as well. I don't think they'll tour as well because the walk mode didn't seem as good. If you have the new dynafit manaslu skis you really MUST get these, because they match.
The radium is a very nice AT boot, and is a half pound lighter PER BOOT than the factor. It is very nearly as stiff. It's walk mode is nearly as good. If you don't need alpine binding compatibility, and these fit you, this is a helluva good option.
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