Review: 2011 Salomon Quest 12 AT Boot

[bfly]

Does Larry have these in stock? I'm thinking he doesn't but if you/anyone said he had a 26.5 for sale, I'd drive there and camp out by the door.

I think he only has a single left boot of the 110 and 120 Quest boots to try on. One is a 26.5 and the other is a 27.5.

[Spats]

Snug heel pocket = good.

How high is it over the instep?
Is the lower leg more tapered or more straight?
How much ramp angle?
How much forward lean?

[Core Shot]

Any tall folks using this boot?

3 buckle does not usually cut it for me. Hard to see how they get a decent stiff flex with only 1 buckle and a big booster strap.

otherwise, heard good things about this boot and I do have a Salomon foot.

[Phall]

The 3 buckle is stiff as a 4, The buckle itself is probably an inch and a half wide, at least, and the booster is near 2 inches. I almost liked it better than my impacts.

[squirrelmurphy]

Any tall folks using this boot?

3 buckle does not usually cut it for me. Hard to see how they get a decent stiff flex with only 1 buckle and a big booster strap.

otherwise, heard good things about this boot and I do have a Salomon foot.

Ghost buckles dude. Ghost has only 2 and comes in at 130.

[Alkasquawlik]

Weights & Flexes
Quest 12: 120 flex, size 26.5 = 2.1 kgs (single boot)
Quest 10: 110 flex, size 26.5 =1.95 kgs
Quest 8: 90 24.5 =1.75 kgs.

Quest Pebax: 110 flex, 26.5 = 1.75 kgs
Quest Pro: 110 flex, 26.5 = 1.9 kgs

.

[wilcox510]

Whats the difference between the three different boots with a 110 flex? Of course I know the difference between pebax and PU, but is the cuff height, fit, and liner the same? How much rearward travel does the cuff have on these things?

[robnow]

what sizes? down to a 25 shell?

Comor has one each of 25.5-28.5, full sizes.

[khyber.pass]

A few more thoughts on this boot which I just checked out at Comor yesterday.

- the last is 100.

- stiffness: it says right on this boot "120," which puts it between this year's Ghost (130) and last year's (110).

- the Quest looks to be modeled on the Ghost/Shogun.

- Flex pattern. Like (most) touring boots, with a hard forward flex the lower shell around the ankles bulges out, thus increasing volume in the forefoot.

- the boot is made of PU (not PeBax).

- Soles. The AT/Dynafit sole is not a lug sole, meaning that it is a DIN sole with tech inserts, and you pay an extra $100 for it. I think this is a poor decision, as (1) an AT sole should have a rockered lug sole (Vibram etc) and (2) it shouldn't cost $100 more; for example the Dynafit Titan includes both AT and DIN soles.

- cost on this boot in Canada is $600 which makes it VERY competitive.

My thoughts. I'm looking for an everyday boot to replace my Ghosts that is touring capable. I don't expect it to tour well -- just enough cuff movement to get me up into the slackcountry on my Dukes. For real missions I have a real setup. What I want to do is completely change my "inbounds" setup to touring capable, yet still retain the same performance I would expect from inbounds gear meant for charging. This is the holy grail, and damn we are getting close...

I find the Ghost last at 98mm to be an excellent fit, but as mine are 08/09 I find they are flexing out. A 100m last will exacerbate this issue. The ankle bulge when flexing wil also make the boot roomy with hard use. So fitting this boot properly, ie tightly enough, is my first concern.

Second, I'd be a little worried about getting another boot at around the same flex as the 08/09 Ghost given that I am flexing out the 08/09 Ghost in 1.5 seasons. I'm surprised they didn't make this boot STIFFER than the Factor, as for most people who ride the Factor, general feedback is for an everyday boot it's not stiff *enough*... sure it might be fine for up to, say 112mm underfoot, but I really notice the lack of stiff when driving something 120mm underfoot.

Overall, I am tempted to give this boot a shot regardless as a replacement for the Ghost despite everything.

\
Alkasquawlik, are you reading all this.. ?
Your thoughts .. ?

[robnow]

- Flex pattern. Like (most) touring boots, with a hard forward flex the lower shell around the ankles bulges out, thus increasing volume in the forefoot.

- Soles. The AT/Dynafit sole is not a lug sole, meaning that it is a DIN sole with tech inserts, and you pay an extra $100 for it. I think this is a poor decision, as (1) an AT sole should have a rockered lug sole (Vibram etc) and (2) it shouldn't cost $100 more; for example the Dynafit Titan includes both AT and DIN soles.

I'm a heavier/stronger guy and I thought the stiffness on this boot is quite adequate. I did get a bit of bulge as KP puts it but thought it was fairly minimal. When I try something like a Nordica Jah Love/Blower which claims a 130 flex, now that has big time bulge/deformation, this boot not so much, enough that I don't think it would be a concern. My normal boot is a Garmont Shaman which is a stiff 130 flex and I'm over overly stiff boots, probably even going to get Shamans softenned up(been debating this now for three seasons). I tried Titans on in the fall and if I remember correctly felt softer, should try them again to compare.

KP, are you sure about the soles? Did you see Carlos' pair with the lugged bottoms? I only had a quick look but the tread looked nice an aggresive to me, rubberized throughout, no DIN(flat areas). Agreed about the expense, $100, wtf? But at least $600 for the boot is a competetive price.

As for fit, I'm used to 98mm last boots, but always get them punched big time along the 6 toe(5th metatarsal??). This boot felt really roomy around the toe box which I like, and felt just right on width...out of the box, but as Kyber suggested, ANY packing out and it would get sloppy. Otherwise fit felt good for me, great hold in the heel.

Waiting to see what Atomic's offering is going to be like, theres a photo floating around here somewhere, claiming a 130 flex. The pic calls it the Atlas but in the catalogue I believe they call it Reactor 130.

Edit:KP, maybe you're right about the soles. Looking at a side profile pic, they don't look as thick as Scarpa's lugged bottoms (comparing Mobe vs Quest).

[butterscotch]

There's a little write up on the Salomon Quest Pro/Pebax over at feed the habit. It says 101-mm last and 3.86 lbs per boot (!!).

[khyber.pass]

KP, are you sure about the soles? Did you see Carlos' pair with the lugged bottoms? I only had a quick look but the tread looked nice an aggresive to me, rubberized throughout, no DIN(flat areas). Agreed about the expense, $100, wtf? But at least $600 for the boot is a competetive price.

I didn't see Carlos' pair. The beta on the sole was from Alex, but perhaps he wasn't sure what I meant.

Would be nice if the AT sole was fully lugged.

That said, given what I want to use these boots for, I'd probably wouldn't bother with tech inserts. I'd stick to an overall lighter setup when using Dynafits, ie proper touring boots. These boots would be for my Dukes or Fritschis.

Think I might pop in today to check'em out. I don't think any backdoor deals will be happening on these till next season, so I might just have to bite the bullet.

Would be sweet to compare to Atomic & Dalbello's offerings mind you.

[khyber.pass]

Np. lugged sole, see below, however this is the Pro model (Pebax) and I'm not sure if there's any difference with the PU model in terms of available AT sole.

I would gather the PeBax model is more expensive too.

What's the difference between the Pro and PeBax models?

[Skidog]

Np. lugged sole, see below, however this is the Pro model (Pebax) and I'm not sure if there's any difference with the PU model in terms of available AT sole.

I would gather the PeBax model is more expensive too.

What's the difference between the Pro and PeBax models?

This is the boot that the original thread was started about. I didnt see the tech fittings as PHALL was testing in DIN Alpine binders.

I know that these are the ones as they are sitting in my garage. Damn people with elfin feet though..I cant fit...Grrrrrr...

[skiingsamurai]

I know that these are the ones as they are sitting in my garage. Damn people with elfin feet though..I cant fit...Grrrrrr...

What is the typical fit of a solly boot? Im in the market for new ones and havent tried them on in ages

[Alkasquawlik]

So Khyber, I can't really give a full review because I have only skied this boot twice. Not that I haven't wanted to it's just that I'm in love with my Ghosts, was injured for about 3 weeks earlier this season and have been filming almost non-stop since I got back on skis. So testing new boots while filming has been out of the question.

But, my take on them is that they felt like damn solid ski boots. Simple as that. I skied one day last year in Mammoth on them and found them unbelievably comfortable and solid at any speed. I really found no problems with their downhill capabilities. For personal preference I don't prefer the slightly more upright stance than the Ghost but other than that the boots were great.

On the touring side, I can't really comment because I haven't toured in them, nor have I ever skied in other touring boots. But they're comfortable and light and have walk mode, so I don't see any problems there.

But anyways, since that was one damn lame review, I'll try to get Rick Armstrong to comment on them here. He helped develop them and has been skiing them for almost a year now.

[mntlion]

What is the typical fit of a solly boot? Im in the market for new ones and havent tried them on in ages

like any brand, they make many different shapes. from 95mm X3 lab race boots, 98mm ghost/falcon, 100mm impact/idol and this new boot, 102mm ??, 104mm missionRS.

not that this is unique to salomon, just about all companies have a full run of volumes.

[khyber.pass]

Yo, so in the time between first posting here today and now, I've bought the 26.5s.

Of interest, I sized down a full size from Ghost 27.5s. Reason being the Quest shell is 3mm longer at the same boot size. So I went from a 315 to a 308.

The 26.5 is tight, and my big toe punches hard out of the liner. But there's just enough room to make it work. In the end I went for a tighter fit which I can mod with punches/grinds rather than a 3mm longer 27.5 that is also 3mm wider or so all the way around (98mm last vs 101mm.. or whatever it is). To go with the same size was already too comfortable in the shop and over a few minutes I could wiggle my foot in unacceptable ways... too much slop.

The walk mode in the boot is surprisingly good (for what it is) and unlike the Factor it goes back past 90, though it's stiff. The Quest 12 model (PU plastic) doesn't come with touring hooks on the buckles, which is unfortunate (the one in the picture does). There's no reason to leave these off IMO. But regardless, the boot does go into a decent enough tour mode.

As for forward flex, the boot has a decent bit of forward flex and has some pop to it. We'll see how this translates on the hill. The liner comes with a removable shoelace-style BOA system that I have to try out but will undoubtedly use as I quite like the BOA system on the Ghost.

The powerstrap is decent, quite large, and has some rubberized stretch, though only a single pull, so not quite a Booster in design. The strap also has some designy-looking shapes carved out of it near the back screw that worry me, as it reduces the strength of the strap, and I often find the strap gets caught in things.. anyway I just hope it doesn't tear at that point.

The rear walk mechanism is interesting in design, basically a metal flange that pops in/out. When in, the flange keeps the boot locked forward with the bottom of the flange keeping pressure against an inset notch carved into the boot's shell. When flipped out for touring, the flange pops out and the cuff is able to move backwards. Apparently this has been in use for two years getting the boot right, so it works well and hopefully we won't see Factor-style issues with the lever. That said, snow buildup with wet snow in the flange inset could be an issue. We'll see how that rolls.

More words once I get them out for a good few days.;p

cheers /.

[mntlion]

I'll have to call salomon and see if they have any 25's avail to our store....

$600 CND retail?

[khyber.pass]

$600 sale price. MSRP is $670.

[skiingsamurai]

i havent been to a real shop all season, are these coming to the states (seattle) soon?

[skierrick]

FUll disclosure - This is Rick Armstrong and I ride for Salomon. I am biased for good reason. Salomon is the real deal with one intention of making the best gear possible based on what real skiers want. My job with them is to test gear and innovate new ideas and connect with the ski community to find out what we need to provide to the hardcore skiers out there - I love my job!!!!

I have been testing and working on the Quest boot for the last year. I think I have more days on these than anybody. I was forwarded to this thread by my bro Cody Townsend (serious ripper and passionate skier) .

Here is the skinny on the Quest Boots.
1) Why so many boots and what are the differences.
The reason there are 6 versions of the boot is simple. Salomon has listened to us and has committed to making this boot series as complete as possible to
fit as many peoples needs as possible. This is not just a marketing product this is a "Quest" for the best AT capable alpine boots - period.
The 6 boots are below: (weight is based on a 26.5)
Here are the real specs:
Name - Color - Sizes Avail. - Flex - Last - Strap - Weight
Quest Pro Pebax - Grey/Black - 24.5-29.5 -110 - 101 - 45 - 1.75kg/3.86lbs
Quest Pro Brown/Black - 24.5-29.5 -110 - 101 - 45 - 1.9kg/4.19lbs
Quest 12 Orange/Black - 24 -29.5 -120 - 101 - 55 - 2.1kg/4.62lbs
Quest 10 Transluc. Grey/Black - 24 -29.5 -110 - 101 - 55 - 1.95kg/4.30lbs
Quest 8 Transluc. Silver /Black - 24 -29.5 - 90 - 101 - 45 - 1.75kg/3.86lbs
Quest Women Grey/Black - 24 -27.5 -110 - 101 - 45 - 1.75kg/3.86 lbs

All of the boots have a revolutionary v shaped lower cuff design that allows the walk mode while still keeping the rigidity and integrity of the boot intact while in ski mode. All boots also have specialized buckles that have been made as lightweight as possible while retaining strength.

Quest Pro Pebax : Intent - AT (Earn your turns) - Light Weight (and still ski like a real boot)
Comes with the Dynafit compatable touring pads (not the din pads), Comes with the Ultralight thermoformable liners (ALL of the others come with My Custom Fit Performance/BioVent Liners) Uses the Pebax (lightweight plastic) on the lower shell and Polylight cuff (Biggest difference between this and the Quest Pro)

Quest Pro - Intent - AT - Medium Weight - Comes with Touring Pads

Quest 12 - Intent - High Performance Alpine Boot with full AT capabilities.
This is the boot I have been wanting for 20 years. This is also the boot I am skiing everyday ( I have put more than 70 days on a pair of these) I can hit airs with these, ski big lines, race gates if I want. Tour the back-country and use Dynafits if you want. I spent three weeks in South America this last August and September skiing with Callum Pettit, Zach Giffen, and Kye Petersen (Sick rippers) and was able to ski these everywhere we went, also hit all the same lines and airs. Hit a couple of 30 to 40 Footers with no problems.
This boot comes with the Alpine (DIN) Toe and heel. You will have to buy the touring pads (which is what I am using every day) The cost is supposed to be $50 bucks! at retail. - Cheap for a refresher set when needed.
My take on AT boots is I prefer a boot that skis at a high performance level and tours well. I would rather sacrifice a little weight for better performance on the down than have a lightweight flimsy skiing boot.

Quest 10 Almost identicle to the Quest 12 with a softer flex of 110 vs 120. And a little lighter weight.

Quest 8 Softer and light5er yet with a 90 Flex.

Quest Women - Softer (80) and Sexy (Has faux fur on the liner)


Bottom line - Super Sick High Performance Alpine Boots with full AT capabilities. Very torsionally stiff and a variety of flex's .
Made by Salomon who knows how to make high quality (read durable) ,comfortable boots, that perform like they should.
In my opinion these are the best boots for what I do that have ever been made.
By the way - stay tuned we have more surprises to come.
Peace - Rick

[khyber.pass]

^^ Hey Rick, thanks for the info..!! Welcome to TGR.

Curious why the Quest 12 doesn't have touring latches on its buckles..?

In any case, stoked to get these boots out (tomorrow, methinks).

Nice South American trip btw, the footage I saw with Kye bootpacking those chutes in the volcano crater was damn impressive ...

[skierrick]

I have a 25.5, 26.5, 27.5 and a 28.5 in the Quest 12 and a 26.5 Pebax that I let people test. Why? I want to know how people like them and how they fit and perform for real skiers out there so that I can relay it back to the Salomon Boot guys. (Directly to the guys who make em') . So if you are in Jackson Hole this winter hit me with an email and I will try to set you up in trade for feed back. One problem- I am having a hard time getting them back from my friends who I've let use them - I guess thats good.
Cheers, Rick Armstrong

[This is me]

I heard the boot is stand up, not lean forward? Any truth?