1kg Boot thread

[Benneke10]

I do 80% of my touring on the 2015-2019 Atomic Backland Carbons, and after about 150 days they're nearing end of life (might get another full season out of them if I'm lucky, or another ~50 days). Any recommendations on a worthy successor? Criteria:

- Must ski at least as well as the 2015-2019 Backland Carbons (w/ Booster strap and Intuition Pro Tour liner). I think this rules out the new '20-'21 Backland Carbons and maybe also the Scarpa F1 LT.
- Must walk 80–90% as well as the '15-'19 Backland Carbons without tongues. Friction-free movement more important than total range of movement.
- Less fiddle factor than the old Backlands would be nice
- Available in a size 24.5, heat-moldable or punchable to accommodate wide 105mm feet. Ideally, a low-volume heel/ankle area (i.e. a little more snug around the achilles than the '15-'19 Backlands).
- Doesn't need to be compatible with Shift/Kingpin/Tecton

What should be on my radar?

Most lightweight touring boots have generous heel pockets but the 15-19 are larger than average.

The La Sportiva Skorpius CR is the closest you will get. Its one of the only boots that combines a low volume ankle with a wide forefoot. It does have a tight instep, so a bit unusual fit.

The Fischer Travers is wide-ish in forefoot and has a tigher heel than Scarpa and Dynafit, friction free walk and no fiddle, but it probably doesn't ski as well as the Backlands with tongues.

If you can live with an enormous heel pocket the TLT8 is an option

I haven't tried them on but I have heard the F1 LT has similar fit and improved skiing compared to the 15-19 Backlands

[kalisto]

Has anyone tried the F1 LT who has previously put on a Maestrale RS or XT? Curious how different the lower shell in compared to either of the latter. Hard to find the boot around these parts, so might have to order them. Both the RS and XT have fit my feet more or less perfectly, so I’m hoping the lower shell of the F1 LT is similar/the same(ish).

[V.R.P]

Most lightweight touring boots have generous heel pockets but the 15-19 are larger than average.

The La Sportiva Skorpius CR is the closest you will get. Its one of the only boots that combines a low volume ankle with a wide forefoot. It does have a tight instep, so a bit unusual fit.

The Fischer Travers is wide-ish in forefoot and has a tigher heel than Scarpa and Dynafit, friction free walk and no fiddle, but it probably doesn't ski as well as the Backlands with tongues.

If you can live with an enormous heel pocket the TLT8 is an option

I haven't tried them on but I have heard the F1 LT has similar fit and improved skiing compared to the 15-19 Backlands

Hold out and check the new Dalbello Quantum Free or Fischer TransAlp. They both look like they could fill that gap. I’m interested in both for the narrow last, simple buckles, no BOA mess, and simple walk mode mechanism.

[AKbruin]

Has anyone tried the F1 LT who has previously put on a Maestrale RS or XT? Curious how different the lower shell in compared to either of the latter. Hard to find the boot around these parts, so might have to order them. Both the RS and XT have fit my feet more or less perfectly, so I’m hoping the lower shell of the F1 LT is similar/the same(ish).

I've been skiing the Maestrale RSs since their inception in 2013 in both iterations and they fit me perfectly out of the box. Last month, I picked up some replacement liners for the Maestrales into which I moved my Superfeet cork insoles. The replacement liners seem super snug in the toe area of the Maestrales but are just beginning to comfortably pack out. Anyhow, that's the current basis for my comparison.

I've got 15-20 days on the F1 LTs in the same size (29.0) as the Maestrales. The toe box in the F1 LTs feels slightly shorter (toes touch the end) but otherwise bigger (much, much more toe wiggle room), which may be largely due to the custom insoles in my Maestrales. The forefoot of the F1 LTs, however, is narrower than the Maestrales, and I'm tempted to get F1 LTs very slightly pushed out. The liners of the F1 LT are significantly narrower than the Maestrales, and there's no way I could use my Maestrale cork insoles in them. But, other than the forefoot, the F1 LTs don't feel too narrow for my probably average-shaped feet.

Anyhow, I'm not a boot-fitter, but I'd order the same size F1 LT as your Maestrales. If anything, you might be able to go a half size up with the F1 LTs.

[Benneke10]

I don't get why lightweight boots fit *shorter* than heavier boots in the same size. Its so annoying, and most of them aren't much narrower, just shorter. I feel like if anything you would want a more aggressive fit in a beefier boot and more room in a light boot for long days? Compared to bigger boots like the Hawx XTD, ZGTP, and Maestrale, some of the most popular light boots like the F1 LT, Alien RS, Travers, X-Alp, Procline are so much shorter in the same size.

I should probably stop complaining and finally just get my toes punched out..

[kootenayskier]

Just snapped the cable/locking mechanism on my Salomon S-Lab X-Alps, and I can't imagine sourcing parts is going to be easy. Bummed that both Salomon and Arcteryx have discontinued their related versions of this boot, as for me nothing fits as well or is as perfectly suited to long tours as these pixie boots. I should have bought backups while I had the chance. To anyone holding 28.5 S-Lab X/Alps or Procline ARs (the 19/20s with the tongue) that crush your instep, I'll take em off your hands.

[Jongle]

The La Sportiva Skorpius CR is the closest you will get. Its one of the only boots that combines a low volume ankle with a wide forefoot. It does have a tight instep, so a bit unusual fit.

The Fischer Travers is wide-ish in forefoot and has a tigher heel than Scarpa and Dynafit, friction free walk and no fiddle, but it probably doesn't ski as well as the Backlands with tongues.

If you can live with an enormous heel pocket the TLT8 is an option

I haven't tried them on but I have heard the F1 LT has similar fit and improved skiing compared to the 15-19 Backlands

This is great info, thanks. I hadn't been considering either the La Sportiva or the Fischer, although the Fischer Travers seems to have a cult following. I'll see if I can find both to try on locally. The F1 LT is back on the list as well after reading a couple of reviews that have more favourable things to say re: skiability.

[kalisto]

I've been skiing the Maestrale RSs since their inception in 2013 in both iterations and they fit me perfectly out of the box. Last month, I picked up some replacement liners for the Maestrales into which I moved my Superfeet cork insoles. The replacement liners seem super snug in the toe area of the Maestrales but are just beginning to comfortably pack out. Anyhow, that's the current basis for my comparison.

I've got 15-20 days on the F1 LTs in the same size (29.0) as the Maestrales. The toe box in the F1 LTs feels slightly shorter (toes touch the end) but otherwise bigger (much, much more toe wiggle room), which may be largely due to the custom insoles in my Maestrales. The forefoot of the F1 LTs, however, is narrower than the Maestrales, and I'm tempted to get F1 LTs very slightly pushed out. The liners of the F1 LT are significantly narrower than the Maestrales, and there's no way I could use my Maestrale cork insoles in them. But, other than the forefoot, the F1 LTs don't feel too narrow for my probably average-shaped feet.

Anyhow, I'm not a boot-fitter, but I'd order the same size F1 LT as your Maestrales. If anything, you might be able to go a half size up with the F1 LTs.

Amazing. Thanks.

They only come in full sizes IIRC, so might have to go up 1 shell size with these. the Maestrales seems to fit my paddle feet pretty well.

[Lord Thomas]

OK, in this new 1kg boot universe, which is the stiffest? I ask because I recently tried on an atomic backland pro or xprt, whichever is the next one down from the carbon, and to be honest I didn't feel much difference in forward flex between walk and ski mode. Quantum asolo wasn't much different...and the Quantum didn't fit my foot or leg worth a shit anyway. Neither of these boots would be skiable for me. Would the backland carbon, or F1 lt, or new Traverse, or some other be better? Or do I just have to accept that at my tender 5'11" and 220lb I'm going to have to start at the 1,300 g class boots? Currently in XTD 130's and have no complaints about skiability it's just that they weigh in at just over 1,500 g ready to go. Fully realize that the 1kg boots won't be as capable but they at least need to be a little bit skiable.

[cravenmorhead]

I was unhappy with carpet testing the Backland and the TLT7s; I felt like I could easily drive through all of the flex. I liked the F1s more, and like the F1LTs much more. You'll still need to ski more balanced than in your XTDs, but there are stiffer light boots than what you've tried.

[dcpnz]

As you seem to acknowledge its not reasonable to ask or expect a 1kg boot to flex or ski like a 1500g boot. If you want the efficiency of a 1kg boot for the up (partly weight but mostly ease and range of movement) then you’re going to have to adapt your skiing and be realistic about what a boot can do. For sure thats easier for me @ 160lbs than LT @ 220. If you’re waiting for a 1kg boot that skis like an XTD 130 you’re going to wait a long time and be frustrated. If your view is that these boots are “unskiable” then yeah you should be looking in the 1300g class or higher.

[jacob_dbu]

OK, in this new 1kg boot universe, which is the stiffest? I ask because I recently tried on an atomic backland pro or xprt, whichever is the next one down from the carbon, and to be honest I didn't feel much difference in forward flex between walk and ski mode. Quantum asolo wasn't much different...and the Quantum didn't fit my foot or leg worth a shit anyway. Neither of these boots would be skiable for me. Would the backland carbon, or F1 lt, or new Traverse, or some other be better? Or do I just have to accept that at my tender 5'11" and 220lb I'm going to have to start at the 1,300 g class boots? Currently in XTD 130's and have no complaints about skiability it's just that they weigh in at just over 1,500 g ready to go. Fully realize that the 1kg boots won't be as capable but they at least need to be a little bit skiable.

I would say there's a huge difference between the top-of-the-line carbon models and the lower ones. The lower end Atomic Backlands are soft as hell. Splitboarders use them for hardboot splitboarding tells you all you need to know.

I ride the Quantum Asolo Factory and there is no way the walk and ski mode feel the same. The walk mode loosens the top cuff simultaneously...

[Tailwind]

What’s the biggest ski it’s reasonable to press with some Alien Rs boots? I just picked up a pair and I’m new to lightweight boots.

What about a 4frnt raven in a 177 (or even 184cm). I’m about 6’2” and 160lbs.

I might just skip the Raven and go with a 1200 gram ski but I’m curious what consensus is.

[Benneke10]

What’s the biggest ski it’s reasonable to press with some Alien Rs boots? I just picked up a pair and I’m new to lightweight boots.

What about a 4frnt raven in a 177 (or even 184cm). I’m about 6’2” and 160lbs.

I might just skip the Raven and go with a 1200 gram ski but I’m curious what consensus is.

The answer to this question varies wildly based on conditions and who you ask

[Tailwind]

This is a great answer and makes me lean toward ‘probably a bad idea’.

The answer to this question varies wildly based on conditions and who you ask

[plugboots]

The answer to this question varies wildly based on conditions and who you ask

Exactly. I've been doing some back to back runs with my 196 Lhasas w/ Cochise 130's w/ Tectons followed by my 190 Praxis Carbon BC's with ATK's and TLT5P's.
I basically slam my shins into the Cochise and see how hard I can drive them, or I stand up and try to plow through everything. I can't do either technique with the lighter set-up.
So what. It's different, but it's not at all worse. I also get a kick at seeing actually how much the lighter set-up can actually do. The main place the lighter set-up falters is the frozen chicken or hard bump crap, which I rarely get in the BC anyway. If I get it, I just go slow and pick my way, BFD.

[XXX-er]

i used to drive big skis with boots that sucked and were not stiff enough in general

but back then we called it Telemark

[plugboots]

AT stands for: after telemark.

[XXX-er]

you can stay in touch with suck by using a 1kg boot instead of going for the next category of boots that would drive pretty much any ski in any conditions

[Tailwind]

I have some Hoji Free’s that are 1520 grams... going to a 1300 gram boot seemed redundant hence the Alien RS as a second boot. I wish the F1 Lt fit me as well but it doesn’t.

I was mainly asking wondering if I could use Ravens with the Aliens occasionally but it seems like that won’t work.

I guess I’ll just embrace the crappy skiing ultralight stuff fully.

you can stay in touch with suck by using a 1kg boot instead of going for the next category of boots that would drive pretty much any ski in any conditions

[riff]

Ravens with Aliens= no problem, if the snow is good. If you want them to drive through bad snow like a heavy boot, less likely to be happy. I used my Aliens with everything up to a 117 waist this season and was happy, if my expectations and the snow quality were aligned.
If it’s crap snow and you want to go downhill fast, more boot will be required.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[CirqueScaler]

So what. It's different, but it's not at all worse. I also get a kick at seeing actually how much the lighter set-up can actually do. The main place the lighter set-up falters is the frozen chicken or hard bump crap, which I rarely get in the BC anyway. If I get it, I just go slow and pick my way, BFD.

I back this mentality. Talking to some people, you would think that you put a light ski + boot onto anything but corn and the setup melts into the ground. Definitely can't ski as if you're on a charger resort setup, but IME you can still have a lot of fun.

Cool experiment.

[Tailwind]

Got it.

I think I need to just try a couple pairs of light skis and feel things out. Seems like there is a lot of preference for boot / ski combos.

It seems like the better pairing is a lighter ski.. but Ravens might be workable in good snow.

Ravens with Aliens= no problem, if the snow is good. If you want them to drive through bad snow like a heavy boot, less likely to be happy. I used my Aliens with everything up to a 117 waist this season and was happy, if my expectations and the snow quality were aligned.
If it’s crap snow and you want to go downhill fast, more boot will be required.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[riff]

Ravens are full rocker, right? That’s a good thing for lighter boots too, I feel like the need to drive the tips is less important on full rocker. Light boots seem to have plenty of torsional stiffness now, so if you’re pivoting/surfing/working the ski from a neutral stance, that’s ok.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[Climber Joe]

I recently stuck my foot in the tlt 8, and it might be the only 1kg boot i've ever been able to wear, excluding my travers carbons, which I fold when skiing.

I plan on buying and adding tons of extra foam around the ankle.