The Atomic Ski Boot Thread

[Jack Burton]

Hi & thanks for starting this thread @onenerdykid !

The Hawx Ultra XTD v2 looks great, has there been any change to beef up the rear tech fitting? I've been on the prior version for ~ three seasons and the fit/skiability combo fits me well but i've had issues with the rear tech fitting.

I had the V1 ~2018 model and snapped the screw holding the rear tech fitting twice. Last spring I got the ~ 2021 version and after ~ 20 days on tech and ~ 20 on shifts the rear tech fitting is coming loose, I'm hearing that should replace the screw and epoxy the tech fitting in place. All tech skiing was with Atomic/Solly MTN binding if it matters :-). If you have any fixes to keep the rear tech fitting in place I'd be stoked to hear/try them, cheers!

[onenerdykid]

Hi & thanks for starting this thread @onenerdykid !

The Hawx Ultra XTD v2 looks great, has there been any change to beef up the rear tech fitting? I've been on the prior version for ~ three seasons and the fit/skiability combo fits me well but i've had issues with the rear tech fitting.

I had the V1 ~2018 model and snapped the screw holding the rear tech fitting twice. Last spring I got the ~ 2021 version and after ~ 20 days on tech and ~ 20 on shifts the rear tech fitting is coming loose, I'm hearing that should replace the screw and epoxy the tech fitting in place. All tech skiing was with Atomic/Solly MTN binding if it matters :-). If you have any fixes to keep the rear tech fitting in place I'd be stoked to hear/try them, cheers!

Same tech inserts as before. Honestly, I have no idea what could be causing it. It's something we've never been able to replicate on our own. I've only heard about a handful of these issues, all with PA/Grilamid boots though. Never on any PU models- Ultra XTD or Prime XTD. So maybe there's some link between better screw retention and PU.

[GoldenBC]

I wonder if it’s brakeless MTNs or not. Brakeless could put a lot of force on the fitting since you’re hanging on the pins.

[oltrepiave]

I wonder if it’s brakeless MTNs or not. Brakeless could put a lot of force on the fitting since you’re hanging on the pins.

i probably have 100ish days running brakeless MTN with ultra xtd (all-black version from last season).
i have never noticed any issues. I have also ran the whole setup with the dynafit beast inserts (removed them this season) through simply adjusting the tech gap (by a couple mm).

The whole situation sounds like either some subtle wear-and-tear or tech gap not set correctly.

[LeeLau]

I had the V1 ~2018 model and snapped the screw holding the rear tech fitting twice. Last spring I got the ~ 2021 version and after ~ 20 days on tech and ~ 20 on shifts the rear tech fitting is coming loose, I'm hearing that should replace the screw and epoxy the tech fitting in place. All tech skiing was with Atomic/Solly MTN binding if it matters :-). If you have any fixes to keep the rear tech fitting in place I'd be stoked to hear/try them, cheers!

Three Ultra XTD v1s in the family. Two are mine and one are Sharons. I've also broken one screw holding tech fitting in. Just noticed it for "spare" boot so it happened sometime this season. Used the spare boot on Shifts and Vipecs.

Other boots are fine

I wonder if it’s brakeless MTNs or not. Brakeless could put a lot of force on the fitting since you’re hanging on the pins.

[Jack Burton]

THANK YOU FOR THE INPUT

Brakeless MTN - yes

Tech gap - IMO the scarring on the binding where ~ the tech fitting strikes the binding between the pins equals sufficient contact to cause shit. My local shop has treated me well for ~ 20 years, has a great reputation and has checked and rechecked the gap. Pics below of the binding where the boot contacts between the pins, not sure if the scarring is egregious or normal?



[QUOTE=LeeLau;6843265]Three Ultra XTD v1s in the family. Two are mine and one are Sharons. I've also broken one screw holding tech fitting in. Just noticed it for "spare" boot so it happened sometime this season. Used the spare boot on Shifts and Vipecs. [/QUOTE

Between us Gracie Law & I have had three pair of Ultra XTD as well. We have gotten better about making sure the screw is tight and I'm using shifts some days but we are nursing the 2020 & 2021 versions along and tightening the screws every ~ 4 - 6 days of skiing on both pair. If I'm understanding correctly the V2 will be full PU and the V1 was not full PU?

[LeeLau]

Correct. V1 had Grilamid/Polyamid

[Jack Burton]

Sweet!

[samp]

I have a pair of the 22/23 Hawx Prime 130 and had a couple of questions on the power shift bar:

1. To make the boot less stiff, I think I should remove the upper bolt?
2. I'd like to try reducing forward lean to 13 deg from the standard 15. I think I read somewhere (but can't find the reference) that this requires placing a shim on the bolt inside the shell? If so anyone know what size as I don't think I got any with the boots.

Thanks!

[onenerdykid]

I have a pair of the 22/23 Hawx Prime 130 and had a couple of questions on the power shift bar:

1. To make the boot less stiff, I think I should remove the upper bolt?
2. I'd like to try reducing forward lean to 13 deg from the standard 15. I think I read somewhere (but can't find the reference) that this requires placing a shim on the bolt inside the shell? If so anyone know what size as I don't think I got any with the boots.

Thanks!

To make the boot less stiff, remove the top screw & internal claw nut. This will make the initial part of the flex pattern, the "off the top" feel, a little softer and less direct.

The required 13° shim comes in the box, with the boots. If you didn't get that, then you should speak with the retailer. They most likely have a bunch kicking around.

[samp]

Thanks very much Matt, will check with the shop.

[Skiwurrel]

pondering something, just saw some 28 backlands non-boa pop up in gearswap, I have a 27.5 hawx that is the best touring boot I've had for gnarlier stuff but is just a bit too small in length....worth it to swap out? I don't find hawx flex super consistent but it is stiff enough and solid holds heel well, I am a backseat chargey loose cannon but looking for good steeps boot and I can't resist some airs either... will I sacrifice much going to backlands?

thanks for info I am too busy/lazy to search and compare a shitton

[onenerdykid]

pondering something, just saw some 28 backlands non-boa pop up in gearswap, I have a 27.5 hawx that is the best touring boot I've had for gnarlier stuff but is just a bit too small in length....worth it to swap out? I don't find hawx flex super consistent but it is stiff enough and solid holds heel well, I am a backseat chargey loose cannon but looking for good steeps boot and I can't resist some airs either... will I sacrifice much going to backlands?

Honestly- yes. Navigating touring boots = navigating compromises. You choose a boot like Backland (or any boot from the ~1kg category) because it places more emphasis on uphill mobility & touring efficiency but still has decent power for the down (max 110 flex). All of these ~1kg boots require YOU to do more of the work on the down and backseat, chargey, loose cannon that can't resist taking airs will mean you are doing a lot of the work. Backland isn't a replacement for a Hawx XTD - it's a complement for a different type of touring. Don't get a downcountry/XC bike when you should be on an enduro bike.

[oetk2]

Hey Matt, any idea when boots will start being available for purchase direct on the atomic site? Planning my purchase for this fall and trying to figure out if a shop or direct is best.

[onenerdykid]

Hey Matt, any idea when boots will start being available for purchase direct on the atomic site? Planning my purchase for this fall and trying to figure out if a shop or direct is best.

I'm not entirely sure if Atomic Canada (or Atomic US for the matter) are selling direct yet...?

Even if they were, there is no substitute for buying your boots from someone who can assess your foot, assess your biomechanics, assess your foot inside the shell, and how you flex the boot. Buying from a shop will usually get you some sort of fit guarantee as well, where the shop will customize the boot for you (either free or discounted) for period of time. Buying your boots online and taking them to a fitter is an option, but can end up being more expensive in the long run. Whenever possible, try to get to a boot fitter rather than buying online.

[oetk2]

Atomic Canada so far has everything marked as "not available on atomic.com"

Completely agree, I've been to a shop and paid for an assessment and tried on a bunch of boots with a bootfitter. Only issue is the shop is a few hours away so trying to figure out what's best in terms of cost/distance/etc. But if there is no plan or timeline to buy direct then the answer is pretty straightforward.

[optics]

ONK, do you have any insight on inventory forecasts for the mimic pro liners? Are they going to be available separate from complete boots this season?

[onenerdykid]

ONK, do you have any insight on inventory forecasts for the mimic pro liners? Are they going to be available separate from complete boots this season?

Countries are now receiving their 23/24 stock, so things should be all good at the moment.

Liners are now only available on their own: there are no complete boots this time around.

[phatboy64]

Countries are now receiving their 23/24 stock, so things should be all good at the moment.

Liners are now only available on their own: there are no complete boots this time around.

Interesting, so there is no CS130 pro anymore?

[onenerdykid]

Interesting, so there is no CS130 pro anymore?

Nope. Shops don't want to sell complete boots because whatever flex we offer is the wrong flex for their customers.

Being a liner-only program allows for more flexibility. Just like every other aftermarket liner now.

[alpinevibes]

Matt - I've been trying to google the story on this boot, but I don't feel like I've nailed it down. Is it the same as the '22 Backland Pro?

https://www.levelninesports.com/prod...%3D26%252F26.5

[onenerdykid]

Matt - I've been trying to google the story on this boot, but I don't feel like I've nailed it down. Is it the same as the '22 Backland Pro?

https://www.levelninesports.com/prod...%3D26%252F26.5

General PSA about model years and ski boots - need to use fall year & winter year. In the link are the 21/22 Backland Pro boots with the M-series BOA system. For 22/23, we kept the same shell & cuff but switched to cable/buckle combo (called Cross Lace) and beefed up the liner a bit (as much as one can in a ~1kg boot).

[alpinevibes]

General PSA about model years and ski boots - need to use fall year & winter year. In the link are the 21/22 Backland Pro boots with the M-series BOA system. For 22/23, we kept the same shell & cuff but switched to cable/buckle combo (called Cross Lace) and beefed up the liner a bit (as much as one can in a ~1kg boot).

Gotcha, many thanks

[sf]

Been looking at alternatives to my Zero G Scouts, which I just don' like that much. Fit is decent, but it's a bit too upright and a bit too wide around calf.
Have been looking at the 4-quattros, but the instep is a bit low.

Picked up a pair of 22/23 Hawx Ultras on a sale, and liked the fit out of the box. And that got me a bit more interested in the Backland XTD Carbon 120. Anybody with some experience on them yet?

And ONK; seem to remember that the lack of a narrower last was mentioned in one of the Blister podcasts. 100mm isn't a deal-breaker, but a more LV option in the future could be interesting.

[kootenayskier]

Shopping for LV a touring boots for my wife. She’s in 95mm Dobermans for the resort, and has hated every touring boot (currently in Lange XT 110 LVs) she’s owned this far. She just tried on the new HAWX ULTRA XTD 115 BOA W GW, and in the shop they’re feeling better than anything she’s tried previously. They’re heavier and have less of a stride (still better than her Lange’s) than ideal for a 100% touring boot, but until there’s a LV version of the BACKLAND XTD CARBON 115 W, they might be the way to go.