2025 Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW Ski Boot Review with SkiEssentials.com
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- Опубликовано: 31 июл 2024
- The Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW sure has a long name, but it's packed full of a lengthy list of technology too. While not quite as powerful as a true alpine boot, it's far more versatile and an excellent option for those who lean more towards off-piste skiing in general.
Written Review: www.skiessentials.com/Chairli...
0:00 - Intro
1:45 - See a Boot Fitter
2:45 - Shell Features
10:15 - Liner Features
14:20 - Our Experience
15:15 - Touring Performance
17:40 - Powder and Off-Piste Performance
21:10 - Firm Snow and On-Piste Performance
24:30 - Alpine Boot Comparisons
26:10 - Touring Boot Comparisons
27:50 - Technology and Price
29:30 - Talking BOA
34:55 - Final Thoughts
I wanna drink beer and talk about ski gear for hours with these guys 😅
About the only thing missing from your review is a comparison to the gen 1 boot. I for one think this gen 2 blows the gen 1 away for performance. I actually fit perfectly into this boot out of the box, if anything its a little wide for me. So someone with a very narrow foot will love this boot. Atomic makes their boots in 5 different widths, wide, medium, narrow (98), consumer race narrow (96 last) and FIS race narrow (plug, 92-95) Pick the boot that's slightly too tight for your foot and heat mold it to expand it to a perfect snug and comfortable fit. The beauty of Atomic boots. The mimic liner molds to your ankle/shin contour as well to really lock you in. Mike Manser, the Atomic Ski Boot Product Manger is doing some great work with their products. Really enjoyed the review and felt like you hit every nail squarely on the head.
I picked up a pair of these in a 26.5 size because that is my size in the Nordica HF110s I bought last year for comfort. In comparison these are very, very, VERY tight to the point that I can barely get the buckle clasp to meet. As an ex-racer, I have HUGE calves so this is a common issue for me in most boots. For the past 8 years I have been wearing a 27.5 Atomix HawX 130s for racing and on-piste but find my heel coming up so I thought I could step down to the 26.5 size for these. I now feel that I may have made a mistake to the point that I have left them in the cardboard box at home rather than taking them with me to the last two ski trips.
Epilogue: I was typing all of that as I watched this video. Your comments at the end gave me comfort that this might be the right size after all if I can just get the top buckles to reach. Does Atomic or a 3rd-party make any buckle extensions I could use with this boot?
I'm curious what shoe size you normally wear?
@@ssoffshore5111 It's not the size but the instep. Mine is quit high and I just discovered that I can't even get my left foot into the boot due to the shell being in the way so while I could get one boot on, I can't even get the other on ...AT ALL. I measure slightly over 9.5 US or a Euro 43. I have been racing in Atomic 130 HawX 27.5 shell for the past 8 years but the Nordica HF110 fits me PERFECTLY in the 26.5 size. I used to be a nationally-ranked water skier back in the day so I have HUGE calves. I literally can NOT get the upper buckles to even reach the clasp on the other side of the shell even AFTER moving the buckle to the farthest extent. Same with the 26.5 in these boots on the one that I can get on my foot so I am going to have to swap out to a 27.5 size
There should be/might be another notch to move the upper buckles over. Should be a pretty easy move with the right tool.
I think Bob's "Hard hitting questions" should be on every segment.
I think I may have missed my calling as an investigative journalist.
Did you try the gnar bar on hard snow? Do you think it would improve the boot's carving performance?
We did not try the Gnar Bar! I imagine it'll up the rear rigidity and improve the carving performance.
Really interesting take on the cross over performance.
I charge hard, primarily carve, and have no interest in the back country, but specifically bought a hybrid boot only for the walk mode, which to me makes such a difference walking to and from the car in my boots, letting my legs relax when eating or drinking at lunch, or even between runs just popping the heel lock for a more relaxed lift.
Wonder how much I am losing out on performance because of it.
Don’t have a comparison point bc I haven’t skied an alpine boot in 10 years, took quite the break between 18 and 28 and bought hybrid when I came back.
Only thing I struggle to carve cleanly is black runs, but my guess would be that’s me not my boot!
I have a K2 mindbender 120LV. Would you consider that on the touring side or the alpine side of a hybrid?
Another great video guys!
The Boots certainly fall into the light weight and hybrid section, and this is not going to be the best option for everyone for everything. The K2 falls on the alpine side of hybrid.
@@SkiEssentials awesome thanks for the reply and reference point!
Not sure how much the liner changed from -22-23 boot, but it does pack out some.
Also, the toebox is thinned, and rather flexible, so there's some give.
For me, it was a pretty good fit out of rhe box, but took good 4 days to pack it out. After that we did the heat molding to the liner, to optimize the fit. Did not do world of difference, but for example the plastic parts on the cuff molded nicely into shape, and the heel filled some gaps.
These are completely different boots from the 22-23 model. I have the 22-23 and am really sad about it they do not feel like they have the downhill prowess that these new boots do.
@@lincolndepagnier360 for me the 23-23 boot feels like pretty capable dowhill boot, in it's own right. To me it seems to come down with how you dial the boot according to the current conditions.
To that remark, I was first put to the 120 flex boot, but since I already was in a 120 alpine boot at the time, we directly went to 130 on the XTD. The liner was different between the two, as the 120 liner seemed to have thicker padding.
And with the 130 XTD, on most resort days, I feel I benefit from wearing a tad thicker socks. Not that they still are so thick that I would even call them "thick", but rather medium thickness, if that.
I love these in depth videos. Are you guys ever planning on doing a Zipfit review? I ask as many talk about their durability and I am buying new boots this winter. It's between this and a Tecnica Cochise + Zipfit....
I think next year will be our Zipfit year. We tried to do it this year but just ran out of time.
What would be pretty cool would be having Jeff ski the Atomic Hawk Xtds for say 100 days then comparing the Mimic liners fit after that period (to see how much they’ve packed out) and then test the Zipfits and in the same shell .
So a VERY long term test! I like it!@@steffanadams936
Should the flex of your boot match the type of ski you are using? Would a stiffer boot be wasted on an intermediate level ski? I just got a pair of Stance 84's and was told by a local boot fitter that a stiffer boot would overpower those skis. Any thoughts on that?
Ski boot flex is a lot more specific to the skier than the ski. Factors include skier weight, leg length, ankle flexibility, general aggressiveness, and personal preference. I ski the Stance 84 in a stiff 130 flex boot with no problems whatsoever.
hi guys, do the cuff alignment go beyond the standard 1-2 degrees on these? If not, any recommendation on boots with greater range of cuff alignment? thanks!
Because of the frictionless pivot design, they do not have cuff alignment. Most touring/hybrid boots fit into this category, and even then, very few alpine boots have additional cuff alignment built in to the shell/cuff interface. You may have to explore some type of shimming at the upper cuff area to increase the angles.
Love your review and your relaxed video.
If I understand you guys right you don’t recommend molding the liner at home. I done it before with other boots. It’s no rocket science.
Just wonder if you know what temperature Atomic recommend and for how long. Guess I can google it, but still..
Thanks
I suppose we just don't want people shoving their new liners in their ovens and then blaming us for a severe meltdown! At our bootshop, I believe the oven we use gets to 165 and we run it for about 12 minutes.
Question for Jeff: What's your measured foot size/length and last in mm?
I'm debating on trying 24.5. Unfortunately I have no access to a boot fitter and would have to order online.
Based on a video you did from 2018 How to Try on Ski Boots, I downsized last year from Nordica FireArrow F1 26.5 to Dalbello AS DX 100 25.5 with 100mm last(102 at 26.5). My foot measures 256mm/95mm without a sock. Despite the 5mm foot vs boot size last they actually restricted circulation until the liner packed out. I have no medial/lateral rotation or horizontal movement within the boot; standing straight my toes push into or past the liner but pull back generously with the soft flex of the shell. I can easily curl/scrunch up my toes and feel I lack the control I should have. Perhaps adding foam to the upper toe box could help.
Thoughts/Comments/Suggestions? 🤔😎
Go see a PRO boot fitter...
@@n-da-bunka2650 that would involve 3 days travel or an expensive flight so it's not an option right now.
There will be a big drop in volume and length if you go from that Dalbello into this Atomic. I'd imagine that even in the 25.5, given your restriction of circulation, you will be pretty tight.
Any chance you guys have gotten your hands on the atomic prime boa yet? If you have, any initial thoughts? Just saw them and looking to purchase them
Not yet with the BOA. Been in the normal Prime and it kind of feels like many of the other Mid-Volume boots out there. I can't imagine the BOA changes the boot in different ways than our other experiences with the system.
Great review! Thank you guys! Jeff, could you compare instep height of the Hawx XDT to the ProMachine? Both boots are low volume but Atomics have pretty high instep. Am I wrong?
ProMachine is lower on the instep but tighter in the forefoot, especially the toe box. The Atomic is perfectly snug in the heel pocket.
@@SkiEssentials thanks a lot!
As for BC skiers who ski off piste knee to waist deep pow days that drop 10-20ft cliffs. Do you recommend this boot?
short answer is NO you would see BOA parts on Whitewall at Kicking Horse ....lol
I think there are limits to the amount of ruggedness you can expect from this boot. At some point, these mechanisms will fail, although I would say that the Boa will likely hold up better than the walk mode after a 20 foot drop.
hi, they fit perfect for me right from the box,which never happend to me before . Never been molded so , will Molding the liner get even more fit , better heel hold?
I would say that i bought them mostly because of BOA , had problem to find right boots because of really high arch ,even bootfitting didn't work for me ...and i can say that , they perfectly solve the problem , thanks
I wouldn't mold them if you're happy. Probably not much of a return in this case. If it works, I say stick right with it.
I had the liner molded for my 2023 boot after 5 days in it, and it did some minute changes to how the liner feels, but not a world of difference. The main changes for me was the liner cuff plastic pieces curved into shape to wrap my shin better, and also the tongue in my smaller foot boot shaped a bit onto the instep. The heels molded very minimally to shape.
It did not make a woirld of difference, but feel tiny bit more balanced between my feet. But also, I need to wear the insole shim in one boot, just to match the boots to my feet a bit better to begin with.
Will Bob try test this boot and give his review? Or is it done?
And does Jeff have a foot that fits a boot easily? Or , does this boot accommodate hard to fit feet?
This boot will not fit my high and fat foot. It's snug on Jeff, and that's usually a pretty good indication that it won't work for me. They do make the Prime MV in this boot, but I haven't tried it on yet.
How do these compare with the Alpine version Hawx Ultra 130?
Would the XTD version with the Gnar Bar fitted be about the same in terms of performance and flex?
They are different boots. The XTD uses a slightly lighter plastic and a different liner. I wouldn't say that if you had success in the XTD, that simply adding the Gnar Bar would make it 100% the same as the alpine version.
@@SkiEssentials Thank you. Actually I'm coming the other way, from the alpine boot and considering either the new version of the alpine boot (mine is the v1) or this XTD one, just not sure if it will be stiff enough. Plus also thinking about the lack of cuff alignment. Say we equalize the liner (I would use a foam injection molded liner in either boot), would you say still not comparable?
I don't do much touring to be honest. It'll be mostly inbounds, moguls, trees and some small jumps. The XTD would give the added option to go on a random short tour if the opportunity arises. Would it be less reliable/durable for the main use case given the walk mechanism/gnar bar, etc.?
Thanks.
@@luftens How much of a cuff alignment to you need? If it's integral to the fit and performance for you, then that might answer your questions pretty quickly. Some fitters can mold some alignment into the foam liner with removable shims--maybe worth a look/ask. I feel that if you ski resort without the gnar bar, you're living on borrowed time.
Hi guys, I have the Atomic Hawx Ultra 120 and I love them. The downside is I need to buckle them at the last dent for both foot buckles. Does the BOA provide better adjustment than regular buckles? If so, I think I will be looking for a BOA version of my boot when I'm due changing them.
The boot has to be the right size first--not saying yours isn't, but if you're constantly maxing out the buckles, it may be indicative of a larger problem. That said, I don't think there's much more room for Boa in an instance like this vs. buckles. If you go and try on some new boots, definitely try the Boa and see if you can tell a difference!
@@SkiEssentials Well they end up maxed out after a few rides so they are not maxed out at first although my feet are super snug. Seriously boots are a nightmare for me hahaha.
Thanks for the reply.
@@BabTheBabs sounds exactly like my boots years ago. When getting new boots, as a starting point, you shouldn't need to go up to the middle of the buckle ladder, in order for the boot to be (very) snug. After the boot packs out for 5-10 days, you'll go at least one notch tighter. And once the boot wears in, and also the buckles wear and strecth, you'll go up more notches.
If you are already maxed out with new boots, there is no adjustment left for future use.
For me, this happened first when I got too big boots in all possible ways: too long and too wide. The I was in too wide, but manageable boots for several seasons. Now with the Hawx XTD, I finally have the proper last boot as well.
Have you toured much in it? Asking because Jeff references the snug fit, hence I’m wondering if that translates into pain on a long tour. I’m sort of stuck between sizes: 28.5 is just too big to offer decent performance, whereas the 27.5 is SNUG. Now, snug is great for downhill performance; I’m just worried about the uphill. Thanks. Love this long form review btw
Thanks! Since that Utah trip, no touring. But it's tough to imagine going bigger for comfort here, especially since you get a lot more foot movement in an uphill setting. Having the liner fit close to the shell means less movement and more efficiency. Movement can cause more discomfort sometimes vs. tightness. It also depends on your level of foot sensitivity, which can only be answered by you.
@@SkiEssentials appreciate the response! Stoke y'all got the goods at Alta!
Great stuff guys. Looking at this to replace my Cochise 120 1st gens.
Does atomic make alpine soles for them? Prefer more precision and ability to use on any binding
@@chrisgravel7157 I don't think there's an alpine replacement here. The soles of these boots are glued on, so even getting a replacement touring sole is kind of a process. Atomic's website may provide insight if you search up boot accessories/parts.
Just a little comment on adjusting the lean angle. My expérience is with my wife's atomic bacland pro boots but they have the same lock lever as the hawx xtd. Changing the angle is trivial if you have the correct screwdrive: just change it unlocked. You do not have a half degree control on the angle, but otherwise it is easy.
a few extra comment/questions.
- durability : concerning - and I have seen you have answered part of it - durability I am really concernend, especially in an "hybrid" aka touring use : the boa system is proheminent just begging to hit a rock. First touring boots - scarpa f1 boa - had issue with durability : how will this bode the test of time ?
- hybrid vs.alpine. : again you answered... some of it. I am a ski tourer I have ski tourgin boot, so that is not a question of one pair of boots or not. Is this a viable second pair a boots for alpine/offpiste, having a light touring pair for touring ?Seems le limitations come more from gripwalk than from construction. I am more concernened with a too flexible boot. how does tha 130 xtd compare with a 110 pure alpine ? you did not dig into that ? fine, deep fresh snow is ok... but ain't it ok with any boot anyway ? Pure alpine boots are better on iced on piste. but what of the in-between ? I know, that is the unasnwerable question. but can I trade my 110 lpine boots for these, having pure tooring boots for touring ?
I feel like the Boa gets unfairly treated in the durability department. The cable is very robust and the dial is easy to pop back on if it ever comes off, but that seems to be very few and far between. This is the hope at any rate, as you note, time will tell. The plastic on the boot is quite stiff--I'd say more so than a 110 alpine, but you do lose some of that rigidity with the walk mode.
Are the soles replaceable on this boot? It would seem kind of scary to me that a boot like this doesn't have replaceable soles... I loved this boot in the shop, but am having second thoughts with a glued on sole.
They are glued on but replaceable. Needs to be done by a shop that's proficient in this technique.
I took a break from skiing for about 5 years and i got a pair of Cochise light , when i came back to it. I got it because i didn´t want to invest in two boots for piste and touring. After 3 years of skiing i am back skiing really good and for me they get two soft now when i carv hard even though they are 130 flex, but for touring and relexed on piste skiing they are awesome. If the Atomic are similar to the Cochise they are an awesome boot.
I'd say they're even a bit more precise and form-fitting than the Cochise ever has been, which is pretty high praise.
@@SkiEssentialshow would you compare the Hawx XTD (Prime) fit to the Cochise 130 HV?
And also skiing performance and walk mode flexibility if possible :)
Thanks in advance!
@@TheFLilk The Atomic feels more like a true hybrid boot while the Cochise feels more like an alpine boot with a walk mode. I do like the lockout of the Tecnica, although it's a bit tricky to turn the dial in cold/icy temps, but that's only in a touring situation.
@@SkiEssentials True hybrid as a better overall compromise for 50/50 use ? But the Cochise skis better ? How do you compare the fit ? Which one is likely better for a wide but fairly flat and low foot ?
Can you do a review of the apex boot?
I skied an Apex about 12 years ago or so and found it to be very interesting. From a comfort perspective, it was comfy. From a user friendliness standpoint, it was actually not that simple with the frame and the boot. From a performance lens, you had to stay pretty darn centered and be gentle with your pressures. You can roll the boot from side to side and get some decent carves, but the responsiveness is not what it is in an alpine boot. Perhaps they've made strides over the past decade, but I really couldn't speak to the recentness of advances.
My only issue with the BOA was getting into them. May just be the Salomon boots but man, getting the left one on is exhausting. I started really using the tongue as a wedge by pulling it forward to split the shell but it’s a bear especially if they’re cold.
I have the K2 Mindbender 120’s. Really comfortable but they didn’t hold up well for me. Not sure why or how but are flexing more like a 90 or something after about 50 days. Plus I can move the back too easily rearward. It’s why I decided to just stick with alpine + touring. Perhaps an overreaction to a bad experience.
So, I have had a similar experience with my two boa boots--the Salomon SPro 120 and the K2 Recon 130. I find that I have to pull the knob out and then give myself more slack in the cable to really open the throat of the boot. I was somewhat surprised that ease of entry and exit wasn't better than the buckle system. I think with any hybrid boot, there's going to be some loss of performance over time as the mechanisms can just wear down. I'd also check the pivots and make sure they're all tight.
@@SkiEssentialsYeah it’s bizarre. The cable is completely open and not under tension. I predict the new and improved version will be acclaimed for how easy it is to get into. Good boots otherwise.
I checked all the spinal parts on the K2 but seemed ok. Really inexplicable. I didn’t say before but I have a pair of Speedmachines that are excruciatingly painful but they were still stiff after 200 ish days?
What's the measurement of Jeff's foot? What's the last? How would Prime version fit?
260 mm in length, 100 mm wide in the forefoot. He seems to do just fine in this Ultra and I bet the Prime would feel roomy.
@@SkiEssentials he’s wearing a 245? I have the exact same measurement, but I’m wearing a 255 Atomic Prime. Maybe I should try down sizing
@@l-ll_lnGl2Y Yes 24.5. You should try on the smaller if possible.
@@SkiEssentials I'm curious how Jeff is able to slip into 15mm shorter mondo boot, and not having to heat mold it. I'd think the toes would feel pretty crammed?
Or is it years of pro feet being molded into boots? :)
@@lassivaatamoinen5468 Different people have different levels of sensitivity in their feet. There's not a whole lot more to it than that!
1100 CDN for a boot is insane
The 2024 models are selling for around $750 CDN as we near "spring" skiing season. At least that is what I paid for mine
We kind of tried to frame it as a boot for those that do both touring and resort skiing, ultimately saving you from having to buy two pairs of boots.
for its technology, i expect a better color scheme.
Hahah I know. It looks like a machine at my dentist. I didn’t like it either. But then I talked to an experienced boot fitter that said he thought they were super cool so I kind of changed my mind.
@@mogglie style and color is a subjective thing so if you like it, go for it! :)
To be honest, I actually find this scheme obnoxious appealing, plus the red details still making an Atomic.
They've made a huge mistake for a midweight touring boot, by making it 400g heavier than Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD's from 2 yrs ago. It now falls into the heavyweight occasional touring category. And gripwalk is rubbish for touring, if not everything, neither gripping nor walking particularly well.
And yet I love them - as do a few others I know. And… they’re sold out everywhere in the Park City area. Perhaps not the “huge mistake” you think it is?
Your comments had me laughing but can see how not being "super: light could be an issue for some. For me, I have a pair of Head KORE 105s which is where I lost a LOT of weight but I also have a pair of older Bonafide 187's with Marker Duke touring bindings so that particular setup is SO FREAKING heavy that it's almost un-usable but I sure to LOVE the Bonafides both on Piste for that fast long radius turns as well as it's decent in the POW due to the length
They based the change on the marketing fact that most people who got the boot ski it inbounds anyways, majority of the time.
@@lorenroot7667 - Sure, if you only ever use them to walk round the car park and do the occasional short tour, but they were originally position to compete with the likes of the Zero G @2.64kg, Maestrale RS @2.9kg, Cosmos @2.78kg, XT3 Tour @3.06kg and K2 Dispatch Pro @2.9kg. At over 3.6kg, they've effectively created a touring boot for those who don't tour!
I have the gen 1 version of this boot that is 400 g lighter. About half the weight is in the liner. I upgraded to the mimic liner which added 200 grams. I have never used the original liner again. I can't tell the difference touring with the weight increase, just the comfort and fit is so much better with mimic liner. The original liner articulates a bit better, but the mimic doesn't bother me at all. I tried on this new gen boot with BOA and spent 30 minutes in it. I will take the improvements of the new boot over the lighter boot any day. The gen 1's grilimid plastic is very springy and the new PU is such an improvement. The only perspective your statement could be considered true is for someone who tours 90-100% of the time with this boot. And if that is true, they really shouldn't buy this boot at all, they should be in a much lighter dedicated touring boot. If you ski inbounds at all, this new boots blows away the gen 1 boot. When my gen 1 boot needs replacing I will be looking forward to getting this new version.
I'm just gonna wait for the BOA fad to come and go. Won't be buying any ski boots until that happens.
They still make non-BOA boots!
@@SkiEssentials - they also make ZipFit liners. I'll go that route.
And the non-BOAs retail for less, too.