The Atomic Ski Boot Thread

[GoldenBC]

Couple quick questions for Matt or whoever else wants to chime in.

I just got some Hawx Ultra XTDs they're pretty great but I'm having some mild instep discomfort (high on the instep) in the right boot that's causing toe numbness, if I don't open the BOA on the lift. The bootfitter I went to did a heat of the shell and put a small pad over that area and that made it about 50% better but still getting mild toe numbness. Should I go get the shell molded again with a bit more padding? Is it better just to ski the crap out of it and see if it resolves some on its own?

They also did not suggest or do a heat mold of the liner. Is that something I should do/ask for or is it only done in some circumstances?

Finally, I was curious what the tongue adjustment demarcation (High, Medium, Low) on the mimic platinums that came with the boot are for/mean.

Thanks!

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Heat mold liner with pad on instep. Ski for a few days and see if it improves. Could spot heat mold shell a bit more if needed and /or grind heel of footbed down to make vertical space.

Tongue markings are for instep volume. Further forward makes more instep pressure, further back makes less.

[gregL]

I couldn’t use the screw with the shockstopper boot boards. The screw stood taller than the boot board and I could feel it in my heel.

I just left the screw out. Bootboard isn't going anywhere with the liner on top of it.

[servechilled887]

Will the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 GW be updated for the 24/25 season, or get a new color?

[Climber Joe]

Does the shock stopper bootboard sit lower then? If the screw sticks up? I’d rather not change the internal fit of the boot, but love the idea of the rubber bootboard.

[optics]

Does the shock stopper bootboard sit lower then? If the screw sticks up? I’d rather not change the internal fit of the boot, but love the idea of the rubber bootboard.

IME no. Although it does compress with body weight more than the rigid one, so there's that, if you're getting really micro about it.

And of course how far the screw sticks up is a product of how much you screw it in...on mine it's not proud of the bootboard at all.

[Jason4]

It doesn't sit lower but it has some squish when you press on it. The screw head seemed to sit flush with the surface but when pressing into the foam rubber boot board I could feel the screw head in my heel. I didn't hurt, wasn't even uncomfortable, in the carpet test but I didn't want to hit firm snow heel-heavy and get punched with a screw head. I didn't notice a fit change with the shock stopper boot board.

I currently have my Hawx XTD boas set up with the shock stopper boot board, the Redster dual strap, the optional cuff spoiler, and cork footbeds and I think I've hit my personal boot nirvana.

[oltrepiave]

finally found a good deal to stock up on my hawx 130 xtd.
can anyone (or ONK) confirm that there is no difference between these 2 shells? as far as i know colour scheme is the only difference. I have the all-black one from the first link and i'm gonna buy the second one.

https://www.neveitalia.it/test/scarp...-xtd-130-ct-gw

https://www.ebay.it/itm/276084596237

[XtrPickels]

finally found a good deal to stock up on my hawx 130 xtd.
can anyone (or ONK) confirm that there is no difference between these 2 shells? as far as i know colour scheme is the only difference. I have the all-black one from the first link and i'm gonna buy the second one.

https://www.neveitalia.it/test/scarp...-xtd-130-ct-gw

https://www.ebay.it/itm/276084596237

I'm not an expert, but looking at the two I see differences in the power strap and buckles.
The black boot looks like an older model: Blister 2019/2020 Hawx Ultra XTD

Not sure what has changed on the 2023 model because Blister has only reviewed the BOA version of the Ultra and the 4 buckle version of the Prime (wider) last.

For what it's worth, it might be worth it to see how much international shipping is from EVO.
Going for much less here in the states.

Hawx Ultra XTD 130

[oltrepiave]

the 2 links are italian cause i'm italian and lazily posted the first 2 links that appeared on the interwebzz.

my black ones are newer compared to the ones you posted.

The ones i just bought (also judging from the smaller atomic logo on the side, kinda like they did with the "alpine" hawx) should be the 2022-2023 ones, the ones right before the leap to BOA, new plastic etc.

apparently skimo.co supports my theory
https://skimo.co/atomic-hawx-ultra-xtd-130

"Update 2021/22: This year Atomic widened the Quick Release Cam Strap to 50mm.
Update 2022/23: Atomic updated the color scheme and is also doing lower profile cuffs for the 22.5 and 23.5 sizes."

[aanev]

First day on XTD 130 Boa - 3 short laps with 220 vertical meters each.
I'm impressed! Boa definitely is an improvement both on the uphill and on the downhill. I had concerns about putting on the boot, but it's the same if not easier than with buckles, not to mention the fine tuning. Additionally, the new boot is much more substantial on the downhill.

Thank you @onenerdykid for making these!!!

P.S. The new boot (MP25) weighs exactly 204g more than the first edition Ultra XTD 130 with a Gold liner (from XTD 120). Totally worth it!

[CaliBrit]

Anyone have home oven instructions for a backland xtd liner mold?

[slowandsteady]

Does anyone (ONK?) have torque specs for the cuff pivot bolts? Have some play in both boots after ~15 days and am wondering if I should re-locktite them.

[onenerdykid]

Does anyone (ONK?) have torque specs for the cuff pivot bolts? Have some play in both boots after ~15 days and am wondering if I should re-locktite them.

If you got some wandering bolts, I prefer white teflon tape instead of locktite. Add the tape and go to 4Nm and you won't have any problems.

[auvgeek]

If you got some wandering bolts, I prefer white teflon tape instead of locktite. Add the tape and go to 4Nm and you won't have any problems.

No love for vibratite?

[onenerdykid]

No love for vibratite?

Never personally used it, but if you have good success with it, go for it.

I just use white teflon tape on any wandering/stubborn bolts from bikes to boots and it works great.

[big kook]

When you get a ShockStopper boot board in hand, you'll feel a big difference.

This was posted by one of the members (not me) on SkiTalk yesterday:
Attachment 478670

Does anyone know where these can be purchased online (other than Atomic website - do not have 28.5)? I've called a couple shops to see if they could order for the CS's, and it was a no go.

[motopsycha]

Pierce Skate and Ski in Bloomington MN ordered me some.


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[altacoup]

Without back tracking through the whole thread. Who has experience and what are your opinions of the performance difference when the gnar bar is installed in Hawk ultra XTDs? Specifically interested in experience on the pre PU boot. I might seem crazy but I really want a boot with tech fittings and no walk mode. I have some cast boots, but the soles are pathetic. There’s basically only 2 boots on the market like this. The dalbello simply doesn’t even come close to working for my foot. I ordered the k2 recon pro, and with some shimming I think I can make it work. The “3rd” boot would be a Hawk with gnar bar. I prefer the shell fit of the Hawk ultra, but I can tell the k2 has a better flex. Does the gnar bar make the Hawk flex better? More control of the tail of the ski?


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[onenerdykid]

Without back tracking through the whole thread. Who has experience and what are your opinions of the performance difference when the gnar bar is installed in Hawk ultra XTDs? Specifically interested in experience on the pre PU boot. I might seem crazy but I really want a boot with tech fittings and no walk mode. I have some cast boots, but the soles are pathetic. There’s basically only 2 boots on the market like this. The dalbello simply doesn’t even come close to working for my foot. I ordered the k2 recon pro, and with some shimming I think I can make it work. The “3rd” boot would be a Hawk with gnar bar. I prefer the shell fit of the Hawk ultra, but I can tell the k2 has a better flex. Does the gnar bar make the Hawk flex better? More control of the tail of the ski?


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Re: Ultra XTD - Gnar Bar is only compatible with the current generation of Hawx Ultra XTD. It doesn't fit the first generation.

[raerxk1]

I might seem crazy but I really want a boot with tech fittings and no walk mode. I have some cast boots, but the soles are pathetic. There’s basically only 2 boots on the market like this. The dalbello simply doesn’t even come close to working for my foot. I ordered the k2 recon pro, and with some shimming I think I can make it work. The “3rd” boot would be a Hawk with gnar bar.

Fischer has one (tech fittings, no walk mode) coming for next season, maybe can find something in this spring? Comes with a Zipfit stock as well. No idea about the fit.

RC4 Pro MV DYN BOA.

https://www.powder7.com/ski-blog/ski-boots-preview/

[oetk2]

Does anyone know where these can be purchased online (other than Atomic website - do not have 28.5)? I've called a couple shops to see if they could order for the CS's, and it was a no go.

Matt at The Boot Pro in Vermont got his hands on a pair and shipped them to me.

[GoldenBC]

Now that the season is well underway and everyone has Hawx Ultra XTD here the heel spur issue is getting popular. I believe this is happening because of a few factors:

- aggressive heel cup shape bites the top of the heel

- there’s always a funny ripple in the molding of the heel cup that exacerbates the aggressive issue.

- the 130s are quite soft and overflexing makes the issue worse. I believe this also has something to do with the super narrow cuff/throat of the boot. Small diameter cylinders are not stiff and buckle in half easily, like this boot.

- walk mode attachment makes work on the area tricky and less effective

- I’m curious if the walk mode attachment pulls inwards and bites the heel on really deep flexes

- it happens on some of the Ultra RS as well.

This is the best fitting boot to ever hit the market. Hands down. Versatile fit and gives the best ankle hold on the market. This heel bite is a bad problem and can force people out of the boot. I believe if this boot was 30% stiffer things would be better and they would ski much better.

[gregL]

Now that the season is well underway and everyone has Hawx Ultra XTD here the heel spur issue is getting popular. I believe this is happening because of a few factors:

- aggressive heel cup shape bites the top of the heel

- there’s always a funny ripple in the molding of the heel cup that exacerbates the aggressive issue.

- the 130s are quite soft and overflexing makes the issue worse. I believe this also has something to do with the super narrow cuff/throat of the boot. Small diameter cylinders are not stiff and buckle in half easily, like this boot.

- walk mode attachment makes work on the area tricky and less effective

- I’m curious if the walk mode attachment pulls inwards and bites the heel on really deep flexes

- it happens on some of the Ultra RS as well.

This is the best fitting boot to ever hit the market. Hands down. Versatile fit and gives the best ankle hold on the market. This heel bite is a bad problem and can force people out of the boot. I believe if this boot was 30% stiffer things would be better and they would ski much better.

Getting the same issues in the States with the PU Ultra XTD as well; I've had to punch about 6, which is a bit tricky but usually works (I've also been putting a small 3mm pad on the heel of the liner to push them away from the heel pocket but it makes the boot feel smaller). I really have had only one guy who I haven't been able to make the boot work for, but he'll be moving on to another boot.

For sure we could sell the Hawx Ultra XTD (and the regular Hawx Ultra RS) in a 140 flex if they were available . . .

Same issues in some of last season's Hawx Ultra Professionals (same shell as this year's RS), but I've been able to punch all of those to fix the issue.

[raerxk1]

Getting the same issues in the States with the PU Ultra XTD as well; I've had to punch about 6, which is a bit tricky but usually works (I've also been putting a small 3mm pad on the heel of the liner to push them away from the heel pocket but it makes the boot feel smaller). I really have had only one guy who I haven't been able to make the boot work for, but he'll be moving on to another boot.

For sure we could sell the Hawx Ultra XTD (and the regular Hawx Ultra RS) in a 140 flex if they were available . . .

Same issues in some of last season's Hawx Ultra Professionals (same shell as this year's RS), but I've been able to punch all of those to fix the issue.

Had much bigger problems with heel bite in the previous xtd 130 over the new one (boa). Now have a zipfit gft with quite a lot of cork. Definitely improved the issue for both boots, but especially the new PU ones. Loose theory is 1) there’s definitely more material where it bites, which insulates a bit, and 2) the liner fills out the boot much better to provide additional support so it doesn’t collapse as much. Related to (2) could be I also don’t have to buckle the cuff quite as small now, so there’s the cylinder diameter theory - but overall I think the structural support from filling the gaps in the lower ankle and tongue probably make a bigger difference.

Fairly tall but not super heavy, so I really only have issues if I try and nose butter or something (so painful in previous gen!). Previous gen definitely would collapse though.

[auvgeek]

As someone who likes a very stiff boot, all this talk of “soft” has scared me away from buying.

ONK has made it pretty clear Euros are scared of a 140 flex boot and it doesn’t sell well there. But given that they also make a 120 flex Hawx XTD, I don’t see why Atomic can’t make the 130 significantly stiffer and still call it a 130. Then if people want something softer than the 130, they can just get the 120.