Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 Tec Ski Boots 2022 Size: 26/26.5, Color: Black/Sand

I am what you may call a retired skibum, which means I am an old dude that pretty much still ski every day. I have about eight different skiboots, a dozen skis with alpine bindings and a dozen with solid touring bindings. I bought these boots mainly for touring. First I paired them with shift bindings and powerful alpine skis for early season backcountry skiing. The thing is that when a boot weighs at least 300 gram less than your old touring boots, you may rather use a 300 gram heavier ski to do the same job. You get more dampnes form the heavier skis but still the setup feels lighter because you lift the boot more than you lift the ski. Due to maintenance and the covid situation the local ski resort has closed the chairlift that will acces the local backcountry skiing. The upside is that I have gotten used to lightweight boots for any use on the mountain. I can change from an alpine setup to a touting setup within minutes without changing boots. Today I compared the hawx xtd 130 and my old downhill specific boots and paired with my most heavy alpine setup. The touring boots had at better fit for me to start with. They handled the heavy setup and bumpy conditions better than the alpine boots even though they are super light. So now I am selling my alpine boots and getting myself an extra pair of xtd´s. These boots are simply awesome. And you can even hike too. Sometimes you forget that they are made for walking. They are that good. I do not now how well the walk mode works for persons with longer legs. Some claim that they need to have a removable tongue to walk comfortably. I have used the boots for half a year and I have not had any issues with the walk mode. These are the best boots I have ever had. I hope Atomic will never, ever change a thing.

I bought this model of boots in December 2018, seeing that they are light, narrow and among the few hiking boots, which allow you to go on the more aggressive slope with a range of 130 (a real flex by the way , not like other manufacturers)! As a ski instructor, I said from the beginning that I have to try them! After 2 years, during which time I used them for about 250-300 days, 8-10 hours / day, I can say that they are the ideal boots! I allow myself to use them on the "walk" mode when I have to stay with children and move as soon as possible to an experienced ski style, when I immediately pass it on to experienced adults! After so long the sole is in very good condition, the liner is in excellent condition, the flaps have absolutely no problem, the back lock still works perfectly (although one day I lock and unlock it and 5- 10 times), the top velvet band was cut in the area where there is contact with the metal ring, but it can still be used, its hardness is the same, which makes me respect it enormously, and the case is very slightly scratched and sees quite hard due to the matte black color! After 2 years, I am fully satisfied and I have come to recommend to all my clients the Atomic brand for quality and professionalism! I consider that this model is a sensational one and recommended especially to those who want both a lap keyboard and one with high flex for downhill skiing!