Dynafit Radical Pro // A Backcountry Beef Boot

Looking to replace some old Scarpa Maestrales, searching for a boot that can drive those 115mm waisted powder hounds, or looking for a boot that can handle a hair raising descent then the Dynafit Radical Pro might be the boot for you. With the Hoji Lock System changing your boots from walk to ski is easy and efficient. Christof can't say enough about the Radical Pro's supple walk mode or it's stiff ski mode and the simple method to go from one to the other.
‪@dynafit‬
Read more at: skimo.co/dynafit-radical-pro

[@eaglesfannnn]

Find yourself someone who looks at you the same way that Christof looks at the Dynafit Radical Pro lol

[@cnuila]

Ha! My wife says they’re not allowed in the bedroom.

[@pagewhite8177]

Nice boot, great review! Thank you.

[@cams3425]

I have the Scarpa Maestrale XT and really love them but you are so right about all the adjustments and fidgeting to go from uphill to downhill. I also have a wide foot (EE) and high instep so thanks for the great review and suggestion. I will go check them out.

[@bobbyenglish7803]

In over 20 years of backcountry skiing these are the best boots I've used. And it's not even close.

[@ESB_Media]

Great review Christof. This review pushed me towards the radical pro VS the maestrale rs 3.0 because of my wide forefoot and high instep. Loving it so far!

[@tacul9333]

Excellent review. I too have a wide foot and high instep volume, so I'm going to give them a shot.

[@pierrelessard6640]

One thing we noticed about this particular boot is that the metal loop that holds the power strap can be reversed by accident. This could cause the little screw to break if you apply a decent amount of strength on it. Other than that, its been a homerun in the store i work at.

[@cnuila]

I know exactly what you’re talking about! Shoulda mentioned it in the review.

[@Linkswolfform]

Just ordered the Hoji Free for this season a few days ago, so I'm hoping for good skiing from Dynafit!

[@QUincez]

Got myself in to a pair of these recently. I was expecting an absolute bucket, but they actually fit quite nicely. I think the lasts that Dynafit lists on the Hoji and Radical must be measured differently than the lasts of my alpine boots. Long story short, I've skied in a ZGTP for a few seasons and found them hard on my feet. High instep pressure, some pain up in the widest part of my foot when walking. I could never get the cuff to fully wrap my lower leg, which also meant that it didn't work amazingly for me on the descents. Extremely well made, high performing boot, just probably not the right fit for me. I've got a heel / achilles on the narrower side, but a big instep and a medium width foot that borders on wide at my metatarsals. I squeeze in to a 98 lasted alpine boot with a bit of work - but for my touring boots I need something that won't kill my feet or leave me needing a rescue 7 hours up a mountainside. (Not exaggerating, I've seen some peoples boots be the source of rescue efforts). Not sure how Dynafit did it, but the ankle and cuff of these boots feel quite snug, while the clog is accommodating but not an absolute bucket. Interestingly enough, the length of these boots feels a smidge shorter than other mid-weight touring boots in the same size (think Scarpa's Maestrale RS or XT, Tecnica's ZGTP, Lange's new Pro Tour offering). Not sure if other people have found them similar. Anyways, still not totally sure if it's the boot for me - but they make a compelling case.

[@daveygroothoff1366]

Hi Christof, just did my first two tours (Cham classic's Keyhole and Grand Montets) on the Radical Pro's and I really like them! I ski them on the black crows yellow and pink freebird planks. Just little more volume then my Maestrale RS's, which I needed :)

[@cnuila]

Glad they’re working out! I wish I got a kickback from Dynafit, 😆

[@erikseymour1]

The music is excellent! Also that gear room is getting a lot more dialed.

[@maxwright4387]

im debating picking up the original Hoji pro tour because of the shorter BSL, versus this because of the higher volume and improved fit around the ankle and heel... I have the white/black/orange maestrale RS and I hate them because they are so long! (I'm 5'10" and wear a 30.5) terrible for walking, and heel/ankle fit issues. I use the Fischer travers cs and can't ever bring myself to use my maestrales for anything, but I want a beefier boot for skiing hard in chop, dropping stuff, etc. praying for shorter BSL. chop the toe lug, I don't care about having to use special crampons! I need to just try out the Hoji pro tour, as I was advised about heel/ankle rub issues. thanks for doing the review christian. love the channel

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

Scott is also good if you have a high instep

[@lucianofuentes7876]

Please!! I NEED a review of those ZAG UBAC you have in the background!! If those are the 95 or 89, much better...🙏

[@Ranar14]

Sorry Christof but I'd say the gold standard for beef touring boot is the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro. Thing uphills better than a TLT6 and about the same as a Atomic Backland Carbon with a tongue in it. And downhill it crushes every other touring boot out there. That's why you see so many guides and high level non boot sponsored skiiers in them. And weighs less than Radical Pro ;)

[@cnuila]

You bring up some good points. I'll half agree with you and say the Zero G Tour Pro is the gold standard for a Free Tour, downhill performance prioritized four-buckle touring boot. Yes, it crushes the downhill, and yes, it walks good, even very good (the TLT6 and Backland Carbon with a Tongue have been left in the dust by a handful of beef boots now) and you're right about the weight, a little embarrassing for Dynafit. But I'll double down on my love of the Radical over the Zero G for a few reasons (I've had them on my feet as well, and toured alongside guys using them). First and foremost for me is the fit. The Zero G is in a totally different zip code in it's narrow width and overall fit. I can barely get my foot in an upsized shell and it's just painful. That's subjective obviously, as they may work great for other foot shapes. Second, the ease of transition with the Radical puts it in another category. Almost every review of the Zero G mentions the word "fiddly". That's just the reality of a four buckle touring boot. I've seen that in action. Huge deal for some, not a big deal for others. If I were guiding and wanted the confidence of an alpine boot when negotiating terrain with clients or needed to send it big at mach schnell to boost my score on the world free-ride tour, the Zero G makes a lot of sense. The Radical however, skis incredibly strong, and has even less cuff play than the Zero G. I didn't highlight that fact enough in the review. I've never felt a DEDICATED TOURING boot flex so progressively in ski mode that I could not tell it even had a releasable cuff. So there you have a very long winded answer why I think the Radical is the total package for a light tourer's beef boot, while acknowledging how #blessed we are to have boots like the Zero G to choose from that bring their own special sauce to the table.

[@Ranar14]

@@cnuila well put. I do wish my boots had the single throw Hoji system

[@jarnold1789]

@@Ranar14 The Hoji-lock system absolutely rules. I switched from an older pair of Cochise to the Hojis this season and I’m super super stoked. They are very stiff, ski like a true 130 alpine boot, and they walk exceptionally well. I know they are slightly different than the Radicals but not by much, so I assume it’s safe to say both are great if they fit you. Oh and my favorite thing about them might just be how easy they are to get on and how easy it is to remove and insert the liners, it’s a game changer for me and sooo nice on multi-day backcountry outings

[@JayBeBerg]

Great review, thanks! I guess I should be looking at the Hoji instead then as I have a wide forefoot and very low arch (Donald Duck), making most boots fit like a stick in a barrel. First Maestrale version fit was ok and TLT5/6 too.

[@cnuila]

If your have a very low instep you might have good luck with the Hojis. Bit of a weight penalty, but great skiing boot I hear.

[@JayBeBerg]

@@cnuila Thanks! Lighter than the Lange Freetour, which is the best skiing beef boot I have.

[@abcdethan]

So is it a 3 boot quiver now?

[@FranciscoJavier246]

Do you loose up the yellow piece while walking? The edge of the piece rubs against my ancle and it kills me. I have to loose it up a lot and I loose support. I have done a lot of work to the boot, but still does not fit right it kills my ancles :( Any suggestions? Now just thinking of selling them and buy something else...

[@at1970]

Hi. I’m currently in the old TLT6 in a 27.5 (I’m a 10 US). I tried my foot in a 26.5 rad pro 26.5 and it seemed close to my 27.5 TLT6s in fit. Does that makes sense? Thanks

[@faceinthecrowd5810]

Thinking about these as an upgrade to my Atomic Backlands AT. Here in the northeast it is hard to find great open downhill runs in the woods, so a lot of my backcountry is flats and uphill with tight tree downhills. Question, would the radical pro be maybe overkill for north east backwoods? My Atomic’s are just not really comfortable and after 5 seasons in them I’ve had enough torture…….any recommendations? I use my resort gear for all my resort days so a cross over boot is not that big a deal.

[@cnuila]

Super late reply I’m sure you’ve figured something out by now but yeah I don’t know if you need a Radical Pro type boot, but would probably enjoy something in between like a Scarpa F1, the new Salomon MTN Summit, etc. Something in the 1200-1300 gram range that will be much more supportive and comfortable than a backlands, but still have a great walk mode and ski really well.

[@jarmelnelson]

Great review! How does the Mondo compare? I'm on a 28.5 Maestrale RS 2.0.

[@cnuila]

A 28.5 Radical Pro would just be a tad shorter (I wear a 27.0 Maestrale RS2 and a 26.5 Radical Pro), as their shells break on the usual whole size (28.0 and 28.5 same shell), whereas Scarpa breaks on the half (28.5 and 29.0 same shell). I Think you’d find the volume the same or even more generous in the forefoot compared to the Maestrale RS2.

[@Seriksy]

I got these and the Maestrale RS today. The Radical Pro has got to be the most comfortable boot I've had. I was actually in awe. However after trying the Maestrale RS I don't see why it's gotten the rating it has. It felt like putting on a cheap first price plastic boot.... One question though. The boot seems to have a have a lot of "delicate" parts. Do you think this also could be used in resorts? Or would you refrain from that?

[@cnuila]

I think you COULD, but I don't know if you SHOULD. It's just a little too much of a touring boot for me to confidently say it will hold up to the substantially higher abuse/forces that gear is subjected to in the resorts. I think you would have to accept the fact that it's lifespan would be shortened. Dynafit's new Tigard boot would be a better option for a resort/tourer. Or I picked up the Lange XT3 for resort/sidecountry duty which is about the same weight as the Radical, still walks really really good, and you would never know it wasn't a full on alpine boot when in downhill mode.

[@Seriksy]

@@cnuila You were right. I ordered the Technica Mach1 for pure resort and it was quite the difference.

[@ryanmccandlass2995]

whatta boot

[@jazzman_10]

I wonder if you have considered the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro. It has the same specs and comes at 1320 grams...

[@cnuila]

I have, and a few others in the comments on this video have asked about it. Check out the responses for my lengthy mediocre opinions.

[@Weltbummler23]

Great review! Any thoughts about it compared to the tecnica zero g tour pro?

[@cnuila]

The zero g will be a tad stiffer as it is a true four buckle boot, but that also makes it much more fiddly on the transitions. That being said the Radical Pro is plenty stiff for me for any backcountry setup (ex-high school ski racer and freeride comp and ski cross competitor). The biggest difference is the walk mode, where the Radical simply outshines the Zero G. Less resistance and more range of motion (regardless of what the specs say). I think the Zero G weighs a bit less, but I feel I expend less energy with the Radical because it walks more naturally and the transitions are so easy. This is all my humble and biased opinion of course. The right boot is the one that fits your foot and your goals.

[@Weltbummler23]

@@cnuila absolutely agree. I ended up buying both the hoji free 130 and zero g because i couldnt find a local store with a zero g to try them on. The zero g is lighter and just slightly stiffer but the hoji free is far better in every other way. The range of motion and walk efficiency of the hoji is so much better than the zero g that it offsets any weight savings from the zero g. Its amazing how many reviews are biased for the zero g simply due to weight. The quality and construction of the hoji is far better. My zero g is now on offer up if anyone wants it, great price.

[@isabeksu]

Hi, great review. From what you say, your foot is pretty similar to mine and these could be a good option for me. Question: can you heat mold the liners at home? any indication from Dynafit about it?

[@cnuila]

I’m sure you COULD do a home mold following the same steps as with an intuition liner (rice in a sock method, etc.) but I would HIGHLY recommend finding a shop that will do it for you. Pretty much every ski shop has a liner oven and it does such a better job at completely heating the liner so you really get a custom mold.

[@BrendanRankin]

Not to hijack an old thread, but I'm pretty happy (fit-wise) with La Sportiva Vega. Even without heat molding, they fit extremely well... So far, these boots work for a mix of resort, side and backcountry stuff. I might look into the Vanguard in the future as a 62degree ROM on a 130 flex boot is intriguing. It's amazing the amount of good backcountry kit you can find these days! Much different than when I first tried it decades ago!

[@asanz1665]

I love Dynafit and how they look but gosh! They are heavy and my thick feet doesn’t fit on. I got the Atomic Backland pro instead.

[@cnuila]

Surprised to hear as the Dynafit Radical Pro has a voluminous fit. The Atomic Backland is a great boot, albeit in a different category. As I always say, really the best boot is THE ONE THAT FITS!

[@Skulltech75]

For someone who wants to get into tourskiing, what boot would you recommend? This one, or one of the Scarpa ones you are using. (I am a fanboy of both Scarpa (shoes) and Dynafit (clothing), making the choice even more difficult).

[@cnuila]

The one that fits! In all seriousness, first decide what weight/performance range you’re considering (Very Llight like Scarpa F1 or Fischer Traverse CC, Light like Scarpa F1 or Dynafit TLT 8 Expedition, or a beefier boot like this Radical Pro or. Scarpa Maestrale) How light you go depends on your skiing style and ability, where you will tour most often, and what type gear all your friends are on cause you don’t want to be mis-matched, especially heavier than everyone else. Then start trying on boots and really the best boot is the one that fits your foot.

[@Skulltech75]

@@cnuila thank you! Regarding weight/performance, would be recommended as first? I don't know any ski touring people yet, just a friend that wants to start it with me... Generally I prefer light gear, but with this I am in doubt.

[@PaDutchRunner]

@@Skulltech75 I think your body weight should be taken into account as well. If your on the lighter side if average, you might be able to get more out of an a ultra light touring boot than someone who is heavier. Also, if you’re willing to go with a narrower ski (something under 90 mm), you can definitely get away with a lighter boot/binding combo.

[@Skulltech75]

@@PaDutchRunner Thanks for the answer! In the end, I indeed got a light weight boot: The Atomic Backland Carbon. Since I am from Europe, less than 90mm underfoot is very common. Also, I am just 65kg making me a less heavy than average for 178cm. I absolutely love this boot for both uphill and downhill, though it was pretty expensive.

[@Steven-oi3ef]

First!!!

[@benc.8103]

First loser!!! Nice job boys.