The Last Ski Boot You'll Ever NEED: Atomic Hawx Ski Boot Review

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Thanks for watching everyone! would love to hear your ski boot experience

[@davidadam285]

I also bought new boots this past season, after trying on a few different brands I ended up with the Atomic Hawx Ultra 120s. I‘m not an expert skier, but needed something more stable due to my height and weight. I could have gone with a 130 flex, but felt that they might be a bit too stiff for my level of ability. The Hawx were from the start the boot with the best fit in the heel and they were overall pretty snug, but not uncomfortable. The liners are hands down one of the best around, they are super warm and with a snug fit. I also tried the new Lange Shadow 120, but the liner was way too soft and the flex was also too soft. I had new custom Sidas footbeds made and also the heatmold of shell and liner and boy are these comfortable now! I can ski hard all day, but my feet will stay warm and never feel tired.

[@scottb6047]

Very good review. I too have switched from Lange to Atomic and I am glad I did. I have two comments on the details of this particular review. The Atomic Mimic liner worked well for you Elliot without heat molding, and that is great. The outer, hard, Mimic material of the liner will not mold to your foot shape without heat molding, ask Atomic (I have). Without the heat molding it is similar to most other high end boot liners on the market. When you heat mold the liner (liner not necessarily shell) the hard outer mimic material takes the shape of your foot and locks you in even better. Its a very noticeable improvement to the fit and will make the overall fit last for a longer length of time. Your comments about life of the boot seem to be centered on the liner breaking down (which is the inner liner foam and not the hard outer mimic material) which happens with all liners (except ZipFit aftermarket liners) and you will get a longer period of "great fit" if you heat mold the mimic material. The other comment on boot life is keep in mind this is a "light weight" alpine boot. The wall thickness of the shell is thinner than your previous Lange boots. Just compare weights of the two boots. So all Light weight ski boots will have a somewhat shorter life than a traditional heavy ski boots. I changed from a Lange RS140 to an Atomic Redster Club Sport, both heavy weight alpine boots. I get about 10 seasons (30-40 days per season) out of that type of boot if I replace the liner half way through. I also bought a "light weight" touring Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD ski boot and after 3 seasons (about 10-20 days per) I can feel it starting to break down to a small degree. The lighter, thinner wall plastics just aren't as durable as the standard thick walled boots. The inner foam in all liners breaks down over time, and if your shell is holding up, just replace the liner. Elliot, you would be a good candidate (and an excellent reviewer) for a Zipfit aftermarket liner. Brand new they are pricey and not discounted much, but sometimes you can find older ones at shops for discounted prices. A Zipfilt liner lasts typically 10 years or more before breaking down. You can move them from shell to shell very easily as well. Contact Zipfit and maybe they will throw you a review pair.

[@dwaynenarayan3716]

Great video. Having seen this, I’ll look at atomics. Until now had dalbello, Lange, and Salomon. Thanks for the heads up on the premium version. Btw how critical is the booster strap for aggressive skiing. I had Salomon smax 120s and never needed the booster strap (nor did any shop recommend that I consider it for them)

[@SaltandPepper-mz1cb]

The plastic flap getting stuck problem might be due to atomic's thick-ish silicone waterproofing material lower down in between the two pieces of plastic creating more friction. My complaint about Atomic Boot is that why do the women's versions have fuzzy liners instead?! I am 80+ days into my current atomic boots, and my only issue so far is liners packing out, and everything else is holding up so far. Debating if I should start fresh next season or just replace the liners.

[@MrGbot2000]

These seem very similar to the k2 mindbenders. I rode them all this season and have all the same features besides the leather on the cuff and they have a walk function. The flex sounds very similar too, smooth and supple. I also only got one season out of them but same with my salomons last season. I skied around 130 days this season so its not really their fault

[@atonenjr]

How do you know when it is time to replace boots?

[@jasonracey9600]

Good boot for some, but if it doesn’t fit it’s not the right choice. I tried some boots at a local fitter and different brands had very different fit even for the same size. I suggest people go into an appointment with no expectations and allow the process to work.

[@anthonyalpha4118]

Bought 2021 K2 Recons in April for $300, 140 Flex. Only about 10 days on them, didn't break them in early so my 1st day was really tough and ended prematurely. I noticed a performance difference soon as I was in the bindings. The skis feel much more integrated w/the ski vs my old pair. I feel like I only have to Flick the ski up in the back to hit a grab now. I did notice they're scuffing up fast, but then I remembered I was doing some off trail hiking at Squaw in May in them so that's on Me! PS-so about a 100 ski days per pair of boots, how many ski days per pair of skis in your opinion? Thanks Elliot!

[@RicketySkiReviews]

That's such a hard question bc imo skis get exposed to so more conditions and so there's more variables, but I'll think on your question a bit

[@anthonyalpha4118]

@@RicketySkiReviews Thank you, I'm large majority off piste unless it's a groomer only type day.

[@markconner5569]

I measure to 102 in a 26.5 and am having a difficult time deciding between the Prime and the Magna. Nothing wrong with making the Boot Fitter work a little bit by going with the Mid Volume Boot or should I stay w the Magna? Mind sharing your width measurement with us?

[@MS-ib4xu]

Hi! Do these have the energy backbone / power shift features that allow you to adjust the flex ±10 points? Do you have any opinion on that? Does stuff like that actually work? I'm looking for boots but I'm not super experienced (used to ski every year as a kid for 10 years, had a ~15 year break and got back to it last season), so I don't want the flex to be too high. Was thinking of getting the 110S, but I prefer the red color on the 120S and was wondering if I can adjust the flex down by 10 points or if it's just possible to go up. Or maybe the tech is just a gimmick and doesn't really make that much of a difference.

[@spartanumbreon8335]

My plastic ski boot shell cracked, it it possible to repair the crack?

[@RicketySkiReviews]

How old are they?

[@RicketySkiReviews]

It's unlikely, would first check your warranty. 2ndly there are ways to control the Crack, but more than likely it's just time to move on to the next pair

[@kangsterizer]

2 days, 2 of the reviews i asked. wtf! Where do i send the moneys.

[@kangsterizer]

not your desc maverick link doesnt work (i think its out of stock and they removed the page, the new 2025 are avail)

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Haha, I can't tell if you're joking, but if you ever want to support the channel, Kofi takes the smalles portion: ko-fi.com/ricketyskireviews

[@michaelaronson9447]

Good light, heat moulding boots with ability to transfer your power efficiency to many areas of your skis. However the seal on the lower section from the toe box to the second buckle has seal issues. Wet feet from snow getting in.

[@RicketySkiReviews]

oh great point!

[@hollyburnspsychic1523]

Hmm... well you didn't get to compare the new design of the Lange Shadow, which is designed to harness the power you are generating, and putting that into the energy needed for carving, making it easier to ski longer/harder without getting tired. IF that's the case... than that would be a game changer for your comparison between this boot and the new Shadow line...

[@RicketySkiReviews]

I've only tried the Shadow in a shop, there's a video on the channel about it. I would love to compare them, but the fit and feel in the shop wasn't good enough for me to want to purchase them (especially with the additional cost) , I just found these to fit my foot better. I've reached out to Lange about trying to get a pair to review so could be a cool comparison, but no word back as of yet.

[@rmnley]

I have 2 seasons on the prime 120s now. Replaced the liner with a zipfit thi season, have over 110 days on them now, no complaints

[@igetu2c]

I am trying to hold out until they add a full Boa system to a ski boot... meaning no more buckles. I hate the buckles.

[@RicketySkiReviews]

oh interesting, what part do you like about them the most? they didn't quite work for me, but everyone's foot is so different.

[@igetu2c]

@@RicketySkiReviews Boot buckles have always created uncomfortable pressure points for me. I just deal with it since I have to in order to get a proper fit. I actually have not skied with the new Boa system on the bottom of the boot only, but I have tried on a few pairs. The pressure points for me relate to the top two buckles so I am waiting for the full Boa system before I buy a new pair of boots. Two of my friends got the new Fischer boots last fall with the Boa on the bottom and really enjoyed them. Assuming the future full Boa system boot offers enough support, I think the wrapping of the boot versus the two buckles will most likely be a better fit for me. Plus the convenience of just turning the dial up or down to get the right tightness will be nice.

[@IanBrentFetterly]

My 130s Atomics Prime are great… but they do seem to be sorting as I pass the 100 day mark.

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Yeah I believe it

[@IanBrentFetterly]

@@RicketySkiReviews Your comments are right-on about the Atomics, but the Atomics are so far above my 15 year old Lange, 30 year old Richle rear entry... I might not be the best reviewer.

[@bjmeier1]

Technica Mach 1 130 HV. About 100 days. Like them. Considering a zip fit, but the liners are holding up well.

[@michaelaronson9447]

I was on Atomic 130 LV for 3 seasons. Excellent fit for my feet. Never one issue. Heat molded outer and inner. As mentioned previously I had seal issues from toe to ankle where first 2 clips are. Always soaked socks. Anyway went to the new BOA Fischer MV Pro 130. Unreal easy and comfortable fit. No heat molding needed. Just my opinion. I’ve skied on Nordica, Lange, Technica, Koflach and Le Trappeur!🤪

[@choski76]

Why did you choose 120? Price? Flex? I think you would be a 130 skier.

[@atonenjr]

He has explained in previous videos that he prefers the comfort of a softer boot.

[@RicketySkiReviews]

addressing this question in my next video! (working on it now)

[@justinbayola]

Well yeah maybe the last boot you will ever need if you are resort hopping all day but a true one boot option is the Atomic Hawx Prime XTD so you have tour capability in the same boot. Right now evo has them for like 300$ lol

[@L3uX]

Atomic makes a great boot. Their plastic choice is awesome, flex is extremely consistent from room temp to cold. Calf wrap is good, ankle hold is good. I'm not sure about in step heights for all boot volumes, but at least for Ultra, their in step is pretty low. Only big negative I see are the cuff alignment rivets. You should only use them a few times and be done, any more the knob will start spinning.

[@DCU88]

I'm on a Nordica promachine 130, for a narrow last boot it seemed to have a bit more room in the toe area of the boot. What I dislike about ski boots is you generally have to go for a narrow last and a 130 to get the top features, for example 120s generally do not have the top liner, hopefully that will change because 120 seems to be the sweet spot for most consumers.

[@beantownson6660]

I have had Lange RX for awhile.. this season I bought the Lange Shadows this year.. I totally get what u are saying about the flex.. It felt weird skiing at first.. but after a day or so I found the sweet spot and totally felt everything the marketing was describing. I really happy with them and Lange just feels so comfortable right out of the box for my feet...did upgrade to a booster strap but that's it

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I also had Lange boots before, but my latest boot is an Atomic Hawx 100 (blue translucent), and it's fantastic in fit and comfort. I hope they last a long time. I also had thermal-molded footbeds made (I have high arches), which supports my foot well, making better foot to ski control.

[@perro0076]

Nah. The K2 flexon. They used to be Full Tilt. With foot beds. You can dance on tables in them. 😂😂😂

[@dwightmoore3060]

That boot started out in life, long ago, as the Raichle Flexon. I have very narrow feet, and they were highly recommended for narrow feet. Actually I hated them. Skied in them for a few months and moved on. The boot has never changed very much since its very beginning. Skiing now in Head Raptor WCR boots. Love 'em.