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The Never-Ending Atomic Ski Boot Discussion

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onenerdykid

onenerdykid

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Had booked a few hours at atomic pro center today for us, my work was a fairly quick fix and mostly measurments / notes for the plastic work, so lots of time for my GF to test, she has broken her ancles a few times and hates when there is too much room and if its not tight, our plan was to test out a pair of 110 CS, but what did we end up with? :) We were there just to test, but the process was so good she bought them.

One of our best customer services experiences in a while, so friendly, and extremely knowledgeable, and nothing was rushed. They did alot of adjustments for her, things I had no idea could be done. Need to finish up another meeting and we are hitting the slopes! New atomic FIS SL 155's for her as well... :)



View attachment 155037
Awesome!! Is this the APC in Oslo? And are those the STI 110s?
 

anders_nor

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Awesome!! Is this the APC in Oslo? And are those the STI 110s?

Yes APC in Oslo, or close to Oslo at least, people living there like to say its Oslo, but its like 500-1000 meters outside, I often ski at the indoor resort they share building with, but usually after the APC is closed so... well yeah its on me for never takeing the time, but I know who gets 100% of my business now.

STI 130s! she flexed them fine and found them surprisingly cosy & comfy, no more slideing around, now shes locked in especially heel was apparantly better, she hates when she hits bumps and air and is not locked in. I just lolled when I looked at the heel pocket space available when looking down into the liner.

@Triplet She is 172cm and 68.5KG (I checked our digital scale)

Just got back from skiiing, so far she loves them skied for 2-3 hours! they are snug enough that you have to think of the way you route the wires of the lenz 6.0 .oO just rotate the sock 0.5 cm and we were good. not that there was any need for heat, weather went from -4 to +10! in that same time.

Celebrated the success with ordering a heated boot bag from atomic, since I can see getting them on in brrRRR weather will be an issue ;) but honestly it seems better than her previous technias, which is weird.

Liftpicture of team red boots, us guys only redster CS cool, not STI cool.

2022-01-13 19.20.47.jpg
 
Thread Starter
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onenerdykid

onenerdykid

Product Manager, Atomic Ski Boots
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Where are the Atomic Pro Centers in North America?
Atomic's "Own" stores, meaning it is purely an Atomic shop run by the brand, are not in the USA yet.

The USA has Atomic Pro Center partner stores (specialist retailers not owned/run by Atomic and thus carry other boot/ski/clothing/etc. brands) and you can find them in the dealer locator on atomic.com
 
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onenerdykid

onenerdykid

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The boots on the picture have the dual strap of the 130, so I am curious too.

@anders_nor what are the body stats of your GF?
Good eye. The Oslo APC also has direct ties to the Atomic APC in Altenmarkt, Austria and they often "build" boots from scratch, so you can see a lot of irregular configurations come out of these "own" APCs.
 

Triplet

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Good eye. The Oslo APC also has direct ties to the Atomic APC in Altenmarkt, Austria and they often "build" boots from scratch, so you can see a lot of irregular configurations come out of these "own" APCs.
Matt(@onenerdykid ), can you share a bit more about this "building up" boots from scratch. I get the idea of mixing different parts(cuff, clog, straps.. etc) to match the anatomy and needs of the skier but do you end up paying a premium for that service for the final "boot" or it's something that "mortals" can enjoy too :D. Also, when buying boots from APC in Altenmarkt is bootfiting included or it's a separate service.
 
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onenerdykid

onenerdykid

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Matt(@onenerdykid ), can you share a bit more about this "building up" boots from scratch. I get the idea of mixing different parts(cuff, clog, straps.. etc) to match the anatomy and needs of the skier but do you end up paying a premium for that service for the final "boot" or it's something that "mortals" can enjoy too :D. Also, when buying boots from APC in Altenmarkt is bootfiting included or it's a separate service.
FIS athletes always have their boots built up for them. Mortals can have this done but it's usually race level flexes and being additional services there will be a charge. I'm not exactly sure of the pricing but can check on that.
 

Tom K.

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She is 172cm and 68.5KG (I checked our digital scale)

You, sir, are in big trouble, if GF ever finds out you posted this publicly! ;)

@onenerdykid I'm in a bit of a quandary. The Professional liners I ordered for my Hawx Ultra 130s in 29.5 just don't "feel" like they are going to show up this season. With the stock Mimic liners, the boots are a bit big on overall volume, but perfect in the length department, so thinking of ordering a pair of Redster CS 130 Professionals for next season instead.

How do specs like zeppa, forward lean, canting, etc. compare?

Thank you.
 

Triplet

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You, sir, are in big trouble, if GF ever finds out you posted this publicly! ;)

@onenerdykid I'm in a bit of a quandary. The Professional liners I ordered for my Hawx Ultra 130s in 29.5 just don't "feel" like they are going to show up this season. With the stock Mimic liners, the boots are a bit big on overall volume, but perfect in the length department, so thinking of ordering a pair of Redster CS 130 Professionals for next season instead.

How do specs like zeppa, forward lean, canting, etc. compare?

Thank you.
A fast response to some of your questions, if you don't mind, your Ultra has adjustments for 13,15,17 degrees of forward lean, CS is either 16 or 18(one time fix through the drilling of the 2nd bolt hole), cuff adjustment if not on par is better for the CS for sure, it's the same as their real race boots(excentric adjustment, 4° in total).

Well, I asked about the ststs, as I am a bit unsure wich way to go - STI 110 or 130 with my 60kg at 176(male, 25, super lean so mostly muscles). I can't try in person (until I fly abroad or something) and I don't have access to a competent bootfitter who can asses my needs...
 
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the_eleven

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Atomic's "Own" stores, meaning it is purely an Atomic shop run by the brand, are not in the USA yet.

The USA has Atomic Pro Center partner stores (specialist retailers not owned/run by Atomic and thus carry other boot/ski/clothing/etc. brands) and you can find them in the dealer locator on atomic.com
The Atomic site only lists one single APC "partner" in the western US, which is The Racers Edge in Breckenridge, CO. This must be one of the latter type you refer to above. Is the website up to date?

I want to get fitted in a new pair of Hawx Professional, but have no more patience for "expert boot fitters" who want to do the foaming their way based on how they have done things with other foaming methods. Plus, if my feet need the HV tongue, I want to be in a shop that has the different tongues.

Guess it is time for a trip to Breckenridge.
 

Quandary

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Having just had my professional liners molded and foamed at Racers Edge I can tell you they follow the steps as laid out by ONK. I would call to make sure they have different tongues in stock and to make sure they have your size in stock. By this time of the year they can run low on inventory. They did tell me they have at least one Hawx Ultra Proffesional in 26.5 in stock.
 

sullywhacker

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Matt, as noted a few pages back, I swapped my 2019-20 Hawx Ultra 120 S for 2021-22 110s and the flex is a better fit for me. However, on the recommendation of my bootfitter, I have been using the Platinum liner from the 120s not the Gold of the 110s. The eye test would say the Gold liner has more "volume" (kinda closer to an Intuition) and when I ski the 110/Platinum combo it "feels" like there is more room in the 110 shell than there was in the 120s - seems like I have to buckle measurably tighter to achieve the heel lock. Note: I heat molded the Platinum liner AND shell when I bought the 120s but have not heat molded the 110 shell nor the Platinum liner into the 110 shell. Is this volume issue just my imagination? Or should I be molding the liner to the 110 shell? Or molding both the Platinum liner and the 110 shell? Thanks
 
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onenerdykid

onenerdykid

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Matt, as noted a few pages back, I swapped my 2019-20 Hawx Ultra 120 S for 2021-22 110s and the flex is a better fit for me. However, on the recommendation of my bootfitter, I have been using the Platinum liner from the 120s not the Gold of the 110s. The eye test would say the Gold liner has more "volume" (kinda closer to an Intuition) and when I ski the 110/Platinum combo it "feels" like there is more room in the 110 shell than there was in the 120s - seems like I have to buckle measurably tighter to achieve the heel lock. Note: I heat molded the Platinum liner AND shell when I bought the 120s but have not heat molded the 110 shell nor the Platinum liner into the 110 shell. Is this volume issue just my imagination? Or should I be molding the liner to the 110 shell? Or molding both the Platinum liner and the 110 shell? Thanks
Normally, a Platinum liner is made with firmer materials than the Gold, so it should feel a bit snugger and more responsive. But, your Platinum liners have been heat molded (along with the shell) and skied on for X-amount of days. I'm not that surprised that the Platinum liner feels a bit looser in the new shell. It's not only molded but molded to heated shell.

How does the 110 feel with the Mimic Gold liner? If fine, just use that.

You only want to heat mold a shell if the shell doesn't match your foot shape. Think of it like stretching or grinding - why stretch or grind if you don't need it? If you need it, then go for it.

But if the shell shape matches your foot shape, then you should only mold the liner.

You might try remolding the 3D Platinum liner to the 110 shell, but it just depends on how much life is left in it (how many ski days you had in it). If you are pushing 100 days in a liner, heat molding will help but only a bit. If you only have 20 or so, then you should remold it.
 

John Y

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Matt,
Want to buy my 2 sons new boots. They are 20 and 18 yrs old now and have been skiing since little kids. My 20 yr old, sz 25.5, thinking about getting him prime 130, 21 model and my 18 yr old, 26.5 sz same boot. Took my 18 year old to REI and tried on ultra 120 sz 26.5, fit very tight and think prime or magna would be better but didn’t have his sz. Also worried he might outgrow 26.5, would you size up? Does the prime 130, 21 model yr have same platinum mimic liners like 22 model yr? Or is it worth it to get prime 130 professional? Worried because of price and their ages, their feet might grow or change a little. There are no good boot fitters in Los Angeles area. Probably buy online and taking it to Mammoth to get it fitted for them.
 
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onenerdykid

onenerdykid

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Matt,
Want to buy my 2 sons new boots. They are 20 and 18 yrs old now and have been skiing since little kids. My 20 yr old, sz 25.5, thinking about getting him prime 130, 21 model and my 18 yr old, 26.5 sz same boot. Took my 18 year old to REI and tried on ultra 120 sz 26.5, fit very tight and think prime or magna would be better but didn’t have his sz. Also worried he might outgrow 26.5, would you size up? Does the prime 130, 21 model yr have same platinum mimic liners like 22 model yr? Or is it worth it to get prime 130 professional? Worried because of price and their ages, their feet might grow or change a little. There are no good boot fitters in Los Angeles area. Probably buy online and taking it to Mammoth to get it fitted for them.
As much as I would love for your sons to have Atomic boots, they need to have this decided by a boot-fitter who can actually measure the various dimensions of their feet and see those feet inside the shells in order to make the best decision. If you buy a boot online not knowing if it is actually the right boot for you, there is a very high probability that it's the wrong boot for you, almost guaranteed to be wrong. I know the desire to buy a boot online and get it fitted elsewhere seems like a good idea, but you need to avoid going down that road unless you want to buy things twice.

Between 20/21 and 21/22 versions, Mimic Platinum liners are the same. A Mimic Professional liner is definitely a huge upgrade, but since complete boots are 130 flexes that may or may not be the ideal flex for them. Mimic Professional liners are available on their own should that upgrade want to happen down the road and/or if a different flex is more suitable for them.
 

HootSki

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So as I posted previously, I have the Club Sport 130 and the World Cup 150. I feel there is too much room in the ankle area on the WC 150 vs the CS 130. Should I use something like the picture below to take up the extra volume in the ankle or the pads that look like donuts for the ankle area?
1642524758785.png
 

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John Y

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As much as I would love for your sons to have Atomic boots, they need to have this decided by a boot-fitter who can actually measure the various dimensions of their feet and see those feet inside the shells in order to make the best decision. If you buy a boot online not knowing if it is actually the right boot for you, there is a very high probability that it's the wrong boot for you, almost guaranteed to be wrong. I know the desire to buy a boot online and get it fitted elsewhere seems like a good idea, but you need to avoid going down that road unless you want to buy things twice.

Between 20/21 and 21/22 versions, Mimic Platinum liners are the same. A Mimic Professional liner is definitely a huge upgrade, but since complete boots are 130 flexes that may or may not be the ideal flex for them. Mimic Professional liners are available on their own should that upgrade want to happen down the road and/or if a different flex is more suitable for them.
Matt,
Older son is in Florida for college, can’t take him to get fitted. Took my younger son to REI to get fitted last week. Boot fitters there are very inexperienced, would not trust. Only had Ultra 120 in his size 26.5. Tried on for 15 minutes, fit very tight but was able to buckle down. One foot hurt but the other was tight but ok. 120 flex was stiff but he thought was ok. Fitter thought prime or magna would be better but had nothing in his size. REI had only one magna 110 in his size at another store in all of California and ordered, went to pick up yesterday, opened the box to find Nordic’s boots inside, return! This is my issue, no stock in size needed locally to even try on and honestly no good boot fitters in Southern California.
I have very wide flat problematic feet. Tried many different boot fitters and boots with bad results when younger and gave up skiing for a long time. Found out about Footloose in Mammoth. They got me in the widest boot at the time, Strolz black with Svenfit, still wearing for over ten years. Only thing that worked for me.
My sons feet’s are not as wide or flat as mine but are not average either. Called Footloose to check inventory of their boots in model and sizes needed. They don’t have any 26.5 in prime or magna and in 25.5 only very soft flex. Not planning on going up mammoth til Presidents’ Day weekend but by then Footloose will most likely be out of inventory in my sons sizes.
Do you know of any good boot fitters in Southern California, store with inventory to try on prime and magna in different flex’s? Spoke with very respectful boot fitters in Vermont about 130 flex in Atomic boots. He said you can soften the flex to more like 110 if you adjust the screw in back of boots. My sons have been skiing since they were 5. Believe they will like a 110 flex to start with but believe they will like the 130 flex as they get use to it. Thinking about prime 130 in 21 or 22 model year. Definitely going to get custom footbeds for them. Do you recommend any specific? Can you remold Mimic platinum liner and boot in a year or two if their feet grows a little?
Thank you very much Matt!
 

joshuagb

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I just wanted to share my experience about buying a pair of Hawx Ultra 110 GW with the Mimc liner at a well known chain ski shop in Atlanta last week.

I had hoped to have the option of the 120 or 130, but with a trip coming up I opted for the 110 since it was available. This shop is listed as an Atomic dealer on the Atomic website, but not as a shop offering master bootfitting or memory fit. Despite that, they do indeed have the Atomic ovens and liner air blowers there and offer shell customization like punch outs.

The boot fit OK out of the box, but while doing a shell fit, I could tell I might need a little extra space in the bunion area. The bootfitter (super nice guy btw) put the boots in the oven and the liners in an airblower. He didn't have any of the Memory Fit pads, and reasoned with me that if a bony protrusion or bunion needed extra space, it would likely create that space while heat molding. The bootfitter also didn't use the special Atomic shoe horn or the stocking shown in the videos. I don't think this bootfitter had gone through Atomic training because he asked me to put a dowel rod under my toes during the heat molding (but I opted not to and instead stand on a flat surface since I had at least caught that part in the Atomic videos). He buckled the buckles not on their loosest setting, but maybe one notch above the loosest setting that would close. I tested how tight it was but opted to leave it alone. At the end of molding time, he put on the Memory Fit cooling wraps. I know the best way to heat liner and shell at the same time is with two ovens (and they had another oven there from a different boot company), but I've also read this airblower+oven method is ok.

I think the process worked out ok. Despite not having the Memory Fit pads, it seems like I gained enough space to address any hotspot concerns. This was my first time going through the heat molding process, but I could tell immediately once putting on the warm boot and liners that this was going to be a much better fit. Once I got home, I was re-reviewing the Memory Fit process outlined in the dealer manual and I saw the part about not flexing during the heat molding process. I didn't flex continuously during the heat molding, but I think I might have flexed two or three times just to make sure my heel was fully seated.

So now I'm wondering if it might have inadvertently added some slop to the screwed connections by those several flexes (again, the bootfitter didn't tell me to flex or not to flex). I picked up the boot a few hours later looking for evidence of any loosening of the screwed connections. The ankle canting adjustor seems ok, not obviously loose but I detect a minor amount of rotation at that connection point if I flex the boot with my hands really hard. Otherwise not sure what else to look for here.

Also, the bootfitter offered to add the other bolt to the boot, which I let him do. His impression was that it allowed the boot to achieve its 110 flex, but elsewhere I read that it actually makes it a 120 flex.

Thoughts, Matt? TIA
 

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