Boot: 2022-2023 K2 Dispatch Pro
Stated Flex: 130
Available Sizes: 24.5-30.5
Stated Last (size 26.5): 100 mm
Stated Range of Motion: 60°
Stated Forward Lean: 12.5° (adjustable to 9° or 15°)
Size Tested: 27.5
Stated Boot Sole Length (size 27.5): 311 mm
Blister’s Measured Weight (size 27.5):
- Shells, no Liners (left & right): 1272 & 1283 g
- Liners, no Footbeds: 294 g & 288 g
- Shells + Liners = 1566 & 1571 g
Buckles: 4 Magnesium “Switchback” Buckles
Power Strap: 45 mm with Cam Strap
Shell Material:
- Cuff: Pebax (heat moldable)
- Lower Shell / Shoe: Pebax (heat moldable)
Liner: Tourfit BOA Liner
Soles: Nonremovable, full Vibram Dual-Density Rubber, ISO 9523
Binding Compatibility: Tech / pin bindings, MNC bindings
Tech Fittings: Dynafit-Certified Tech Inserts
[Editor’s Note: In the interest of getting you information sooner on some of the products we’re reviewing, we’re posting here some of our measured specs and manufacturer details, and will update in the future. Take a look, and let us know in the Comments Section below what questions you’d like us to answer.]
Intro
K2 recently launched their brand-new 22/23 collection of Dispatch boots, which represent their first foray into the lighter “freetouring” category. For more information on the entire K2 boot lineup, check out our Blister Summit video with K2’s boot product manager, Tom Pietrowski:
The Dispatch boot series was designed to complement the 22/23 K2 Dispatch skis (see this video with K2’s head ski designer for more on the Dispatch skis). All boots in the series are built around a ~100 mm last; K2 states that the fit of the Dispatch boots is comparable to their medium-volume Mindbender freeride boots, though the Dispatch reportedly has a roomier toe box.
Across the lineup, the shells and liners are fully heat-moldable via K2’s “Fast Fit” process, and the liner of the Dispatch Pro is built with a BOA tightening mechanism that’s intended to eliminate movement while ascending and allow for on-the-fly adjustments. Other notable features across the collection include K2’s “Switchblade” buckles, which can be locked forward while still lying flat to the cuff, to increase mobility on the ascent. K2 also built a new Honeycomb Boot Board, which K2 says is 15% more insulative than other boot boards.
The Dispatch Pro is the stiffest boot in the collection, with a reported flex of 130 and all the bells and whistles you’d expect of a flagship freetouring boot.
What K2 Says about the Dispatch Pro:
“Brand new to the K2 Collection, is the Dispatch Pro. A lightweight, ergonomic boot, outfitted with Vibram Outsoles, a 60-degree range of motion walk mode, and our new TourFit BOA Liner, make for one of the most capable touring-specific boots on the market. Experience zero compromises on downhill and uphill performance on your next big adventure with the Dispatch Pro.”
The Dispatch Series:
The Dispatch Pro is the premium boot within the Dispatch series, and at a 130-flex, is also the stiffest. While most of the features of the Dispatch series carry throughout the lineup, the Dispatch Pro stands apart because of its Tourfit BOA liner. The BOA mechanism is intended to keep the liner secure around the foot and shin, which is useful in reducing unwanted movement, especially on the ascent.
- Dispatch Pro (130-flex): $899
- Dispatch LT (120-flex): $799
- Distpach LT W (115-flex): $799
- Dispatch (110-flex): $699
- Dispatch W (105-flex): $699
Weight & Comparisons
The K2 Dispatch Pro just fits into the lighter half of the below list of boots, which includes both touring-specific and alpine-touring, or “50/50,” models. Though intended to be a boot primarily used for touring, the Dispatch Pro’s alpine-inspired cuff and four-buckle design make for a downhill-oriented touring boot, without sacrificing much range of motion in walk mode, or adding much extra weight.
For comparison, below is listed a number of our measured weights for some similar boots. For our measured weights, we list the weights of each shell + the weights of each liner, then the total weight of the shells + liners.
Tecnica Zero G Peak Carbon (27.5): 844 & 854 + 231 & 227 = 1075 & 1081 g
Salomon S/Lab MTN Summit (26.5): 963 g & 971.5 + 212.5 & 215 = 1187 & 1178 g
Scarpa Maestrale RS (24.5 / 25.0): 1053 & 1057 + 244 & 245 = 1297 & 1302 g
Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro (26.5): 1099 & 1100 + 210 & 211 = 1309 & 1311 g
Dynafit Hoji Pro Tour (26.5): 1169 & 1174 + 214 & 215 = 1383 & 1389 g
Salomon MTN Explore (26.5): 1126 & 1135 + 281 & 281 = 1407 & 1416 g
Scarpa Maestrale XT (26.5 / 27.0): 1258 & 1258 + 247 & 252 = 1505 & 1510 g
Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 (26.5): 1147 & 1150 + 403 & 404 = 1550 & 1554 g
Fischer Ranger Free 130 (26.5): 1204 & 1204 + 348 & 351 = 1552 & 1555 g
K2 Dispatch Pro (27.5): 1272 & 1283 + 294 g & 288 = 1566 & 1571 g
Roxa R3 130 TI I. R. (26.5): 1327 & 1335 + 249 & 251 = 1576 & 1586 g
Roxa R3 130 T.I. (27.5): 1319 & 1320 + 263 & 263 = 1582 & 1583 g
Head Kore RS 130 GW (26.5): 1334 & 1340 + 279 & 276 = 1613 & 1616 g
Dynafit Hoji Free (27.5): 1317 & 1332 + 331 & 325 = 1648 & 1657 g
Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130 (26.5): 1242 & 1249 + 408 & 410 = 1650 & 1659 g
K2 Mindbender 130 (26.5): 1429 & 1416 + 340 & 338.5 = 1769 & 1755 g
Lange XT3 130 LV (26.5): 1407 & 1410 + 368 & 368 = 1775 & 1778 g
Nordica Strider Pro 130 DYN (27.5): 1445 & 1440 + 363 & 373 = 1808 & 1813 g
Tecnica Cochise 130 (26.5): 1398 & 1405 + 422 & 419 = 1820 & 1824 g
Dalbello Lupo Pro HD w/o Tongues (26.5): 1589 & 1596 + 266 & 267 = 1855 & 1863 g
K2 Diverge SC w/o Tongues (26.5): 1577 & 1576 + 286 & 288 = 1863 & 1864 g
Dalbello Lupo Pro HD w/ Tongues (26.5): 1747 & 1754 + 266 & 267 = 2013 & 2021 g
K2 Diverge SC w/ Tongues (26.5): 1740 & 1739 + 286 & 288 = 2026 & 2027 g
Things We’re Curious About
(1) Does the Dispatch Pro provide a valid alternative to many of the lower-volume boots in the category for those needing a roomier fit?
(2) Does the heat-moldability of the Dispatch Pro’s pebax shell provide the ability to fit higher-volume feet without having to resort to traditional methods of bootfitting?
(3) Given its weight and stated range of motion, we can guess that the Dispatch Pro will be pretty comfortable on the uphill — but we are curious to see how it feels on the descent in challenging snow conditions, and how capable it is driving bigger skis (such as K2’s Dispatch 120), given its lateral support and stiffness?
(4) In general, it will be interesting to compare the Dispatch Pro against stiffer and heavier touring boots, such as the Atomic Hawx Prime XTD, and lighter, relatively more uphill-oriented options such as the Zero G Tour Pro — how will this new boot stand out?
Stay Tuned
Reviewer Paul Forward spent a bit of time in the K2 Dispatch Pro toward the end of last season, and we discuss some initial thoughts about it in our 22/23 Winter Buyer’s Guide. We are eager to spend more time in it, but until the snow starts falling, let us know of any questions or thoughts you have about this boot in the comments section below.
Hi guys,
On paper they look like very interesting boots ticking many boxes.
Any early take on how this 130 flex compare to the mindbenders 130 flex? And to some classic comparison point like the zero G?
I’ve skied the dispatch pro and zero g side by side for about 5 full days touring each. Obviously very different fits for me zero g had narrow toe box, lower volume, and larger heel cup. K2 dispatch pro considerably higher volume, wider in the toe, very easy to punch but also a more defined narrower heel pocket. The cuff engagement on the dispatch is considerably higher on the leg as it is a noticably taller boot. As far as flex, the dispatch feels softer but more progressive. The Tecnica is more initially responsive. I suspect outright the flexes are similar but you will go through more “travel” on the dispatch to reach that level. The dispatchs flex feels much bouncier. I have long legs so for me the leverage point on the dispatch is better as are the far wider option of lean adjustments- 9,12, and 15 degrees is probably the best spread of any boot in the class. The pebax vs grilamid feel is very different which is why the K2 feels softer off the top. I added a pulse labs tongue stiffener to the K2 to make it more responsive. Another variable though is that the k2 may feel softer just because I can get way better leverage on it due to where I engage the cuff as compared to the tecnica, so ymmv. It’s definitely a stout enough boot to drive anything, but it doesn’t have the immediate stiffness of many of the carbon infused grilamid shells out there. But for me, the heel pocket and where I engage the boot cuff make it a higher performing boot despite it having a too much volume (which I am reducing with shims) and the tongue stiffener from pulse to address to initial softness. Overall I think the dispatch is an excellent option in the 1500g class that offers a different fit and feel from all other options. It’s also nice to see non wire buckles, buckles that lock forward, and a power strap that has the buckle facing the right way on a boot that weights 1500g. If you account for having these options, and having a considerably taller cuff height and excellent liner, I actually think the dispatch is very light. Oh and the waffled boot board in the dispatch does seriously make it a lot warmer. It’s the warmest touring boot I’ve been in. As always though features aside the highest performance is going to be gained simply from having the best fit specific to your style, biomechanics, and feet.
Is it possible to use the K2 Dispatch Pro with a gripwalk binding?
They are not. These boots are only compatible with MNC, Sole.ID, and Tech/Pin bindings.
Is there any benefit to the foot buckles being mounted in opposite directions?
Yes. It keeps the buckle from getting knocked open when you are scrambling on rocks/booting up steep slopes.
How hard is it to remove the liner for drying purposes? I tried a Salomon Shift Pro and though I liked the boot fit, it was very difficult to reinstall the liner. I doubted the liner would not be damaged in 10 days skiing (and I tried a boot style horn to “encourage” the liner back into the boot). Not drying the liner daily is not an option