Fit
The XTD 130 has a stated last width of 98 mm in a size 26.5, and the last width increases by 2 mm for every size you go up — so a 27.5 has a 100 mm last; a 28.5 has a 102 mm last, etc.
I “memory fit” / heat molded the XTD 130 — both the shell and the liner — then went and toured in the boot. And the fit out of the box was spot on. I didn’t have a single pressure point, there was no rubbing or blistering, just a very nice fit. And I had achieved a similarly-good fit with the 4-buckle Hawx Ultra 130.
(By the way, this is typically the worst part of reviewing new AT boots — if issues begin to arise halfway through the tour, you’re screwed, and at the very least, you might have to shut down prematurely an otherwise good day in the mountains. So having zero issues on the first day out is a pretty big deal.)
Other Notes
(1) The XTD has a slightly longer BSL, presumably to make room for its tech fittings.
(2) The XTD has the same walk mode as the Atomic Backland Carbon — and we’ve already found the Backland’s walk mode to be very good. Its engagement is solid, and we haven’t had any issues with it failing to lock / unlocking at inopportune moments.
Some Comparisons & Specs
We’ll be fleshing these comparisons out further, but in the interest of locating the Ultra XTD 130 among the rest of the field, here are some initial stats and specs.
Blister’s Measured Weight (27.5):
• Shells, no liners: 1470 & 1473 grams
• Liners, no footbeds: 350 & 347 grams (with stock insoles)
• Shells + Liners: 1820 & 1820 grams
Stated Range of Motion: 43°
Blister’s Measured Weight (size 27.5):
- Shells, no liners: 1335 & 1333 g
- Liners, no footbeds: 220 & 225 g
- Shells + Liners: 1555 & 1558 g
Stated Range of Motion: 44°
Blister’s Measured Weight (26.5):
• Shells, no liners: 1257 & 1246 grams
• Liners + laces, no footbeds: 288 & 303 grams
• Shells + Liners: 1545 & 1549 grams
Stated Range of Motion: 47°
I’ve been on the record for a while now stating that the MTN Lab is my favorite AT boot ever. So for me personally, the primary questions I have are: How does the XTD 130 stack up? Which boot has the more progressive flex? Which boot is stiffer? Which boot walks better?
Well, as part of my testing of the XTD 130, I’ve just spent a day A/B-ing it against the MTN Lab. And if you want to read my initial thoughts on that comparison, check out my Flash Review.
My full review of the XTD 130 will come later as I get more time in the boot. Stay tuned…
Flash Review
Jonathan, I just bought a set of Tecnica Zero G Pro’s….haven’t used them yet…do I return them and wait for the UltraXTD to be available? They are lighter, better ROM, and I like the external walk/ski mechanism. Have you skied both yet?
Can you give more specs on the fit? What are the interior dimensions? Instep, ankle, length? Or at the very least, how it compares to an array of other boots. And why does no one list the forward lean angles? The boot sounds good and not everyone can try on a boot before they order one. Thanks!
two foward lean 15 and 17°
XTD vs LAB
volume : heel and anckle a little bit less
instep little bit higher than
metarsal and front with more volume but not high
the atomic liner is very good for skining but soft for skiing
more rom on the front and less on the back
LAB walks better ( XTD WTR sole)
XTD skins better
lenght inside perhaps shorter
on a LAB I was near to take a 26.5 size
definitely 27.5 for the XTD
I think this depend of the foot shape, fingers and heel
boot board is light
20gr and can give 5mm more place if you grind it. bad point it’s not fixed to the shell snd and move fore/aft few mm.
Curious what you go for on the shell fit (how many fingers behind the heel)?
Any idea when your full review is gonna drop for the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130? Any an in-depth A/B to the MTN Lab?
Is there a full review yet?
Full review coming anytime soon?
This boot really suits for everything, for me at least!
I haven’t try a boot that immediately after step in your heel doesn’t move or lift even before you touch a buckle! its an amazing lightweight but strong piece. I never trusted on lightweight AT boots or gear at all, so I was on the heavier side of the road but now im going lighter. I really like to shred hard out of bounds and push the limits on the gear, this one has surprised me. The switch system is amazingly nice and simple to use and doesn’t get frozen than others that I have tried. I also really liked the top buckles system, is really useful to switch modes without doing much. Maybe I will replace the strap for a booster strap just to feel like home, also thinking on get a custom liner..I just feel this is the one. Normally I ride on 130s so I was really looking for a versatile AT set this season and I found it. The Hawks have a great performance for skin up the hill, also to charge it hard the way down (what I look for) but what convinced me at the last but no least moment, was their performance on playful runs in and out the groomers with amazing transmission to drive the ski as I wanted to on any situation and snow conditions, very sensitive and strong. Great fit for this one! Just FYI I have never skied on Atomics before, I was on Salomon 130s for years.
Hey, thanks for sharing your experience with these boots. I’m looking forward to purchase them. How does the mondo sizing goes with them? I have 27 mondo size. Is the 27 size alright for me? How was for you?