2021-2022 Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130

54 comments on “2021-2022 Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130”

1. PLEASE do a review of the 20/21 women’s Atomic prime and ultra XTD 115 boots as well….

   • Sorry we missed this note — we weren’t able to get a pair of the 20/21 women’s Prime or XTD boots last season, but one of our female reviewers should at least be reviewing the new Ultra XTD 115 this coming season.

2. Hey Luke, what do you mean when you say: “As someone who cannot cram their feet into the Hawx Ultra XTD without some serious pain”
   When exactly does it hurt, in the process of putting your foot in the boot or while wearing the boot? I tried the Ultra XTD two years ago and remember that putting it on was a troublesome, I had the idea that I was gonna break my foot. Once on my feet they were wonderful.

   • I was referring more to the fact that the Ultra XTD doesn’t fit my feet well. I can get it on (I have a low instep so getting the boots on usually isn’t the issue), but my toes feel very crammed and I get a ton of pain in the midfoot area.

3. I’m really impressed by Atomic’s choice to put a 400 g liner in this boot. I think that it shows a willingness to put real-world usability above the all-important weight spec, and it’s a nice change from the trend of some recent 130-flex touring boots with near-unusable 200 g liners (ahem, Tecnica).

   Let’s hope that more makers follow suit.

   • In the first year of development for this boot, we went back and forth on this topic a lot. Weight targets are easy to win on paper, but they come at the sacrifice of three super crucial aspects: Fit, Comfort, and Performance. We could have made another 1400g boot, but it would have definitely suffered in all three of those areas. Ultimately, we just said screw it. Weight targets are nice, but boots are made to fit and ski well, and this is why the Prime XTD and the Ultra XTD got liners that can handle the rigors of being a resort daily-driver.

     Cheers
     Matt

     • I think that current 200-250 g liners are marginal for the kind of touring people do in this sort of boot, never mind daily-driving in a resort.

       I have Zero-G Pro Tours and I only use them in the backcountry, as I have ~1800 g and ~2500 g boots to choose from for resort use. Even so I ended up putting Intuition Pro Tours in the Zero-Gs because the stock ones just didn’t work for aggressive downhill riding. Most of the bootfitters I’ve talked with who use that boot (and there are a significant number) have done the same.

       I’m think that ultralight liners work in less substantial “uphill oriented” boots like TLTs or Backlands, but the combination of a 130-flex 4-buckle overlap shell and a nonexistent liner seems problematic to me (unless you’re racing at a high level and that shell is a well-fitted plug, but neither applies here).

       • Matt and Patrick,
         Totally agree. Liners need to provide performance, comfort, warmth and durability. In this type of boots, that needs some meat. Partly this can be overcome by using higher end materials (just like switching to grillamid from PU), but mostly it just is going to be some extra mass.
         If you own a boot like this and want to do a fast and light tour, get some aftermarket, super light liners.

4. Do you know if you will be able to purchase the new Mimic liner separately and if it will work in this years Hawx Ultra XTD 130?

   • Yep, you’ll be able to purchase the Mimic liners themselves via an Atomic dealer, and the shell of the Ultra XTD isn’t changing, so it’ll be a perfect fit if you have a previous-year shell.

5. Is there more volume in the ankle as well? I have the 19/20 Hawx Ultra XTDs, and even with heating molding and some punching, I still have some pain in my 6th toe and the inside of my ankles.

   • Hi Steve, Yes- the Prime XTD last has a slightly wider heel & ankle and a taller instep to go along with the wider forefoot. Even though the heel/ankle is slightly wider than the one found in the Ultra XTD, it’s definitely not a loose or sloppy fit.

6. I just got in the current Ultra XTD and the G Zero Tour Pro. I spent some time in both at home yesterday. Out of the box, the Ultra XTD felt like it had slightly more volume almost everywhere (except perhaps the heel). The Ultra XTD also felt like a softer flex. I have a very low volume foot – ski the Atomic Redster World Cup 130 and Dobermann before that. So I decided to try the G Zero in lieu of the Ulltra XTD. After a couple more hours in the G Zero at home I skinned up Aspen Highlands today. The boot was great – both up and down. I was coming off a Mastrale RS that was too roomy and too soft on the downhill. What an improvement. I was really looking for improvement on the downhill and, while I will always prefer a stiff alpine boot, the G Zero did remarkably well for such a light boot. I thought the uphill performance was very good as well. I ski the Corvus Freebird with Dynafit tech bindings for a/t. I would like a bit more forward lean (I think I can adjust) and found that I had to balance a bit on the ski and not get back in the variable terrain. But overall, I really like the G Zero Tour Pro for a/t. Based on what I see, Atomic’s 2021 boot may possibly be better downhill, but weight is a potential issue for me.

   • IMO the Zero-G Pro Tour is a terrific boot (I have a pair). I also think that it’s selling a lot of liners for Intuition, though.

     Even with an Intuition Pro Tour liner with stiff tongue and Sidas custom footbed that boot only weighs ~1450 g.

   • Since you mentioned forward lean: Did you try flipping the piece in the walk mode assembly that converts it from “12 degrees” to “13”?

7. I planned on looking at that before I go out next time. Thanks.

8. Hi Luke, how would you compare the 2020-2021 Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130 to the Dynafit Hoji Free 130 in terms of fit, last and stiffness? Thank you

9. I have last year’s Ultra XTD 130. I love them except for getting them on which is really difficult. I would also like a more customized fit as i have very thin ankles and heels to go with my low-instep flat feet. Will I be able to get the new liners separately for my boots? I do mostly resort skiing with the occasional uphill day.

   • Yep, you’ll be able to get the Mimic liners through an Atomic dealer. FWIW, Atomic’s Matt Manser said that while the Mimic liners won’t expand when molded, but he did say (and we can confirm) that the Mimic liner in the 20/21 model is significantly thicker than the previous liner. As far as whether or not it’d take up all the needed space for you, we’d differ to a bootfitter as they’d have a much better idea of that.

10. I own the first gen Atomic XTD 130 with the orange, light weight touring liner. It tours very well, the liner allows virtually friction free movement, and I think is about 200 g’s lighter than the new Mimic liner. It definitely gives up some snugness, comfort, and control on the downhill. If I am walking uphill, I don’t mind it at all, since I am not doing lots of runs in a day. When I use the boots periodically for resort skiing, I do notice the light, thin liner. I am planning on getting a second liner, the new Mimic version, for resort days. I expect those to be just what the doctor ordered. I was told by Atomic that you can get the thin touring liner or the new Mimic liner with the boots. I assume the Mimic is standard and you order the touring liner, not sure? I am doing the opposite since I use the boot for Ski Race coaching and the walk mode and rubber soles are much nicer when standing around on boilerplate courses compared to my race boots.

    • Yep, that’s correct — the 20/21 Hawx Ultra XTD 130 comes standard with the burlier Mimic liner, but you can get the lighter liner separately, as well as ordering just the Mimic liner on its own.

11. Hi Luke,
    In the text you sortie, it sounds as if the tech fittings are in the removable soles. But in the pictures it looks as if the tech fittings are in the fixed part of the sole.
    Could you clarify this?

    • Ah, yeah that wasn’t worded super well — the tech fittings are fixed in the main shell; the replaceable part of the sole is pretty much just the tread.

12. Hi, I also own 20/21 Hawx Ultra XTD 130 and find the liner too thin when doing lift-assisted runs. I was thinking of buying a pair of red liners from Ultra XTD 120. Can you tell how the new Mimic liner compare, which one is more plush?

    • Hi Palo,

      Are you sure you have the 20/21 Hawx Ultra XTD 130? The 20/21 version is all black with some sand-colored accents and has the new Mimic Platinum liner in it, which is built just like the liners found in the regular Hawx Ultra range (= not a light weight, loose-fitting liner). It fits and skis just like a regular Hawx Ultra.

      Just to make it easier for everyone, let’s do it this way:
      -19/20 Hawx Ultra XTD 130 (grey/green color way) has a beefed up touring-oriented liner. It is better than the older, orange liner but it’s still on the lighter side of things. If you are 100% skiing in-bounds/using lifts, then it’s probably not the idea liner for you.
      -19/20 Hawx Ultra XTD 120 (dark blue/red color way) has liner that is built just like a normal Hawx Ultra, but with a flex zone that allows for touring/walking. It’s fits & skis just like a normal Hawx Ultra liner (= fine for 100% in-bounds use), but it does not have any Mimic material in it.
      -20/21 Hawx Ultra XTD 130 (black/sand) & 120 (black/red)- these boots come with Mimic Platinum liners that are built just like a normal Hawx Ultra, but with flex zones that allow for touring walking (= find for 100% in-bounds use). This is the same construction/build that is reviewed above. The lighter weight liner from the 19/20 Hawx Ultra XTD 130 is available only as an aftermarket option.

      Hope that makes more sense!

13. Hi onenerdykid,

    You are right, I have the grey/green version 19/20. The liners are good for touring a fluffy powder but super-painful for hard snow conditions. So I decided to buy a second pair of liner for only short walks and/or more lift-assisted rounds with not so smooth snow. I wanted to hear what’s better option, if new mimic liner from prime or dark blue/red from Ultra XTD 120. Thanks, Palo

    • Hi Palo,

      A new Mimic liner (for either Hawx Ultra XTD or Prime XTD) would be just as damp, cushion-y, supportive, and as powerful as the liner from the blue/red Ultra XTD 120. They are built the same way.

      The only difference is the Mimic technology in the new liner. That material is not found in the 19/20 blue/red Ultra XTD 120 liner.

14. Great write up that also mentions comparable boots. I’m a bigger skier that falls into the larger 200lb class. Based on other Blister reviews, a boot that sounds like it should be comparable but not mentioned is the Head Kore 1. How does the Hawx Prime XTD 130 compare to the Had Kore 1?

    • Long story short: the Kore 1 is notably softer, particularly in the middle of its flex pattern, and it also offers slightly less forward range of motion. The Kore 1’s flex pattern feels very linear and quite soft until you get super deep into its flex, at which point a plastic bulge molded into its shell prevents flexing through the boot. I find the Prime XTD’s much more progressive flex pattern a lot more intuitive and predictable, and that plastic “stop” on the Kore 1 also somewhat impedes its uphill range of motion when taking longer strides.

      • Appreciate the feedback. I’ve tried on the Kore 1 and agree about the flex pattern and their comparatively less range of motion. In pure a sense, how would the the stiffness rank for the Prime XTD’s, Hoji Free’s and the Maestrale XT’s?

        • We got into more detail in our Deep Dive of AT Boots: https://blisterreview.com/deep-dive/deep-dive-130-flex-touring-boots

          But long story short, the Hoji Free and Maestrale XT are the two stiffest boots in the category (Hoji Free being the stiffest). Comparing them to the Prime XTD 130 is definitely not like comparing a 150-flex vs. 130-flex, but those looking for the stiffest AT boots that still walk really well and are quite light should try on those 2 boots. The Prime XTD 130 will be plenty stiff for most people who like a 130-flex alpine boot, but I’d say it’s subtly softer than some of the best 130-flex alpine boots (e.g., Lange RX, Head Raptor).

        • So basically, if I am understanding this correctly, only the stiffest boots of the men’s and women’s range ie 130/115 flex, are built with grilamid and mimic liners. The 120/100 boots are built from true flex pu and don’t have mimic liner and are thus heavier, with a “less good” touring liner. This seems a bit bizarre to me, because isn’t flex choice based more on your weight and skiing style? Ie I am a 150lb, 5’9” woman, whose resort boot is 110 flex. I don’t need a 130 flex boots for skiing backcountry powder. I also like the men’s boots better, because of the higher cuff on my shin. But unless I want a super stiff boot, it seems I’m left with the second tier option for backcountry, ie the heavier 120 flex with non – mimic liner. Which is a bit irritating to me, because the atomic boots fit my feet perfectly when compared to other boots available. Why is there an assumption that only people who want the stiffest boots, also want lightness? Or is a function of grilamid vs pu plastics? Ie grilamid shell at a certain thickness = x weight and a certain flex, which is stiff. Making it thinner to make lower flex would make materials too thin? Or?

          • Just to clarify, are you looking at the Hawx Ultra XTD or Hawx Prime XTD lines? The new, wider Prime line doesn’t have a men’s 100 flex, but the existing, narrower Ultra line does. I ask because the Prime 120 v. 130 are substantially different weights (over 6oz per boot), but the Ultra 120 vs. 130 are quite close (about 1.5oz per boot). The Ultra 120 also comes with the Mimic Platinum liner while the Prime 120 liner is their 3D Gold.

            From there, I’d definitely get your feet in them to test the flex before writing off the 130s. Flex pretty meaningless outside each individual product line. I ski a Tecnica Mach 1 105 inbounds, but I was torn between the Tecnica Zero G 115 and 130 for a touring boot. Ultimately settled on the 115, but it’s noticeably softer than my inbound boots. Likewise, I’ve heard similar feedback that the 130 & 115 flex Ultra XTDs ski softer than the Ultra S alpine boots with the same flex number. I’d give them a shot and work with a fitter to determine if the 120 and/or 130 is something you can flex.

            In terms of your question about why boots seem to either be stiff/light or heavier/soft, it’s actually pretty common. The women’s Hoji PU/Pro and Zero G Tour/Scout. Cost is a big consideration. Most of the women I know who have landed in the Hawx Ultra XTD 95 have the skill and size to handle the 115, but preferred the 95 since they were buying their full setup, avy gear, and education all at the same time. The material differences keep the cost down while the softer flex keeps the weight in check. Also, from a line planning perspective, going with Grilamid on the 95 & 100 models would make them light enough to start blurring the lines between them and the 95/100 flex Backland Pros.

            • Hm, interesting. Thanks for the reply. I was talking about the ultra xtd vs the prime xtd. Unfortunately in my area, there is now a boot shortage for touring boots. I can get the correct size in ultra 130 xtd, last year’s ultra xtd 110 or the new prime 120 xtd… So I will have to see what fits best. I find it so difficult to decide what boot will work best for both skiing and skinning, when standing in a store. High stakes decisions when the boots cost so much!

15. The regular Atomic XTD 130 is a bit too snug for my instep and has marginal width in the toe box. The Prime XTD fits my foot pretty well. Can anyone comment on how the Tecnica Zero g boot compares in fit?

16. Hi onenerdykid,
    I have the 1st year (17/18) Hawx Ultra XTD 120s with the orange liners. I think I’ve got less than about 30 days on them and the liners are packed out and I’m dealing with bad blistering at the heels. I’m considering replacing the liners with Intuition but was curious what recommendations you might have before I go that route? Aside from this issue that have been really great boots!

    • See my comment below. I’m trying a similar approach for a different situation.

    • Hi Jimmiski, sorry for the delayed response. If you are still looking for a new liner, I would suggest adding the Mimic Platinum Ultra XTD liner to your short list. This is new update for the 20/21 season and it will mold better and ski better than an Intuition liner, with about the same weight as your current liner. An Intuition will be lighter but won’t offer the same level of customization or skiing performance.

17. I’ve had the same rubbing issue at the top of my ankle/bottom of my shin. I love everything else about the boots, but that friction is annoying. I swapped some beefier liners into the shell to see if that made a difference and it did. I’m now planning to replace the liners with some intuition pro tours, and heat mold the liners and shell to reduce friction in that location. I’m optimistic that will take care of the problem and maybe even shave a few grams. But overall these boots are amazing – great on the up and absolute rippers on the down.

18. Thanks for this incredibly in depth review. I am torn between the Ultra and the Prime. The dilemma comes from a Mortons Neuroma I have on my right foot. Leaves my right foot burning around 2pm every day I ski. I had both feet measured and my left foot is 100mm and right comes in at 105mm (Bunion w/ neuroma). I like the snug fit of the Ultra, especially on my left foot, but am concerned about the tight fit aggravating my Neuroma. I would need to get the right toe box pushed out to stop the squeezing.

    Herein lies my question: will the ultra toe box stretch out from 98-105? Or at that width should I be going with the prime at 100mm?

    • That’s definitely a tough call. I suspect that the Ultra would work alright after molding and some additional punching / stretching, but I’m not sure. I’m more confident you could get a comfortable fit in the Prime, but I’m guessing that might leave you with a touch more room around your ankle than you want. But overall, I think I’d lean toward the Prime.

    • Colby – PM if you want to extend this chat. I have been working around a similar problem for the last 10 years. Always good to compare notes. I hear you on the need for a tight heal grip and wide toe box — and those afternoon burning pains…

19. I’ve had a few first hours on these now. Absolutely love them.

    Coming from Lupo AX120 these fit like a sock. Not sure if I have to do any modifications — the Mimic liner does what it promises quite well. Was actually quite amazing to kind of forget wearing a new boot just after a few runs. Getting the boots on and off is a bit of work but that probably gets easier over time.

    The “floor feel” is really good for me personally. I skied Black Crows Atris 108mm on a fresh, icy artificial resort snow. Compared to Lupo, these feel lighter and it took a few runs to get used to them. After that, hot damn. Personally I was after a steeper forward lean and these boots do the trick. Quite looking forward taking these into steep snow and uphill next month.

20. As this is a ‘heavier’ boot on the spectrum of AT boots these days, would it be “too much boot” for today’s lightweight tech bindings? Or would it be more appropriately paired with a burlier tech binding?

21. Hi onenerdykid,

    I am looking to purchase a new pair of boots to replace a pair of Scarpa Freedom SL. The two choices that I have narrowed down to are the Scarpa Maestrale RS and the Atomic Hawx 130(not sure if Ultra or Prime will work).

    Any suggestions for those of us who are used to being on a rubber touring sole? As Luke mentioned, I too am leery to rely on WTR when having to do rock scrambling. I really think that Atomic has nailed the tech and knocked it out of the park.
    Just wish we had a option to buy one set of soles vs the other.

    Thanks,

    Mark

22. Meant to say leery of using GripWalk soles for rock scrambling and would like the option to choose the type of soles for this boot.

    Open to suggestions, look forward to people’s thoughts on this.

    Thanks,

    Mark

23. Good morning, great write up. I have a slightly older model (2020, black and orange, prior to Mimic liner) that I’ve been skiing for two seasons plus. I dig the boots, they ski well and don’t hurt my feet. Unfortunately the screw that holds the tech fitting on the boot heal has broken twice. Atomic was able to extract the broken screw the first time but has not been able to this time.

    Is anyone else having durability issues with that boot? I’m inclined to buy another pair as they ski well and don’t hurt but am not crazy about replacing boots after ~ 50 days dedicated touring or buying gear that has not been durable.

    Cheers,
    Jim

24. Just purchased a pair of Ultra XTD and will get out for a four day resort trip this week to try them out.

    I am surprised at the camlock power strap. It really isn’t very easy to use with gloves on. My gut tells me I’ll be swapping the straps out for a velcro version but am interested on feedback from others.

    Thanks in advance

25. I have Prime 130’s I have been using them for everything but first multi day tour I got a serious blister on inside below ankle from skinning with buckles undone. I looked at possibility of adding laces but instead bought Intuition Tour wrap liners which have a drawstring system, weight of my 265 boots with Intuitions and footbeds is 3040g vs 3400g with Mimics and footbeds. Perhaps the Intuitions are not as plush but with the two layers over the shin area they feel great and there is a little more room around the toes which I like. Another reason I went for wrap liners is a nasty bone spur on top of my left foot which tongue liners aggravate. Overall pretty happy with the setup now.
    However lately I have been thinking of buying another boot, maybe more touring oriented, looking around the new Scott Cosmos Pro looks and reads well at 1400 per boot with an ultralon liner with Boa laceup system, it is a “hybrid cabrio”. Has anybody out there tried this boot? I would love some feedback on these. My reading suggests a few things, firstly the 27.5 is the same length as a 26.5 in most other brands. Any other comments would be most welcome.

26. Hi, guys!
    The official Atomic site says about the weight:
    Weight (g) / Boot (Size) : 1,840 / 26-26.5
    It is 200 grams heavier, than your measurements…
    Do you think something is changed in 22/23 model?

    • The liner.

    • The lower part has been reinforced a bit I think. The liner already changed in this 20-21 model. Also, the shell materials have changed progressively over the model year, this 20-21 boot stated material is “Grilamid” (Polyamide). The 21-22 boot, if I recall correctly, was polyurethane/Grilamid, and 22-23 boot is all polyurethane.

27. UPDATE: After few days testing: these boots are best AT boots on downhill side and big disappointment for touring. The just don’t have enough ROM. 54 degrees it theoretical, impossible to have more, than 20 degrees, mostly forward… do not buy for touring, except for occasional transitions to better lines, near the lifts…

    • How did you try to ski the boot? If I had to guess, the stated ROM is achieved by setting the upper bucles to the loose positions and pushing the buckle levers to the forward position.