Boot: 2023-2024 Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW
Stated Flex: 130
Available Sizes: 24/24.5-29/29.5
Stated Last (size 26.5): 98 mm
Stated Range of Motion: 54º
Stated Forward Lean: 15º (adjustable to 13º and 17º)
Size Tested: 26.5
Stated Boot Sole Length (size 26.5): 302 mm
Blister’s Measured Weight (size 26.5):
- Shells, no Liners: L: 1386 & R: 1385 g
- Liners, no Footbeds: L: 405 g & R: 406 g
- Shells + Liners = 1791 & 1791 g
- Stock Insoles: 20 g
- Removable Spoilers: 41 g
Buckles:
- Cuff: 2 7000-series micro-adjustable aluminum tour buckles
- Shell: BOA® fit system alpine
Power Strap: 50 mm quick-release cam strap
Shell Material:
- Cuff: PU
- Lower Shell / Shoe: “True Flex” PU
Soles: full rubber Skywalk GripWalk (ISO 23223) sole
Binding Compatibility: GripWalk ISO 23223, MNC, Pin / Tech
Tech Fittings: “Investment Cast Tech Inserts”
Intro
Atomic launched the Hawx Ultra XTD 130 for the 17/18 season, and in subsequent years, the Hawx Ultra XTD 130 has received some updates to its liner, buckles, sole type, and power strap, with the biggest change happening for the 20/21 season when the boot got an excellent liner update with a new Mimic Platinum touring liner.
But in terms of updates … today takes the cake. Atomic is unveiling a new Hawx Ultra XTD that looks quite different from its predecessors, and the changes certainly aren’t just aesthetic. While the entire range got an update, the Hawx Ultra XTD BOA models stand out for their inclusion of a BOA fit system in the lower shell. Up until now, we’ve seen BOA dials used on some light touring boots, but this is one of the first downhill-oriented boots to feature a BOA dial implemented into the plastic shell.
We’ve been spending time in the stiffest Ultra XTD BOA, the Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW, and Blister Members can check out our initial on-snow impressions in our Flash Review.
Furthermore, if you want to hear all about the backstory of these boots and everything else Atomic has going on for the 23/24 season, be sure to check out our GEAR:30 conversation with Atomic Ski Boot Product Manager, Matt Manser.
But let’s lay out some of the details of the new Hawx XTD series, and the Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW in particular.
What Atomic says about the Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW
“The ultimate all-mountain crossover boot, Hawx Ultra XTD BOA offers the best of alpine skiing performance with efficient range of movement for walking. For those who ski every run at the resort yet like to explore beyond the boundaries for fresh snow and more adventurous skiing, this is your boot.”
While we considered the older Hawx Ultra XTD an aggressive touring boot or maybe a light-duty 50/50 boot, Atomic is definitely positioning this new model squarely in the 50/50 category.
The 2023-2024 Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD Lineup of Boots
The Hawx Ultra XTD lineup consists of several freeride touring boots with a narrow, 98 mm last. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Hawx Ultra XTD (130, 120, and 110-flex models)
- Hawx Ultra XTD BOA (130 and 110-flex models, same geometry as the non-BOA Hawx Ultra XTD)
- Hawx Ultra XTD W (115 and 95-flex models with a lower cuff than the Men’s Hawx Ultra XTD)
- Hawx Ultra XTD BOA W (115 and 95-flex models with the same geometry as the non-BOA Hawx Ultra XTD W)
For 23/24, the entire Hawx Ultra XTD lineup gets an update, the biggest change being the type of plastic used. Every Atomic Hawx XTD shell is now made from polyurethane (PU). While the previous boots varied in their use of Grilamid (PA) and PU, with the highest-end men’s and women’s models using a full PA cuff and shell, every Hawx Ultra XTD boot now uses a “Trueflex” PU shell and standard PU cuff.
Not only this, but the Hawx Ultra XTD also gets a new construction. More material has been added around the ankle / midfoot area of this boot, an update that’s very similar to the one that the fixed-cuff Hawx Ultra received for the 21/22 season. And of course, Atomic has added BOA-equipped options for the 23/24 season.
(A note on sizing: the non-BOA, 23/24 Hawx Ultra XTD 130 GW is still available from size 22 to 29.5, but the rest of the men’s Hawx Ultra XTD boots are available from size 24 to 29.5; the women’s models are available from size 22 to 27.5.)
Weight & Comparisons
This is another big change. Our pair of the new Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW — size 26.5 — is coming in at 1791 grams per boot. This is notably more than the last version of the Hawx Ultra XTD 130, which came in at 1550 grams per boot.
The weight of the new boot is in line with other aggressive 50/50 options on the market, such as the Tecnica Cochise 130 DYN GW and Lange XT3 130 LV (see below).
What might be even more interesting is how this new Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW compares to the fixed-cuff Hawx Ultra 130 S GW. This tourable Hawx Ultra XTD is now actually just slightly heavier than the downhill-dedicated Hawx Ultra, which weighs in at 1787 grams per boot.
Below is a number of our measured weights of other boots with walk mechanisms. We list the weights of each shell + the weights of each liner, then the total weights of the shells + liners. You can click on the link for each boot to see which model year(s) the weights apply to.
Tecnica Zero G Peak Carbon (27.5): 844 & 854 + 231 & 227 = 1075 & 1081 g
Scarpa F1 LT (28.0 / 27.5): 1106 & 1101 g
Atomic Backland Carbon (27.5): 882 & 884 + 228 & 230 = 1110 & 1114 g
Salomon S/Lab MTN Summit (26.5): 963 g & 971.5 + 212.5 & 215 = 1187 & 1178 g
Salomon S/Lab X-Alp (28.0): 1010 & 1010 + 222 & 222 = 1232 7 1232 g
Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro (26.5): 1099 & 1100 + 210 & 211 = 1309 & 1311 g
Fischer Transalp Pro (26.5): 1053 & 1053 + 262 & 263 = 1315 & 1316 g
Atomic Backland XTD Carbon 120 (26.5): 1084 & 1085 + 290 & 286 = 1374 & 1371 g
Dynafit Hoji Pro Tour (26.5): 1169 & 1174 + 214 & 215 = 1383 & 1389 g
Scarpa 4-Quattro XT (26.5 / 27.0): 1248 & 1246 + 228.5 & 229 = 1476.5 & 1475 g
Scarpa Maestrale XT (26.5 / 27.0): 1258 & 1258 + 247 & 252 = 1505 & 1510 g
Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 (20/21–22/23) (26.5): 1147 & 1150 + 403 & 404 = 1550 & 1554 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): 1428 & 1427 + 346 & 348 = 1774 & 1775 g
Fischer Ranger Pro 130 GW DYN (26.5): 1381 & 1381 + 388.5 g & 392.5 = 1770 & 1774 g
Lange XT3 130 LV (26.5): 1407 & 1410 + 368 & 368 = 1775 & 1778 g
Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW (26.5): 1385 & 1386 + 406 & 405 = 1791 & 1791 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
Full Tilt Ascendant SC w/o Tongues (26.5): 1577 & 1576 + 286 & 288 = 1863 & 1864 g
Head Kore 120 GW (27.5): 1472 & 1477 + 477 & 477.5 = 1949 & 1954.5 g
Dalbello Lupo Pro HD w/ Tongues (26.5): 1747 & 1754 + 266 & 267 = 2013 & 2021 g
Full Tilt Ascendant SC w/ Tongues: 1740 & 1739 + 286 & 288 = 2026 & 2027 g
Shell
As mentioned earlier, all 23/24 Hawx Ultra XTD boots, including the new 130 BOA GW, have a “True Flex” Polyurethane (PU) shell and PU cuff. (Atomic’s True Flex PU is designed to offer more consistent performance across a wider range of temperatures; see episode one of our “Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots” GEAR:30 series for more on that.)
The Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW is a traditional, 2-piece overlap boot (but with a walk mechanism). Visually, it looks very similar to the original Hawx Ultra XTD shell, but reinforcing plastic has been added to the outer and inner midfoot / ankle area, which is reminiscent of the same mold update that the fixed-cuff Hawx Ultra 130 S GW received 2 years ago now.
Liner
The Hawx Ultra XTD 130 also gets a new liner for 23/24. This Mimic Platinum touring liner is a rather burly, alpine-like liner — it very much resembles an alpine boot liner with a flex zone added above the Achilles for range of motion, and it is nowhere near as thin and flimsy as the 17/18-19/20 Hawx Ultra XTD liner. It features Mimic material around the shin and ankle (listen to GEAR:30 podcast episode #88 for more on Mimic), a replaceable/adjustable “Adaptive Fit System (AFS)” tongue, and can be laced up as well.
This liner has a bellowed flex zone at the back near the Achilles area, which is about the only indication that this liner is meant for touring; it’s quite featured and thick. Lastly, this liner has 3M’s “Thinsulate” material, and also has velcro on the back for attaching a spoiler (which is included), and this is the same large spoiler that comes with the fixed-cuff Hawx Ultra.
Walk Mechanism
The Hawx Ultra XTD boots use Atomic’s “Free/Lock 4.5” walk mechanism, which should be familiar to anyone following Atomic, given that it’s extremely similar to the walk mechanisms that Atomic has put on nearly all their touring boots. It’s fully external and consists of a big lever on the upper cuff that connects to a bar on the lower shell when in ski mode. It’s easy to use with gloves and we’ve had great experiences with it previously on other boots.
Adjustable Forward Lean
The Free/Lock 4.5 walk mechanism mentioned above also has adjustable forward lean built into it. This boot comes stock at 15º, but unscrewing this mechanism on the cuff and moving it up or down results in 13º or 17º of forward lean, respectively.
Buckles
On the cuff of this boot, you’ll find two familiar touring buckles. They’re both micro-adjustable, and they have sliders on them that let the buckles open much wider than traditional buckles. Additionally, the ladders that these buckles attach to use a lightly spring-loaded bar of metal across them to retain the buckle in place when the buckle is open.
The lower shell, however, uses BOA’s H+i1 alpine fit system, in place of 2 buckles. This is essentially a metal cord actuated by a large dial near the outside of the midfoot. This cord is routed around 3 different pulleys on the top of the foot, then fixed to the front of the boot.
The idea of having a BOA fit system on a ski boot is to provide uniform wrapping of the foot in the lower shell, mitigating pressure points sometimes created by buckles and providing a more precise fit.
Power Strap
The Hawx Ultra XTD 130 uses a 50mm-wide power strap with a quick-release cam. The strap itself is a very thin but sturdy-feeling fabric. Only the top-end men’s and women’s Hawx Ultra XTD boots have this style of power strap on them, the rest use a velcro strap.
Soles
You’ll find “Skywalk” GripWalk soles on the new Hawx Ultra XTD 130. This boot complies with GripWalk ISO norm 23223, and it has deeper rubber tread away from the more rigid plastic areas that are designed to transfer power to and interface with a GripWalk or MNC binding. There are still tech inserts at the toe and heel for use with tech / pin “TLT” bindings.
Fit
First of all, my feet are not your feet, so if you are interested in the new Hawx Ultra XTD, go see a trusted bootfitter and try it on. With that caveat, here’s what I think about how the new Hawx Ultra XTD fits. For reference, I have nearly true 26.5 feet length-wise, a low instep, and narrow (~95 mm wide) feet. My feet are skinny and low-volume throughout.
Historically, any boot with the name “Hawx Ultra” in it has fit the same (the Hawx Ultra and Hawx Ultra XTD share the same last). The Hawx Ultra is known for offering a true low-volume fit, whether that be in an alpine or a touring Hawx. If you liked the fit of one Hawx Ultra, you’ll like the others. And well, I’d say that still rings true with the new Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW. This boot feels low-volume throughout, and has a lot in common fit-wise with older versions of the Hawx Ultra, including the fixed-cuff version. But, upon first slipping on the boot, I feel like I have a bit more room around the midfoot and ankle. However, after cranking the BOA dial down, this feeling mostly subsides, and the boot is back to feeling snug and low-volume around the ankle.
Speaking of which, the BOA system is a significant factor in the way that this boot fits. I really like to crank down all buckles on my boots, including the lower two buckles on top of the foot, and this can sometimes result in unwelcome pressure points on my feet directly under the buckles. With the BOA system, I feel like I can crank it down just as hard, but the pressure is more uniformly spread across the top of my foot, rather than concentrated around the buckle areas. I’m a big fan.
This boot also provides a snug cuff fit that I’ve really come to love in the Atomic Hawx Ultra boots. With the spoiler installed, the cuff wraps nicely around my shin and lower calf, leaving no voids to wiggle around in and allowing me to transfer power directly to the cuff.
This boot is definitely more low-volume than the Tecnica Cochise and Lange XT3 LV, which I could never make work because their fits felt too voluminous and sloppy (trying all of them in a size 26.5). Like its predecessor, the Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA is one of the lower-volume touring boots out there.
So, I’d say that if you have gotten along well with previous Hawx Ultra boots, you’ll like the fit of this one. And if you’re in the market for a truly low-volume 50/50 boot, this one should be on your list of boots to try on.
Bottom Line (For Now)
The new Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW now appears to be a true “50/50” boot, much more so than previous iterations of the Hawx Ultra XTD ever were, though reportedly without a change in the uphill range of motion. And its BOA fit system truly does make it stand out.
We’re looking forward to getting more time in this boot and comparing it to several other 50/50 and touring options, but for now, Blister Members can check out Jonathan Ellsworth’s and my initial on-snow impressions in our Flash Review.
Flash Review
Blister Members can read our Flash Review of the Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA for our initial on-snow impressions. Become a Blister member now to check out this and all of our Flash Reviews, plus get exclusive deals and discounts (including 10-20% off skis from 10+ brands), and personalized gear recommendations from us.
Okay real talk: I just bought the Hawx Prime XTD 130 Tech Alpine Touring Boot, 2023 version. Haven’t used them yet. I’m primarily in bounds but wanting to get into touring and side/backcountry. Should I return the boots I have and wait and get these next season instead? Does the BOA make that big a difference?
Hi Jenny – the most important aspect of any ski boot is that the shell shape/volume match your foot’s shape/volume. So if a Hawx Prime XTD makes your feet smile, then stick with it. Our Hawx Ultra XTD will be narrower and lower volume, creating a tighter fit than your Hawx Prime. I would let that drive your decision rather than BOA or buckles. -Matt
Off topic question for onenerdykid (but agree with his impression that if you have a boot you like stick with it).
Have a pair of Hawx Ultra XTDs purchased in Oct 2019 (AE502016027X) directly from Atomic. The stock liner is torn at the seam above the heel. The second liner is tearing there. I can find a pair of Atomic Men’s Ultra XTD Mimic Platinum Liners 2023 edition online. Do you think the 2023 liner will fit fine in that shell. I’ve read the newest liner is more beefy. Besides the that Mimic Platinum is there an aftermarket liner that you’ve heard works well with that shell. Thanks. Happy turns.
Hi Monty, that liner that you have listed is specifically built for your shell and will offer you more foot hold and more skiing performance. Another option is to wait until next autumn when the Hawx XTD version of the Mimic Professional liner becomes available for even more foot hold and more skiing performance. -Matt
Hi! Is there anyway of knowing w in which model will Fischer install this type of Boa technology? Will it be in a free touring boot or in a racing boot?
This is v interesting, especially closing the gap to the alpine Hawx. Have you thought about doing some testing with the gnar bar and the mimic foam injected liner in? Does that completely eliminate the gap between the alpine hawx and XTD?
We’ll definitely do this.
Exciting!
Related question: is the gnar bar designed to be installed/removed regularly as you switch between days at the resort and in the b/c? Or is it designed to be switched and then left alone?
Hi Steve, you can change it out as often as you want. Just remember – with any screwed hardware (on any ski boot) you really need to add some kind of thread lock to the screw’s threads. Boots undergo tons of vibration and movement while skiing, so you’ll need to add some. -Matt
Super interesting. Thanks for the answer Matt.
What is this gnar bar?
Will they be adding BOA to the Prime version for 2023/24? I need the extra toe box width.
I also would like to know that!
Hell yes, we’re getting closer. So pumped to see the trend of making everything lightweight reversing a bit in skiing. I have a pair of last years hawx ultra’s with a zipfit and they are hands down the best fitting touring boot i’ve ever used, but I rarely use them because of how pingy and light they ski. Have been forced to use a poorer fitting lange xt3 for my sled ski/touring boot because of the significantly better suspension, stoked to see you guys bringing PU to this boot. Just makes so much more sense. Now for your next trick, make us a redster cs with a walk mode. hahaha
When can we expect BOA in the Hawx Ultra? I love the fit of the Hawx Ultra XTD and keen to get the pure downhill version of that boot. But I have a high instep and struggle with losing circulation over the top of the foot. The Hawx Ultra with BOA seems like the option I’m waiting for? Or is it close enough in stiffness that I should just go for next year’s Hawx Ultra XTD with Boa?
Thanks
Andrew
Any news about the pricing on this boot? Fischer goes out high with $1049.99 for
the new RC4 Pro MV Boa. Can we expect the same for Hawx Ultra XTD 130 Boa?
In Fischer’s case that increase in price is more to do with the Zipfit liner than the Boa inclusion. From what I’ve heard pricing should be relatively similar to the buckle & current version.
How much of a difference does the Gnar Bar make?
At this point in time, would it be fair to claim that it appears that this version of the XTD has officially become a better downhill performer than Atomic’s non-XTD 1st Gen Ultra 130 (2016-2021)? I’m still rocking some 2021 Ultra 130s with Gara LV’s + WC Boosters and don’t mind the mediocre performance from the boots too much apart from when I’m going full gas/hucking myself to oblivion, yet I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted to upgrade to these and swap between my zips + gnar bar and the stock liners + walk mode depending on whether I’m in/out of bounds. In theory, wouldn’t this essentially become one of the most bomber and versatile 50/50 setups on the market with the beautiful addition of BOA for my monster insteps?
Interesting question. When just considering the shells, I would agree that the 23/24 Hawx Ultra XTD BOA with the Gnar Bar performs as well inbounds if not better than the fixed-cuff 1st gen Hawx Ultra. Granted, you’ll lose the ability to cant your cuffs, to run the boot with 13º of forward lean, as well as to adjust the flex +/- 10.
Have a prime xtd from 2021. Lost some hold over the last 2 seasons. Would it make sense to use a new ultra xtd liner from 2023 to regain better skiing performance and control? Many thank.
Hi guys, how does it look with torsional stiffness with them in pin bindings? The old ones were terrible. The shaft had to be turned at least 5-10° before a 110mm ski would go on edge when standing on it. Can you please include that in your reviews from now on? The best-flexing boot is totally useless in pin bindings if it can’t put pressure on the edge because it winds itself too much. I’m really happy with the Lupos. Can you tell me how they compare to the Hawx, Lange 140s, and the Cochise in that regard?
Hey guys, if I had the size 27.0 Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 from 2017/2018 and absolutely loved them, then should I feel comfortable buying a 2023/24 model online in the same size as a replacement or should I still go to a trusted boot fitter to ensure it’s still the right boot / size for me?
By the sounds of this review, it is now heavier and more of a 50/50 boot than it was then. I’m hoping for a bit more stiffness with the newer models as I found the originals a touch soft on hard pack, but would there be any other boot models you’d also recommend checking out?