Gear
This season, our two writers, Aunika and John, are putting the new BOA Fit System to the test. Each is testing out a different boot: Aunika is on the Atomic Hawx 115 Single BOA boot, and John is ripping the K2 Cortex 130 Zonal Dual BOA boot.
Despite the lack of snow we’re having in the west, this season is actually shaping up to be the perfect time to put the new BOA Fit System to the test. Fast laps on groomers are one of the best ways to feel how a boot flexes, responds, and sends energy to your ski. Ripping off-piste hard-pack and stomping tough landings gives you a better feel for the performance and limits of your gear. That’s just what our two writers are doing.
Here are their impressions after half the season on these boots under their belts.
Reviewer Stats
Aunika
- Female
- Skier for 20+ years | Advanced – Expert
- Testing the Atomic Hawx 115 Ultra XTD in a 24.5
- 25+ days so far this season across a variety of Colorado ski resorts, mainly Copper Mountain, Winter Park, and Loveland
John
- Male
- Skier for 20+ years | Advanced – Expert
- Testing the K2 Cortex 130 Zonal BOA in a 24.5
- 50+ days skied so far around Lake Tahoe ski resorts
Aunika’s Mid-Season Evaluation
So far, I have over 25 days on my Atomic Hawx XTD 115 Single BOA boots. With the lower BOA snug around my midfoot, I feel locked in and truly one with my skis. From long days hiking to in-bound terrain, ripping groomers and dropping cliffs, to sunny laps in the terrain hike park, the BOA Fit System has been put to the test – and so far it’s passing with flying colors.
I’ll be honest, I’m hard on gear–I live by the motto “they’re tools, not jewels.” My old boots’ lower buckles had been put through the wringer, so I was curious how the BOA would hold up. After being quite impressed by the BOA Fit System early season, I decided to try them out on some new terrain. I headed to our local hike terrain park here in Denver, Ruby Hill. My feet were feeling good all day, despite the unseasonably warm temps and the constant hiking of different features. Not once did I have to adjust the tension on the cable, and I never lost feeling in my toes. I felt secure and snug all day long without the uncomfortable feeling of a buckle cranked down on my instep.
After spending some time on a couple of different features, I made my way over to the jump line. I happened to detach the H+1 BOA dial from its anchor point on the ankle during a crash. Thankfully, the engineers at BOA planned for scenarios like this. They know their products are here to serve outdoor enthusiasts who rely on performance and durability that will hold up on the longest adventures in the gnarliest terrain.
The H+1 BOA Dial was made with a dial cartridge that ejects from the bayonet on severe impact without damage. This means that instead of the dial shearing off the boot in the case of a high-impact event, it’s actually designed to pop right off fully intact. It even snaps right back into place – no tools needed. Not only is the dial simple to reattach to its anchor point, but it’s fully integrated with the lace. Meaning that if it were to pop off, you won’t have to worry about finding the dial; it’s locked into the lace and will just hang from the first attachment point.
While not all skiers may experience this, it gives many peace of mind because there’s nothing worse than being stranded in the middle of the forest with broken gear. Not only was the H+1 BOA Dial designed to release and reattach, but like any other BOA product, the dial itself, the lace, and the guides are guaranteed for the lifetime of the product it’s integrated with. It’s also incredibly easy to replace the entire system if need be. As a ski shop employee myself, I’ve had a much harder time finding matching buckles than replacing parts on this BOA system.
John’s Mid-Season Evaluation
With more than 50 days of skiing in my K2 Cortex 130 Zonal BOA Boots this season, I am now a huge fan of the BOA System on ski boots. Although this winter has been below average here in Tahoe with just a few notable snowfalls, I’ve been able to make the most of it with some pretty exceptional days. From skiing steep, deep, and more technical terrain, to full days lapping and hiking in the park, my feet have been happy, and I feel like my skiing has improved, as well. Since first switching from a standard four-buckle boot to dual-BOA, I haven’t even thought about stepping back into my old boots one time.
After a few months in these new boots skiing everything from crud and refreeze to dropping 15-foot cliffs in deep powder to slamming into rails in the park, I’m fully sold on the capabilities and performance of the BOA system. Unlike a traditional buckle boot, the locked-in feeling I get from making micro-adjustments across my foot and shin is a total game-changer. Gone are the days of unbuckling my boots at the bottom of every run so my dogs stop barking. I haven’t had a single issue with my toes going numb or losing circulation since switching to these BOA boots. It has been a relief being able to ‘set it and forget it’—I crank both BOAs to start my day and pop them open at the end, hardly ever having to tighten or loosen the dials. If I do need to, the H+1 dial makes it so easy.
What really stands out to me is that I can truly see and feel a huge improvement in my skiing this season. I feel much more confident and connected to my skis, and therefore, whatever terrain I’m skiing as well. Every movement in my boot is translated and responded to by my ski, resulting in a noticeable increase in power transfer and stability. Whether I was making jump-turns on 45º chutes in Killebrew Canyon, or progressing in the park on rails and spins, the precise feeling within my heel, calves, and shins—thanks to the dual-BOA System—helped tremendously to keep my confidence and comfort level high.
Our Thoughts on BOA Ski Boots
As this season progresses, it’s becoming clearer to both of us why the BOA Fit System on ski boots is special. BOA has designed a system for skiers, with durability, performance, and longevity in mind. Whether you’re a hard-charging ripper attacking the gnarliest terrain, a park rat hiking laps and dialing in features, or just an average recreational skier wanting ease and adjustability that allows them to stay out all day, the BOA Fit System will improve everyone’s experience.
Another example of snowboard tech being integrated into skiing. I’m surprised it took the industry this long to merge the idea. When skis come with variable metal inserts to change binding stance for powder, skiers will be truly stoked.