UKC

I need to visit a ski shop and try a number of boots on mainly for offpiste downhill skiing with a bit of casual touring in combination with K2 hardsides and Diamir Fritshi Freeride Pro's.

The categorisation of ski boots on websites is often not clear (or not categorised as all) as to whether they are downhill resort skis or have a touring mode so I'm a bit confused what is out there.

I don't really mind what I end up getting so long as it fits and is fit for purpose, but was hoping someone could draw up a list of boots fitting the above description eg Scarpa Maestrale etc so that I can scope out a shop that has the biggest range of suitable boots. Thanks in advance!

In reply to Cardi:

This list is taken from the TGR Forum...

THE LIST (stiffest ---> softest) as of March 10, 2013
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130 - Dynafit Vulcan, Tecnica Cochise Pro 130

120 - Scarpa Mobe, Tecnica Cochise Pro 120

115 - K2 Pinnacle 130

110- Dynafit Mercury

105 - Scarpa Maestrale RS, Dynafit Zzero ("Green Machine") CF 4-buckle [2011-12 version with full carbon cuff)

100 - Dynafit TLT6, Tecnica Cochise Light 120, Black Diamond Factor, Dynafit Titan, Titan UL, Scarpa Hurricane

95 - Scarpa Typhoon/Skookum (stiff tongue), Garmont Endorphin, Garmont Axon

90 - Dynafit TLT5 Performance, Dynafit One PX, Black Diamond Quadrant, BD Prime, Garmont Radium, Dynafit ZZeus, Dynafit Aero Freeride (4-buckle)

85 - Scarpa Maestrale, Scarpa Tornado/Pro (black tongue), Dynafit TLT5 Mountain, Scarpa Spirit 4 (black stiffer tongue), Garmont Adrenaline, Dynafit Zzero ("Green Machine") CF 4-buckle [pre 2011-12 version), Black Diamond Method, Salomon Ellipse e2

80 - Scarpa Denali XT/TT, Scarpa Spirit 4 (green softer tongue), Lowa Struktura Rodeo/Pro, Dynafit Zzero PX 4-buckle

75 - Scarpa Rush, Scarpa Spirit 3, Garmont Megaride/G-Ride, Lowa Struktura Evo, Dynafit Aero Speed (3-buckle), Dynafit Zzero CF 3-buckle

70 - Scarpa Matrix, , Old Scarpa Denali (4-buckle red shell), Dynafit TLT 700

60 - Scarpa Laser, Garmont Dynamite, Dynafit TLT 500 (2-buckle + strap), Scarpa F3

50 - Scarpa F1, Garmont Megalite, Dynafit TLT 4 Evo (3-buckle), Dynafit TLT 4 Lite (2-buckle + strap), Dynafit Zzero 2C

40 - Scarpa F1 Race (2-buckle, no strap), Dynafit TLT Race Pro (1-buckle + strap)

Although ski boot flex/stiffness ratings assigned by manufacturers are not very precise, if you know the flex/stiffness rating of alpine boots you have previously skied in, then the above list might give you an idea of which AT boots will suit you.

In reply to Cardi:

Try going to the likes of Sport Conrad, Face West or Telemark Pyrenees and click on the 'Alpine touring Boots' section to see what's available.

From what you said perhaps a 'Freeride Touring' boot might be better than a pure touring boot.

Thanks for the pointers!

In reply to Cardi: Salomon and Rossi both do 'cross over' Alpine Touring boots with changeable soles (AT or DIN).

Rossie Alltrack Solomon Quest BC.

In reply to Cardi: If you have size 6.5 feet I know of a pair of brand new Garmont Endorphine womens touring and freeride boots which come with both AT vibram and Piste binding compatible plastic sole units included, which are for sale for £165 compared to their retail of £360+. Still boxed, unused. bought last season, multiple pairs of touring boots means they are surplus!

In reply to Cardi:

Backcountry Uk stock touring and freeride AT boots