Comments on: Stunning New BD Boot Line Could Upset the Industry

By: scottyb

scottyb — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:25:34 +0000

Hi Lou. Got a couple questions for ya. These new boots are interesting but they will not be availible till next year? I have been looking hard at an AT setup for this year and its really difficult to choose. I was looking at the Scarpa F3 but got to thinking I already have T2s that I tele with several sets of boards.

What I have foucused my attention on for boots are the Spirit 4 and the Mega ride. I have read some of what is written here and other site about both but would like a non salesperson account of the pro/con of both. I feel that to round out my quiver I should get a burly boot that I can still tour as I don’t want to give up that option.

My ski picks are the K2 Mt. Baker SL or the Volkl Snow Wolf and the Dynafit TLT SL binder. Will the Mega Ride boot be enough the drive this combo or should I go the Spirit 4 route?

By: Rich M

Rich M — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 16:48:00 +0000

All comments well taken. Nice to have an Americian company in the game

By: Lou

Lou — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:44:54 +0000

I do wonder if it’s truly unique. No idea at this point, but when I’m back and have test samples, the WildSnow modshop will kick the foam’s proverbial rear end and see it it’s got the stuff of good liner material!

At this point, please realize all I have for info is the PR.

By: Tony

Tony — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 00:37:39 +0000

Lou, do you know how the foam in the liners of the new BD boots compares to that found in the two different kinds you reviewed earlier? BD calls their foam “proprietary”, but I am wondering if they get it from one of the two foam makers you mentioned earlier.

By: Tom G

Tom G — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 22:36:03 +0000

Wow, it’s cool to finally see these after so much hype. These certainly don’t appear to be super light weight, and I have to think that all the plastic and fasteners necessary to incorporate swapable soles adds weight too. So I’m with Lou in my intial reaction that they can’t possibly be as light as the Zzero. But the scale will tell the truth. I also have to wonder how well the overlap design will tour, although I’m sure it will ski better than the external tounge style boots. And, as an engineer, I’m certain that they won’t have trouble making “Tech” fittings that work flawlessly with the Dynafit binding – if the exercise some care. All that said, I have to think that an alpine style boot with some tour function and swapable Dynafit compatible soles will only make the Dynafit binding more popular. I have to admit I’m not thrilled about products made in China as their social and environmental track record is less than stellar. So, I’ll probably be willing to pay an extra $100 for a boot from Euroland (although the Euros haven’t always had the best track record either!). But that’s me, and I’m sure there are lots of people for who the cost savings will be significant, nothing wrong with that. I’m sure BD won’t undercut the Euro prices any more than they have to in order to garner market share.

And, like Clark said, lets see and read about the goods in Austria!