More Ski Days on the TLT X

by Jason Albert
written by Jason Albert

Another morning striding along in Dynafit’s TLT X. Photo: Brian Parker

Love ’em or hate ’em, they work, or they don’t: I’d often heard these binary statements about Dynait boots. For me, the earlier iterations of the TLT, the 5 and 6, were unkind, as in semi-painful. A few boot iterations later, and here I am, having skied and mostly loved the TLT X for the past few months.

I’ve been in the boots for roughly 25 ski days, including a week-long traverse with a 38-pound pack. For that tour, I slid around on the Black Crow Mentis (178cm), a great pairing with the TLT X. Outside the tour, I’ve been using a 2022-2023 Blizzard Zero G 95 (171cm) and, on two occasions, a 2022-2023 Black Crows Ova.

After sufficient time on the boot, I wanted to jot down some thoughts. If you missed my initial review, you could garner some background information on the boot at this link.

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TLT Thoughts: The 5, 8, and the X

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

By Kevin Grove

A bit about me, I prefer a single boot quiver. This means I’m using one boot for all types of snow, and any ski under my foot. I occasionally ski at the area with my young daughters, but I’m 99% in the backcountry. I prefer skiing technical descents in the mountains, but any turn is usually a good turn, so I’m not that picky. I’ve owned Dynafit TLT boots exclusively for the past decade or more. Here are my notes comparing the TLT 5, TLT 8 Carbonio, and the new TLT X.

From right to left: Dynafit TLT X, 8, and 5.

Sizes in each make:

TLT 5:28.5

TLT 8 Carbonio:27.5

TLT X:27.5 (Came stock with a 27 liner, I placed my own 27.5 liners in the X)

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Almost to XI: A First Few Weeks in the Dynafit TLT X

by Jason Albert
written by Jason Albert

A Dynafit studio shot of the TLT X.

Dynafit is oh so close to going to XI (11). We are not there yet, nor is Dynafit. They have, though, released some sizes of the new TLT X, which will be out in the full-size range this fall. As the X suggests, this is another numerative iteration of the storied TLT line of boots. And yes, they skipped the TLT version And depending on the glass slipper’s fit, that story was either optimistic, as in I know this foot-binding will dissipate when I’m flying up the skintrack, or maybe, the fit all along, in whatever iteration you scored, was bliss.

Always try the boot on, if you can, before you buy. And if there is anything I’ve learned from boot reviews and the follow-up comments, it’s that we all have different feet (and even different feet on the same torso) and we come to the marketplace looking for something ideal, but that ideal remains just out of reach for many.

For me, the TLT 5s were torture. The TLT 6-P was a smidge less torturous with some punching, the PDG is a slipper fit. But I was scared away many years ago from any TLT prefixed boot. Call the TLT X, for me, a reason to reconsider, and maybe covet, Dynafit’s latest lightweight tourers.

The TLT Xs incorporates a BOA-like “Twistfit” knob that replaces the lower buckle system of the TLT 8s. The 8’s upper and lower buckles were ratcheted. And, rejoice or sigh, the new TLTs forgo the revolution that was the speed nose.

Onward.

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Tecnica Zero G Peak: One Last Look

by Ben Hoiness
written by Ben Hoiness

Technica, known for its success with the four-buckle descent-oriented Zero G Pro Tour boot, brings the Zero G Peak to market in the 1000-g class. Here’s a WildSnow look at the Peak.

Tecnica's Zero G Peak, a new entry in the 1000g class of touring boots.

Tecnica enters the 1000g boot class with the Zero G Peak. Photo: Tecnica.

Size tested: 26.5
Stated Weight: 990 Grams. (Actual weight 1,013 demo version)
ROM: 75-degrees
Materials: Carbon cuff, carbon-infused grilamid lower.
Sole: Vibram
Forward Lean: 13-degrees, bumps to 15-degrees by adding a spoiler.
MSRP:$949.95

Read the Zero G Peak First Look

After spending a big Montana spring skiing this boot, I’m psyched to get this review out into the world. I’ve spent a good amount of time touring, scrambling, climbing ice, and boot packing in the Zero G Peak; here’s my honest opinion on how this boot suited my mountain travel.

A little background on my daily skiing set-ups and terrain: I primarily ski a Zero G Tour Pro in a 25.5 (4 buckle big boot) and a Scarpa F1LT in a 26 (the 1 kg little boot). I typically ski my big boots on days when I’m more focused on the skiing or if I’m less concerned about speed on the ascent. I ski the Zero G Pro with four different skis, the 4FRNT Renegade122, MSP 107, and MSP99. As for my lighter boots, I tend to ski these on bigger days (8-12k vert) or when speed on the ascent is paramount. I also prefer to ski a little boot in terrain where I am mainly hop turning as I find it easier to maneuver the ski with a lightweight boot. I ski the 4FRNT Hoji112, Raven104, and MSP99 with this boot. I live in Cooke city in the winter and my terrain varies from low-angle tree skiing to steep peak skiing when conditions allow. — From Ben’s first look.


ZERO G Peak Z-cable Closure

First off, there are some significant differences in the design that I have outlined in a few photos below that I think are a major driving force in the improved skiability of the Zero G Peak over its competitors. The first is the closure. The closure on the Peak utilizes what Tecnica calls a “Wrapping Shell Construction.” This construction is borrowed from more downhill-oriented boots and is employed to lock your foot into place by overlapping the shell with a single lower buckle tightening a Z-cable over the fore and midfoot. In my experience, this closure feels and skis much more secure than the BOA systems utilized on other boots in this class. Other makes using BOA-like closures are the Scarpa F1LT, Dynafit TLT X, Salomon S/LAB MTN Summit, and Fischer Travers CS.

The F1LT BOA closure v the Peak's Z-cable closure.

Thed Scarpa F1LT (left) employs a BOA closure, whereas the Peak uses a Z-cable system to snug the lower foot and secure the ankle/heel in place. The Peak’s shell also wraps further up on the forefoot.

Peak buckle closure.

The lower buckle on the Peak is recessed nicely and firmly snugs up the Z-cable for a solid fit.

The second noticeable difference in the Peak is the shell construction, or rather the shape of the shell. The shape of the Peak’s shell varies from Scarpa’s LT and RS Lambda frame in one seemingly important spot — see photos.

I believe the construction of the Peak shell allows for more torsional flex and minimizes slop compared to the Lambda. In the photo, the Peak’s shell wraps further up and around the sides of the foot, relative to the F1LT. Lastly, the cuff closure of the Peak is simple, solid, and reliable. It utilizes a single upper buckle (same buckle as the lower) and a power strap with a camming buckle and G hook. This is a big improvement over the velcro cuff closure of its competitors.

Zero G Peak side profile 1 outer shell.

In this side profile, we see the outer shell of the F1LT and Peak. The Peak provides more shell material near the outer ankle to provide excellent lateral stability.

Zero G Peak side view to show how shell material provides great lateral stability.

In this side profile, we see the inner shell of the F1LT and Peak. The Peak provides more shell material near inner ankle too. This too provides excellent lateral stability.

The last piece of design I want to talk about is the ski/walk lock mechanism; this design element gives me the most pause. The design is similar to the larger, stiffer cousin to the Peak, the Zero G Pro tour, but the lockout mechanism significantly slimmed down on the Peak. The mechanism does a fantastic job locking the boot forward and backward; my main concern is its durability. When in walk mode, the spring-loaded throw protrudes more than its competitors and maybe more prominently than on any other touring boot I’ve used. So far, I have been happy to say the mech has held up great, but I will continue to monitor this in the long run.

Foreground Zero G Peak walk mechanism.

The Peak’s walk mechanism protrudes from the boot’s rear when flipped up into walk mode. This might be something to keep your eye on when booting and climbing.


Peak Downhill Performance

The downhill, this is what it’s all about anyway, right? Most of us agree that boots in the 1,000-gram weight class will walk pretty darn well, and the Peak is no exception here. I’ll dig into the nuances of walking, but first, let’s hone in on skiing. The biggest difference here compared to other boots is the predictability of the boot in adverse conditions. When skiing a light boot, I find it most challenging when I’m bouncing through chop, skiing a fast out track, or anytime the boot needs to flex through snow that isn’t uniform in density or shape. The Peak has a slightly softer flex than the F1LT, but the flex is much more progressive, allowing for more predictability through the turn.

Ben Hoiness on the Zero G Peak

Ben Hoiness, the author and Zero G Peak fan, enjoysCooke City’s winter light. Photo: Leslie Hittmeier.

Peak Conclusions

Most of our time in a 1kg boot is in walk mode, and as I stated above, most boots in this class walk quite well, and the Peak is no exception to that general rule. The Peak has plenty of ROM for long strides across the flats. It climbs well and feels stable on small edges and steep ice bulges. The boot breathes well for high output ascents and has been warm enough for colder days. I’ve worn the boot in temperatures of 5F-45F, and although I haven’t tested this boot in sub-O-degree F conditions, It has been warmer than the F1LT when compared side by side.

Overall, If you can’t tell, I have been psyched on this boot on everything from the durability to the downhill performance. I’m excited about the first boot in this class from Tecnica and look forward to any incremental improvements.

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Tecnica Zero G Peak Carbon: First Look

by Ben Hoiness
written by Ben Hoiness

Tecnica enters the 1000g boot class with the well touring stiff skiing Zero G Peak. Photo: Tecnica.

Stated Weight: 990 Grams
ROM: 75 degrees
Sole: Vibram
Size tested: 26.5

I think boots in this weight class probably have the biggest boots to fill. Which means there’s opportunity. With the growing popularity of hauling fatter skis into the backcountry, many people seek a boot that walks well and drives a bigger ski(105mm+) in a variety of conditions. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to ski a lot of lightweight boots trying to meet this coveted sub kilo ski-well walk-well mark: I’ll admit, I still haven’t found it.

A little background on my daily skiing set-ups and terrain: I primarily ski a Zero G Tour Pro in a 25.5 (4 buckle big boot) and a Scarpa F1LT in a 26 (the 1 kg little boot). I typically ski my big boots on days when I’m more focused on the skiing or if I’m less concerned about speed on the ascent. I ski the Zero G Pro with four different skis, the 4FRNT Renegade122, MSP 107, and MSP99. As for my lighter boots, I tend to ski these on bigger days (8-12k vert) or when speed on the ascent is paramount. I also prefer to ski a little boot in terrain where I am mainly hop turning as I find it easier to maneuver the ski with a lightweight boot. I ski the 4FRNT Hoji112, Raven104, and MSP99 with this boot. I live in Cooke city in the winter and my terrain varies from low-angle tree skiing to steep peak skiing when conditions allow.

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Scarpa F1 GT: First Look

by Dr Alex Lee
written by Dr Alex Lee

The Scarpa F1 GT comes on line next season. It adds to the F1 series with a more traditional buckle closure system with a slightly softer flex compared to the F1 LT.

Marco Polo traveled the Silk Road across Eurasia from 1271 to 1295, walking much of the distance from Venice to the royal court of Kublai Khan. Through his bipedalism, he proved Italians must know how to make a darn good pair of shoes. Known the world over for form, function, and quality, Italian footwear sets the gold standard for cobbler craftsmanship to this day. Straight from the foothills of the Dolomites, Scarpa makes boots for the up and the down in this tradition; ski boots, after all, are footwear (…I mean, the whole country even looks like a boot).

 For 2023, Scarpa is adding to their current F1 line-up of fast and fun mountaineering-oriented boots with the Scarpa F1 GT.

This boot takes the flagship F1 LT and beefs it up with a buckle across the lower, in place of the LT’s Boa. These days Boas have a ton of fan fair, precise fit, and low weight, but plenty of folks still prefer the muscle and fit of a good ol’ fashioned buckle.

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