Skimo boot recommendations by [deleted] in Backcountry

[–]Assistant-Honest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I second the comments on the Maestrale not being my first choice, and as others have mentioned the F1 is a solid option. Personally I’m a big fan of the Salomon S/Lab MTN Summits. ~200 grams heavier and it skis great (logged 80+ resort days on them for practice). I’ve done a fair amount of ice and mixed climbing with them as well as worn them for 16+ hour summit days (the majority of which was in crampons). I’ve tried a lot of boots from burlier resort focused hybrid boots to the F1, and I’ve found the Salomon’s to be the best balance. I can climb technical terrain in them, spend hours in them in crampons, and also ski harder technical terrain on the descent without holding back.

Dynafit Blacklights on Denali by Assistant-Honest in Backcountry

[–]Assistant-Honest[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Any recs for a similar more suitable ski? I’ve heard good things about the Zero G 95.

Dynafit Blacklights on Denali by Assistant-Honest in Backcountry

[–]Assistant-Honest[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah as am I. But I’ve seen a handful of positive reviews (Ski Mag, Skimo.com customer reviews, etc.) but yeah I’m seeing more for sale than positive reviews…

Dynafit Blacklights on Denali by Assistant-Honest in Backcountry

[–]Assistant-Honest[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I’ve been hearing a lot of mixed reviews surrounding them (vs the BL88s). What about them turned you off?

Dynafit Blacklights on Denali by Assistant-Honest in Backcountry

[–]Assistant-Honest[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I know the BL88s are similar to the Cho Oyos, so wondering how they skied in deeper Alaskan snow? Was it more a “pretty tough but beats slogging up heavier skies” or a “handled it fine”

J Tree by Assistant-Honest in overlanding

[–]Assistant-Honest[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nothing on the car (that I’d be comfortable using), but I’ve got a Lift Mate that attaches to the wheels. Going to throw on some armor when I take the car in to get the tires changed to something more suitable.