Atomic Backland XTD Carbon 120 Boot
Atomic heard the cry of 1000 aching souls, “I want a boot that walks like a Backland Carbon but skis like a Hawx XTD, why oh god am I left to suffer and teeter on this hideous precipice?!” And lo, they have provided an answer. Boasting both a 74-degree range of motion and a very skiable 120 flex, the Backland Carbon XTD 120 is as capable on the up as it is on the down. The laced lower buckle combined with the hybrid overlap shell construction allows users with medium-large feet to ascend comfortably yet snug things down for committing descents. Much to the chagrin of the bacteria that typically take up residence in well-used ski touring liners, the 3D Platinum Tour liner is hand-washable, keeping your partner and olfactory senses much happier. When scampering along icy ridges in search of the entrance to that "one" couloir, the Skywalk Touring Norm Sole will provide reliable traction. Skin up, ski down, and stop overthinking your boot choices with the Backland Carbon XTD 120.
- Carbon-powered cuff and shell deliver a stout 120 flex rating.
- Memory Fit plastic accommodates a variety of foot shapes.
- Hybrid overlap shell construction allows smooth step-in and a secure foot wrap.
- Frictionless Mirror Pivots offer a smooth 74-degree range of motion.
- Free / Lock 4.5 external walk mode lever allows simple clearing of ice and snow and forward lean adjustment.
- Cross Lace 2.5 “Z” shaped cable and buckle combination on the lower provides a consistent and powerful foothold.
- Supportive, moldable, breathable, and hand-washable 3D Platinum Tour liner.
Specifications | |
Weight |
1410g [27/27.5] |
Weight (pair) | 2820g [27/27.5] |
|
2 + 50mm Quick Release Cam Strap |
Boot Sole |
277mm [24/24.5] 287mm [25/25.5] 297mm [26/26.5] 307mm [27/27.5] 317mm [28/28.5] 327mm [29/29.5] 337mm [30/30.5] |
Binding |
Tech, Hybrid, ISO 9523 |
Cuff |
74° |
Forward |
13°, 15°, 17° |
Specs Verified | Yes |
Design | |
|
Carbon Loaded PA |
|
3D Platinum Tour |
|
Skywalk Touring Norm Sole |
Skimo Co Says | |
Usage | All-day touring and ski mountaineering |
Notes | A new stiffer Backland |
Bottom Line | Versatile all-arounder |
Compare to other Touring Boots |
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Questions & Reviews
Would you be able to measure the cuff height of both the mens & women version of the backland XTD?
Mens 120 XTD cuff height = ?
Womens 115 XTD cuff height = ?
Thanks!
Mens 120 XTD cuff height= 31.2cm (from the bottom of the boot)
Womens 115 XTD cuff height= 30.5cm to the top of the spoiler. Spoiler is removable which would lower the height to 29.9cm.
Both measurements are on a 26.5 shell.
Thanks
Eric
I would say if you are not a super aggressive skier, this boot could handle those widths. Matching skis and boots is all about expectations! This boot is pretty sturdy and powerful for a touring boot. It will not be able to drive as hard as an alpine-style 130 flex boot, but if you are skiing powder and not trying to charge too hard, I don't think you'll have any issues.
You could take up some volume with an aftermarket liner! However, the stock liner in this boot is already relatively thick, and it wouldn't be a massive change. If the shell is simply too big for you, adding thicker liners is usually only a band-aid fix, and won't ultimately solve the problem. If you know the boot is too big, it is probably better to look for a new boot than invest a further $200 in liners.
If you did want to add a thicker liner, I would recommend an Intuition Tour Tongue in 12mm thickness. The 15mm is too thick for this boot - if you need more than the 12mm, you really need a smaller boot.
I have been in the hunt for a boot that would slot in between my Radical Pro at 1550g and my Scarpa F1 (since replaced by the Ridge Pro) at 1250g. Just due to the crowd I find myself touring with the majority of the time, my Radicals ( which I use with my wider skis) are usually overkill and put me at a substantial weight disadvantage with the Speedy Gonzalez crowd. However, I wanted something that would ski stronger than just using the F1 with my 110mm powder ski.
I thought the Fischer Transalp Pro would be the perfect solution and picked up a pair a season or two ago, but their sizing just would not work for me. 26.5 I was in pain, 27.5 I was swimming, and the last just didn't agree with my high volume foot.
I tried these Backland XTDs on in November and almost instantly knew I had found my powder-setup boot. The length is right on par with most 26.5 touring and alpine boots. The volume is downright plush. I have a widish foot and a very high instep and it was a great fit right out of the box. Weight came in at 1340g shell plus liner.
This has been a great match with my powder setup, a 110mm 1550g ski and 330g binding with a freeride spacer. Initial flex felt a little soft but on snow they had plenty of stiffness and power to ski hard and fast. 1350g is just enough mass to not feel like you need to adapt your skiing style to compensate for a light boot.
The range of motion, and more important, the lack of friction is above average in my opinion. This boot doesn't have a tongue, which really makes it tour exceptionally well (feels free-er than my old Scarpa F1), but again, it's NOT like the original backland carbon that almost felt the same in ski mode as walk mode it was so squishy lol.
So I would sum up calling this an "extra lean beef" boot for the uphill conscious ski tourer with high volume feet. To get more performance I think you need to look at boots at LEAST 150 grams heavier.
Ridge Pro felt much stiffer than Backland XTD when flexing in the shop. I felt Backland XTD isn't really a step up from F1 and thought Ridge Pro would be.
Cheers
You shouldn't have any issues making a little room for your pinky, but as with all touring boots, don't count on modifying them too much, as the shells are fairly thin.
Obviously this Backland 120 is more substantial then the past Backlands and has much more liner too. Without a tongue, and 74 degrees ROM, the forward flex is a bit less then the Zero G, but not a lot.
The TransAlp Pro is a bit stiffer. Not made from Grilimid, they have a nice progressive flex (so does the Backland). The La Sportiva Skorpius also fits in with these for stiffness/ ski ability. Of course fit is all important.
For help to find the one that fits you best, try our Boot fitter.
Thanks
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