I've been beating these up for the better part of the winter and spring. A few critical thoughts:
-The PDG2.0s took a ton of work to fit my feet. The TLT8 took ZERO shell work. So I was psyched about that! Sized 1 shell down from previous TLT5 and 6s.
-The liner didn't do it for me. It's super thin and even after a mold, it just didn't feel right. Slapped in my intuition liners and it made all the difference in the world. I wish they offered the TLT8 with the Hoji liner though I can see the appeal of the thin liner for warmer conditions.
-Ankle flexion and walkability seems as good as the PDG. Walk mode is great and the new ultra-lock
-Ski ability is excellent for the weight class and leagues ahead of the PDG. For not that big of a weight difference, this makes it pretty appealing in most situations.
-The missing toe welt is certainly it's biggest sticking point. It's obviously not a boot you'd use in a frame binding so that's not an issue. In terms of crampon compatibility, it's limited to those with a flex toe binding. I've done quite a bit of climbing on ice and rock now with the petzl irvis hybrid and it's super effective. I certainly like having a welt but I can still get a good fit.
-The main downside is booting in firm snow without crampons. Without the toe welt, it's much harder to kick steps. Obviously putting on crampons is the answer but sometimes it's just a short stretch. That's really my only complaint!
Dynafit TLT8 Carbonio Boot
Dynafit just won't stop! Now in its eighth iteration, the TLT8 Carbonio boot has improved the previous models to become the epitome of an all-purpose backcountry ski boot. Seen equally as often at both skimo races and atop committing lines far from the nearest road or chairlift, many skiers can attest to the balance of walkability and skiability in the TLT boot lineup. This updated model has a simpler, two independent buckle closure system that replaces the complex single-buckle, routed-cable system that the TLT7 had. A taller cuff improvse the downhill performance and support powerful turning on the way down. Carried over from the previous model is the smooth, lug-free Speed Nose, extra-burly inserts for driving bigger skis, and Dynafit's Ultra Lock horizontal ski/walk mode lever. Exactly what you need and not an ounce more, the TLT8 Carbonio packs top of the line functionality into a package that weighs less than a kilo per boot. Perfect for all your powder-shredding, lap-stacking, chute-skiing, dawn-patrolling needs.
- Dynafit's hallmark Speed Nose removes the lugs on the toe of the boot and moves the inserts closer to the ball of the foot, allowing for a more efficient pivoting motion.
- Master Step inserts are more stout than your typical tech inserts and provide additional power transmission to the ski.
- Adding some height to the cuff of the TLT8 increased skiability, and adding 5 degrees to the range of motion maintains the walkability.
- Ultra Lock 4.0 is very similar to the ski/walk lever system seen on previous TLT boots, but the 4.0 version adds a larger lever for increased ease of use with gloves.
- With a simple, independent two buckle closure system, Dynafit made transitions simpler and fit more customizable.
Compare otherTouring Boots
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
1102g [27.0] |
| Weight (pair) | 2204g [27.0] |
| Buckles | Ultralock 4.0 |
| Boot Sole Length | 253mm [23/23.5] 263mm [24/24.5] 273mm [25/25.5] 283mm [26/26.5] 293mm [27/27.5] 303mm [28/28.5] 313mm [29/29.5] 323mm [30/30.5] |
| Binding Compatibility | Tech only |
| Cuff Rotation | 60° |
| Forward Lean(s) | 15°, 18° |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
| Materials | Grilamid shell, Carbon/Grilamid Cuff |
| Liner | Custom Light |
| Sole | Formula Pomoca Climb |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | All-terrain, all-conditions ski touring. |
| Notes | A Dynafiit classic with simpler closure. Cramp-In system ready. |
| Bottom Line | One TLT to rule them all. |
Questions & Reviews
Comment on this review:
5/5/2020
I am considering updating (or complementing) my current AT setup. I am currently using Scarpa Maestrale RS in 29.5/30 size which fit well after the liner mold and no shell punching. The main problem with Maestrales is perhaps not the weight but rather stiff flex in the rearward bending of the cuff, which makes approach a bigger chore than climbing. I am thinking complementing the setup with something in the category of TLT's and actually bigger skis, like Dynastar Mythic 97 @ 184 or V6, or Blizzard Zero G 105 of same size (Hypervectors are great but too skinny for too many conditions, especially when wearing 30+ lb backpack).
I am considering TLT8 or La Sportiva Scorpius, however I have a rather high arch which made, for example, wearing La Sportiva Spitfire painful in less than an hour.
Given that would you recommend TLT8 or there is a chance that Scorpius will work?
Thanks.
I am considering TLT8 or La Sportiva Scorpius, however I have a rather high arch which made, for example, wearing La Sportiva Spitfire painful in less than an hour.
Given that would you recommend TLT8 or there is a chance that Scorpius will work?
Thanks.
5/6/2020
Thanks for your question! If the Spitfire didn't agree with your foot then it is a safe bet to rule the Skorpius out. The Skorpius has a similar overall fit to the Spitfire, however, they made some upgrades in walkability, etc... The TLT8 will be on the roomier side to the Maestrale, but may work. The TLT8 has a larger instep size with roomier forefoot and slightly larger heel. The Carbonio also sports a slimmer liner which is better for larger feet, but some folks do feel the need to put a heftier liner in to fill space. For more in-depth information check out our online bootfitter, or give us a call and we would love to chat about the nuances and fit characteristics of both!
5/9/2020
Thanks Brett.
Today I actually had a chance to try TLT8 Carbonio on and do some carpet testing.
First, compared to Maestrale RS in the 29.5/30 size, these walk like sneakers, no rearward bend resistance in the cuff whatsoever, at least these make a striking contrast with Maestrales. In the ski mode, they are surprisingly stiff, but again, this should be verified on snow.
As far as the fit goes. As you said, the original liners give the impression of the somewhat loose heel fit and noticeable room in the toebox. The tightest place (the first pressure point I experience when tightening the lower buckle) is again, my arch.
I did the experiment and tried TLT8 with the liners from Maestrale. While I had no problem getting the liner into the boot, I was barely able to get the foot in the boot, and was unable to even close it without fear of damaging the buckle, or perhaps, my foot. It appears that Maestrale's shell is still roomier than the TLT8's, as the former fit my foot reasonably well with the original liners.
Having said that it looks like getting a beefier liner for the TLT8 may e a good solution to the fit problem (my biggest concern is the heel pocket), but Scarpa's Pro Flex G is definitely an overkill.
What are good liner options for substituting the original Dynafit Custom Lite liner?
Thanks.
Today I actually had a chance to try TLT8 Carbonio on and do some carpet testing.
First, compared to Maestrale RS in the 29.5/30 size, these walk like sneakers, no rearward bend resistance in the cuff whatsoever, at least these make a striking contrast with Maestrales. In the ski mode, they are surprisingly stiff, but again, this should be verified on snow.
As far as the fit goes. As you said, the original liners give the impression of the somewhat loose heel fit and noticeable room in the toebox. The tightest place (the first pressure point I experience when tightening the lower buckle) is again, my arch.
I did the experiment and tried TLT8 with the liners from Maestrale. While I had no problem getting the liner into the boot, I was barely able to get the foot in the boot, and was unable to even close it without fear of damaging the buckle, or perhaps, my foot. It appears that Maestrale's shell is still roomier than the TLT8's, as the former fit my foot reasonably well with the original liners.
Having said that it looks like getting a beefier liner for the TLT8 may e a good solution to the fit problem (my biggest concern is the heel pocket), but Scarpa's Pro Flex G is definitely an overkill.
What are good liner options for substituting the original Dynafit Custom Lite liner?
Thanks.
5/11/2020
I wouldn't say the shell of the Maestrale RS is any bigger, but it is different. One thing to keep in mind is the sizing discrepancies between the brands. If you are trying on the TLT8 in a 29/29.5 it will be a half(ish) size smaller than the Maestrale. Typically, the Intuition Pro Tour and Palau Power LT are popular options. These liners have more "heft," but they need to be molded to get the best results. Check out this fit guide for sizing advice. For your arch, a good place to start is an appropriately fitting after market footbed. If this doesn't solve the issue working with a bootfitter may deliver the best results. Happy skiing!
Answer this question:
Thought I would post a quick review now that I've had this boot out on a few tours. I really like them, now that I've got them working well for me. Its much more comfortable than any other touring boot I've had, coming from the TLT6 and TLT7. Even as comfortable or better than my Salomon Mtn Lab's, but of course MUCH lighter than those!
Here's what I did to get them working to my satisfaction: 1) Replaced factory footbed with "green" Superfeet. 2) removed power strap. 3) Used a machine to cycle the cuff pivot at high rate until broken in (probably the equivalent of 10 long tours), then lubricated the pivots with high-viscosity gun oil. Most of the excessive friction flexing the boot while skinning is coming from the cuff pivots. This can be seen after removing the liners. The liners are thin and soft, but that works from my hot, sweaty feet! I don't have any problems keeping the liner tongue in place while skinning like some have reported, but it does take extra care when putting the boots on to make sure it is under the sides of the liner.
Here's what I did to get them working to my satisfaction: 1) Replaced factory footbed with "green" Superfeet. 2) removed power strap. 3) Used a machine to cycle the cuff pivot at high rate until broken in (probably the equivalent of 10 long tours), then lubricated the pivots with high-viscosity gun oil. Most of the excessive friction flexing the boot while skinning is coming from the cuff pivots. This can be seen after removing the liners. The liners are thin and soft, but that works from my hot, sweaty feet! I don't have any problems keeping the liner tongue in place while skinning like some have reported, but it does take extra care when putting the boots on to make sure it is under the sides of the liner.
4/10/2020
Forgot to mention in my review above - it would seem that the special materials used in the Carbonio were leveraged to make the boot stiffer, rather than lighter. They weigh the same as my old TLT7's. In light of that, the downhill performance of these touring boots comes as close as ever to my resort boots. Combined with some Voile V8's fat skis, I feels just as if I'm using my (much heavier) resort rig! Very confidence inspiring.
Comment on this review:
2/20/2020
Last question. Disregard a wider fit, the better touring and easier transitions. Weight is the same with thinner liner in the Carbonio that doesn't seems to fit anyone. How much better does this boot ski than an older TLT6P? Stiffer shell? Higher flex rating? Higher cuff? More predictable flex? I want the boot, just trying to decide why I want this boot :)
2/20/2020
Go ahead and talk yourself into it, Dane! I would say it rates higher in all those categories. But the best part is you don't need to worry about tongues.
2/20/2020
" Size 27 shell weights are 962g vs 976g in the Carbonio vs Expedition.
I don't think there is a huge forward flex difference between the two."
Thanks Jason!
I don't think there is a huge forward flex difference between the two."
Thanks Jason!
3/29/2020
I just got a pair of these, and I also have the TLT6 and TLT7. The thing I like about the TLT8 most, is its much less "fussy" that the other two, since it has ratcheting buckle straps that are easier to used. Both buckles are easy to close, whereas the top buckle on the TLT7 felt like it was going to break every time.
3/29/2020
As for the thinner liner and roomy fit, other reviews say most people either love it or hate it. I'm definitely in the "love" category - very comfy on my feet! And with the thinner liner, my feet don't sweat so much. I can always wear thicker socks on a very cold day, and just not ratchet the buckles as tight. With previous versions, I was forced to ALWAYS use very thin socks; now I have a choice.
3/29/2020
Thanks for all the feed back! I picked up a pair of these a few days after asking my questions. We are still able to bc ski here. I'll eventually write a detailed review, likely just prior to a TLT9 release :) Interesting boot. It hikes/climbs well (but nothing earth shaking by any means) and with a better liner, it skis well. Lots of fiddling with the design for easier use at the loss of some performance for me. A middling design at best IMO coming from the design efforts of the TLT 5 and 6. I'd have to guess some of the boots that sold out much earlier in the season do it all better. For me this one is pretty ho-hum.
3/29/2020
For my purposes, it seems like an almost perfect boot - may be a middling design, but I'm a middling skier! Less friction in the pivot, Velcro on the liner so the tongue stays centered, and a leash loop are my only complaints, but those are minor.
I'm thinking about a pair of Aliens for spring days when uphill performance is more important than downhill. I use Salomon MTN Lab boots on resort, and for slack-country. They are heavy, but work well for that purpose. Bottom line, no one boot is perfect for everything.
I'm thinking about a pair of Aliens for spring days when uphill performance is more important than downhill. I use Salomon MTN Lab boots on resort, and for slack-country. They are heavy, but work well for that purpose. Bottom line, no one boot is perfect for everything.
3/29/2020
Agreed no perfect boot. Short comparison. Off hand the TLT8 doesn't tour as well as a TLT 6 without a tongue. And it doesn't ski as well as a TLT6 with a tongue. To get any where close as a ski boot to a green tongue 6P, no power strap you have to use the TLT8 power strap. Advantages that make the TLT8 a good boot? It has a more consistent flex than the 6 (abet a good bit softer even compared to the 6 and a green tongue, not using the power strap) and a whole lot less fiddle factor on the initial buckle buck and later doing transitions. Shell weight is virtually the same but you get a lot more boot ( much stiffer flex in any mode) in the TLT6P. None of that matters of course if the shell's last doesn't fit your feet. My take is the Dynafit design team listened to all the European user complaints on the TLT6 and tried to make a more user friendly boot for European touring. I suspect they sell a gazillion of them there. And for all the same reasons those changes are exactly why the boot isn't a big hit in the US.
FWIW I owned or still own a lot of boots to make that short comparison. Including the Scarpa Maestrale, Maestrale RS, F1, La Sportiva Spectra, both versions of the TLT5 and 6, the PDG and the Scarpa Alien 1.0.
FWIW I owned or still own a lot of boots to make that short comparison. Including the Scarpa Maestrale, Maestrale RS, F1, La Sportiva Spectra, both versions of the TLT5 and 6, the PDG and the Scarpa Alien 1.0.
3/29/2020
Dane, agreed on all of above. TLT6 was good, but a narrow toe box for a narrow foot (that I don't have). Took a lot of boot-fitting for me on that one.
How do you like your Scarpa Alien 1.0? I'm sure they are great on the skin track. How about down hill? Good enough for some easy powder turns?
How do you like your Scarpa Alien 1.0? I'm sure they are great on the skin track. How about down hill? Good enough for some easy powder turns?
3/29/2020
Hey Calvin, it's all about fit isn't it :) Love the Alien's. Skied them a bunch up and down on skis between 80 and 90mm in width touring ski. They ski well for such a lwt boot and skin better than anything I've owned. But...the fit?! Factory liners are terrible for me. So I ski them in lwt TLT6 liners or my PDG liners. I get a better fit in the PDG so use it more on the same skis. Was planning on a decent length skin this week on race skis and was thinking, likely the PDG just to save my feet some.
Answer this question:
2/20/2020
Hey guys! I have been wearing a pair of Vulcans for years that are a "comfort" fit and I've been thinking of going down a size for a better fit and more aggressive boot (I also have a mid-low volume foot, so the vulcan may not have been a great choice in the first place). Can you speak to the level of stiffness of the Carbonio 8s versus the non-carbon models, and the volume compared to Vulcans (or even the new Hoji Free/Pros)?
Thanks!
Thanks!
2/20/2020
Hi Jared, you might want to visit our boot fitter for a precise recommendation. The Carbonio adds some stiffness vs the Expedition, primarily laterally, but has a thinner liner. It's mid-high volume, higher than Vulcan and much higher than the Hoji Pro Tour.
Answer this question:
2/20/2020
Question on sizing? Other than the extra width are these a typical 28 and 29 Dynafit sizing going back to the TLT 5s and 6? If so are the shells still in full sizes only? As in, a 28.5 is still a 28 shell just a different molding on the liner as they did prior? Thanks.
2/20/2020
Hi Dane, these have quite a different fit than the 5s and 6s. Not just wider but higher volume. Length is roughly the same though. Correct, 28 & 28.5 are the same shell with a different insole.
Answer this question:
2/17/2020
I'm looking for a binding to pair with this boot for corn harvesting and hut touring. Which would you recommend?
2/17/2020
Hey Casper, fill out our Binding Finder and we'll give you some good options!
Answer this question:
I put 10k feet on these the first two days. One day with the stock liners and one day with replacements. The stock liners are a bit short at the tongue so they slip below the hard tongue and they are too soft so I found getting them tight enough without crushing your foot is tricky. I put some Palau liners I had from another set of boots in and they were 10x better.
Comment on this review:
2/3/2020
I was able to try on a TLT8 Expedition, and size 28 was a great fit. I'm still leaning towards the TLT8 Carbonio, and wondering if the sizing will be consistent with the Expedition? I'm thinking Carbonio due to the lower weight, but is it noticeably stiffer (vs. the Expedition)?
2/3/2020
Mark- Sizing is exactly the same on the two boots. Carbonio will feel a little looser since the liner is thinner than the Expedition. I think the Expedition is a little better skiing boot than the Carbonio due to beefier upper on the liner.
Answer this question:
1/20/2020
The liner in this boot is like a sock. What would you recommend to beef up the ski performance?
1/21/2020
Hey Travis, while true sock liners may take umbrage at your statement, we wholeheartedly agree that the liners in these boots are pretty light. Two options you might check out are the Palau Tour Lite Pro Evo or Palau Power LT. The Tour LPE is a slight bump-up in thickness but much more heat-moldable, while the Power LT is a stiffer and warmer option that pushes the cuff of the TLT8 out in diameter.
Answer this question:
11/20/2019
Hey Do you guys have the Dynafit TLT8 Carbonio boot in stock at the Salt Lake store for trying on? Size 28.
Thanks!
Thanks!
11/20/2019
Alex,
We sure do! Come on by, we are happy to help you out and make sure we match the right boot with your foot. See you soon!
We sure do! Come on by, we are happy to help you out and make sure we match the right boot with your foot. See you soon!
Answer this question:
11/6/2019
Are the Scarpa F1s and the TLT8s that different? I just got the F1s but tried on the TLT8s and they felt oh so good and now I'm having second thoughts. Bonus points if you can help me justify owning both...
11/6/2019
Hey Travis, yes, we can always justify owning a bigger boot quiver! We are super psyched on the TLT8 (both Carbonio and Expedition) as a wildly versatile, high-performance touring option. The F1 uses some older, more tried-and-true tech to create a consistent flex and drive skis across the spectrum of snow conditions; the most recent iterations of the TLT8 (see details in our comparison) make it a touch stiffer off the top than the F1 and gives it a slew of features for efficient touring (Speed Nose, lighter Carbonio shell, sticky rubber sole for scrambling). I'd give the TLT8 the nod for firmer snow and for going edge-to-edge on skinny mountaineering skis, while the F1 slots in as a daily driver on rockered boards and in the crud. Feel free to reach out to help@skimo.co if you want to get a more personal recommendation!
Answer this question:
10/28/2019
I read here that the tlt8 weighs 1100 +grams. On the dynafit site they say 950 grams. That's quite a difference. Which is accurate. thx
10/28/2019
Hi Hal, our specs on this boot are verified in-house so 1102g it is!
Answer this question:
10/28/2019
I have skied the TLT6 Carbon for years and it's the best boot I've ever toured on. My question about the TLT8 Carbonio is; will I have to remount my skis for the different placement of the pin holes? Thanks in advance.
10/28/2019
Hi Hal, we agree the TLT6 was a terrific boot and the TLT8 may be even better! Unfortunately the BSL has changed about 4mm per shell size for the 8, so you would have to remount, or use an adjustment plate to shift the heel piece slightly.
10/28/2019
Hi hal, the SpeedFit Pro is more of a direct replacement for the TLT6, with the same lower shell (and thus BSL).
Answer this question:
10/24/2019
What is the weight of this boot? You give the same weight as the expedition CR. Is that correct? I thought the carbonario would be lighter?
10/25/2019
Hey John, you're correct the Carbonio is a hair lighter -- looking at 1112 grams (SkimoCo verified weight) in a 27/27.5 Carbonio versus 1130 grams (claimed weight -- we haven't received the boot yet) in a 27/27.5 Expedition. I would choose the Carbonios if you wanted a tad more stiffness, and the Expeditions if warmth is the name of the game.
10/26/2019
Hi John, I expect the Expedition to come in a bit heavier than list.
Answer this question:
10/24/2019
Hi,
I am thinking of upgrading from the TLT 7 to the TLT 8. Can I assume that my 26.5 TLT 7 will have the same fit as the TLT 8 in a 26.5? Also, I only have a little bit of adjustement on my bindings, are the boot sole lengths the same from tlt7 to tlt 8? Thanks!
Mike
I am thinking of upgrading from the TLT 7 to the TLT 8. Can I assume that my 26.5 TLT 7 will have the same fit as the TLT 8 in a 26.5? Also, I only have a little bit of adjustement on my bindings, are the boot sole lengths the same from tlt7 to tlt 8? Thanks!
Mike
10/24/2019
Hi Mike, while there have been some slight tweaks between the TLT7 and 8, the shell sizing has remained consistent, so you should be all set with the 26.5. BSL has also remained the same between the two, at 283mm for the 26/26.5 shell size.
Answer this question:
9/25/2019
How much taller is the TLT8 versus the TLT7 Carbonio?
9/25/2019
Hey Jonathan! We don't have the TLT8 yet, so cannot say. That isn't something Dynafit provides. It could be a while till they finally arrive, but we will follow up here.
10/15/2019
Just got these and don't have the TLT7 in front of me to compare to at the moment, but it appears as thought the back of the cuff is about the same as the 7, but the front cuff is higher for sure. The plastic on the front of the cuff is also stiffer. Doing a carpet flex, the rearward support feels similar to the 7, but the forward flex feels stiffer to me. The fit seems the same as the 7 and the liner is the typical foam "sock" that was in the 7 (not my favorite). Even though the forward flex is stiffer in ski mode, walk mode seems similar to the 7. Overall, it feels a little more robust than the TLT7.
10/18/2019
Robert -- thanks for the early observations! Our TLT8 stock just landed yesterday and it looks like (as you said) the rear cuff is the same height on both, but the front cuff height is a good bit higher than on the TLT7. The front cuff on the 30.0 TLT7measured about 4.5" from the instep to the top of the plastic, while on the 30.0 TLT8 it measures 5.75" approx. That's 1.25" additional height adding to the stiffness you get when flexing the boot forward, and also providing a plastic surface for the power strap to pull back on (with the TLT7s, the power strap sat directly on the liner foam).
10/18/2019
TLT7 vs 8 Rear photo for reference:
Answer this question:
9/11/2019
Hi, I was under the impression that TLT8 would be narrower then TLT 7 but now I see that these are 103mm. Is that correct? Do they feel lower volume? I have tried the PDG2 but they felt huge. Way too big, volume-wise.
I have a pair of Scarpa Alien 1.0 which are tight and nice. I could almost use these all the time if they were more water/snow proof. I also have a pair of heavier Technica Zero-G's which are used if I ski with people with heavier setups. I am looking to compliment these with a light touring boot (approx 1000-1100g) which has good water/snow protection and skis a 85-95mm ski well. Which are my options?
I have a pair of Scarpa Alien 1.0 which are tight and nice. I could almost use these all the time if they were more water/snow proof. I also have a pair of heavier Technica Zero-G's which are used if I ski with people with heavier setups. I am looking to compliment these with a light touring boot (approx 1000-1100g) which has good water/snow protection and skis a 85-95mm ski well. Which are my options?
9/11/2019
Paul, the TLT 7 and 8 will be same fit and they are equal to the PDG2 (albeit one shell size larger).
What your are describing is the Alien RS. Scarpa beefed them in various areas to make them a touring race boot. They have a built in gaiter that seems to work well. Another excellent choice is the Fischer Travers Carbon. It has a little more volume and skis like a much bigger boot.
What your are describing is the Alien RS. Scarpa beefed them in various areas to make them a touring race boot. They have a built in gaiter that seems to work well. Another excellent choice is the Fischer Travers Carbon. It has a little more volume and skis like a much bigger boot.
Answer this question:
8/15/2019
Do you know if Dynafit will produce a "Performance" version, sort of a descendant of TLT7 Performance? Thanks.
8/15/2019
Hey Scythian!! They are not. There was not a lot of difference between the Performance and Carbonio. They dropped the price on the Carbonio by $150, so not much need for it.
Answer this question:
7/17/2019
I love to say, in a non specific accent, “CARBONIO!”
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