Christof N

Hey Viktor. The Ridge Pro is exactly that, a step up in performance at the same weight class as the F1. The backland might ski a little stronger in certain scenarios or with certain skis however (even though it definitely flexes softer than the Ridge Pro) by virtue of the extra 100 grams it carries compared to the F1/Ridge Pro. It might actually articulate a tiny bit free-er as well as the Backland doesn't have a tongue like the F1/Ridge but that's up for debate. Both the Ridge and the Backland walk EXTR...

@Michael C Width is definitely not voluminous as the Backland XTD, which fits like a cozy pair of uggs. As far as heel comparison, maybe they seem similar? I don’t really recall either one being overly tight or loose.

@will g I ski both the Radical and Ridge Pro in 26.5, and I think most people would size them the same between boots.

@Aaron S the fit in the backlands is much higher volume. At 100 grams heavier it’s almost in another class of boot as well. I think with wider heavier skis you will feel more power from the XTDs vs the Ridge just as a matter of mass. The XTDs are softer flexing in my opinion. I need to do some more back and forth comparison but I think the Ridge might be the better performing boot in most applications.

I agree with the heel cup in the Backland XTD securing the heel better. I feel like it's always easier to make a high volume boot fit lower volume feet than vice versa, so might be worth exploring. Obviously I'd always recommend working with a good bootfitter, say, maybe someone at Skimo;)