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Review: Atomic Backland XTD Review

By

Gavin Hess

The Backland XTD 120 retention system: A lower Z-buckle, upper buckle, and ample cam-lock power strap.

The Backland XTD 120 retention system: A lower Z-buckle, upper buckle, and ample cam-lock power strap.

  Overview/Brand Overview Over the last decade or so, the world of touring boots has evolved into a relatively healthy marketplace with numerous options to fit the needs of most ski tourists. On the lighter end of the spectrum, we have been faced with the choice of super light but compromised performance, with a 300-400g…

Responses

  1. Scotsman

    Great review and an interesting boot but I have been waiting patiently for the Black Crow Solis review you promised ?

    1. Gavin Hess

      It is in the works, expect to see it in the next month or so! The brief summary of the Solis is that I really enjoyed it and found it to be far more versatile and intuitive/easy than the marketing may suggest. The almost flat camber and long radius lead to a pretty loose ski that is quite fun.

      1. Scotsman

        Awesome Thanks Gavin.
        Looking forward to hearing your deep dive into them.
        I bought a pair last season and I concur. I used them as my main touring ski all season in every condition and found them far more versatile that the “steep skiing” niche Black Crows market them as.
        I went 173.3( mainly for weight reduction) and it took me a while to adjust to the shorter length.
        They got some pop and I really enjoyed them.

  2. Will Tabor

    I have recently ended a long search for high ROM yet more robust boot, and ended up in a Skorpius II. You mentioned this boot here and in a couple podcasts, but I’ve never found a good review for them. Is there per chance one in your fleet that you plan to review at some point?

    1. Jason Albert

      Hey Will, I skied the Skorpius II quite a bit during the 2022-2023 season. If it fits your foot, that is an excellent boot. I found the volume, relative to other boots I’ve used in that class (Blacklight, TLTX, MTN S/LAB Summit) to be a bit higher volume. I had to really crank the BOA down to secure my foot—but I could have added some volume reducer/boot boards. From my experience, the Skorpius II is stiff enough to drive a bigger ski—and in a confident way. My main ski partner uses the Skorpius II for everything winter through spring. And I’ve seen him power through some exceptionally long days in this boot as well.

      1. Slim

        I have a high instep, so I want to try that Skorpius II, once it’s available again in my size. My issue with fit is usually my narrow feet and skinny ankles. Currently in a Backland Pro, which fit pretty well, but lack the support I need due to lack of skill and excess of height.

  3. JOHN AMMONDSON

    Hi Gavin, loved the review, it’s fascinating teasing out all of the pros and cons of the high quality light-ish stiff-ish boots there are out there these days. One q- you stated in the second “field testing” paragraph that “the Backland XTD felt more damp and offered a more plush experience in variable conditions than the Zero G Tour Pro.” I’m wondering from the context of the rest of the review whether you mean stiffer than the Zero G Peak, or is it actually more damp than the Zero G Tour Pro?

  4. Spencer Dillon

    I will echo what gavin said about the pivots. I feel like I go through a set every 50 days. Buying all the hardware ($100) every 50 days feels crazy, but thankfuly phantom sells the correct white/yellow bushings for $30/set so you can ski with solid cuffs on this otherwise great boot.

    https://www.phantomsnow.com/collections/parts-boots/products/pivot-hardware

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