The new Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 115 W BOA lit up testers' faces with fun-induced smiles in every test modality, earning the top spot in the medium width Freeride category and scoring in the upper percentiles of the gold medal range. Testers called its consistently even fit one of the best in the entire test and had nothing but praise for its comfortably snug match for the foot and leg.
Our crew dug the pistachio and stone color combination, but they were more appreciative of the fact that the 115-flex held up its end of the forward support bargain, with some testers saying that the firm tongue construction and robust flex had them standing tall if they didn't apply a little extra throttle by way of shin pressure inputs. They loved how this boot responded--quickly, they agreed, and loaded up its Quickness and Steering scores to the tune of a 4.83 (out of 5).
Our test team offered a split decision on whether BOA impedes entry and exit, but they thought that for skiers seeking 115-level performance the small amount of struggle they experienced was worth the effort. Once in, testers did like the BOA reel closure in the lower shell for its intuitive ratcheting squeeze around the foot. They found the other adjustments easy to manage, like the Free/Lock 4.5 cuff release mechanism, traditional cuff buckles and cam lock style power strap. Useful features in a proper polyurethane build, both for cuff and lower shell, testers said.
While they didn't anticipate a need to deploy it as a fit feature, testers like the option of Memory Fit shell molding, and they do like the Mimic liner and have found that heat molding it does produce exemplary fit customization, especially in the ankle pockets.
Just to prove we're not simply making this stuff up, here's what one tester said of the Hawx Prime XTD 115 W BOA: Wow! The medium fit is spot f'n on! Perfect, perfect, perfect--best Freeride MV yet! Stance is dialed as is, but has cuff adjustment and forward lean adjustment if needed. BOA reel, adjustable tongue, Mimic liner, Memory Fit shell--all the things needed to dial-in the perfect boot, but I doubt you'll have to touch anything!
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