Atomic released the new version of the Hawx Ultra 130, the Hawx Ultra 130 S. See below for a comparison of the boots.
April 2020The Hawx Ultra 130 S replaces the Hawx Ultra 130 we previously tested. The latest version has updated buckles and a new Power Shift mechanism to adjust the forward lean angle. The fit and price of the boot remain unchanged, but the graphics and colors have changed. In the photos below, the version we tested is depicted first, followed up by updated Hawx Ultra 130 S on the right.
Since we haven't tested the S version of the Hawx Ultra 130 yet, the remainder of this review refers only to the previous version.
The Atomic Hawx Ultra 130 has a last width of 98mm, making it the narrowest lasted boot that we reviewed this season. While other models like the Lange RX 120 are available in different volumes, the Atomic boot line only comes in one size. Skiers with narrow feet will appreciate this close-fitting model, but those with slightly wider feet should not despair!
The Atomic Memory Fit shell and liner are heat-moldable and can be expanded up to 6mm. The cuff of the boot is quite tight, and our lead tester had to swap out the stock footbeds, which are of good quality, for a pair of thinner ones that gave more room across the top of the foot. We also noticed that it was easier to walk around in these boots, thanks to a shorter than average boot sole length.
Sliding into the boot is quite easy thanks to a smooth inner that the Memory Fit Platinum liner provides, yet removing the foot from the boot is a bit more of a challenge, as the overlapping Grilamid cuff wraps tightly around the top of the foot. This is great when skiing, as mentioned below, less so when you are trying to kick your boots off and slip into a warm pair of winter boots and get to après ski!
The Hawx Ultra 130 was one of the top-performing boots in the review. As one of four 130-rated alpine boots we featured, one would be tempted to think that they all offer the same stiffness and performance. This is not the case. We felt that this boot could handle most conditions admirably, and it was easy to enjoy long fall line descents down steep, chalky chutes that required tight turns and finesse, but these lightweight boots are not in the same category as a high-performance beast like the Technica Mach 1. Chopped up leftovers, at high speed, were a problem for the Hawx Ultra 130, whose lack of heft sometimes allowed it to be overpowered by the terrain. Most skiers will likely be hard-pressed to notice, especially those who have typically worn softer flex boots.
In general, we found this boot to be a more approachable 130 flex boot, something that lighter weight skiers will appreciate.
This four-buckle boot is equipped with all of the features we would hope to see on a high-end ski boot. The forward lean is adjustable with three different settings (13, 15 and 17 degrees), the canting is adjustable, and the boot board can be removed and shaped. The Memory Fit liner is, of course, able to be custom-fitted, but Atomic has made the shell of the boot also easily moldable, ensuring a custom fit. We did not mold these to our feet as the fit was already quite good without additional boot fitting work; however, we would recommend taking the extra time to ensure the best fit possible.
The weight savings that Atomic achieved was in large part due to the type of plastic used on the boots, as well as the thickness of the shell walls. Thin, stiff plastic tends not to have the greatest track record when it comes to durability, but we did not experience any issues even though we were skiing these boots hard during frigid, early winter conditions. The soles showed a normal amount of wear for the use they received, and once worn out are easily replaceable.
The Hawx Ultra 130 uses a Memory Fit Platinum liner that uses Thinsulate material as additional insulation. This thin liner shaves weight and reduces bulk, but does not provide a lot of warmth. We wore ultra-thin merino wool socks to test these boots, and our feet got pretty cold during test sessions when 15-20 degree temperatures were the daytime highs. The Lange RX 120 boots were much warmer on cold days, or for those who have cold-sensitive feet.
With a retail price of $700, the Atomic Hawx Ultra 130 is reasonably priced for the features and performance it offers. The Salomon and Lange models are $100 cheaper but offer fewer features. The Hawx is also the same price as other high performing boots like the Mach 1 and Cochise 130 Pro.
