- Buyer’s Guide reviews
- In words
- Technical specifications
Buyer’s Guide reviews
The charts show our impressions from testing
Product info
Category average
In words
Intro
The Hawx has always been available in two versions: the mid-volume Prime with a 100 mm last, and the low-volume Ultra model. The Austrian ski maker has chosen the low-volume line to add the BOA on the shell, to make the plastic flaps better wrap around the forefoot without flattening it with a buckle lever. For any die-hard traditionalists out there, the Ultra is also available as a four-buckle boot; the only difference between the two is six grams (0.2 oz) in weight.
Walking
Not the quickest of entries, but once you're in it's very comfortable and will suit a lot of people. The BOA wraps the foot well, but the difference with the buckle closure is negligible. It also sticks out from the shell and risks getting stuck in the rocks during technical sections. It walks better than the Cochise, similar to the Mindbender: a pretty decent range of motion in line with other boots in the freeride segment. Suitable for climbs of 500 meters (just over 1,500 feet), or 1,000 m (just over 3,000 ft) for fitter skiers.
Lab
The BOA is robust, but it sticks out too much; it's micro-adjustable for both closing and opening. The ski/walk mechanism is bulky and difficult to use, and most models of crampons are tricky to attach. The Mimic Platinum liner is substantial and points prone to wear are reinforced. The contours of the cuff buckles are nicely shaped, but the spring-loaded bar on the ladder is more than a little fragile. A sturdy alpine-style power strap has a firm hold on the cuff.
Skiing
Very soft for a 130 flex, it provides progressive forward flexion, but is not stiff enough for anyone looking for high-level performance. You'd expect an alpine-style boot to be a little more reactive, but the substantial volume of the shell causes it to give way and creates a little lateral slop. Nonetheless this boot will receive a lot of praise from freeriders; it works on anything from groomers to powder as well as short uphills. Best not use skis over 110 mm in width; while the rear support is pretty good, if you sit back too far, it'll max out. The damping is good on bumpy terrain, but best to control your speed.
Technical specifications
LINER MATERIALS
PU
SHELL MATERIALS
True Flex PU
INSERT TYPE
Atomic Low Tech Insert
Buckle description
BOA dial and cable on the shell, two cuff buckles + buckle strap
Sole description
Skywalk GripWalk
Liner description
Mimic Platinum
Thermal value
C
No. of buckles
3
Lean forward
13°/15°/17°
Available sizes
24–29.5 mp
Released in
2023
Made in
Romania
Price
829.99 €
Sustainability
Use of pre- and post-consumer recycled material. Designed for recycling: boot developed so that it can be disassembled and repaired.
Declared specsMeasured by us
We measured the measure 27.5 to get all the details
1.831 gr
Individual weight
XXXXX
N/A
Liner weight
XXXXX
N/A
Shell weight
XXXXX
312 mm
External shell length
XXXXX
N/A
External shell width
XXXXX
N/A
Inner shell width
XXXXX
N/A
Pin distance
XXXXX
N/A
Force to 20° back
XXXXX
N/A
Force to 20° forward
XXXXX
54 °
Cuff ROM
XXXXX
N/A
Maximum cuff height
XXXXX
N/A
Maximum tongue height
XXXXX
N/A
Maximum forefoot width
XXXXX
N/A
Maximum ankle width
XXXXX
N/A
Sole thickness at toe
XXXXX
98 mm
Last
XXXXX
Top stories
2025
Intro
Safety, a culture of doubt
Beyond the basic definition, there’s nothing as variable as snow conditions and the human psyche when under emotional stress. That's why, after purchasing the right self-rescue kit and airbag backpack, it’s paramount you do your research, train, scrutinize your decisions and, if necessary, opt for plan B. And, at least for now, don’t rely on artificial intelligence.
2025
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Once you’ve chosen your skis, boots and bindings, your thoughts then turn to harnesses, crampons, ice axe and helmet, though perhaps not everyone, and not straight away. While it’s true that when starting out, especially for those transitioning from resort skiing who just want to start surfing some pow, the important thing is to get self-rescue equipment. It’s equally true, however, that the sport we love is a combination of two words: skiing and mountaineering.
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