The Gist
Hey, let's capitalize on Hawx name but do it in a narrow last and let's risk it all on a totally new mold concept using completely different plastic—hope we don't screw it up! They didn't. Hawx Ultra was the biggest and best surprise of the test. Testers unanimously agreed that it meets or beats current standard-bearers for fit and performance and does so in a compact and lightweight package. Nicely done.
Fit
Testers were pleasantly shocked at the amount of extra length, width and height the Ultra's toebox offered. With a boot sole length 5mm shorter than average. The new Progressive Shell shaping employs thick and stiff plastic in power control zones; shell walls are thinner in non-critical areas which accounts for the increased internal length dimensions.
The forefoot has an ample medium fit; it tapers snugly to the rearfoot with a very firm grip on the ankles and heel. The Grilamid (aka nylon) cuff is thin and wraps well around the leg shaft creating an exceptionally even fit along the shin. The Grilamid cuff and mass reduction of the polyurethane lower boot combine for a noticeably light feel.
Performance
What's the benefit of using lighter weight plastics used in all-mountain ski boots? Not much if it doesn't ski as well as the polyurethane and polyether category stalwarts. Well, it only took testers about three turns each to know that the Hawx Ultra 130 was not only in the performance ballpark but was actually knocking one out of it. Home run!
Strong, snappy, agile and awesome. Testers said it skis like a super-lightweight race boot with a tuned-in feel for the snow underfoot. The flex is surprisingly long but comes to a firm stopping point without folding or collapsing. It loads heaps of energy onto the front of the ski for fun, dynamic turns.
Cool Features
The Hawx Ultra has a heat-moldable Memory Fit shell. That means the Memolink additive is in the plastic. The molding process involves five minutes of cooking followed by a two minute molding session and rapid two minute cool down period. It provides an even and open fit.
Testers stressed this was an entirely optional process. The Ultra fit fine right out of the box. As with other Hawx models, the Power Shift adjustment can tweak both forward lean angles and flex resistance. In addition to dual-side lateral cuff adjustment, cant shims specific to the Ultra are available in half-degree increments from 0.5 to 3.0 degrees. Stance geeks approve.
Kudos
Caveats