Atomic Hawx 2.0 120

Model Year
2014-15
Category
All-Mountain Traditional
Last Width
100
Flex Index
120
Price (MSRP)
$700.00USD

Change is good! And yet we humans innately fear change. So it’s understandable that the bootfitters on our test team who were fans of the Hawx boots were worried that their go-to ride (and slam dunk sale) might have gone away. It only took one run for these concerns to be laid to rest. relax, people, the Hawx 2.0 isn’t dead—it fact, it still got a killer set of talons.  And while it impressed testers with its new personality, there is one striking similarity with the Hawx of old, which one tester summed up succinctly: "This boot is great for a lot of different skiers."

First big difference. There's more room in the forefoot and over the midfoot than previous versions. Testers felt the Hawx, like many others in the medium width group this year, had shifted its fit toward the wide end of the spectrum. Because of its redesigned toebox it also fits a bit longer at the first toe, which allowed more than a few testers to step down a size for a snugger fit. So, the new shape offers some new versatility depending on chosen size. Testers were unanimous in that the fit was even and comfortable, with snug heel and ankle pockets that allowed for precise skiing movements. The liner retains its Dynashape laminate, which reduces a packed-out feel over time, and adds a Thinsulate layer for added warmth—fully wrapped around the lower portion of the liner in the 120 and big brother 130 but just in the toebox on the softer versions.

Second big difference—gone are the gill-like iflex zones, but the concept of underfoot flexion is not. The increased flexibility in the boot directly under the forefoot has been relocated now to the boot sole itself, along the lines of how the Redster achieves it. This change allows for longitudinal flex along the boot sole for supple pressure control movements but maintains slightly stronger lateral and torsional stability. Testers noted that edge power was plenty solid and liked that the boot wall was now a solid material for internal shell grinding if needed.

Third big difference—the Memory Fit shell is heat moldable after only a five-minute cook in a convection oven. The liners get loaded into the hot shells and the skier wears the boot for only two-minutes to allow the shell to adapt to the foot and lower leg's shape. A five-minute cool down is all it takes to set the modified shell shape. We tested this feature on the Hawx and were impressed with how malleable the plastic became in such a short time. We felt that the customizing action was subtle but useful as a fine-tuning fit tool. We don't know exactly how the Memolink plastic additive works (Atomic won't say), but we are impressed with how well it skis.

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-29.5, 30.5, 31.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium

Kudos

  • “In art, imitation is high praise. In boot tests it's thievery. I'm swiping this boot.” -- Brian Elling
  • “Great roomy fit for all day comfort!” -- Chris Wiberg
  • “Nice heel hold for power transmission—customizable shell is a plus.” --
  • “I sized down for epic-ness! On my short list for sure.” -- Mark Elling
  • “Excellent comfort—convenient entry and exit and a plush liner.” -- Pat Sullivan
  • “A solid, firm feeling 120! Definitely Hawx-like: excellent power to the ski and super comfy.” -- Erik Korman
  • “Very quick, great feel! So much better than previous versions—big dudes will friggin love it!” -- Kevin Gabriel
  • “High scores for everything on this boot.” -- Stacy Crumpler
  • “I'm a big fan of being able to change the forward lean.” -- Dallas Goldsmith
  • “The worst thing about these boots? I don't own them.” --
  • “Easy in, easy out, great power. I want a pair.” -- Ethan DuVoll

Caveats

  • “Low ramp angle put me in the backseat. Would like a heel lift.” -- Greg Hoffmann
  • “It's plenty wide before cooking.” --
  • “The plastic had a dull feel.” -- Garrick Dardani
  • “Forefoot room is huge for a medium width.” -- Jack Rafferty

This boot available at...

Morris Plains, NJ
Telluride, CO
Warren, VT
Plymouth, MI
Pagosa Springs, CO
Ludlow, VT

Special thanks to all of our sponsors!

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