The Dynafit Freeride Aero: One boot to rule them all?
I'd decided earlier this season that given what kind of terrain I like to ski it made sense to go to use AT boots full time. I was considering going with Endorphin's/Adrenalines or Scarpa Tornado's or possibly Spirit 4's. But when when
Sierra Trading Post had a 50% off their already ridiculously cheap price, I couldn't resist pulling the trigger on a pair of Dynafit Freeride Aero TF's. According to Tony's unscientific
AT Boot Flex index over at TGR these were the stiffest dynafit compatible boot available on the market today and given the fact that the new
Garmont Axon will retail for $824(weak dollar anyone?) and will only be available in limited qualities this year, the choice was pretty clear.
First impressions:Damn this is one beefy boot, it looks and feels just like an Alpine boot, which is somewhat odd for a "touring only" company like Dynafit. Weight is about 2 lbs lighter then my Alpine boots and I'd peg my old Alpine boots between 95-105 on Tony's flex index, which makes the Aero's slightly softer, but not noticeably so. I've spent a bunch of time in Dynafits over the past year so getting into the bindings isn't a problem, so "quick step" fittings are less of a revelation to me. For people new to the interface I could see how they'd make the binding a lot more "user friendly". They do make the binding "almost" step in which would help a ton if you were skiing dynafits inbounds. I'm not sure what to make of the walk function switch. I've really liked the old TLT mechanism, up to walk, down to ski and it was really easy to operate with gloves on. While the dial is considerably lower profile, and appears to rotate fairly easily, I think it may be a pain when the wind is howling and you don't want to take your gloves off to monkey with it.
Modifications:The first thing done was to replace the stock power strap with a "Race" booster strap. This is done with all of my boots. The second thing I did was to add a custom footbed, the stock footbed isn't terrible, but its nowhere near as nice as a full custom job. Both of these mods add some weight(136 g) but this really isn't the boot to use if you're looking to save weight.
Fit:Well here's the bad news, for whatever reason they don't fit anywhere near my TLT 700's which have a much roomier toe box and are slightly wider overall. Almost infuriating is the huge jump in boot sole length, the 28 mondo TLT 700's are 316 mm and the 28 mondo Aero is a whopping 324! So if you're running TLT classic bindings like I am, you will not be able to use both boots with the same ski(even with a re-drill) and you will have to find either a TLT rental plate, or use the Comfort or Vertical ST model. Interestingly, the Aero feels like a smaller fit despite the larger bootsole length.
The toebox is also really rounded which cramps my big toes so a punch was needed. The liner appears to be well made with a Velcro closure which prevents the tongue from sliding around while skinning. The upper cuff is fairly tight, and while its very easy to shift the gates around I'd prefer more adjust ability in the buckles. There is no cant adjustment which is no problem for me, but the forward lean feels a touch to much, it would be nice to have a couple of different settings.
Performance:This is where this boot SHINES, this is probably the closest thing to an Alpine boot with a walk function, dynafit fittings, and a vibram sole that exists in the AT boot universe. Not only does it have a stiff forward flex, but there is very little side to side slop, and with a stock rear spoiler it prevents you from slipping into the back seat. When paired up with Marker Dukes it makes for a ski boot interface that matches any Alpine boot/Binding interface that I've ever skied. With the added ease of a walking/touring function, you can finally ski inbounds all morning and then hike or tour in the afternoon.
What really drew me to the Aero Freeride is the benefit of allowing you to pair it with dynafits for weight savings on medium length tours. FR Aero+Marker Dukes+Heli Daddies = 23 pounds, substitute dynafits for dukes and save a shade over 3 pounds. For long tours I'll still keep using my TLT 700's for the better walk function and weight savings, but having the FR Aero allows the option of going with a bigger, more burly boot if I'm going into more technical terrain. The boot has a minor amount of rocker so I've managed to set up my Mojo 15 alpine bindings so that they allow the use of the FR Aero.
The Mojo 15 has a moving AFD and rollers in the toe, which theoretically should negate the friction caused by the vibram sole. I wouldn't recommend using them this way unless you can accurately measure whether the binding will release in spec with the DIN chart ranges. I plan on taking care of this before skiing them. I've also managed to set up my Salomon 977 alpine bindings for use with the FR Aero and will have them spec'd as well.
In conclusion I think this may be the answer to the "what boot should I bring today" debate that I often find myself having in the morning. It means I can bring every pair of skis and not have to carry 2-3 pairs of boots.
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