Dynafit Ridge boots (and bindings)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by alive

Super curious about these boots, but even more curious about his binding setup...

---

If I’m not mistaken, it looks like he made a Freeride spacer from the brake pad of a Radical 2.0. What a fantastic idea! So long as it is the right height for your boot, it would be as good as the factory ATK universal spacer. You could even grind the bottom side of the pad down to make it thinner if needed. Pretty burly AFD on there too.


Additionally, it looks like his skis have a DPS Phantom wax sticker on them? If Hoji uses Phantom, it gives me a whole lot more confidence that it actually works!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Whoa, I want to try that Radical AFD freeride spacer. What a good idea!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by auvgeek

I removed the bump stops from my Vulcans.

I dunno man, I’m just going based off how they felt walking around on flat ground with one on each foot (with my footbeds and Intuition Pro Tour). I didn’t walk uphill, which would have been a better test of forward ROM.

---

If you removed the bump stops that makes a ton of sense then I bet you’re correct. That’s a modification that makes a huge difference in the ROM though.

Some fit notes after a quick carpet test...

TLDR: I have pretty wide feet with a high instep. 27.5 Lange RX 130 MV alpine boots. Previously used size 28 TLT6Ps heavily punched for forefoot width and 27.5/28 Scarpa Maestrale RSs. Also working in some 27.5 Atomic Backland XTDs this season. My initial impression wearing a 28 Ridge Pro around the house were good, I think they're a keeper. I won't be able to test on snow for a couple weeks.

The nitty gritty...

I measure around 275 mm length on a Brannock, although I have pretty large Haglund's deformities/heel spurs on both feet, so functionally my feet are a bit longer than that. Pretty wide forefoot, I think about 105 mm wide lightly weighted. Probably a bit wider fully weighted. I have a very high instep which is often a limiting factor for me with boots. Pretty narrow heels, bony ankles, big calves. My alpine boots are Lange RX 130s medium volume with Zipfits. They have a small punch for the 6th toe on both boots. They fit awesome with the Zipfits, love these boots. But 80-90% of my skiing is touring. I wear running shoes in 11-11.5 depending on the brand, although I know that doesn't mean much.

I’m a competent skier, but by no means rad. Probably mediocre by TGR standards. I didn’t grow up racing or anything like that. I want a boot that performs well but I’m not striving for a plug boot fit.

For about a decade I've been running a 2 boot touring quiver. I have custom insoles. I was using the Scarpa Maestrale RS for 10+ years in all of the versions besides the newest version as my beefier boot that was mostly used in winter. The Scarpas were 27.5/28. Starting in 2016 I had small 6th toe punches done on these boots. I would sometimes get pressure here on longer tours. These always worked well for me with the small punch and liner mold. I also had some Dynafit TLT6Ps (the black and orange version) in a size 28/28.5 with Intuition Pro Tour LV liners that were mostly used in the spring on longer objectives. The Dynafits were heavily punched for width in the forefoot both medial and lateral. Both boots were getting pretty clapped out, especially the Dynafits, and I was looking to update my touring boot quiver this year.

I picked up some Atomic Backland XTD 120s early this year in a 27.5. I dig them so far, I might post more in the dedicated thread. Besides a liner mold haven't had to do any major boot work. But only about 12 days so far. I thought these might work as a replacement for the Maestrale RSs, but honestly they were more comparable to my old Dynafits. They walk amazingly. I like how they ski, but they're not super stiff. So I was still thinking of getting something a little beefier.

I've gravitated towards better touring performance over the years, I wanted something that hopefully walked better than the Maestrales but skied similarly. I ordered some 28 Ridge Pros, tried them on yesterday around the house.

The shell fit for the 28s was good for me. A bit more than 1 finger shell fit with my heel spurs. I do think this is the right shell size for me, I can't imagine making a 27 work. So I concur that they run a little short and if you're in between sizes, size up. I had some pressure right away over the instep with the stock liner and my foot beds. It was better when I threw in my clapped out 28 LV Intuitions. I think with a liner mold they should work. If the stock liner doesn't work I'd happily throw in some 28 LV Intuition Pro Tours and mold them with a pad over my instep.

The fit feels good for me elsewhere (these fit notes are with my old Intuition liners in place). I feel like there's enough toebox room for my pretty wide feet. Heel hold is good for me with the old Intuitions, better than the Backland XTDs. The ratchet buckle does a nice job holding my heel in place. I barely need to tighten the Boa to get good heel hold in ski mode. They flex really nicely in ski mode IMO. Stiffer than the Backland XTDs for sure. The Hoji lock gives a super solid feel and a nice flex. I think they should ski well. The stiffness is comparable to my Maestrale RSs, a think a hair stiffer than the Maestrale RS in fact.

I was happy with the walk mode. ROM is more than acceptable IMO. I thought they had plenty of forward and rear ROM just walking around the house. They walk a bit better than the Maestrale RS. Probably a bit more ROM forward, and the walk mode seems a little smoother. The walk mode is definitely better on the Backland XTDs, a little more total ROM on the Backland XTDs and definitely less friction on the Backland XTDs. But I still thought the Ridge ROM was above average and shouldn't be limiting for most situations. I could see loosening the velcro strap for days when you just have one long climb and descent. I was testing them with the velcro strap in position for skiing and then just undoing the Hoji lock. I like that transitions will be pretty quick. Flip the ratchet buckle and then the Hoji lock and I'm ready to ski.

I'm leaving on a non-ski vacation tomorrow, so I won't be able to get these on snow for a couple weeks. But I think they're a keeper for me.

The Ridge Pro/Backland XTD quiver seems a bit redundant, but I'm a fan of this class of boot now. Great walk modes (at least compared to similar boots of old) and more than acceptable skiing performance IMO. Not much faffing at transitions like a 4 buckle overlap boot. The Ridge Pros will probably be my daily touring driver in winter and the Backland XTDs will get used more in spring and on longer objectives.

Great analysis, thanks.

Can anyone compare these to the mtn summit boots? Obviously fit is going to be quite different but i’m mainly curious about the performance differences


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LeeLau

Didn't ask but I wouldn't be surprised at all

---

please do ask about a "free", if you get a chance.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Judo Chop!

please do ask about a "free", if you get a chance.

---

I’m curious what you think a “free” version would offer, and how it would slot between the Rad Pro and Ridge Pro?

If it was as stiff (or stiffer) and more progressive than the Ridge Pro, and lighter than the Rad Pro … that would be a winner for sure, but also probably pretty dang close to the current Rad Pro.

Isn’t the ridge pro the “free version”? They’re coming out with just a ridge which has less carbon than the pro.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by auvgeek

I’m curious what you think a “free” version would offer, and how it would slot between the Rad Pro and Ridge Pro?

If it was as stiff (or stiffer) and more progressive than the Ridge Pro, and lighter than the Rad Pro … that would be a winner for sure, but also probably pretty dang close to the current Rad Pro.

---

yes exactly... stiffer, more progressive, full sized toe/heel lugs, better heel pocket than Rad pro.
So, we're talking slotting between the Ridge pro and Tigard I guess. where the Rad pro either is replaced, or is just all about high-volume fit.

I've never skied a boot as light as the ridge pro; as I'm huge and I've just assumed <1400g is not for me.
I could be wrong, but really... I'm huge. like almost 2 hojis.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Judo Chop!

yes exactly... stiffer, more progressive, full sized toe/heel lugs, better heel pocket than Rad pro.
So, we're talking slotting between the Ridge pro and Tigard I guess. where the Rad pro either is replaced, or is just all about high-volume fit.

I've never skied a boot as light as the ridge pro; as I'm huge and I've just assumed <1400g is not for me.
I could be wrong, but really... I'm huge. like almost 2 hojis.

---

Coming from plugs with zip fits, the rad pro skis great with a GFT just saying

What does a rad pro with GFT’s weigh? Would you please include size?


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

My 25.5 GFTs weigh 495g and the radical shells weighs 1196gs.

Did anyone buy a 26 and is having regrets? I’ll pay full price. They sent like 1 fucking pair of 26s to Canada.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mr_pretzel

My 25.5 GFTs weigh 495g and the radical shells weighs 1196gs.

Did anyone buy a 26 and is having regrets? I’ll pay full price. They sent like 1 fucking pair of 26s to Canada.

---

They sent like one pair to the USA if that makes you feel any better.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ASmileyFace

They sent like one pair to the USA if that makes you feel any better.

---

It does

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mr_pretzel

My 25.5 GFTs weigh 495g and the radical shells weighs 1196gs.

Did anyone buy a 26 and is having regrets? I’ll pay full price. They sent like 1 fucking pair of 26s to Canada.

---

Thank you


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hoarhey

What does a rad pro with GFT’s weigh? Would you please include size?


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

---

Side question: Hoji lock is chewing through my Rad Pro liners. Considering the GFT as a liner replacement. Are they any more durable against the Hoji lock?

Got a pair of the Ridge Pro to try. Damn they feel like a substantial boot given the weight. And as everyone says the Hoji lock is amazing. Went 27 vs my regular 26 as no 26’s and following others comments on length.

Length Shell Fit:

Baseline is Mach 1 26. About 15-16mm shell fit for me but I stuff a PowerWrap in them.

OG ZGPT 26, slightly longer than Mach, 1-2mm or so. Old touring boot.

Backland XTD 26, slightly smaller than Mach 1, 1mm or so. Current touring boot.

Ridge Pro 27, same as Mach 1. Future touring boot????

Interesting thing is the Ridge liner is long, my footbed that fits perfectly in all the above boots has quite a bit of room forward and aft, maybe 6-7mm.

Ridge and Backland feel similar in width up front, both a bit wider than the Mach 1 and ZGTP.

With stock liner the Ridge wasn’t really holding my heel down. Same is true of Backland.

I ski Intuition Godiva molded in the ZGPT which also work great in the Backland. Nice heel hold and full foot wrap.

These liners in the Ridge also held my foot great but too much pressure on the top of the foot, I’d have to remold them.

Flexing the boots the one that just really feels closest to an alpine boots is easily the Ridge. Hard to tell much when not on skis but they have me excited for the future of touring boots. The Backland XTD has a little play at the very top of the flex as the mechanism moves a little, the ZGPT doesn’t have this, but it doesn’t feel like the Ridge does, it is just….substantial feeling.

Walk mode wise the Ridge is great, way better freedom and ROM forward than the ZGTP.

The Backland XTD and Ridge feel really similar forward in terms of ease of movement, but you hit the end of the powerstrap Hoji lock release for the Ridge Pro before the end of the Backland XTD ROM. If you release the power strap on the Ridge the boot opens right up but honestly I think it’s fine without having to do this. A real trip in the woods would be needed to confirm.

In the end I’m sending these back, largely because I’d like to try them in a 26 and see if the long liner foot length would let me get into that smaller shell and run the stock liner vs the Godiva. Otherwise I will probably get these in a 27 again and remodel the Godiva.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by EstoBum

Side question: Hoji lock is chewing through my Rad Pro liners. Considering the GFT as a liner replacement. Are they any more durable against the Hoji lock?

---

After 31 tours and about 23000 meters of vert, the black honeycomb structure has these 4mm x 10mm areas where the paint has worn off, but it does not feel any different to the touch. Can't compare to the original liners as I did not even try the shell's on with them.

And my 27,5 Rad Pro + GFT + Booster strap rough weight on a person scale is 1,9kg.

So I somehow got my hands on a ridge pro.

They seem pretty perfect, stiff, walk amazing and the fit is pretty easy to get a long with.

They’re a 26, I haven’t owned a 26 boot in like 10+ years. The internal length of the shell is exactly the same as the internal length of a 25.5 Tecnica zero G.
Maybe if you usually ski a larger shell fit you can use your normal size, but I think for most of us on here skiing performance fits, you’re going to have to size up (I have about a 10-12mm shell fit in this 26).

Stock liner is complete utter garbage, would recommend throwing those away immediately, so thin.
GFT slides right in like it’s made for the boot, tour wrap also seems like a great fit.

Will share more once I ski them.

Shells weigh 1065g btw

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mr_pretzel

So I somehow got my hands on a ridge pro.

They seem pretty perfect, stiff, walk amazing and the fit is pretty easy to get a long with.

They’re a 26, I haven’t owned a 26 boot in like 10+ years. The internal length of the shell is exactly the same as the internal length of a 25.5 Tecnica zero G.
Maybe if you usually ski a larger shell fit you can use your normal size, but I think for most of us on here skiing performance fits, you’re going to have to size up (I have about a 10-12mm shell fit in this 26).

Stock liner is complete utter garbage, would recommend throwing those away immediately, so thin.
GFT slides right in like it’s made for the boot, tour wrap also seems like a great fit.

Will share more once I ski them.

Shells weigh 1065g btw

---

Yeah I’ve been skiing a gft with them and have been very happy…


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mr_pretzel

So I somehow got my hands on a ridge pro.

They seem pretty perfect, stiff, walk amazing and the fit is pretty easy to get a long with.

They’re a 26, I haven’t owned a 26 boot in like 10+ years. The internal length of the shell is exactly the same as the internal length of a 25.5 Tecnica zero G.
Maybe if you usually ski a larger shell fit you can use your normal size, but I think for most of us on here skiing performance fits, you’re going to have to size up (I have about a 10-12mm shell fit in this 26).

Stock liner is complete utter garbage, would recommend throwing those away immediately, so thin.
GFT slides right in like it’s made for the boot, tour wrap also seems like a great fit.

Will share more once I ski them.

Shells weigh 1065g btw

---

What size GFT you putting in the 26 ridge?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CaliBrit

What size GFT you putting in the 26 ridge?

---

25.5 GFT, I’m sure the 26.5 fits fine in there too.

Quick skin with one run down today. They walk better than any of the boots I’ve used this season (Radical pro, ZGPT, Xt3 tour pro, Quattro XT, unlimited LT. The Radical and Quattro are a category better than the others here). They are so frictionless that the full boot weight at 1650’ish doesn’t feel bad at all (shell + gft + footbed + spoiler)

Skiing they feel stiff, like really stiff, maybe not the most plush(not surprising with the full carbon infused shell) but stiff enough to basically ski anything. Now I know why some of the Norwegian freeride boys are sending it hard on these already.

I do think I’m going to replace the velcro strap asap with the old hoji strap, but I like a really tight booster at the top so if that isn’t you the stock Velcro provides great support.

Damn I really wanna try the ridge now

Anyone got a pair of 27's that they don't want? Or a line on a decent deal? My Skorpius are about to give up the ghosts and I need new bootz

Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk

Anyone molded the ridge liner?

Does it relieve any pressure points?

Home oven instructions?

Super ridge pro :fm:

Skied them stock inbounds today smashing icy and variable moguls on ravens with ATKs. Again these are really stiff, if you tighten the boa you can really limit the lower shell deformation and they ski fucking great. They are easily stiffer than the zgpt in all directions.

Enter the hoji free strap which you can easily switch by replacing the wire in the hoji lock. I found the velcro kind of dead(but secure) and enjoy being able to really tighten the cuff if I want too. Adding the scarpa booster gives the boot more rebound off top which I am also a fan of. Top it off with the hoji free spoiler and now I’ve got probably the best combination of fit, skiing and walking available for me.
(Hoji free strap adds 20g, spoiler adds 20gs and booster adds 45g)


Attachment 492530

What is gft?

Sent from my moto g 5G using Tapatalk

Zipfit GFT liner


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by whatsupdoc

Zipfit GFT liner


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

---

Thanks. Are they still hard to get in, like other zipfit liners?

Sent from my moto g 5G using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mr_pretzel

Super ridge pro :fm:

Skied them stock inbounds today smashing icy and variable moguls on ravens with ATKs. Again these are really stiff, if you tighten the boa you can really limit the lower shell deformation and they ski fucking great. They are easily stiffer than the zgpt in all directions.

Enter the hoji free strap which you can easily switch by replacing the wire in the hoji lock. I found the velcro kind of dead(but secure) and enjoy being able to really tighten the cuff if I want too. Adding the scarpa booster gives the boot more rebound off top which I am also a fan of. Top it off with the hoji free spoiler and now I’ve got probably the best combination of fit, skiing and walking available for me.
(Hoji free strap adds 20g, spoiler adds 20gs and booster adds 45g)

---

Awesome dude! I will probably end up getting a pair next season. If that hybrid zipfit ever materializes, I suspect it will pair very nicely. GFT seems like it's just a bit too heavy for a 1300g boot, even on that skis as well as the ridge.

I want to know more about this hoji free strap swap.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mr_pretzel

Super ridge pro :fm:

Skied them stock inbounds today smashing icy and variable moguls on ravens with ATKs. Again these are really stiff, if you tighten the boa you can really limit the lower shell deformation and they ski fucking great. They are easily stiffer than the zgpt in all directions.

Enter the hoji free strap which you can easily switch by replacing the wire in the hoji lock. I found the velcro kind of dead(but secure) and enjoy being able to really tighten the cuff if I want too. Adding the scarpa booster gives the boot more rebound off top which I am also a fan of. Top it off with the hoji free spoiler and now I’ve got probably the best combination of fit, skiing and walking available for me.
(Hoji free strap adds 20g, spoiler adds 20gs and booster adds 45g)


Attachment 492530

---

F you Severin! I was expecting that you'd find these inadequate buckets. Also, sexy calves.

Sent fra min LE2123 via Tapatalk

I’m working on fit with these. Quite a lot of pressure on the top of forefoot. If I take the liner out I can feel the material under the floating tongue kind of bends down a lot in this region. Does anyone’s else’s have this? Seems like it might relax with use.

May be specific to the 26. Feels like the gold material is the wrong shape for the space in the black material.

Now that these have been out for a bit who has tried punching them, particularly for length? I tried size 26 without success, wanting to try 25s next year (which is what I ski in Zero Gs, with a big toe punch). Supposedly they are hard to punch for length, and are already a bit short for any given size like many new boots in this category, which is a stupid trend.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wilcox510

Now that these have been out for a bit who has tried punching them, particularly for length? I tried size 26 without success, wanting to try 25s next year (which is what I ski in Zero Gs, with a big toe punch). Supposedly they are hard to punch for length, and are already a bit short for any given size like many new boots in this category, which is a stupid trend.

---

The interal length of the ridge is the same in a 26 as the 25 ZGPT. The stock liner is just ridiculously thin.

The ZGPT is also a part of the problem, being longer than the average boot in the same size. The ridge is shorter. That’s why they meet one mondo apart

If anyone is looking for a size 26 lmk via a PM. I picked up a pair from a mag, and skied them once. $650 shipped.

After skiing them once and trying various old liner combos at the house before and after, the boot isn't going to work for my narrow foot. Yes, the floating tongue works to a degree and the heel is held back via that buckle. But there still is a void that can't be filled from that floating tongue/shell manipulation, so it skis worse for me than my quattros. For those that are curious, the Vulcan and Hoji Free 130 had a narrower fit across the break of the ankle and lower leg when compared to these. So... if you have a medium volume fit, these should be winner.

Following up after some time skiing on these. See my original post from 2/23/24 for initial impressions and fit details. I'd say I have about 8 days on them so far.

I had a decent amount of instep pressure with the stock liners. I never skied these with the stock liners. I skied these on a pretty long tour on day 1 with my old molded Intuition LV Pro Tours. After the tour I had some pressure at the 6th toe region on both feet. I went into a local boot fitter and molded a new pair of Intuition Pro Tour DD 9 mm liners. I also had my old custom footbeds flattened out. They had started to turn up at the sides, kind of like a boat hull, after a lot of time in them. These 2 changes definitely helped, but after a recent long-ish tour (like 10 miles and 5500 ft vert) I still had some mild 6th toe pressure on both boots. Brought them back to the boot fitter and he did a small punch at the 6th toes on both boots.

Now I'm stoked on these boots. I've done 2 tours since the punch and no isues. I like how they tour and ski. The Hoji lock gives a really solid downhill feel. And it's nice to be able to do quick transitions.

In summary they fit my high volume (high instep) and wider than average foot well with a small 6th toe punch and the Intuition Pro Tour liners, 9 mm (LV). I agree they run short and if you're in between sizes, size up.

I have one tour on these. So far so good. They definitely have a low volume spot in the middle of the toebox right where the floating tongue starts. For me it seems ok. I'm running a tour wrap (not the new DD version). Appears to ski quite well for how well it walks, but I got to ski dry smoke so hey...no complaints but didn't really push them either.

Dirt walked for 800 feet of steep North Cascades bushwhack and the soles are quite good. They also appear to fit Petzl Irvis Hybrids really well...this is not true of all boots...

For me, a 3-piece-boot is awesome. It's easy on/off, easy liner in/out (all great for multi-day trips), and a good walk mode. The Hoji lock just makes it even simpler.

I worry a bit about the lower upper cuff click-strap. I'm afraid in tour mode I might catch it on something and rip it off.

Also, there isn't a great spot to clip a leash. Missed opportunity there.

This year I've skied a ZGTP, Zero G Peak Carbon, and Radical Pro. So far, this is my favorite. Knock on wood, but this might be a goldilocks boot. I need to get it out on some heavier skis and in heavier snow.

Tried on a pair of Ridges this week. Pretty impressed. 28.5 felt like the right fit (that’s the size I take in damn near every brand) although with an unmolded stock liner the pressure on my instep was noticeable. I’d try them with a molded pair of thin liners before I’d buy them to make sure the instep area isn’t a problem.

The toebox had a very squared off feel (and look), borderline too roomy actually. Depending on the boot I occasionally blow out a shell for some 6th toe room but cannot imagine doing that for these.

Good heel retention, nice walk mode, laterally stiff cuff, progressive firmish fwd flex…I was impressed. However it’s unusual for me to encounter a boot with low volume in the instep AND so much toe box room.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by frorider

Tried on a pair of Ridges this week. Pretty impressed. 28.5 felt like the right fit (that’s the size I take in damn near every brand) although with an unmolded stock liner the pressure on my instep was noticeable. I’d try them with a molded pair of thin liners before I’d buy them to make sure the instep area isn’t a problem.

The toebox had a very squared off feel (and look), borderline too roomy actually. Depending on the boot I occasionally blow out a shell for some 6th toe room but cannot imagine doing that for these.

Good heel retention, nice walk mode, laterally stiff cuff, progressive firmish fwd flex…I was impressed. However it’s unusual for me to encounter a boot with low volume in the instep AND so much toe box room.

---

I dunno I shell fit these and my forefoot was basically touching either side at the metatarsal heads. They didn't seem crazy wide up there. I was told they would be difficult to punch but it sounds like others have had success?