Lange XT3 Tour Pro - praise, gripes, hacks, and mods

[ptavv]

Not sure who all might benefit from this but I figured I'd share my experience with 40-50 days in mine.

I've skied them with the liners that they came with throughout the time. Initially when I skied the boots I was horrified by how upright they were and how hard it was to get forward and over my skis even with the top buckles moved over and clamped way down. Ultimately I bought some spoilers from Dodge ski boots ($25, https://dodgeskiboots.com/shop/spoilers/) and used some Velcro tape to put those on the back of my liners and it fixed nearly everything. I had figured I might want to remove the spoilers for the uphill and put them back on for down, but they make such little difference touring I just leave them on all the time.

Prior to that I'd tried heel lifts but found that the way the boot heel cup of the shell is shaped it caused horrible pain on the lateral and medial side of my heel bone.

I'm pretty pleased with their flex and driveability, though as others have mentioned their flex is pretty progressive until you hit the far end at which point it abruptly stops flexing, which isn't a big deal and seems fairly common. I know these boots are rated 130 flex but they ski slightly softer than my alpine World Cup 120s.

Pretty much everyone I've encountered skiing these boots has felt like they're much too upright and is usually very interested in my spoiler solution.

I'm disappointed with how finnicky the walk mode is. It definitely feels strong but the precision of the movement that's required has been problematic. I've had a number of times boot packing where enough snow gets between the upper and lower metal blocks that even when the lever gets lowered the boot won't snap back into ski mode. I solved this by adding a $3 Oxo nylon kitchen brush to my kit, but it really seems like something I shouldn't have to do with a boot like this.

Then, even more frustratingly, on a recent hut trip in BC it got really cold (like -20 F) and the whole mechanism would freeze up in walk mode leading to lots of super fun banging and slamming on the little metal block that wouldn't move back down. Twice the mechanism only partially locked back into ski mode so it would feel nice and locked when standing and transitioning, but then when I went to ski and put some oomph onto the mechanism it would pop back open. It sucked the couple times it happened -- once the upper buckles even managed to get out from under the upper cuff wrap; thought it'd strangle my foot until I could stop and get it fixed. I've now coated all the mechanical bits back in the walk mechanism with PTFE lubricant in hopes of fixing this, but don't really know what else to do (also probably won't get cold enough here again to test thoroughly this year).

Then there are the stupid durability things that have happened: one of the pull loops on the back of a liner ripped away from the harder plastic backing on the back of the liner. I used some heavy duty thread (35 lb test) and sewed the loop back onto the liner, then did the same through the hard plastic but it feels like it's only a matter of time till it fails. Then on the other boot the power strap tore around the secondary screw that holds the power strap in place while I was pulling my boots on (not the burlier midline screw in the back but the one about 3" away from that).

Overall they're strong solid boots that ski well but I've been a bit frustrated by how unrefined they are.

[vonn]

Has anyone tried swapping Pro Tours into their XT3s yet? Curious about weight savings vs performance vs fit changes.

I've been skiing a 26.5 Hawx Ultra XTD but it feels too big for my ankles/heel while the 25.5 crushes my toes, so I'm curious about trying the XT3 Tour Pro. Has anyone skied both and have any comparisons between the two fit wise? How does the fit of the Tour Pro compare to the XT3 free?

[SoVT Joey]

Has anyone tried swappin Pro Tours into their XT3s yet? Curious about weight savings vs performance vs fit changes.

I've been skiing a 26.5 Hawx Ultra XTD but it feels too big for my ankles/heel while the 25.5 crushes my toes, so I'm curious about trying the XT3 Tour Pro. Has anyone skied both and have any comparisons between the two fit wise? How does the fit of the Tour Pro compare to the XT3 free?

i have a xt3 and a xt3 pro tour and a XRi pink panther. The pro tour fits a lot like the xt3, but I find both of their heel pockets large and I ended up with a Zipfit gara lv that I swap between all three. There is very little difference in fit with that liner. I’m ordering the GFT for my pro tour and I think that will be the ultimate. The pro tour is definitely more upright and a lot softer then the xt3. It’s more like a 115 flex then a 130 compared to the xt3

I did try my stock pro tour liner in my xt3 before I sent it back, that stock pro tour liner is just absolute shit, so be prepared to just buy some other liner.

[jackattack]

I've been skiing a 26.5 Hawx Ultra XTD but it feels too big for my ankles/heel while the 25.5 crushes my toes, so I'm curious about trying the XT3 Tour Pro. Has anyone skied both and have any comparisons between the two fit wise? How does the fit of the Tour Pro compare to the XT3 free?

The tour pro is wider in the forefoot than the xt3 lv, which is wider than the rx130 lv or rs130. The heel pocket feels the same to me across all of the lasts.

You sound like a tecnica fit to me. Narrower heel, a bit wider in across the ball of the foot than the Lange and atomic.

[vonn]

Thanks for the feedback! I should clarify that I'm looking at the 25.5 specifically. I tried on an XT3 Free in 25.5 earlier today and thought it felt pretty snug without any crushing so I was excited to see that there's a more touring focused option. I have a 26 Pro Tour MV that sounds like it might work as a replacement liner. Also have a Zipfit if it comes to that but hoping to keep the boot light. At this point I'm totally fine compromising downhill performance some if I can get something that fits.

I actually tried the ZGTP in a 26.5 the last two seasons, but I needed a lot of work in the forefoot/instep and even then I couldn't get the heel locked down. Got an insane blister going up to Camp Muir on Rainier and decided to try something else. Weirdly I felt the Atomic Ultra fit my forefoot better out of the box than the Tecnica, but maybe that's a function of the relative length of the two.

[vonn]

Stopped in the store to check the liner weight - a 25.5 XT3 liner with stock footbed came out to 272g whereas a 26 Pro Tour with a Sidas footbed came out to 279g.

[Bamski]

How do the XT tour’s fit relative to a ZGTP or Hawx ultra XTD?

I’ve got a skinny ankle, heel and lower calf, but a higher instep and average forefoot width.

Loving my Promachine 130’s in resort in a race fit. I similarly seem to fit an RX130 well out of the box. Wondering if the Lange will give me better comfort and performance than my Frankenstein Tecnicas.

[filthyfrenchbum]

How do the XT tour’s fit relative to a ZGTP or Hawx ultra XTD?

I’ve got a skinny ankle, heel and lower calf, but a higher instep and average forefoot width.

Loving my Promachine 130’s in resort in a race fit. I similarly seem to fit an RX130 well out of the box. Wondering if the Lange will give me better comfort and performance than my Frankenstein Tecnicas.

ZGTP is significantly lower in the instep and slightly wider in the forefoot. Hawx is slightly narrower everywhere. I switched from a Zero G with a punched instep to an XT3 tour pro and was very happy about it (my other boot is an XT3 LV). I generally fit low volume Lange boots right out of the box (worked as a boot fitter for 5 years and got to try on just about everything), but am not affected negatively by the slightly wider last of the XT3 tour.

60+ days spent touring and hucking my meat around Rogers Pass, the Monashees and the western Canadian Rockies last year and they have held up fairly well. Never skied the stock liner as I threw in a Surefoot Ascent right away (great heel grip).

Also, get a WC strap or booster on there instead of the garbage it comes with.

Like others have reported, the ski/walk mode jams with snow all of the time and I frequently need to push it in with the top of my pole handle to get it to lock. Rather annoying I must say, but it's by the far the best boot for my foot so I can deal with it.

[Bamski]

Thanks!

I’ve had the ZGTP for a few years and just struggled to get it skiing well for me (feels like maybe a bit too much room in the shell fit).

Does the XT3 feel noticeably shorter or longer than the ZGTP? I love hearing that it’s got a more generous instep

[filthyfrenchbum]

Thanks!

I’ve had the ZGTP for a few years and just struggled to get it skiing well for me (feels like maybe a bit too much room in the shell fit).

Does the XT3 feel noticeably shorter or longer than the ZGTP? I love hearing that it’s got a more generous instep

Definitely shorter. The Zero G was spot on for my foot length (261mm, 25 shell). The Lange is more restrictive in the toe box but I never lost circulation or acquired bruises, therefore never punched or ground it.

[Lord Thomas]

How does the Tour Pro ski and walk compared to an XTD 130?

[oltrepiave]

How does the Tour Pro ski and walk compared to an XTD 130?

guess I can chime in. Newly subscribed JONG from Italy, been lurking for years soaking up all the knowledge and satire, I guess I can try playing with the big boys now. Hopefully I can introduce myself properly at some point. All insults are welcome.

I owned the lime green xt-free.
Then I moved on to Cochises.
Now I'm in ultra xtd 130.
I have tried on the tour pro in a shop (FWIW, usually nothing and I place almost 0 trust in carpet testing but I do think it could hold some value given my extended experience with the old xt free).
I prefer the xtd more for everything. I guess I'm biased given the fact it is the boot which has fit me best throughout the years but some of the drawbacks in the freetour line are pretty tangible (eg. that finicky ski-walk latch).

[SoVT Joey]

guess I can chime in. Newly subscribed JONG from Italy, been lurking for years soaking up all the knowledge and satire, I guess I can try playing with the big boys now. Hopefully I can introduce myself properly at some point. All insults are welcome.

I owned the lime green xt-free.
Then I moved on to Cochises.
Now I'm in ultra xtd 130.
I have tried on the tour pro in a shop (FWIW, usually nothing and I place almost 0 trust in carpet testing but I do think it could hold some value given my extended experience with the old xt free).
I prefer the xtd more for everything. I guess I'm biased given the fact it is the boot which has fit me best throughout the years but some of the drawbacks in the freetour line are pretty tangible (eg. that finicky ski-walk latch).

the xt free skis and performs a lot lower then the xt tour pro from my experience, and I have considerable time in both. The walk mechanism does suck in the tour pro. That’s the only issue with the boot I have since replacing the garbage liner that they send stock.

the XTD is closer to the xt130 in comparison. Tour pro is more of a full tech boot then either. Gripwalk blows for scrambling compared to a 9523 sole.

Rebound is better in both the XTD and the XT130 then the tour pro, but the weight difference is noticeable.

I wouldn’t buy a XT tour pro unless I had plans on a aftermarket liner right off the bat or owned a liner I would be sticking in them. My GFT is the most amazing upgrade I’ve ever made in a boot.

[Lord Thomas]

How does the Tour Pro ski and walk compared to an XTD 130?

Any more commentary on the above?

[SoVT Joey]

Any more commentary on the above?

XTD will ski better. Tour Pro will walk better with a better liner I have found. Tour pro still skis well and I like the vibram sole as well. The XT130 will walk as well as the XTD and ski better then bothe the XTD and the Tour Pro.

[blur]

Jumping in with a question, purchased the 130XT 140 ProModel, deal was too good to pass up. This is my effort to use 1 boot for alpine & side country.
Felt great in the shop AB’d them with current boot.
Love the the way they ski, not hot spots, forward leans & flex all good, but the right boot puts my big & 2nd toe & ball of my foot asleep. I never had this, been working with the shop, still can’t crack the code. My instep is fine, super light boot buckle tension.
Any ideas on what to try, I have 7 days on them. Unbuckling while on chair does not help. Today was the 1st day I skied something that resembled bumps in lieu of just carving turns, seemed not to be as bad.


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[SoVT Joey]

Jumping in with a question, purchased the 130XT 140 ProModel, deal was too good to pass up. This is my effort to use 1 boot for alpine & side country.
Felt great in the shop AB’d them with current boot.
Love the the way they ski, not hot spots, forward leans & flex all good, but the right boot puts my big & 2nd toe & ball of my foot asleep. I never had this, been working with the shop, still can’t crack the code. My instep is fine, super light boot buckle tension.
Any ideas on what to try, I have 7 days on them. Unbuckling while on chair does not help. Today was the 1st day I skied something that resembled bumps in lieu of just carving turns, seemed not to be as bad.


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try a different insole.

[blur]

try a different insole.

I am using custom footbeds made by the boot fitter that I have been using for 2 seasons in my Mach 1 130LV’s. I thought about skiing. Them a day with the stick foot bed just to experiment.


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[jacob_dbu]

I've found when I have foot falling asleep problems usually it comes from too much pressure in the midfoot area that manifests in my toes. A punch just aft of the balls of my feet tend to solve that issue. Mine was on the lateral (outside) of my foot though.

[hoarhey]

the xt free skis and performs a lot lower then the xt tour pro from my experience, and I have considerable time in both. The walk mechanism does suck in the tour pro. That’s the only issue with the boot I have since replacing the garbage liner that they send stock.

the XTD is closer to the xt130 in comparison. Tour pro is more of a full tech boot then either. Gripwalk blows for scrambling compared to a 9523 sole.

Rebound is better in both the XTD and the XT130 then the tour pro, but the weight difference is noticeable.

I wouldn’t buy a XT tour pro unless I had plans on a aftermarket liner right off the bat or owned a liner I would be sticking in them. My GFT is the most amazing upgrade I’ve ever made in a boot.

Sorry, would you say what liner is the GFP? I’m blanking on the acronym


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[Full Trucker]

Sorry, would you say what liner is the GFP? I’m blanking on the acronym

I believe this one: https://www.zipfit.com/shop/gft

[SoVT Joey]

Sorry, would you say what liner is the GFP? I’m blanking on the acronym


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Zipfit GFT.

[SoVT Joey]

I am using custom footbeds made by the boot fitter that I have been using for 2 seasons in my Mach 1 130LV’s. I thought about skiing. Them a day with the stick foot bed just to experiment.


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ya I would try the stock foot beds for a day and see. Just because the customs worked in the Machs doesn’t mean they will work in these. Too many inside variables.

After a few expensive customs and never being happy, my feet are very happy with some decently cheap superfeet.

[ptavv]

How does the Tour Pro ski and walk compared to an XTD 130?

after another couple instances of my the Langes freezing into walk mode at the beginning of this winter I gave up and abandonded them for XTD 130s. Though I only have ~10 days in the Hawx so far my thoughts are:

The XTD 130 liners feel much more substantial than the Lange liners felt and the whole boot feels a bit more substantial, moreso than I would guess from the ~150 gram/boot weight increase of the Hawx.

I think the flex on the Hawx is a little more progressive and I like it better, despite the same nominal flex number I think they're slightly stiffer.

The heel fit on the Hawx is definitely more snug than on the Lange, at least for my ankle shape. I have fairly high calf muscles and a narrow ankle which meant I had moved the Lange upper buckles to get the tightest fit and still used the middle to further buckle slots, but with the Hawx I'm in the middle buckle position and middle buckle slots and they're nice and tight.

The Hawx are substantially more forward leaning / less upright than the XT3 Tour Pros and have an easy adjustment for the forward lean from 15º to 17º (I'm happy with the default at 15).

I think the Langes toured a little better. The Hawx don't have as much ROM and it has a little bit more friction

[gwat]

Whats up with this 99mm last?
I’ve been in 97mm Lange RS130s forever and they seem to fit quite well, will I be swimming in the wider last? I did try these on at waxman’s shop and they feel like slippers.

I wouldn’t ski anything other than the RS at the ski hill so these would be a dedicated touring boot. That being said, a day of touring for me is realistically only 3-4k vert. I do like to ski fast but my glass knees limit my airtime these days. Will I be happy with the Pro’s performance or would I be happier in an XT3 140?

Does Lange have a new and improved touring boot coming next year?