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    Backcountry Skiing

    Dynafit Titan TF-X Alpine Touring Ski Boots Review

    Jason MitchellBy Jason MitchellFebruary 8, 201010 Comments6 Mins Read

    Like most people, my backcountry skiing days started out with standard alpine boots in tow. After a couple of seasons with that setup, I moved onto alpine touring ski boots for smoother walking and striding. But, I’ve still been reluctant to go for the many ultralight A/T boots on the market for fear they wouldn’t be able to drive today’s fat skis. I’ve been very satisfied with the performance of the Garmont Endorphin and Scarpa Skookum boots and now it’s time to test Dynafit’s comparable entry the Titan TF-X.

    Built as an alpine/backcountry crossover boot, the Titan is able to drive today’s fat skis in a variety of conditions. The Titan TF-X comes with the ability to use Dynafit, alpine  or alpine bindings (with quick sole change)–all with the same boot. Construction is burly with alpine-esque construction.

    The Dynafit Titan is the new king of the Dynafit ski boot lineup. Aimed at the crossover crowd who prefers a beefy booth for inbounds and backcountry, the Titan delivers a lightweight, functional package with swappable DIN soles for either A/T or alpine use.

    Dynafit Titan TF-X Features:

    • Lightweight PU shell
    • Magnesium buckles
    • Weight: 8.8 lbs per pair (touring mode)
    • Bindings: ISO Alpine, A/T, Dynafit (Tech)
    • Liner: Heat-moldable
    • Forward lean: 15 or 21-degrees
    • Sole: Dynagrip or ISO Alpine
    • MSRP: $760
    Dynafit Titan TF-X Review
    Skinning up the south face of Lone Peak, Utah.

    Dynafit Titan TF-X Review

    With the Storm Trooper-esque Dynafit Titan’s underfoot this season, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by their overall performance. While I had no doubt they would crush the downhill, I was a little nervous about the walkability of these freeride touring boots. When they arrived, the size 27.0 seemed just right. It was a little snug, but I knew that a quick heat mold would reduce some of that volume. After a trip to Surefoot at The Canyons, I was dialed in for a lightweight (not ultrathin) sock, like the Lorpen Tri-Layer lightweight sock.

    Once the liners were custom-molded these babies felt extremely comfortable. I decided to try out the new Superfeet REDhot insoles ($49) with these boots and have had great success in support, comfort and power transfer. The only modification I had to do was move the buckle latches in one slot on the upper cuff. After only a couple of extra minutes and an Allen wrench, these babies were dialed in.

    Dynafit Titan TF-X Review
    Making some powder turns down Little Superior in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah.

    With several tours and a day inbounds at Alta, I must say I’m very impressed with these boots. Without question, they can ski downhill with the best alpine boots. I can feel an instant power transfer as I transition from turn-to-turn. I’ve not felt that kind of smoothness and power in a touring boot very often, but the Titan’s definitely are as good or better than every other similar AT boot on the market.

    Like most people, I’ve yet to switch out for the Alpine DIN blocks. While it seems great on paper, it’s really not a practical option to do on a regular basis. Yes, there are many boots on the market with swappable soles (Garmont Endorphin, Black Diamond Factor, Salomon Quest Pebax Pro, etc), but I’m guessing most skiers choose one sole and stick with it. I can stick with the AT soles for alpine and backcountry because my “inbounds” skis are mounted with Marker Baron’s. If you have traditional alpine bindings, you may have to swap the blocks more regularly.

    Creamy turns in American Fork Canyon.

    In the backcountry, I’ve been using the Titan’s with the venerable Fritschi Freeride bindings. I know, I know… Dynafit boots with Fritschis? Yes, indeed, I still prefer Fritschi’s but will try to round out the review this Spring with a Dynafit-on-Dynafit test (stay tuned). As it was with the Fritschi’s, the Titan’s were an excellent match. I found the bindings easy to engage with a solid, locked-in feel.

    For touring, the Titan’s have felt lightweight and provided ample range-of-motion for a comfortable stride. There are several boots now on the market with more range of motion, but I never felt inhibited in any way while skinning or walking around. Yeah, a little more flex would have been nice, but I didn’t find it absolutely detrimental to this boot. I found myself skinning up with the forefoot snug (but not ski-mode tight) and the upper cuff buckles engaged in touring mode. This provided ample flex and still kept my foot in place for a chaff-free stride.

    Switching from tour to ski mode was easy. A quick flip of the light switch on the back while flexed and I was dialed into the maximum forward lean setting. The switch is considerably less beefy than other boots on the market (which makes me nervous), but has continued to perform well. I can tell you that skiing in walk mode is not recommended. No matter how much I try to remember, I always do that at least once during the season. A few turns in and you’ll notice and flip the switch.

    The lugged AT sole provides excellent traction for slippery parking lots and ridgeline scrambles alike. They are even nimble enough for a little Irish jig at the end of the day–if you’re so inclined.

    The Good

    • Ultra-precise downhill performance
    • Lateral stiffness
    • Flexible soles for AT or alpine use
    • Thermo-moldable liner provides personalized comfort
    • Grippy outsole
    • Aggressive forward lean position
    • Excellent walkability when using buckle extensions
    • Great on groomers or off-piste
    • Lightweight feel

    The Bad

    • Once molded, the liner packs out considerably
    • Could provide a little better walking stride when buckled
    • Occasionally, the left boot would “catch” while in walk mode and not flex as it should
    • Swappable Alpine/AT blocks are a good idea, but are unnecessary

    Bottom Line: Dynafit Titan TF-X

    The Titan is indeed one of the best of the “do-it-all” AT ski boots on the market. With excellent crossover ability to ski both the frontside with power and tour up the backside with ease, the Titan is a great option for those wanting a no-compromise downhill performer.

    Buy Now: Find Dynafit Ski Boots at Backcountry.com

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    Jason Mitchell
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    A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. That passion is channeled into every article or gear review he writes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground.

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    10 Comments

    1. Sean O'Beirne on February 9, 2010 9:39 am

      Hi Jason,
      Just read your review of the Titan which I’d agree with pretty much completely. The only problem I’ve faced is in using the Titans with Dynafit bindings (FT 12) mounted on a pair of Scott Missions. Even when using them at in the “ski position” i.e. binding not locked-out at normal piste speeds the front “arms” of the binding seem to open when making firm carved turns, the result is obviously that the binding releases and you hit the deck. I’ve played with the DIN settings, checked the distance between boot and binding etc and the same thing happens almost every time.

      I sent them back to Dynafit in Italy (where I’m based), their repsonse was “the boots confirm to our design” and nothing more.

      When you try the Dynafit-on-Dynafit test you mentioned in the article try putting the ski on it’s inner edge on some hard snow and stamping down with moderate force (as if you were sidestepping quickly uphill) and see if the same thing happens.

      Not sure if this is the sheer stiffness of the boot/sole that causes this effect or something else but for normal off-piste and piste ski-ing I’ve swapped to some marker baron’s. I’ve used Dynafit bindings with other AT boots (Garmont Axon) etc and never had a problem whether on long tours, steep icy descents, deep powder or on-piste.

      Will be interested to read your review !

      Reply
      • Jason Mitchell on February 9, 2010 9:47 am

        Uggh… that sounds no bueno! I think I saw your comment on Backcountry.com about this. Yes, I do feel a bit remiss for not having tested these boots with Dynafit bindings, but I currently don’t have any at my disposal. Keep me in the loop on any updates and I’ll be sure to post back here with any findings after going full-Dynafit.

        Reply
    2. JMac on February 28, 2010 5:32 am

      Jason — I’m having an issue with the AT sole and the Barons. The heel piece is getting mangled by the binding. The sole height is adjusted correctly at the forefoot. Did you have to do anything special to get them to fit in your Barons?

      Thanks in advance!

      Reply
    3. Jason Mitchell on February 28, 2010 10:47 am

      Hmmm… I only used them briefly with my Barons and have since used my alpine boots with them for inbounds turns. I’ll have to try them again.

      Reply
    4. Jason Mitchell on April 13, 2010 11:46 pm

      These boots just continue to perform in all conditions. On two recent epic tours, I’ve had nothing but kudos for these boots. They are comfortable, warm and can drive any ski in any conditions. I still have no major complaints and really love how bomber they have been.

      Reply
    5. Jason Mitchell on December 31, 2010 9:22 pm

      Just a bit of followup on the swappable soles. I finally had a reason (so I thought) to swap out the Dynafit blocks. I unscrewed them and couldn’t get the heelpiece to budge. I tried everything short of whacking it with a hammer and just gave up.

      As I stated… swappable soles are really unnecessary as swapping them out will typically prove more difficult than its worth.

      Reply
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    8. Bernie Riehl on October 14, 2013 4:53 pm

      Jason,

      I just bought a pair of used Dynafit Titan TF-X boots but they did not come with a pair of alpine sole blocks. I ski in Michigan and will be skiing inbounds on alpine bindings 90% of the time. Do you have a recommendation as to how I can track down a set of used or “pulled out of the trash” new alpine blocks?

      Thanks for your help.

      Bernie

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jason Mitchell on October 14, 2013 5:47 pm

        I’d check with Salewa (US Dynafit distributor):

        http://www.salewa.us

        There’s also a guy who is giving away a used pair here (might not have them still though):

        http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php/262925-Free-Dynafit-Titan-DIN-sole-blocks

        Salewa will be your best bet, I’m thinking.

        Reply

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