A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 4: Liners, Ramp Angle, & Forward Lean

A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 4: Liners, Ramp Angle, & Forward Lean

Author: BLISTER February 21, 2020 Duration: 1:35:28

Ski boot liners are probably the most overlooked and least appreciated piece of ski gear out there, but they are a critical piece of equipment. So Matt Manser, the product manager of Atomic Ski Boots, is back on GEAR:30 for Part 4 of our “Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots” series, and this time, we’re demystifying the extremely complex, very expensive, and poorly understood category of ski boot liners.

We kick off the conversation by brushing up a bit on plastics (specifically, the not-so-straightforward label, “Grilamid”); then we discuss forward lean and ramp angles; and then we jump down the rabbit hole on ski boot liners, and talk about the different types of liners and their pros and cons; the “30 seconds” test and why Atomic views it as so critical; whether it’s smart to shove an aftermarket liner into a high-performance shell; and then Matt talks about a brand new liner from Atomic that incorporates their “Mimic” technology. In the process, we also talk about next year’s Hawx Ultra 130 S alpine boot, and the also-new-for-next-year Hawx Prime XTD.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • Grilamid; Polyamide (PA); Polypropylene (PP) (6:18)
  • Forward Lean (14:06)
  • Ramp Angles (24:33)
  • World Cup ski racers are weird (28:06)
  • Forward Lean: what should skiers look for? (31:58)
  • The 20/21 Hawx Ultra “S” (38:00)
  • Ski Boot Liners (42:38)
  • The “First Fit” Battle (46:13)
  • Comfort vs Performance (48:13)
  • Foam-injected Liners (57:45)
  • EVA (“Layered Foam”) Liners (1:06:04)
  • 3D Liners (1:08:02)
  • Atomic’s “Mimic” liner technology (1:09:14)
  • How often can Mimic liners be reshaped? (1:17:14)
  • Aftermarket Liners? (1:19:47)
  • The new Hawx Prime XTD boot (1:27:03)

OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:


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For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 398

GEAR:30
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