(Just like the Lowa Struktura EVO used to be available for alpine race coaches in a version with Tecnica race boot colors.)Īnd what a change (for the worst): Lowa was once cutting-edge with its Struktura series when the only competition was the Dynafit TLT All Terrain, Scarpa Laser, and Garmont GSM. The only parts Tecnica took from their alpine boots were the graphics and color scheme – it’s merely a rebadged Lowa X-Alp.
When they’re not skiing they work as CPAs.) The Marolts live in Aspen, as have two family generations before them. Everest (although they didn’t make it from the summit, still resulting in some good stories and video!). Mike and Steve also became the first Americans to ski from the death zone on the Mt. Mike along with his twin brother Steve were the first Americans (first from the western hemisphere) to climb and ski from 8,000 meters. (Guest blogger Mike Marolt is known for the depth of his experience in numerous expeditionary ski mountaineering adventures. Wildsnow overlap construction AT boot guide. For the up, the Agent AT performs like a climbing boot, and in ski mode is what you need. The Agent AT is rugged and extremely comfortable, and performed well beyond our expectations. Since getting our Agent AT boots last spring, we have put in many days around the mountains here in Colorado in a variety of conditions, and took the Agent ATs to 21,000 foot Coropuna in Peru where we had an 18 hour summit day including 6,000 feet of climbing and skiing in about every condition you could imagine. Some users have reported icing of the socket. Tecnica Agent AT ski/walk latch as viewed from outside the boot, with catch removed from socket. Also, we would like a bit more rocker to the sole (upside of that is the Agent can be used, with care, in a regular alpine ski binding). While I’ve never had trouble with the walk/ski catch icing, others have mentioned this so it’s worth noting that the catch works by inserting a metal tang into an exposed socket that can fill with ice, so keep that in mind. It is, however, very glove friendly, and works with step in crampons. Also noted, that while the walk / ski mode lever fits perfectly to the boot in ski mode, in walk mode, it hangs off the back not a huge problem, but it impedes the use of over boots and if nothing else, and looks unfinished. (I highly recommend this liner for any ski boot). Along with extra warmth, the aftermarket Intuition makes the boot lighter and also added a stiffness and feel to the boot that sacrificed a bit of walk comfor, but improved an already super skiing boot.
Upgrade for that was the Intuition Luxury Liner. While the liner is plenty warm in general, we needed more warmth for high altitude skiing in the Andes and Himalaya. The knocks on the boot are few, but nothing is perfect. Inside of rear cuff (shown in horizontal position) shows how the spoiler moves up and down using slots under screws and washers, actuated by a simple cam/lever attached to the exterior walk/ski latch. And speaking of gimmicks, I should again mention the moving spoiler, which is actually a super integration that allows for an aggressive ski position when you need it, but takes the high cuff out of your way for walking. And don’t let the 4th buckle issue dissuade you the only benefit I see in the four-buckle boots I have skied is that the vestigial clasp serves to add unnecessary weight and is thus the ultimate industry gimmick. From the first turn, we realized someone got this boot right. Out of the box, we headed for the bumps of the Ridge of Bell on Aspen Mountain if you can ski a boot in the bumps, you can ski it in the backcountry on anything. See WildSnow boot spec measurements here.
We don’t mind that, but other WildSnow testers have found the angles to not be aggressive enough, and they are not adjustable without professional customization. It should be noted that this boot has less forward lean and ramp angle than some other brands/models. The cuff feels high and laterally stiff (though average to soft in forward stiffness), and the overlap design has a smooth forward flex that eliminates the rebound found in many AT boots e.g., you don’t get thrown in the back seat. When you first put the Agent AT on your foot, you realize this is a real ski boot. The Agent AT liner is a heat moldable, has a convenient walk-around-no-slip sole, and is complete with a green plaid cuff that makes you want to hike your pant cuff up as high as possible - provided plaid is in style at the moment.