Would the Quest line be significantly better for hiking than these boots? I am looking to purchase my first pair of boots as I expect to take at least one more ski trip this season and hate rentals. I am also expecting to move to Utah this year, but probably not in time for this season. Once I AM living there I will probably be riding lifts most of the time, but my buddy and I will probably be hiking for runs often enough, so I want to make sure a purchase a boot with hiking in mind.

To elaborate a little bit, I have tried on a number of different boot brands and salomon have by far been the best fitting. I WILL have a pro consultation/fitting prior to actual purchase, but I expect they will tell me to go with Salomon... So in anticipation of that, I have started considering the Ghost and Quest models.

You know it, you want Salomon sth 12 driver or sth 14 driver if you want your skis perform. I will vouch for Looks as well.

Loving this Pro feedback! Backcountry.com is legit... So I think I'll be trying on the Quest 10 and the Ghost 100 as soon as I have the chance, but leaning toward the Quest at the moment. I will also be keeping an eye out for for skis (crossing fingers for the Francis Bacons!) and bindings during end of season sales. What bindings do you think I should be on the lookout for to compliment the Quest / Ghost? Based on your other reviews and answers I know you'll say Salomon, but which ones would be good for my use & (lack of) skill level? I am doubting that I would go above a 12 DIN considering skill & weight, at least before my first pair of bindings wear out...

I like the follow up! The flex and the last width are 2 of the main differences with the quest and ghost. The last is wider on all the quests, but the 14 fits narrower because of the liner. The flex feels softer in the quest compared to ghost of the same index number (comparing 120 ghost to 120 quest for example). Looks like the ghost 100 is only an oz heavier than the quest 12... I think you are right to look for a boot in the 100 flex range. hope that helps!

Thanks for the good answer, Jamey, You seem to have a lot of familiarity with the Quest line, maybe you could answer a couple more questions for me. Is the Flex index the major difference between the Quest 10(110 flex), 12(120 flex), and 14(130 flex)? It is saying that this Ghost boot has a flex index of 100; doesn't that mean that this Ghost 100 would be less stiff than the quests? Am I missing something? Also BC is saying the the Ghost 100 is lighter than all of the Quests except the Pro. (looks like the model you have listed on your profile is a different version of the same boot; may have changed a bit for 2011) I am 5'11" & ~165 lbs; not sure what range flex I should be looking at. Can't really say that I'm an 'advanced' skier as I only have about 10 full days of skiing under my belt; but I can say I am comfortable on the blacks at Alta(or the ones that were open 3 weeks ago)... May be a little sloppy on them, but I am confident on skis. Just need to put more time in and work on form.

The Quest line is lighter and offers a walk mode and better soles for walking. Of the current Quest boots, I think the 14 has the most "Salomon like" fit. The 12 and pro fit wider. However, since you are getting them fitted, there is plenty that can be done to take up any extra volume. I tend to think you will be happiest in one of the quest boots. Personally I wear my Ghost 120s more often than my quest . They are stiffer, heavier and have standard alpine din sole, but they are super comfortable and fit like the falcon race. The grip on the midsole works wonders for hiking, and I prefer the 2 buckles. In short, both are great, the Quest will be a little better for hiking while the Ghost will fit a little more snug.