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By chapin.ale1710295 Ranked #297 - Alpine Touring Boots April 13, 2009

I assume if you are reading these reviews, you are looking for a touring boot with downhill performance superseding lightness and wearability. If this is all you are looking for, stop now and purchase the Factors. I put on Garmont Adrenalines and Dynafit ZZeuss, but found the Factors to top them both with greater stiffness in all directions of flex. For one, the Factor comes up on the shin as high as a downhill boot, which I feel makes the biggest difference over something like the Adrenalines, which are stiff but short. I'm tall (6' 3"), so I can really torque on these wimpy AT boots, and thus its easy to feel like I dont have enough control over my tips when the boot stops a 1/4 of the way up my shin. The other great thing about these boots, is they actually have a better tour mode (greatest range of motion, forward and back) then any of the other boots I tried on as well. Quite ironic, given they are by far the stiffest. Those who serious about touring know that this can be a limiting factor when climbing. No these are not the lightest, but I've been out for 8h plus tours and have been nothing but happy (not tired) with this very highly performing boot. That said, these are STILL AT BOOTS!! Don't let the ridiculous descriptions of these boots fool you. You will not be landing 60 footers switch without doing some damage. These are still designed with backcountry capabilities in mind (softer plastic, lightweight buckles), so dont trick yourself. They do however ride better than anything else in the backcountry.
I feel I need to respond to a few other reviews: The Boa system is guaranteed; but if it did break, it wouldn't matter (unlike what Tyler says). The shell of the boot if independent of "wire".
Ok, ill shut up now...

View Details: Black Diamond Factor Alpine Touring Boot - Men's

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