Atomic Hawx Prime 130S GW Review

Finding a top-notch ski boot doesn't have to be a practice in torture. The Atomic Hawx Prime 130 is a true medium-fit boot that feels great out of the box. The flex is on the softer side compared to other boots in its class but is consistent and progressive at moderate speeds. The plush liner and soft flex make this a great choice for intermediate skiers looking for a boot that doesn't break the bank with a flex that isn't too stiff.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Atomic Hawx Prime is the Buick of the ski boot world - dependable, comfortable, but not going to win any races on the slopes. Our medium-volume feet felt great in these right out of the box with no adjustment needed. The 100-millimeter last is true to size and the 315-millimeter boot sole on our 27.5 Mondo is normal for that size. The softer variable-density polyurethane holds your foot and calf snug while allowing for a bit of flexibility. The instep is soft and easy to step into as well. The Mimic customizable liner is on the softer end of the spectrum and allows for a little bit of movement and circulation within the boot.

We enjoyed the high cuff height and like many other brands, Atomic offers plastic shims to increase forward pressure. The Powershift adjustment on the spine allows for 13, 15, or 17 degrees of forward lean depending on your stance. Atomic offers high-performing boots in three last widths. We will break it down to simplify your shopping experience: the Hawx Ultra is the low volume at a 98-millimeter last, the Hawx Prime is the medium volume at a 100-millimeter last, and the Hawx Magna is the high volume offering at 102 millimeters. All styles are offered in a range of flexes from 130 down to as low as 70. The Prime, as we said, is a true medium fit that we didn't require any boot fitting or modification.

Performance

The Hawx Prime is a moderately high-performing boot. It wasn't the most stable boot we tested at high speeds and our heavier testers were able to push through the front of the boot considerably. The Energy Backbone reinforcement in the spine did create decent control from edge to edge at high speeds but this boot is better suited for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a less aggressive stance and more comfort.

If you are looking for higher performance you can size down to the narrower Hawx Ultra. A boot with a narrower volume generally increases precision and control. If you decide to size down, your feet might be screaming at you to be free in most brands, but the Prolite polyurethane material is noticeably softer than other shells we tested. This might make a tighter boot of this construction more tolerable for a longer period. Unfortunately, this soft material does tend to begin to feel more flexible than we prefer at high speeds in the bottom of the turn. This made the boot get behind and have trouble controlling heavier stiffer skis. Our testers noted more lateral flexion as we laid them over than we prefer. For softer skis or snow this boot performs wonderfully, in firmer harder conditions it starts to get out of its element.

Materials & Durability

We touched on it in the last metric but the Hawx Prime is built from Atomic's Prolite polyurethane (PU) for the shell and the Mimic heat-moldable liner. The dual-density PU is noticeably pleasant while cruising around and forms well to your lower leg without pinching when the buckles are cranked down.

We had no issues with any wear or durability while testing. The Grip Walk outsoles are replaceable and as with any boot sporting this feature, need to be replaced periodically to protect the heel and toe lugs from wear. These are easy to swap in and out with a Posi-drive screwdriver.

Warmth

The soft mimic liner and comfortable 100-millimeter last make the Hawx Prime an adequately warm boot. We were comfortable on cold single-digit days. This boot scored fairly well in this category due to the ample space in the shell. If your foot fits the boot tighter as some testers noticed, the thinner shell material doesn't hold warmth as well. Trapped air proves to be the best insulator in ski boots and the roomy toe box kept our circulation pumping and toes happy.

The Thinsulate material in the liner also did a good job of staying dry on hot days. As this boot was warmer for us we did notice a little discomfort on the hottest days of late spring in the afternoon. On these afternoons our feet felt a little cooped up and muggy.

Features

The Hawx Prime is a no-frills alpine boot. There isn't much by way of extra features included with this boot. Most of the modifications or special settings are for comfort like the cuff spine angle adjustment and lateral adjustment at the hinge.

This boot did not score very high in this metric but that doesn't take away from other attributes that we liked about it as a solid alpine option for intermediate to advanced skiers. It does include grip walk soles which we absolutely love and prefer on all our alpine boots for the added traction while walking around the deck after a long day or for the icy walk to the car. We were disappointed that the power strap is only velcro as it doesn't give the same control and connection to the boot as cam buckles.

Value

Most major brands price their top-of-the-line boots competitively and the Hawx Prime rings in at a lower price than other alpine boots in this category. It offers dependable performance for the intermediate to advanced skier who isn't on a super rigid ski. It is a durable step-up boot but only offers Grip Walk and a few minor features outside a baseline boot. Our testers agreed that this was a fair boot for the price.

Conclusion

If you are an intermediate to advanced skier looking for a top-notch boot to take your skiing to next level but not ready for an ultra-stiff aggressive boot, consider the Atomic Hawx Prime. This boot garnered high scores in most categories with a great out the box fit and is offered in a huge range of flexes. For the dedicated resort skier, the Hawx Prime is a step-up boot for those looking to advance their technique to the next level.