TX PRO HOMMES (NOUVEAU)

As a bit of background, I started out on an older pair of 3 buckle T1s with a wrap liner. Loved this boot, but eventually they wore out and the tongue cracked in the ankle. So, I upgraded to the newest T1 a couple years ago, the 4 buckle T1. I liked the newness of the boot, but overall it seemed to be too stiff for my riding style. I was never a fan of the tongue liners as they always put a pressure point on the top of my foot that would cause the outside of my foot to go numb.

Fast forward to today, I made the transition to NTN with the acquisition of the new TX Pro 2.0. Initial Impressions is that the cuff has a nice stiffness to it and the heel pocket is far better than any boot I skied prior. My heel is completely locked in. I love the reintroduction of the ratcheting ankle buckle and the spacious toe box. The comfort reminds me a lot of my old 3 buckle T1s. I will say the boot felt weird to start as the edge initiation seemed somewhat unpredictable with the new bellows. But, my opinion was quickly changed after a week or 2 of skiing when the bellows broke in nicely to provide a very responsive flex, edge initiation and instilled a hard charging attitude. I found this added control has improved my form overall with staying on edge. After skiing ~50 days on this boot I've never been happier to make the switch nor have I been more confident in my ability. The power strap lacks some adjustability due to its limited length, but I haven't had any issues as the hold…

I've got about 25 days on the new TX pros so far this winter and they met all the expectations I had for a next generation tele touring boot. These walk on par with an AT boot, which is the most major upgrade that we all were asking for. The telemark feel (such a personal concept) was preserved from the prior editions but it took a few days of break in to feel totally natural. I'll chalk that up to only having used boots in the past. They ski phenomenally now and don't hold me back on the downhill.

The main flaw is the boot sole. The thing is a snow magnet that will pack up when there is any moisture in the snow. This has caused prerelease issues with my 22 Designs bindings and broken multiple flex plates on the lynx. I hope that this is solved with future boots because I shouldn't have to meticulously clean the soles of my boots every lap. It's a testament to how well they ski and tour that I'm willing to put up with this.

20-30 days on these at the time of the review, all touring, all good.

Damn good boots, yes you need them.

Walk ROM is great, I tour with Meidjo 3 traps with flipping the plastic heel riser up. There is enough cuff ROM to comfortably skin along flats, unlike the old version. Walk lever locks securely, old version I'd have to fiddle with the cuff to get the walk lock to catch.

Boot flex is notably stiffer and more balanced than my old completely trashed boots.

Note: I broke the heel retention buckle on my boots, but I drilled out the forefoot buckle (I have boxy wide feet, I can't handle buckle pressure there)

Glad I purchased these where I can return them. The ankle (middle) buckles won't stay closed on either foot, so I know it's not just a broken buckle issue. The liner seems too small in the boot, shifting some in ski mode and limp noodling around in the shell while touring. This makes it very hard to edge the ski when skinning uphill in firm conditions, as my foot connects with the liner, but not the boot and ski. I also get bad heel and inner ankle bang when skiing firm snow, which seems to match the observation that the liner is too small/thin for the boot. I'm sure these issues can be addressed in the future. Just wait to buy. The rest of the boot is great and tours better than a comp. If the buckles would stay down, I would even consider getting new liners, but I don't think I should have to pay for someone to replace the buckles on a $$$ boot. Skiing a 24.5.

Really want to like these new TX Pros, but I remain unconvinced that they are an improvement. I can't argue with the fact that they are way better in the skin track. But their downhill performance leaves a lot to be desired relative to the previous version. Cuff of new boot boot is too stiff and bellows flex feels off, which makes for an odd feeling tele turn relative to previous orange/blue version. Does not feel smooth and predictable. Perhaps the boots will break in - time will tell. I'm not a big fan of the redesigned/retro lower buckle or instep buckle (instep buckle resembles T2). I think the fourth buckle was helpful and will be missed. The power strap on the new boot is less effective. Hard to beat power strap Velcro on the old boot. It was replaced with an inferior hook design and cam buckle. For me, with a narrow calf, the power strap maxes out and is ineffective. All in all, a lighter boot and better in the skin track, but not as much fun to ski. I'll keep the extra weight in the skin track for the performance and fit of the earlier TX Pro boot. Not a convert and will probably sell the new ones unless they break in and convince me that I'm wrong, which is certainly possible. Just my 2cents.