Ski touring gear is always a compromise, and these boots are no exception; Salomon aim them at 'Freeride Touring' skiers, rather than outright lycra-clad skinning machines.
The compromise with the Quest Max 130 is entirely on the uphill side - they're not light (by today's touring boot standards) at 4.5kg per pair, and the range of movement in walk mode is somewhat limited. But if you swap the flat soles for the rockered, tech-binding compatible sole, and pair the boots with a lightweight carbon ski, the combination could be a perfect balance of up/down performance.
Once you clip your heels in and point the boots downhill, that slight inconvenience on the climb will seem worth it. The World Cup Shell and Customfit Race Liner create a flex index of 130, and the 98mm last translates this into close-fitting precision and control (the Quest Max 130 is also available in 104mm last for those who need a little more wiggle room).
Construction is equally precise, with magnesium buckles, a bomber hike/ride mechanism and Contagrip soles for boot packing.
For most off piste skiers, these boots should represent a very balanced position in the spectrum of uphill/downhill compromise. They will cope with touring for a couple of hours or lapping a sidecountry ridgeline, while ensuring the descent is as much fun as it should be.
