CgareI was in your position 1 month ago and was also looking for a 80/20 boot. The only way is to go and test different boots.
I ended up with the Hawx Ultra xtd 120 because it was the only one that did fit my feet good enough. By far the best boot ever out of the box. For me that is 😀
I also tested some of the other boots in the same category (more alpine boots with walk mode, chohise, xt Free etc ) on snow and I would say that the Atomic does ski as well as any of the other boots in the category. I think there is some missunderstanding that the Hawx ultra xtd would be more of a touring boot. The 120 version have a real alpine style liner and skis much like a trad alpine boot.
Real good suspension with a progressiv flex and enough power transfer as long as you arent going with real heavy GS skis.
If you testing the boots in store or at home I would say that the XT free or Chohise does feel more nice in the flex (more progressiv and more cushy) vs the Hawx that ramps up more quickly but out on snow the difference is all gone I would say. Atomics true flex tech really makes the boot behave almost the same when its warm as it is when its cold.
Good luck
Hi,thanks a lot for your input!
I have the 130 18/19s on the way, got a good deal on them ($380). Have only tested the 19/20 version in store, but they fit pretty well right out of the box with no obvious uncomfortable contact points. I am hoping this will be the same for the 18/19. I have read that the 120 version might be better for more inbounds skiing because of the liner, but dont´ know how the 18/19 liner would compare. I have also thought of maybe getting a more alpine like liner from Intuition and swap based on use.