Gear reviews | Dynafit TLT7 Performance

First impression

While the TLT6 was more of a revision or optimization of its predecessor, the TLT5, the TLT7 is practically a completely new shoe. Therefore, although I have already used the TLT5 and TLT6 (and here or here), it still feels different and unfamiliar to me. This is mainly due to what Dynafit calls the "Speed-Nose", which is designed completely without a beak. Even compared to the previous models, this allows for a pivot point that is further back and therefore optimized. As with the TLT 5 and TLT 6, the TLT 7 cannot be used with frame bindings. Unfortunately, automatic crampons cannot be used with the TLT 7, which is quite common in ski touring. Another significant difference is the now fixed tongue. So that it doesn't get in the way on the ascent, it is much softer than the removable tongues of its predecessors. Together with the much more sparing use of carbon on the upper, this results in a less rigid shoe compared to the TLT6 Performance. I would describe the fit as somewhat more anatomical and probably more suitable for the masses.

The first thing you notice about the shoe is that there is only one double buckle at the top of the shaft. This also closes the boot at the bottom via a cable pull system and, as with the previous models, also controls the switch to walking or ski mode. There is also a strap, but this is designed with a clamp instead of a Velcro fastener. This means that the boot can be converted very quickly (2 hand movements) from ascent mode to descent mode (or vice versa).

The inner boot is rather thin and simple, for example it has no lacing, just a Velcro fastener. It is thermoformable, but due to the shoe's thinness, it doesn't do much. Of course, the TLT7 Performance also features the new Dynafit Master-Step In inserts, which make it even easier to get into the binding and, like the two predecessor models, the TLT7 is also available in a cheaper version with hardly any carbon. The TLT7 Expedition is similar in weight, but significantly softer than the TLT7 Performance.

gear reviews

presented by

Lea Hartl

Lechtal Alps

TLT 7 Performance

Tester and test conditions

I am 183cm tall and weigh around 75kg. I have fairly normal feet without any major problem areas and wear the shoe in size 27.5, which is just about right in terms of length (slightly longer would be better). In terms of width, it shouldn't be any wider for me, especially in the forefoot area. I tested the TLT7 in combination with a Dynafit Radical 2.0 and a DOWNSKIS LowDown 102 exclusively on ski tours. I've used it on almost every ski tour this season, covering a wide range of snow conditions. From deep powder at the beginning of January to slush, slopes and settled snow. Only firn has not yet been included.

Test report

While switching from walking to ski mode (and vice versa) is really quick, the same cannot be said for putting on the boots. First of all, the cable at the bottom of the boot has to be unhooked so that I can get in at all. Then hook it back in, close the Velcro on the inner boot and the buckle. Don't forget to thread in the small tab that holds the strap in place. Then close the strap. You also leave one part of the double buckle closed when climbing on (you only actually open it to put on your boots). Thanks to Dynafit's own inserts, it is very easy to get into the binding.

When walking, you will of course notice the extremely low weight of the boot, especially on longer tours. But the optimized pivot point and the pleasant walking feel are also positive features. As with the previous models, a particularly big difference to most other ski touring boots is noticeable when walking without skis. Here it really is the case that some solid, crampon-compatible mountain boots are not only more immobile, but also heavier.

The conversion from ascent to descent (and vice versa) is very quick. Pull the gaiter of the pants up, then two hand grips (buckle and strap), pull the gaiter back down and you're done.

The boot then has to prove itself on the descent. The first thing to note here is that the flex is very even and progressive for a touring ski boot, especially when the strap and buckle are properly closed. However, the flex is not exactly hard. Overall, the boot easily has enough downhill performance to reliably control even wide skis in powder. However, you do notice that you have very light boots on your feet. The whole thing also works well in even, hard snow.

As soon as the snow becomes more difficult, however, a different picture emerges. In broken snow, rutted conditions or hard and uneven snow surfaces (e.g. due to wind), skiing downhill with the rather soft boot quickly becomes quite strenuous.

In general, the TLT7 rides somewhat more harmoniously in good snow than its predecessors TLT5 and TLT6, but is overall less stable in terms of speed and not quite optimal in difficult snow conditions, at least in combination with fairly wide freeride or freetouring skis. With narrow and light touring skis, the boot is certainly generally sufficient, but of course you can't expect optimal downhill performance in the boot class around 1kg in weight.

Conclusion

Compared to its predecessor, the weight has been further reduced and the ascent performance improved, plus simplified operation, which above all allows faster conversion from ascent to descent. Personally, this is not so important to me, but I miss some of the amazing downhill performance of the TLT5 and TLT6. Together with the lack of the option to mount automatic crampons, the boot is somewhat oriented away from serious alpine undertakings and more into the trendy "speed touring" area.

Advantages & amp; Disadvantages

+Ultralight
+High mobility on the ascent with and without skis
+Very ergonomic walking with and without skis
+Very fast switching between ascent and descent mode
-Thin inner boot can lead to cold feet
-Downhill performance slightly below previous models
-Not usable with automatic crampons

Details

RRP €700.-
Weight: 1010g
Shell: Grilamid and Titanex
Ultra-lock 3.0 buckle
Adjustable template (15° or 18°)
Formula Pomoca Climb sole
60° shaft rotation
Custom Light liners
Master-Step in Insert

Here is the Dynafit website with more information, here you can purchase the boot from our partner store Bergzeit.de.

The boot was loaned to PowderGuide by the manufacturer for the duration of the test. You can find out how we test them in our test statement.