With the "Khion", Dynafit remains at the forefront of the rapidly developing market for downhill-oriented ski touring boots, which are now also wonderfully suitable for ascents. The boot not only performs excellently on the descent, but is also almost in a class of its own on the ascent, both with and without skis.
The tester
I am 178 cm tall and weigh 75 kg. I practically grew up with ski racing, although I've been skiing off-piste since I was 8 years old. I ski about 120 days a year and always try to find the best possible snow, which often comes at the cost of longer ascents and descents in moderate snow. Over the last few years, I have used various softer 3-buckle touring boots.
Test conditions
The boots were tested in various conditions, in powder, but also in firn and in heavily packed snow. In the 18 days of testing so far, I have always taken the lift at least once, but I have also ascended at least once a day on foot or with skins.
First impression
My first impression of the Khion was "Dynafit didn't promise too much". It is certainly light and flexible enough to cope with long ascents, while the stiffness leaves nothing to be desired even on difficult descents.
The boot is quick to put on, something I have never experienced with 4-buckle boots before. The inner shoe is very comfortable and quickly adapted to my foot. I also think the Boa system is great, especially as I've been dreaming of an inner shoe without laces for a long time. I would describe the fit as "normal". I have a rather narrow foot, and while the boot fits me well, it could be cut a little narrower rather than wider.
The walk mode seems very functional and durable compared to many ski touring boots I've used in the past. I can't imagine having to take off the shell on the summit of Khion to get a lever blocked by ice into ski mode... It's a little unusual that the lever for switching to ski mode is at the top and not at the bottom as with practically all other boots, but the high shaft rotation of the Khion allows for very long and unhindered strides. The buckles are also very functional, they are easy to grip and quick to adjust.
Test report
The "Ultron" inner shoes are comfortable, warm and also dry quickly. The heel of the inner shoe is extra reinforced for better durability and there is a gusset just above it. The tongue is made of quite stiff plastic, which effectively prevents it from slipping.
The Boa system is integrated in such a way that it doesn't get in the way, but is really practical to use. Not only putting the shoes on, but also taking them off is much quicker than if you had to lace them up. The mixture of Pebax and carbon gives the shell a great combination of high rigidity and light weight. I never have the feeling, familiar from many touring boots, that the boot is too soft for typical freeride use and the ascent is really easy on the foot!
The boots don't have a powerstrap, which doesn't bother me in practice, but rather makes the boot efficient and easy to use. The four buckles are large and sturdy and are located at the top of the shoe, which makes it practically impossible to damage them when climbing or scrambling up the rock. They can also be adjusted wide, although this takes a little time. If you frequently open the buckles in the ski area, for example, you should be careful not to adjust them.
There is a large flat rubber seal along the tongue, which makes the boot very waterproof. Even in deep powder or mud, no snow or water has penetrated my boots so far.
The boots are very easy to put on, especially for those with four buckles. I know I've already mentioned this, but I'd like to emphasize it again. The overall very positive impression of the shell is completed by the good grip of the "Formula Pomoca" soles, which also make quite a durable impression.
The mobility of the upper is excellent and is made possible by the simple but ingenious walking mode. The only problem I encountered a few times was an unintentional switch from ski to walk mode.
Conclusion
The Khion is a solid and functional ski touring boot. It has proven its durability as well as its great downhill performance. The boot is light enough for very long ascents and also performs excellently with wide, hard skis and in all snow conditions. One small point of criticism is the somewhat tedious fine adjustment of the buckles, otherwise anyone looking for a light but stiff ski touring boot should have the Khion Carbon in mind!
Advantages & disadvantages
+Comfortable and robust inner boot that is quickly adjusted
+Boa system. Yay, no more lacing!
+Very stiff and light at the same time
+Robust, well-placed buckles
+Robust soles
-Buckles sometimes a little difficult to adjust, especially the two middle ones
-Sometimes it came to unintentional switching to walking mode on the descent
Information
RRP: €699.-
Weight: 1530g (one boot)
Shell: Pebax, Carbon Fiber
Forward lean angle: 16°
Rotation in walk mode: 90°
Sole: Formula Pomoca
Liner: Customizable, Ultron Foam, Boa closure system
Available sizes: 23 - 31.5
Here is the Dynafit website with further information, here you can buy the Khion Carbon from our partner store.
