The Black Diamond Quadrant Alpine Touring Boot has been around for a few years now, and during that time it has proven itself to be a stiff, light, and capable workhorse in the backcountry. Some AT skiers have complaints about fit and the stock liner, but a new version of the Quadrant is being released for the 2012/2013 ski season that should address these issues. In advance of that release, I thought I’d take a look at the original BD Quadrant, and see for myself if it lives up to the level of performance the company claims.
What struck me first off when putting the Quadrant boots on my feet for a tour in the Wasatch, is how comfortable they are. Every new boot I’ve owned in the past have needed some break-in time before feeling even bearable, but the Quadrants felt like sneakers in the first few steps on skis. This level of comfort has me worried though, as it indicates a possibility that the liners will pack out quick and I’ll be swimming in them.
Part of the comfort lies in the fact that the walk mode is stupid awesome. Compared to other AT boots I’ve tried in the past, including the Garmont Endorphoins, the Quadrants blow them all away. Thanks to the double-pivot system, walking in these green and yellow guys allows a range of motion that is close to normal, meaning I can flex my legs forward and back as if I’m not wearing ski boots at all. As a result, the uphill goes down with ease, most noticeably on really steep skin tracks where the forward flex allows me to stay on top of my skis instead of being pushed backwards by a lack of flex.
Over the years, many skiers have accused the Boa closure system in the liner as a “gimmick.” But after using it this season, I think I’m sold on the idea. I appreciate how the Boa keeps my lower leg and feet cinched into the liner on the ascent, which prevents any slop and subsequent blisters. On the down, however, I agree that the Boa doesn’t do much, which makes sense seeing as how the shell buckles everything down tight anyway. That being said, I do feel that the liner material is thin and cheap, and already I can tell that it’s being packed out. I figure I’ll be putting some aftermarket liners in before long.
But skiing is the real reason we’re all out there, so how a pair of ski boots performs on the down is the real test. While the Black Diamond Quadrant aren’t the stiffest AT boot I’ve tried, they are still remarkably solid for a boot that is so light weight. They drive my BD Drift skis in any conditions with ease, and have even made skiing more fun compared to my old AT boots. The 4-buckle system keeps my feet nice and tight, with a roomy enough toe-box to keep blood flowing and toes warm without sacrificing performance. Overall, I’m thrilled with the downhill agility and competence of the Quadrants.
Unfortunately, nothing is perfect, and the Black Diamond Quadrant do have some quirks. First off, when skiing in hard-packed snow where I have to really lean into a turn, my heels move a little bit… along with the entire liner. It seems the liner doesn’t fit inside the shell very well, or the Pebax plastic the shell is made of, is too slippery against the liner material. Seeing as how backcountry skiing is in powder 90% of the time, this won’t be a big deal, but it is concerning.
I’ve also had issues with the walk/ski switch flipping on its own. I’ll be skiing along, then feel one boot go soft. Upon stopping to look, I notice that somehow the switch went from “ski” to “walk.” The same thing sometimes happens on the up as well. Perhaps BD needs to make the lever harder to activate to prevent accidental mode switching.
I love the minimalist design of the barely-there wire buckles, but I always have a difficult time getting them undone. The buckle latches are hooked so much that the wires get snagged under them and are a pain to release. Plus, the velcro strap on the upper cuff is garbage. I immediately took it off and replaced it with a Booster Strap.
My last gripe is that these boots seem to be made for skiers with massive calves. I’m the first to admit to having skinny chicken legs, but even after moving the buckles over to the narrow setting, I still have to crank them down to the last notch. So while I have made the Quadrants work for me, it happened just barely.
For the 2012/13 season, Black Diamond will release a new version of the Quadrant, featuring new colors (think Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.) Supposedly, the new version will feature improved fit after some reworking of the boot-board and a new liner design. They also say the new liners will be warmer, have a “rear articulation zone,” and a re-configured Boa system.
On the whole, if you’re a backcountry skier who demands a stiff boot that charges hard yet tours like a champ, then I suggest the Black Diamond Quadrant (that is if your foot shape fits in them.) While they do have some problems, a little tweaking with aftermarket liners and straps can dial them in to your liking.
Here’s the specs:
Shell Material: Pebax
Number of Buckles: 4
Micro-Adjustable: yes
Flex Index: 120
Liner: efficient fit AT w/ boa
Thermo-moldable: yes
Binding Compatibility: dynafit
AT Weight: [7 lb ] 10 oz
For more information, visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com
Hy ,you Black diamond Crue…
I bought myself this quadrant boot,and trust me by my experience that this boot is really good stuff.it’s really good in walking, and perfect in skiing. keep up the good work.