– The Backcountry Ski Site
  • Avalanches
  • Gear Reviews
    • Ski Reviews
    • Boot Reviews
    • Binding Reviews
    • Snowboard Splitboard
    • Book Reviews
    • Avalanche Beacon Reviews
    • Airbag Backpacks
    • Backcountry Electronics
    • Misc Gear Reviews
  • Podcast
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Ski Touring Basics
    • Boot Fitting
    • Fitness & Health
    • Gear Mods
  • Trip Reports
    • Fourteeners
    • Huts – Cabins – Lodges
    • Denali McKinley
    • 8,000 Meter Skiing
  • Stories
    • History
    • Humor
    • Land Use Issues
    • Evergreen Ski Touring
    • Poetry
  • Resources
    • All Posts Listed
    • 100 Recent Comments
    • Backcountry Skiing & Ski Touring Webcams
    • Ski Weights Comparison
    • Archives of WildSnow.com
    • Authors Page
    • Ski Touring Bindings
      • Trab TR2 Index and FAQ
      • Salomon Guardian & Tracker
      • Naxo Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Silvretta Pure Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Marker F10-12 Duke Baron
      • G3 Onyx Ski Binding FAQ
      • G3 ION Ski Touring Binding
      • Fritschi Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Fritschi Diamir Frame Bindings Mount DIY
      • Fritschi Diamir Bindings FAQ
      • Fritschi Tecton FAQ
      • Atomic Salomon Backland MTN
      • Dynafit Tri-Step Binding 2001-2003
      • Naxo randonnee alpine touring AT ski binding FAQ
      • Dynafit Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Dynafit Binding Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Review 1
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Page Two
    • History
      • Ski Touring Binding Museum
      • Trooper Traverse Intro & Index
      • Randonnee Ski Touring “AT” ski gear — What is Hip?
      • Chronology
    • Backcountry Skiing Core Glossary
    • Gear Review Policy & Disclosures

– The Backcountry Ski Site

  • Avalanches
  • Gear Reviews
    • Ski Reviews
    • Boot Reviews
    • Binding Reviews
    • Snowboard Splitboard
    • Book Reviews
    • Avalanche Beacon Reviews
    • Airbag Backpacks
    • Backcountry Electronics
    • Misc Gear Reviews
  • Podcast
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Ski Touring Basics
    • Boot Fitting
    • Fitness & Health
    • Gear Mods
  • Trip Reports
    • Fourteeners
    • Huts – Cabins – Lodges
    • Denali McKinley
    • 8,000 Meter Skiing
  • Stories
    • History
    • Humor
    • Land Use Issues
    • Evergreen Ski Touring
    • Poetry
  • Resources
    • All Posts Listed
    • 100 Recent Comments
    • Backcountry Skiing & Ski Touring Webcams
    • Ski Weights Comparison
    • Archives of WildSnow.com
    • Authors Page
    • Ski Touring Bindings
      • Trab TR2 Index and FAQ
      • Salomon Guardian & Tracker
      • Naxo Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Silvretta Pure Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Marker F10-12 Duke Baron
      • G3 Onyx Ski Binding FAQ
      • G3 ION Ski Touring Binding
      • Fritschi Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Fritschi Diamir Frame Bindings Mount DIY
      • Fritschi Diamir Bindings FAQ
      • Fritschi Tecton FAQ
      • Atomic Salomon Backland MTN
      • Dynafit Tri-Step Binding 2001-2003
      • Naxo randonnee alpine touring AT ski binding FAQ
      • Dynafit Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Dynafit Binding Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Review 1
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Page Two
    • History
      • Ski Touring Binding Museum
      • Trooper Traverse Intro & Index
      • Randonnee Ski Touring “AT” ski gear — What is Hip?
      • Chronology
    • Backcountry Skiing Core Glossary
    • Gear Review Policy & Disclosures
   

Dynafit Freeride Aero — Another View

by Lou Dawson February 24, 2006
written by Lou Dawson February 24, 2006
Dynafit Aero ski touring boot.

Dynafit Aero ski touring boot.

I recently lent Michael Kennedy my Dynafit Freeride Aero boots for a few days of testing. Known as a long-time climber and former owner/publisher of Climbing Magazine, Michael is also a fine skier and spends quite a few days out every winter. I told him these were the beefiest Dynafit compatible boots out there, and he was excited to give them a go. For previous reviews of this boot please check the “Boot Reviews” category in the menu to right. Michael’s take:

“Lou,

Here’s a brief report on the Dynafit Aero. Since I’ve been skiing the Garmont Megaride the past 2.5 seasons, that’s my reference point.


I managed four days total in these boots — a few good days in the backcountry, and a couple of days at the ski resorts.

Conditions were variable: perfect powder, mellow windcrust, groomed, wind-densified powder over old ski tracks, crud over bumps, etc. Pretty good variety of winter snow types although I avoided the worst of the icy bumps.

The buckles and all the normal functional parts of the Aero were good. I found the boot a little harder to get my foot into than the Megaride, but this is is a minor concern. The Aero should have a cant adjustment for the cuff (I know you retrofitted one on this pair). The walk/ski mode dial was fine, although I prefer the lever on the Megaride.


I used the Aero with Dynafit and Fritschi bindings. The new toe lugs were intriguing but for the experienced Dynafit user the benefits were nearly unnoticeable. Those less adept at dealing with the Dynafit
boot/binding interface may find the new toe lugs slightly easier but my sense is that this feature could use a bit more work.

The Aero is noticeably stiffer than the Megaride. I really liked the Aero’s performance on lift-serviced terrain: very powerful getting onto the edge and close to a full-on alpine boot overall. The forward flex was less progressive than the Megaride (you drive forward and at a certain point the boot stops, as opposed to the smoother transition I’m used to), but once I adjusted to the Aero I was very happy with its downhill performance, especially in steep crud and bumps. For powder and variable conditions, though, I still prefer a boot with a more progressive forward flex.

The Aero was reasonably comfortable for touring and/or walking (i.e. up the ridge to Highlands Bowl); it felt stiffer and a bit more “clunky” than the Megaride but nothing that would be a deal breaker. I did
notice the weight, however: my old legs were complaining.


Bottom line: If downhill performance with a Dynafit compatible boot is your priority, especially in lift-serviced terrain, the Dynafit Aero would be a great choice. For touring, I’d be more inclined to go with a lighter boot. I’m aware that next year’s model will be a few ounces lighter, and that might make the Aero the a do-it-all boot for me, but we’ll have to see.

See ya soon, MK ”

Lou Dawson

WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.

www.loudawson.com
0
Email
previous post
Snow and Ice Driving for Ski Touring and other Winter Sports
next post
News Roundup and Blog Philosophy

Trip Reports

  • A Small Hut for Big Skiing in the San Juans: Aladdin’s Lamp

    April 23, 2024
  • Revisiting a 2011 Trip Report: Adventure in the Pickets — Thread of Ice Ski Descent

    December 9, 2022

Avalanche Department

  • Ask a Forecaster: Q&A with CAIC’s Andrew McWilliams

    March 10, 2024

Tips & Tricks

  • Transition Efficiencies 101 with Tech Binding Heel Units

    January 6, 2023
  • Visualizing the Backcountry as a Splitboarder: Minimizing the Challenges of Movement by Anticipating Terrain

    December 5, 2022
  • TURBOCHARGE YOUR TRAILHEAD BEACON CHECK

    November 15, 2022

Recent Comments

  • Daniel on Backcountry Ski Boots Buyer’s Guide: The Touring Boots Worth the Money
  • Jim Milstein on Best Touring Packs for Guides and Daytrippers
  • Bergen Tjossem on Much more than a steep ski: Fischer Transalp 92 CTI Long-Term Review
  • Maciej on Much more than a steep ski: Fischer Transalp 92 CTI Long-Term Review


  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • About Lou Dawson
  • Terms of Service
  • Authors Page
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Copyright & Legal
  • Website Security

@2025 - All Rights Reserved. Designed and Developed by WildSnow


Back To Top

Read alsox

Backcountry Ski Boots Buyer’s Guide: The...

November 27, 2024

The Best Scarpa Maestrale RS Yet...

October 31, 2024

A Lightweight Boot to Drive Any...

January 29, 2024