Gear Review: Black Diamond Quadrant Ski Boot

Our testers pushed a half-dozen stout AT boots in conditions ranging from knee-deep powder to wind-blown sastrugi. The consensus: The Quadrant is the most versatile four-buckle AT boot on the market. “The solid feel and snug fit gave me the confidence to ski lines I’ve always avoided because I wanted a more alpine-like boot,” says one who wore it all winter in Colorado’s Indian Peaks. “It transmits all the energy I can muster from my legs straight through to my skis.” But just because the Quadrant excels on burly descents, don’t assume it’s too heavy (or stiff) for the uphill; it weighs in at a moderate 3 pounds, 13 ounces per boot (in a size 27).

The Pebax plastic shell has a pivoting cuff that, when unlocked for climbing, features 40 degrees of motion—about the same as your ankle. The shell also features overlapping construction (common to alpine boots), eliminating the need for a tongue (which can hinder mobility), but creating maximum stiffness when you buckle it back together for downhill shredding. As with all BD boots, the liners micro-adjust with Boa’s fast one-handed lacing system. And a rockered rubber outsole offers great traction for hiking icy trail.

$660

7 lbs. 10 oz. (size 27); men’s 24-30.5

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