Buying my first AT setup! What're the best year-round, all condition options?

[WaterGirl]

Glad your new set up is working out!

The Tecnica Zero G Scout was a little tight in the mid-foot area for me. The woman helping me in the shop also told me they've had multiple people come in with huge blisters around their outer ankle ball with the Tecnicas. After she mentioned it I noticed a bulge in the liner around that area that I could definitely see rubbing on a long tour.

Hmmmm this is interesting as I tired the Zero's on and got the same ankle bite as my old Mach1LV's. Fitter said couldn't do much in that area grind wise. Not sure if it's the actual boot or the liners.....

 

[MTskimama]

Another update, after another season of riding this setup:

The skis: I'm finding them just a tad too narrow for deep powder days, and a bit hard to control when dipping back into the resort from the sidecountry due to their light weight and slightly shorter length (I normally ride a 166, 108 width in-bounds). Ultimately though, they get the job done and I'm pretty happy with them overall. They do great on variable conditions and shallower powder. Nice and light for the uphill as well.

The boots: Great for the uphill and for low angle slopes. I've found them too lightweight for steeper terrain and they have a lack of steerability in deep, heavier pow. I'm now thinking about swapping these for a pair of harder boots for more control in steeper terrain. Also, I was given a high arch sole that I realized was cutting the circulation of my foot off at the arch and leading to 0 wiggle room in the toes, leading to frozen toes within the first minute of putting on my boots. After swapping the high arch sole out for the original sole my circulation is MUCH better - life changing.

Maybe I'm wrong about the boot flex being the cause of the lack of steerability in deep pow. Curious to hear others' thoughts and recommendations!