I'm a hardcore Astars guy. I was looking for a better ventilated Tech 7 replacement and found Atomic Moto over on ADV Rider and then YouTube. I couldn't find a bad word about A.M. or Brian.
After a good phone call to discuss my sizing issue with the Tech 7, Brian had a pair of these on the way. My first ride was 200 mile off-road trip, and I never missed the trusty Tech 7 once. This was a fantastic swap, and it's absolutely a better, more technical, and more comfortable boot.
You can see and feel the quality in every part of this boot. Buckles are especially great. Surprising at this price point. I expect to be wearing these for a long time to come. Normally wear 10.5 shoe, but the 10 boots fit just right.
These boots feel very good! I definitely feel like I got my moneys worth in value for the amount of protection and comfort they offer. I’ll definitely be buying another pair in the future.
I also want to thank Brian for calling me after I had placed my order. He called me to confirm my order and to see if I had any questions on the boot. He guided me through the sizing to ensure the size I had ordered would fit and even asked me what type of riding I will be doing to make sure the boot fit my needs.
I’m happy he called as this made me feel more comfortable in the purchase I had made. This was a great example of going above and beyond.
Thanks Brian!
Watch Brian's youtube videos on this boot (or the enduro version) and you'll see why they're a great buy. I had half a dozen pairs of boots to try, from Alpinestars tech3 all the way up to high-end Sidi, and the fastback felt like by far the best combination of comfort, durability, and protection. The enduro sole wasn't available when I ordered, so I got these. Can't say that'll be a problem (and a welted sole could always be replaced if I wanted more tread.) I wore these at the desk for many days and they felt a bit tight in the ankles but otherwise good. Then I wrapped my ankle in a 3mm neoprene supporter, strapped into the boots, and hit them gently with a heat gun to reform the plastic in those areas a bit. That got me clear. The other thing you should do if you are experiencing a little ankle-bone tightness on one side or the other is shim up your insole. (you'll need an aftermarket insole for these). take off your socks and look at your ankle bones while standing. Now, tilt your foot left or right along it's long axis, just slightly, and look how much your ankle bone shifts right and left. That's enough to make the boot hurt at the ankle bone. Shim insole with a bit of 1/8 felt to even things out and you're golden. (I learned both those tricks from old ski-boot message boards BTW). I'm new to offroad riding, but I used these for an all-day dirtbike course and they were comfortable all day.
So while getting back into dirtbikes I tried 3 boots. Sidi x3, astars tech7 and the fastbacks.
The x3 felt real comfy but also felt like a work boot with a shin guard. Not really confidence inspiring.
The tech7 looked great but fit wasn’t for me. 11 was uncomfortably tight and squished my toes. 12 I could swim in. Also I can’t really point a specific point to prove this, but they just seemed more cheaply made than the G’s
Brian was awesome. He took time to weigh the pros and cons of all the boots and direct me towards the fastbacks. After getting them, fit perfectly. Have I’d say the same protection as the tech7 but move a little better. Not to the point where you feel like you’re losing protection tho. I also dig welted soles.
The one thing I did add was better insoles the ones that come in the fastbacks are horrible.
Definitely give these a look!
Love the boots
Customer service was great!
Picked this one up on the recommendation of Chris on staff. So far, it's help shield me from the worst of my highway riding and it's lasted me multiple hour rides without feeling uncomfortable. The modularity is great for scooting around the neighborhood and I like the interior sun visor so I can toggle depending on the weather.
Was struggling finding a boot that fits wide feet. I wear a 12 wide in hokas & euro size 47 in Forma boots for comparison. Brian had me measure my foot & insole length & I was skeptical that he was recommending a Sidi boot & also going down a size to a euro 46. He diagnosed my foot problem correctly, I had been sizing up on boots to gain width when I just needed a wider boot without extra length. The crossair x fits just right, very comfortable, ankle feels very supported, good peg feel, no problems with shifting or braking, feels light on the bike, fast break in time. Very impressed with the boot. The search is finally over.
Best boot I've ever worn. Love the ankle and overall support. I've owned most of the other brands and continue to come back to the SG12. I ride fast desert, and track so I prefer a stiffer more supportive boot. If I were riding slow trails all the time I might go with a less supportive/more flexible boot. I personally use this boot for everything and love it.
These feel like real protection. My Vendramini Lusakas fit like the proverbial glove, but can't hold a candle to these for sheer confidence. Very nice boots. Gaerne and Atomic for the win!