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!
The fit was right on. Some 10.5s are a bit snug but these 45s, for me, seem between a 10.5 and an 11. The form is what I was looking for; a slim sole and toe along with ankle protection that doesn't restrict a little flex. 4 and a half stars on the functions of riding and walking and
staying dry. Easy to adjust to shifting and braking feel, good support standing on pegs, no hint of a leak when submerged, only a knock on the left boot sole not being perpendicular to the upper. Kinda throws off my gait and stresses my knee a bit. Your mileage may vary.
Brian was super communicative and helpful. His videos reviewing boots were crucial in helping make my decision. The Sidis are excellent. So light, stiff where it counts and comfortable. I would have never known that these work for wider feet without Brian's review as well.
very stiff boot that is going to take a bit to break in. Compared to the X-3, they are not as comfortable but have more protection around the calf. I bought these for my wife, who is 5'4" with 16" calves. They fit her great and have room around the calf to spare. I took a star off from 5 because the top buckle strap is inside the boot with nothing between the strap and your leg. All my other boots have the strap between the liner and the shin pad.
These pants are super comfortable, have lots of pockets and vents to keep you from overheating when it gets warm. I ride in the mountains so the temperature changes with the change in altitude. These pants just plain work.
Tons of vents, lots of pockets, padding where you want it. Doesn’t flap in the wind because it has cinches in the arms. It has a removable liner for warmer days too.
I don’t think I will wear anything else.