Your Opinion: 3 or 4 buckle Dynafit Zzero-F?

In about 20 days since the start of this thread it seems the market has rounded out. Way more 3 buckle and lightweight options. Weight on the 4 buckle models is dropping as well. Perhaps we all can have our cake and eat it too.

In about 20 days since the start of this thread it seems the market has rounded out. Way more 3 buckle and lightweight options. Weight on the 4 buckle models is dropping as well. Perhaps we all can have our cake and eat it too.

I hardly notice the weight difference between my 3- and 4-buckle Zzeros when climbing or skiing; the small height difference is more noticeable, as if the buckling up of an extra buckle, and the better match of boot to ankle and calf.

Hey Wingy,

Did you make a buy yet? I am in the same place and after reading this thread am not a lot closer. 3 buckles best going up. 4 buckles best going down.

The big Q's are will a 3 buckle (ZZero) be too much of a compromise going down? Will a 4 be too much of a com promise going up? Coventional wisdomseems to be that the 3 is acceptable off piste, but skiing overly used lift served trails requires a 4 for full enjoyment. I think we need more definitive info.

Which brings me to another big question. How much weight difference is noticable going up in your rig? ounces? a pound?

Just gunna drag this back...

I have been skiing on a pair of BD Methods for 2 seasons now, and except for the weight, I love them.  'Cause ya see, the lightest or smoothest skiing boot isn't worth a damn if it doesn't fit.  After years of making constant mods to various Garmonts I gave up on their boot last.  I tried stepping into Dynafits, but my feet said "No Way".  The BDs work for my feet, period.  The BD efficient series looks highly temping; I usually make boots last 3-4 seasons but I may have to make an exception for the 3 buckle "Prime".  With the same 110 flex as the Methods but more than a pound lighter these look like the real deal...

After all the raving by others who have Dynafit boots I was pretty interested in the Dynafit boots since I have a more normal foot other than being big. I was pretty set on the boots until I tried them on and for some reason I'm in between sizes that would require some boot work to make Dynafits work.
So I tried on the Black Diamond Methods and they fit nearly perfect, even better if I molded the liner. A couple striking differences were that the Black Diamond boots (Method, Factor and Quadrant) all had a much better walk mode for me. It felt much easier to walk around, compared to to any other boot I have owned. That is good for us big clodhoppers who seem to stagger around like a sailor on payday every time we walk on rock. I think I could dance in these boots.
One other feature that that I liked was the heel pocket seemed to be significantly better than any other boot I tried on. The whole snugging device on the liner is kinda nice, but I think it adds unnecessary weight. All those features come at a weighty cost, yes they are heavier than the Dynafits, but at least I can't see my toes being bound in BD boots.

I did try on the BD Quadrants. They have great walk mode and are a little stiffer than the Methods. But the front cuffs are lower so they lose their advantage and could turn into a Lange bang issue. Also the buckles are lighter and the loops are a little wimpy and could possibly fail. Still worth a try on, their light and could work great for your longer touring needs.

I am now committed to dropping my 3-buckle and 4-buckle Zzeros and going to the 2 buckle TLT5 Mountain (preferably the TF) or the TLT5 Performance TF, but may have to settle for the TLT Mountain TF-X; all reviews suggest these will be the ultimate backcountry boot for those who like to climb.

That TLT 5 is one light boot. Feels like picking up the liner when you lift it.
I wonder how well it stays warm when hanging around?