Description of Black Diamond Factor AT Sole Block:
When it’s time to leave the resort behind and hit the backcountry in search of epic lines, outfit your Factor boots with the Black Diamond Factor AT Sole Block. This interchangeable sole gives the Factor Dynafit compatibility and a boot-sole grip for rocky traverses and quad-burning approach hikes. Now you can use your favorite boots both in AND out of the resort.
Bottom Line: Add a new dimension to you Factor boots.
I finally found a pair of these in large. Seems to me BD underestimated the desire people had for these awesome upgrades to their AT boot(duh). Got a pair so that I can switch back and forth between the AT and Alpine toe plate. I found that the AT heel piece works in my alpine bindings just as well and is way more durable than the Alpine blocks. The soles seem to have great grip and interface well with my Barons, my Dynafits as well as Fritchis and Naxos.
The plastic has seemed to hold up fairly well and resists dimpling from my bindings heel pieces.
All in all a nice upgrade to a great boot although tough to track down a size large.
Really, it smells like a hay barn. Still does after use! I'd say they are much more durable than the Alpine blocks. That 'rubber' just wears right off. I have contacted them about making a vibram sole. I don't have a clue why they didn't do that...
AT sole went on quickly and easily. Great for walking around Chamonix! Had to set the forward pressure on my Dukes a couple clicks tighter than with the Din sole to prevent forward release for some odd reason, but likely my poor initial adjustment.
Thumbs up, and am looking forward to getting some dynafit binders for lighter touring.