What is Power Ankle Lock (PAL) in the Mimic Platinum liner?

PAL is an internal ankle wrap built into the Mimic Platinum liner. It contours around the ankle bones and progressively locks your heel in place as you ski. It's heat-moldable and improves over the first few sessions.

How does the Hawx Magna 120 S compare to the Hawx Magna 130 S?

Same shell, same liner, same features — the only difference is flex stiffness. The 130 S is for heavier or more aggressive experts. Most strong advanced skiers are well-served by the 120 S unless they regularly exceed 190 lbs or ski very aggressively.

Can I adjust the forward lean on the Hawx Magna 120 S?

Yes, Power Shift lets you set three forward lean positions: 13°, 15°, or 17°. This also affects the flex feel — more upright (13°) feels softer, more forward (17°) feels stiffer and more responsive.

Atomic HAWX MAGNA 120 S 25/26

PTO ReviewSki Boots

Atomic Hawx Magna 120 S GW

Hawx Magna family · 25/26

Flex 120

Very Stiff

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SofterStiffer

Last Width

102mm— Wide (102mm+)

This is the top-shelf Magna for wide-footed chargers who don't want to compromise on performance. The 120 flex delivers real stiffness, but the star here is the Mimic Platinum liner with Power Ankle Lock — PAL cinches around the ankle and locks your heel down over time, which is the single biggest upgrade over the 110 S. Combine that with Memory Fit shell molding and three-position Power Shift forward lean (13/15/17 degrees), and you have a boot that can be dialed to an absurd degree of precision for a wide-last design.

The closest competitor is the Tecnica Mach1 MV 120 at 100mm — but that's a medium-volume boot, not a true wide fit. The Nordica Sportmachine 3 120 sits at 102mm and is a solid alternative, though it lacks the Mimic Platinum liner quality and PAL ankle hold. If 120 flex is too stiff for your weight or skiing style, drop to the Magna 110 S GW and save yourself the price difference.

Strengths

+Mimic Platinum liner with PAL — best heel hold in Atomic's wide-fit lineup
+Power Shift with 3-position forward lean (13°/15°/17°) for precise stance tuning
+Prolite shell keeps weight down despite the 120 flex stiffness

Best For

Advanced to expert wide-footed all-mountain skiers who demand top-tier fit customization and real stiffness.

Limitations

−Price jump over the 110 S is significant — justified only if you need 120 flex and PAL
−No walk mode — wide-footed tourers should look at the Hawx Magna XTD 120
−120 flex is stiff — lighter or less aggressive skiers will fight it in bumps and variable terrain

Not For

Intermediate skiers under 170 lbs who would be better served by the 100 or 110 flex, or anyone needing walk mode for touring.

Common Questions

What is Power Ankle Lock (PAL) in the Mimic Platinum liner?: PAL is an internal ankle wrap built into the Mimic Platinum liner. It contours around the ankle bones and progressively locks your heel in place as you ski. It's heat-moldable and improves over the first few sessions.
How does the Hawx Magna 120 S compare to the Hawx Magna 130 S?: Same shell, same liner, same features — the only difference is flex stiffness. The 130 S is for heavier or more aggressive experts. Most strong advanced skiers are well-served by the 120 S unless they regularly exceed 190 lbs or ski very aggressively.
Can I adjust the forward lean on the Hawx Magna 120 S?: Yes, Power Shift lets you set three forward lean positions: 13°, 15°, or 17°. This also affects the flex feel — more upright (13°) feels softer, more forward (17°) feels stiffer and more responsive.