This is a review of the Thirtytwo snowboard boot TM 3 model. Push play on the video to learn more.
It’s a pricey boot. My previous boots were old Burton Driver boots and these ones sounded good so I went with these.
They are rated a 4-6 boot in stiffness. And I thought they felt super stiff when I first rode them. In fact I only rode them for 2 days.
Why only 2 days?
Because they expanded a bit and started to feel loose. So I want to get the shorter size. Last boots were a 9.5 and these were a 9, but actually I want to get the 8.5.
Watch the video for more details.
Features:
- Recoil flex control
- True half sizes
- Performance Rubber Outsole
- Performance backstay
- 3D Molded Tongue
- Elite Internal Harness
- Tongue Tension
- Articulated Cuff …
- INTUITION FOAM LINER
- 100% Heat Moldable
- STI ENERGY FOAM
- High Rebound Cushioning
- PRESSURE PAD
- Alleviates Internal Lace Bite
- HEAT VENT
- Breathable Shell
- ADAPTIVE ARCH SUPPORT
- Interchangeable Arch (see below for more)
- HEEL HOLD SYSTEM
- Customizable Fit
- POWER CUFF
- Adjustable Support
Pros and cons
- Pro-customizable
- Pro-seem fairly durable (update: I rode these over 200 days)
- Pro-stiffness is good and customizable
- Pro-responsive
- Con-heavy
- Con-bulky (not a low profile boot)
- Con-pricey
Probably fits normal to thicker ankles and feet better
If you have skinny ankles and calves you might not want this liner or boot. Here’s why…
- The eyelets around the ankle have frayed on my boots because I am pulling them to the max so they are touching and getting stretched.
- The liner and the velcro at the top is maxxed out on one foot so it’s not sticking to anything
- Despite my toes being slammed into the front there is excess space around the foot in places.
…Update 2023 on the TM-3 and why I won’t buy it again
So at this point I’ve put around 200+ days ( 2 seasons) on them and I can say that they have held up well. The eyelets around the ankle blew out, but I was able to use the inner metal loop as an eyelet.
But I wouldn’t buy these again.
Over the last two seasons I’ve had foot pain, bruised and black toes, bunions and some ingrown toe nails. The 9 was too big and the 8.5 is incredibly toe jammed yet still had excess space around the foot especially above the forefoot. I have skinny ankles/calves and one boot liner I couldn’t tighten enough with the velcro on the top of the Elite liner.
If you have thicker/ankles feet then these might fit you better.
Learn more about the TM-3 on Evo.com.
Currently I am considering a TM-2. That’s got a different liner and is more popular and cheaper than the TM-3.
Thirtytwo TM2 vs TM3
I’ve tried on the TM2’s and both of my best riding buddies in the last two seasons at Lookout Pass and Brundage rocked TM2’s.
There are a few different versions of the TM2. Last year my friend said he tried on the TM3’s and thought they were stiffer than the TM2’s so he stuck with the TM2’s.
They felt pretty stiff at first especially with those plastic stiffeners in. I took one run with those in when I first got them and pulled them right out. But I think with time they break in and they actually felt less stiff than the Ride Fuse.
My other friend thought the same about the TM2’s when he first got them. He said they were too stiff at first.
The TM3’s have the Elite liner and the TM2’s have the Performance liner. The Elite liner has a rubbery exterior which isn’t going to break down like a normal liner. Some say it’s not as heat moldable as the Performance liner. So it’s bit stiffer and lasts longer but it’s probably not going to mold as well.
One thing I didn’t like about the TM2’s though is that they have less rubber in the sole in fact I think a few models have no rubber just cheap EVA stuff.
Learn more about the TM-2 and the TM3 on Evo.
Or the Ride fuse.