Atomic Hawx H-80 for Low Intermediate Returning to Skiing after 14 years?

I've determined that the Atomic M-Tech / Hawx series of boots are a good fit for me. From talking to Atomic, reading about the Hawx here, and reading Atomic's marketing stuff on the Hawx, it looks like the Hawx would be perfect for someone like me.

I haven't skied in 14 years, and when I last skied I was at a low level 5. I hope to make one or two trips a year. When I go skiing, I'll typically be going for 5 - 7 days, and I will want to ski all day every day if possible. So comfort is of paramount concern. A reasonable performance level is a close second, and I do hope to improve each time I go (taking lots of lessons in the two trips I have this year).

Since my muscle memory of skiing is deep in the cobwebs somewhere, the feel difference some have complained about with the Hawx will not be an issue for me. The more natural stance and supposed better balance afforded by the I-flex would seem to serve someone in my position well. And if the boot is as comfortable as it is designed and marketed to be, that would bode well for my infrequent but relatively long trips.

What do y'all think? Am I making a good decision here?

One negative I read is the possibility of the boots causing someone to stay in the backseat b/c of the upright stance. Anyone that has skied the Hawx think this would be an issue for someone in my position?

Are there any issues with the Hawx being compatible with the variety of rental skis and bindings I will be utilizing for however long I own these before I invest in my own skis (if ever)?

I'm thinking I should get the H-80 (80 flex) instead of the 90 flex model. I'm 6-0", 175 lbs., type II skier, 35 years old. I have good ankle flexion and decent leg strength (workout with 185 lbs in the squat and 410 lbs on the leg press). Do you think the 80 flex would be right for me?

I may need to start another thread on this, but I'll tack it on here - does anyone know of a good bootfitter in the Newark, NJ to Windham, NY area that could help me dial these in if buy them locally (Memphis) before I am in that area (my first trip of the year - in conjunction with a conference in NYC; my big trip is to Snowmass for 5 days in March)? The Memphis shop does not have a true bootfitter.

Many thanks for any help!

-Cliff

Thanks for the quick feedback and help here, Lou.

Do you think the 90 flex is stiff enough, or are you suggesting higher (100, 110)? In my other thread in this forum, Bud commented that 80 to 90 flex was in the ballpark. I was thinking I would need the forgiveness of an 80 flex b/c of my lack of recent ski experience and the infrequency of trips going forward. Also, on the lineup card for the Hawx series, Atomic says the H-80 is for intermediate to advanced skiers, 90 is for advanced skiers, with 100 and 110 being for expert skiers. I've done enough reading here to know that flex is based on more than just ability level as their site would seem to indicate, but I still was worried that the 90 flex might be a little hard for me to handle. I obviously want to get the flex just right, but if I'm going to err, I'd rather give up some performance and err on the side of my boot being more forgiving. I did read on one of the reviews linked from here that b/c of the forefoot flexibility of the boot, it is possible to go with a higher stiffness rating without detriment to the skier.

So, with that said, do you or others think 90 is the better choice? Stick with 80? Or go even higher (pretty scary for me to even think about)?

-Cliff