I had a chance to ride the XC 12's one day before they shut all the mountains down around here. I like them alot. Not as stiff as my RC12's. I left the springs set from the factory. Tongues are definitely way softer. I got these boots mostly for my powder board but I rode them on my Nirvana Free Carve board and loved the ride. I'm thinking these will be my go to boots most of the year in all conditions. UPZ has a summer sale that just started with limited stock in hand so act now.
Same with me. Really comfortable.