Nordica Speedmachine 130

Model Year
2020-2021
Category
All-Mountain Traditional
Last Width
100
Flex Index
130
Price (MSRP)
$800.00USD
The 2020/2021 Nordica Speedmachine 130 is reviewed in the men's All-Mountain Traditional medium category based on tests at Silver Mountain Resort & Mt. Bachelor Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit Media.

 

The Gist

Last year's Speedmachine 130 returned to our boot test beefed up with a revision made to the 3-D Cork Fit Primaloft liner that tightened and firmed the interior feel throughout. Testers said that modification transformed the formerly fluffed Speedmachine to a fully hardened All-Mountain medium width warrior, as evidenced by its highest score in the edge power and transmission category. However, testers assured that it hadn’t lost its signature easy entry and well-loved, evenly draped Nordica initial fit, it’s just toughened-up enough to be perfect--and remains so this year with only a graphic update, which testers appreciate.

The Fit

It's still on the wide side of the medium group in the toebox and forefoot, and plenty dreamy, creamy, cushy upon one's first slide-in (which is super easy), but the fit quickly narrows to a firm wrap around the ankles and on the heel, which is much improved over its debut year, testers agreed. The fit is evenly medium, testers say, through the instep and into the lower leg zone, which has a more locked-in, athletic feel due to the stiffer liner cuff construction. The flex feel is dead-on for comfortable (but high-end) skiing moves and testers liked the Power Driver plate that slides on the power strap for spreading pressure across the tongue.

Performance

This is the Volvo XC 90 of ski boots, one tester said. Sure, why not--all-wheel-drive, 250 horsepower, paddle shifters and plenty of leg room! Testers say the Speedmachine 130 practically skis for you it's so well-balanced and reactive to the surface underfoot. The thin-walled Tri-Force shell puts the foot in direct-feeling contact with the ski, though without a lack of padding or creature comfort, and it maintains a solid feel while on edge at all speeds. This is a boot that shouldn't ski as well as it does based on the high perceived level of comfort, but it does, and testers weren't complaining.

Cool Features

Testers liked the 3-D Cork Fit Primaloft liner construction for its firm, transmissive feel, insulating quality and molding capabilities. We really like the trick Infrared shell molding system developed initially for the Speedmachine (and now for Promachine, Sportmachine and Strider boots)—the infrared heater brings the shell up to ideal molding temperature and a suction-cup of varying sizes and shapes is applied to the hot shell and the suction pulls the punch into place. The only real disappointment in the system is the fact that it will be rarely used, since the boot fits so well (and roomy where most need it) out of the box.

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-31.0
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
Speedmachine Elite (130 flex), $1000; Speedmachine 130 Carbon, $900; Speedmachine 120, $700; Speedmachine 110, $600; Speedmachine 100, $500; Speedmachine 90, $400
Cantology Compatible 
No
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyurethane/polyurethane/n.a.
Tech Compatible 
No

Kudos

  • “Perfect shaping, perfect transitions, perfect fit tension, perfect containment throughout, appropriately snug where needed. Ideal medium volume boot in every way. Distinct liner quality with a firmness where required without being harsh. ” -- Marc Stewart
  • “Solid even pressure throughout entire boot. Very good, anatomical medium volume shape. ” --
  • “No rivets--all screws everywhere, awesome! The grindable foam zeppa is a plus. Love the cork exterior liner material around the ankles. Good edge hold--carves well. Snug on the Achilles tendon.” -- Jim Morris
  • “I love it—except for the race car red, may be in need of a graphics update. But really who cares, I’m never looking at my feet while skiing. I didn’t think anything would feel better than the Promachine but this has more comfort and skis just as good. I think Nordica’s hit a complete grand slam with this boot. Find a dealer and try one on. Then buy it. Nuff said. ” -- Kevin Gabriel

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