Tecnica Mach1 MV 115 W

The perennial favorite Mach1 MV W has returned but in a burlier, badder build--the 115 flex model!

Category 
All-Mountain Traditional
Last Width 
100
Flex Index 
115
Price (MSRP) 
$750.00USD

Rossignol Allspeed Elite 130

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-31.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Narrow
Also in this Collection 
Allspeed Elite 120, $700
Cantology Compatible 
No

The 2019/2020 Rossignol Allspeed Elite 130 was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Traditional narrow category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

 

The Gist

This is the fourth boot test go-round in the 2020 Rossignol Allspeed Elite 130’s fifth year in existence and testers again put it in the top group of All-Mountain narrows. For skiers who want the performance of an ultra-close fit but fear the agony that may come with the fitting process, here’s your solution, testers said. Hovering on the fence between narrow and medium, the Allspeed Elite 130 brings sledgehammer power, a precise steering feel and a renowned progressive flex in a more open fit.

The Fit

Not that anyone was really complaining—they loved how easy on and off it was and appreciated the extra room over the instep and at the boot top for a calf muscle. They notice most of the extra room in the toebox (in length, width and height) but found the fit tapered to the ankles and heel appropriately for a performance fit. A few testers mentioned sizing down successfully, so for skiers right between sizes, that's a worthwhile consideration. For the level of performance found here, testers said the comfort quotient was top of class.

Performance

This boot rips everywhere was the general vibe from testers—smooth, predictable and stronger-than-expected. The stance is a little on the upright side, with a tallish feeling cuff, so testers mentioned that the cuff generated a lot of power. Testers liked the flex feel—smooth and progressive but with a legitimate 130 backbone to it (don't let room temperature flexing fool you, it's all there out in the cold). Stance-wise, it's all neutral in all directions, so send it, testers said.

Cool Features

The revised power strap webbing and roller-cam buckle create a ratchety-style grip when tightened that doesn't back out till you say so, which testers liked. The Thinsulate liner is warm enough and the EVA foam ankle pockets mold nicely for bony points. There's a set of WTR (Walk to Ride) soles available if long strolls through paver plazas are part of your game (compatible with WTR bindings).

 

Total Avg Score 
4.15
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyether/polyether/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.00
Dynamic Balance 
4.17
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.23
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
3.92
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.50
Tech Compatible 
No

Nordica Sportmachine 130

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-32.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Wide
Also in this Collection 
Sportmachine 120, $600; Sportmachine 100, $500; Sportmachine 90, $400; Sportmachine 80, $350
Special Sizes 
XXL (32.0 and larger)
Cantology Compatible 
No
Total Avg Score 
4.25
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyurethane/polyurethane/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.25
Dynamic Balance 
4.50
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
3.83
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
3.92
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.75
Tech Compatible 
No

Nordica Speedmachine 130

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-31.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
Speedmachine Elite, $1000; Speedmachine 130 Carbon, $900; Speedmachine 120, $700; Speedmachine 110, $600; Speedmachine 100, $500; Speedmachine 90, $400
Cantology Compatible 
No

The 2019/2020 Nordica Speedmachine 130 was tested in the men's All-Mountain Traditional medium width category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

The 2020 Nordica 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 it transformed the formerly fluffed Speedmachine to a fully hardened All-Mountain warrior, as evidenced by its highest score in the edge power and transmission category. However, it hasn’t lost its signature easy entry and well-draped Nordica initial fit, testers said, it’s just toughened-up enough to be perfect.

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.

Total Avg Score 
4.27
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyurethane/polyurethane/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.13
Dynamic Balance 
4.33
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.40
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.20
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.27
Tech Compatible 
No

Nordica Promachine 130

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-30.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Narrow
Also in this Collection 
Promachine 120, $750; Promachine 110, $650
Cantology Compatible 
No

The 2019/2020 Nordica Promachine 130 was tested in the men's All-Mountain Traditional narrow category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

One tester said, as you buckle, the engine revs! And out of more than 20 individual tests the comments about a tight yet perfectly-mapped fit were virtually universal. The combination of a tightly, deep-seated heel fit with just enough room over the top of the foot for circulation and uniformly snug contact throughout the rest of the boot had testers fired up to ski. Testers said the light-but-strong Tri Force shell construction did not disappoint while on edge (trenching) or in rapid fire transitions to set the next rail.

The Fit

One tester said of the Promachine 130, just trying them on sets high expectations, and that sums up testers' fit impressions pretty well. They were excited to get this one on snow as soon as they buckled up, because they felt that this narrow fit like a narrow should. However, testers were simultaneously shocked that it did so with such well placed curves following the foot that it avoided the usual narrow boot hot spot map. Only testers with high, bony insteps and prominent styloids (base of the 5th metatarsal) had any complaints that would require a bootfitter's assistance.

Performance

The slimmed down, thin-shell polyurethane shell and cuff gives the Promachine 130 a light feel in hand, but testers assure that there is no resulting deficit in the power department. That it scored an average of 4.86 (out of 5) for Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support after 16 individual tests is a validation of the fact that lightness doesn't only mean quickness—though its scores there bear out that it wasn't a slouch there, either. Testers repeatedly commented that the Promachine 130 had race boot guts, especially on hard snow at high speed, but maintained an easily moderated throttle feel and could feather and smear on demand, a skill which Frontside boots often lack.

Cool Features

The Tri Force shell and cuff construction utilizes a mix of thinner and thicker plastics in different stiffnesses to create a rigid, transmissive boot that still wraps the foot and goes on and off easily—good features. The IsoTherm 3D Cork Fit liner is well sculpted to match the foot and the shell's interior incorporates its namesake wicking laminate to keep this slim boot warm and dry. Testers liked the GripWalk soles which come mounted on the boot, as well as the standard feature stuff you'd expect at this trim level like dual lateral cuff adjustment, dual liner pull loops, 45 mm power strap (with the Power Driver plate) and removable Velcro rear spoiler.

Total Avg Score 
4.59
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyurethane/polyurethane/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.61
Dynamic Balance 
4.71
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.65
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.78
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.13
Tech Compatible 
No

Lange LX 130

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-31.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Wide
Also in this Collection 
LX 120, $650; LX 100 $500; LX 90 $400
Cantology Compatible 
No
Total Avg Score 
4.51
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyurethane/polyolefin/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.63
Dynamic Balance 
4.63
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.50
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.13
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.71
Tech Compatible 
No

Lange RX 130

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-31.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
RX 120, $700; RX 100, $600
Cantology Compatible 
No

The 2019/2020 Lange RX 130 was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Traditional medium width category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

The 2020 Lange RX 130 continues to dominate the medium width group for our test team for its simple recipe for success: ease of use (goes on and off well and it’s warm), anatomical fit (contours around the shape of the foot and leg), power and stability (real plastic drives the ski damply, at speed), quickness and agility (goes where you tell it, not the other way around), balance (the Lange angles work, and so they don’t screw with that). Pretty simple, testers said, it’s a great boot.

The Fit

The RX remains a little bit roomier than in the past, by design, as Lange wanted to more clearly delineate the difference between the RX LV narrow class gripper and this middle-of-the-roadster-ripper. In the past the medium RX got called out for riding the fence between medium and narrow. This year testers again noticed the difference, and most loved the extra room. Not that this is a fluffy fit—the well-sculpted 3-D liner is firm and well-matched to the interior of the shell, so the grip on the foot is there, especially in the heel and ankle, but now the shape is opened up for average feet and legs. If this feels too roomy upon initial try-on, then the decision is clear—narrow RX LV for you.

Performance

The flex-feel is firm on the leg (legit 130) but with a new-found elastic quality. In fact, testers made many comments of the boot's snappy, energetic feel underfoot. "There is something about this new plastic that behaves very well on snow…" one tester pondered. And there is. Last year Lange debuted a new type of plastic injection molding in the RX and RS boots that sandwiches a less-dense plastic in between higher density plastic within the shell wall itself, throughout both the lower and upper. This differential density creates an energetic internal tension of sorts and gives the boot a new, lively feel that testers loved. All this snappiness has not come at the cost of power or stability, said testers who assure this is not a jittery boot. Steep edge angles, high speeds and all manner of snow conditions were where the RX 130 shone.

Cool Features

The new RX 130 remains essentially the same basic four-buckle overlap it always has—no new frills, bells or whistles here. The Velcro power strap is a nice wide 50 mm. There's a single-side upper cuff adjustment that uses an old-school 3 mm Allen key. The Max Grip soles are grippy, hence the name, but not so soft as to wear out or fail to transmit energy to the ski. You can upgrade to GripWalk soles for a few bucks and use them with a GripWalk compatible binding.

Total Avg Score 
4.38
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
Dual Core polyether/Dual Core polyether/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.00
Dynamic Balance 
4.64
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.55
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.55
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.18
Tech Compatible 
No

K2 Recon 130 MV

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-30.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
Recon 120 Heat, $800; Recon 120 MV, $650; Recon 100500
Cantology Compatible 
No

The 2019/2020 K2 Recon 130 MV was tested in the men's All-Mountain Traditional medium width category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

Among the new generation of lighter weight alpine boots, testers say the Recon 130 MV best manages to channel old-school edge power and a damp feel for the snow. The crisp feeling thin shell wall polyurethane remains easy to peel apart for entry and exit (many of this new crop don’t!) and testers said its plush and curvy liner offered enough padding for a cushioned and contained feel throughout. Some felt it overly snug on the top of the foot initially but said it settled in quickly.

The Fit

The Recon 130 MV was an instant hit with testers for its unmistakably medium width fit profile—their fit impressions were dominated by 3's (the medium width ideal) with some 4's mixed into the fit scores for the toebox and forefoot. Ultra comfy without giving up on a proper grip around the foot, they said, noting that the liner was a nice blend of cushion with real substance that didn't let the shell feel too close to the foot nor give the sense that it would pack out in short order. There was nothing, on initial try-on, to indicate that the boot was especially light (other than its lack of heft)—it just felt like a good boot. Easy entry, good functional buckles, no surprises, testers said.

Performance

The boot's light weight is certainly evident when it's picked up, and then again when walking. While skiing, the lightness was noticeable only in that the boot moved quickly and accurately underfoot for such a luxury S.U.V. comfort level, testers said. Of the five scores that make up a boot's total, the Recon 130 MV's highest score was for Edge Power and Stability—not exactly what you'd expect for a lightened-up thin shell wall model, but testers said this was the real deal. They cited a very flat, well planted feel from foot to boot floor to ski at every edge angle which translated to massive plank bending power and deep, slashing carves.

Cool Features

K2 built the Recon with four different stiffnesses of polyurethane in a variety of different shell wall thickness--going very thin where possible for weight reduction but keeping things thick in areas critical for power and stability. Testers thought they accomplished this mission and were appreciative of the bootfitting-centric material that will support all common heat stretches and grinds (where the shell wall is thick enough). Still at play for K2 boots is the Powerfuse Spyne, which links the cuff to lower shell in a firm but slightly elastic fashion—not blocked and locked but neither is it free to dump forward. The K2 dual upper cuff alignment system is still effective and still a bit of a puzzle for first-timers, though now they are anchored internally with regular T-nuts (bootfitters in the know thank you for that, K2) and the Recons also have cantable soles. The PrecisionFit liners are still full-thermo Ultralon affairs, but now they are anatomically sculpted and, testers said, vastly superior to K2 liners of the past. The Recon shell is designed to be wholly moldable by wearing after an oven-cook, which we tested. The shape and volume change was dramatic but easily over-done. Testers suggest molding the liner first, then later consider oven cooking the shell if the overall fit still feels too tight. 

Total Avg Score 
4.13
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyurethane/polyurethane/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.33
Dynamic Balance 
4.33
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.00
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.11
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
3.89
Tech Compatible 
No

K2 Recon 130 LV

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-30.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Narrow
Also in this Collection 
Recon 120 LV, $650
Cantology Compatible 
No

The 2019/2020 Head Recon 130 LV was tested in the men's All-Mountain Traditional narrow category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

The 2020 K2 Recon 130 LV returns with an updated, tighter fitting Ultralon liner over last year’s debut, which testers appreciated, especially in the well-shaped heel pocket. However, it remains what testers called the most comfortable boot in the category, and it retains it’s slimmed-down, thinned-out all polyurethane shell construction. Testers agreed the Recon 130 LV is an easy-on, trouble-free fit as well as a point-and-shoot performer everywhere on the hill that manages to pack just as much power as heavier models.

showed off its completely new shell shape, slimmed down, thinned out and packing a fully sculpted full-thermo Ultralon liner at this year's boot test and flummoxed testers with the question: Can a boot be too comfortable? Apparently it can be, as testers handicapped the LV's scores slightly for feeling a bit too much like its medium width brother, MV (who, if he was a real brother, would no doubt be claiming his initials are for More Virile). Otherwise, it's the perfect boot, they said! Tough crowd, our test team.

The Fit

Testers say the fit is on the money for its anatomical curves and nice blend of both cushion and grip in the PrecisionFit liner, just a touch too open across the board to suit the narrow last test category, having wandered too far into the medium width fit tension neighborhood. Not that this is a bad neighborhood, it's just that K2 already has a medium width Recon that pretty well hit the bullseye for that slot. So, this fraternal twin got picked on for being too comfy—'tis a shame, considering that a couple testers said this was the best-feeling K2 boot they'd ever put on their feet. Fit Update: K2 tells us that the Recon 130 LV liner has been re-designed since our boot test to snug-up the fit across the board.

Performance

Testers were in lock-step that the Recon 130 LV has a perfectly grounded stance, quickness Bruce Lee would approve of and a strong, stable attitude while on edge at any speed, on any snow, through any terrain—all heightened by the fact that it does it with less mass. 1650 grams worth of real boot is how one tester described the thin polyurethane newcomer. Testers felt that some performance got siphoned off by the uncharacteristic room in the lower boot, and with a slightly thicker, denser liner that would come back in badass spades.

 

Cool Features

K2 built the Recon with four different stiffnesses of polyurethane in a variety of different shell wall thickness--going very thin where possible for weight reduction but keeping things thick in areas critical for power and stability. Testers thought they accomplished this mission and were appreciative of the bootfitting-centric material that will support all common heat stretches and grinds (where the shell wall is thick enough). Still at play for K2 boots is the Powerfuse Spyne, which links the cuff to lower shell in a firm but slightly elastic fashion—not blocked and locked but neither is it free to dump forward. The K2 dual upper cuff alignment system is still effective and still a bit of a puzzle for first-timers, though now they are anchored internally with regular T-nuts (bootfitters in the know thank you for that, K2) and the Recons also have cantable soles. The PrecisionFit liners are still full-thermo Ultralon affairs, but now they are anatomically sculpted and, testers said, vastly superior to K2 liners of the past. The Recon shell is designed to be wholly moldable by wearing after an oven-cook, which we tested. The shape and volume change was dramatic but easily over-done. Testers suggest molding the liner first, then later consider oven cooking the shell if the overall fit still feels too tight. 

Total Avg Score 
4.28
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyurethane/polyurethane/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.17
Dynamic Balance 
4.25
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.25
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.33
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.40
Tech Compatible 
No

Head Edge Lyt 130

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
25.5-34.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Wide
Also in this Collection 
Edge Lyt 110, $600; Edge Lyt 100, $500
Special Sizes 
XXL (32.0 and larger)
Cantology Compatible 
No

The 2019/2020 Head Edge Lyt 130 was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Traditional wide category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

The Edge lives on! But testers agreed that the all-new Edge Lyt 130 is the best version of Head’s wide line we’ve ever tested. Testers could find no fault with this boot for the intended wide-ride target skier—its liner is lush but not spongy, it’s flex feel is solid but even on the shin and adequately cushioned, its ability to transmit foot and leg movements to the ski was top notch. For a light weight model, its edge power and stability were a welcome surprise. Bravo Head!

Total Avg Score 
4.31
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyurethane/polyurethane/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.33
Dynamic Balance 
4.00
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.56
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.23
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.57
Tech Compatible 
No

Head Nexo Lyt 130 G

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
25.5-30.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
Nexo Lyt 125, $700; Nexo Lyt 110, $600; Nexo Lyt 100, $500
Cantology Compatible 
No

The 2019/2020 Head Nexo Lyt 130 was tested in the men's All-Mountain Traditional medium width category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

The 2020 Head Nexo Lyt 130 returns this season with a revised shell construction that solidified its flex feel, and testers appreciated the difference, calling it a legitimate 130 with a more progressive range of motion. This also improved the fit against the shin over last year’s version. Testers note that Head’s numbers don’t lie—meaning it fits true to size and last width indicators--an increasingly rare phenomenon in today’s boot world! Light underfoot (Grilflex plastic), surprisingly strong on edge and hyper-agile, testers said.

The Fit

The thin shell walled lower boot and Perfect Fit 3D Evo Custom liner combine to place a close-to-skin grip on the foot, testers said, who cited a snuggest side of medium width fit around the foot, throwing scores of 2's and 3's out of 5 toward the lower boot. Testers made particular comments about the well-shaped, snug fit of the ankle and hell pockets, as well as a toebox that they said was "perfect" for a modern medium width. The upper cuff flares from a snug wrap just above the throat of the boot to a more open boot top where testers with thicker calves appreciated the extra room. Several testers commented about an inconsistent fit against the shin, noting either an edgy feel down low or a gappy feel up high—most said that this improved with skiing and with the various custom fitting processes available.

Performance

Testers liked the direct connection to the ski that came from a snug fit in the lower boot and the thin feeling, stiff Grilflex plastic in the lower shell. They said turns were easily tuned into the snow and were quickly connected from arc to arc through a variety of snow and terrain. Testers with slender legs found that the open cuff fit put them in a bit of a search for the fore-aft sweet spot, but once there could tip and rip laterally, laying deep, gouging trenches with confidence. Testers with thicker legs felt placed right where they wanted to be, front to back. Testers who went through Liquid Fit liner injection process noticed performance gains in terms of improved steering and edge feathering movements as the result of a more snug heel and ankle area.

Cool Features

The use of Grilflex (a polyamide plastic like Grilamid) with Graphene powder additive in the injection process of the lower shell and Grilflex in the upper cuff makes the Nexo Lyt the only All-Mountain boot we tested with all polyamide construction. Most other brands are steering their lightest materials toward hike-mode models. Testers would agree with the Head hype that the Graphene additive seems to give the boot a more damp feel—similar to polyurethane but with the benefit of lighter weight. Testers universally approved of the Liquid Fit injection process, finding it an immediately discernable fit enhancement. The process involves injecting the ankle and heel area on both the medial and lateral side of the liner with a syrup-like material that fills thin, hollow packets there. We tested this liner customization extensively at the boot test this year and testers like the simple and intuitive nature of it—you wear the boot while it's injected and choose when to say, "When!" We found it easy to decide when enough was enough for a better fit in the ankles and heel, but just in case you overdid it, it can be easily removed. We did some long-term testing on the injected liners and found that the material did not sag or ooze out of place over time—pretty cool stuff.

GripWalk soles are available as an accessory purchase. Lightweight Superleggera buckles are cool, we think, and there's two liner pull loops, a Velcro power strap and a single side cuff adjustment. For the stance-challenged skier needing help beyond the cuff adjustment, Head's canted soles are available as an additional purchase.

Total Avg Score 
4.12
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
Grilflex with Graphene/Grilflex/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
3.90
Dynamic Balance 
4.30
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.20
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.40
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
3.67
Tech Compatible 
No

Head Nexo Lyt 130 RS

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
25.5-30.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Narrow
Also in this Collection 
Nexo Lyt 120 RS, $725; Nexo Lyt 110 RS, $600
Cantology Compatible 
No

The 2019/2020 Head Nexo Lyt 130 RS was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Traditional narrow category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

The all-new Nexo Lyt 130 RS hits a bullseye on the middle ground between their Raptor and Head’s existing medium width line-up. Testers loved the combination of Raptor-like lower boot fit (tight!) blended with lightweight, thin shell wall Grilflex plastic for an agile All-Mountain attacker. The innovative Liquid Fit injection liner allows for quick heel and ankle snug-up (we tested it and approved) but testers didn’t feel much need to employ it off the rack, suggesting skiers wait for a bit of pack-out if all is well to start.

Total Avg Score 
4.11
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
Grilflex w Graphene/Grilflex/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
3.93
Dynamic Balance 
4.00
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.14
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.43
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.07
Tech Compatible 
No

Full Tilt First Chair 10

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-30.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Cabrio/3-PC
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
First Chair 8, $750; First Chair 6, $650
Cantology Compatible 
No

The 2019/2020 Full Tilt First Chair 10 was tested in the men's All-Mountain medium width category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

Testers liked the 2019 Full Tilt First Chair for its snug (when tested in their regular size) and thickly padded and comfortable grip on the foot and its very lively feel underfoot. Testers still feel overly forward leaning but appreciated the cam-lock Cinch power strap for restraining some forward travel. Due to the short sizing in Full Tilt's line-up, some testers went up a size and found more typical medium-width fit tension and a slightly taller, more upright cuff feel.

The Fit

Testers felt the lower boot was much more snug than the cuff, which offered some unwanted play for slender legs. They liked the strong connection of foot to ski, though preferred it after full liner molding, which allowed the foot to seat a bit more deeply into the base of the boot, due to the thickness of the liner underfoot. Molding the liner with toe caps opened up some needed toe room as the boot fits shorter than average out of the box. The flex feel is even, cushioned and long in travel, testers agreed. Testers suggest sizing up to gain toe room and a more medium width fit.

Performance

Agility and quickness are the First Chair's forte, according to testers who liked its lateral moves and shock absorbing flex—fun in the bumps and tight spots, they said. They felt the boot was less of a powerhouse than it was a nimble freerider, partly due to the more forward than average cuff angle, which detracted from a more strongly stacked leg position, they said.

Cool Features

Testers like the newer version buckle system with the Widetrack buckles for their improved ease of use.

Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyurethane/polyurethane/Grilamid
Tech Compatible 
No

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