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

Tecnica Mach1 130 LV

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
22.5-29.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Narrow
Also in this Collection 
N/A
Cantology Compatible 
Yes

The Gist

What do testers like most about the 2018 Tecnica Mach1 130 LV (aside from a consensus that it skis like a thermonuclear weapon of downhill domination)? They like that this narrow fits like a narrow! Meaning, there's an obvious differentiation between the fit tension (squeeze factor) of the medium-volume MV and this narrow class LV. The anatomical shaping for the wider points of the foot's anatomy is still here in the LV, just slimmed down to grab a hold of the foot and leg with the death grip of a zombie reaching up through the dirt. And that's a good thing!

The Fit

Most testers had a few minor hotspots at the typical locations, depending on their particular fit issues—and they made mention of these mainly in the form of praise. Meaning, they cited the boot's tightness as a virtue, and agreed that in the narrow width group, some bootfitting should be needed for all but the most slender of kangaroo feet. Fit scores were evenly arranged along the tight side of the spectrum, however, indicating that the anatomical shape is right, with curves where they belong to better match the shape of the human foot. More than a few testers mentioned that the tongue and flex feel is firm against the shin—not in a problematic way, they said, but they cautioned that the boot is not for sissies.

Performance

Strong like bull. Sports car flat cornering. Pure polyurethane power. Testers loaded their test cards with comments like these about the Mach1 130 LV. Many mentioned that this boot drove the ski on hard snow as strongly as the race-bred boots of the Frontside category, but managed off-piste junk with ease and forgiveness. Virtually all testers approved of its stance angles for athletic skiing.

Cool Features

The Custom Adaptive Shape (C.A.S.) bootfitting features are the same here as they are on all the Mach1 boots for men and women—the C.A.S. shell is dimpled in common fit problem areas to aid with heat stretching and the C.A.S. liner is both heat moldable and grindable. In addition to these helpful fitting tools, the Lift Lock buckles are handy—they stay locked open when pushed to their end stop and the Power Lock power strap hook-in-loop connection sidesteps having to thread the strap webbing through a cam-lock buckle every time. These top-shelf niceties are found on the Mach1 130 MV as well.

  • 2017-18 Tecnica Mach1 130 LV at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Tecnica Mach1 130 LV at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Tecnica Mach1 130 LV at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
Total Avg Score 
22.50

Scott G2 120 Powerfit

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
23-30
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Narrow
Also in this Collection 
G2 130 Powerfit, $680
Cantology Compatible 
No

The Gist

While the 2018 Scott G2 120 Powerfit is a modern design with a revised, fully thermo-formable liner, testers comment on (and appreciate) its old-school sensibilities. It doesn't pander to the no-touchy-my-toe, no-squeezey-my-foot trend like so many other brands. This narrow group rip-shoe is true to the definition of "narrow last," say testers, one of whom mentioned: "There isn't enough room for a molecule of air between my foot and the shell!" It's the narrowest boot of the all-mountain fixed cuff field, and they liked it for that--and for the fact that it skis like fighter jet when strapped to a skilled pilot.

The Fit

The G2 fits short, narrow and close over the top of the foot, in the ankle and heel and up through the lower leg shaft, with a cast-like grip on the calf to boot. This fit wasn't for everyone—our lowest volume testers with high tolerance for compression simply loved it, while others squealed a bit and wanted liner molding, shell grinds and the like.

Performance

The G2 120 has a springy, energy-laden flex feel that testers said seemed as strong as many of the 130's we tested. There's a G2 130 Powerfit available, but it'd be a stout beast of a boot. Most felt that the 120 was an ideal blend of progressive flex with strong transmission of movement laterally to the skis edge. Quickness and agility scores were through the roof due to the shrink-wrapped fit—no loss of movement here.

Cool Features

Ha! What features? You get four buckles, a power strap and a Velcro rear spoiler. Don't ask for a cuff adjustment—ain't one. The liner has two pull loops—that's pretty sweet—and the Ultralon foam liner is highly moldable (recommended).

  • 2017-18 Scott G2 120 Powerfit at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Scott G2 120 Powerfit at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
Total Avg Score 
19.67

Salomon X Pro 100 W

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
22-27.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
X Pro 90 W, $600; X Pro 80 W, $475
Cantology Compatible 
No

The Gist

The all new 2018 Salomon X Pro 100 W comes toughened up to a 100-flex, which testers liked for its solid feel on edge and firm, supportive feel against the lower leg. Not changed is the characteristic X Pro medium-width fit that suits almost every foot.

The Fit

Few outliers, fit-wise, with the exception of a wide-ish toebox (not a bad thing) and a bit snug heel and ankle (not a bad thing)—all other fit zones came in with right-down-the-fairway medium width scores. Testers like the cozy, initial fit—a Salomon liner standard—and found the closure system easy to manage.

Performance

Reliable, consistent power and easy transitions turn to turn found here, testers agreed, saying that this boot is perfect for the intermediate who's stepping up her game and doesn't need her gear getting in the way. Testers remarked that the price paid for stability and predictability was some lack of snap and agility, but not enough to scare anyone away. Prefer a dreamy G.S. turn over a spastic short-radius? Perfect, this boot's for you.

Cool Features

Salomon's Custom Shell 360 heat molding system is a great way to open up the fit in tight spots and slightly improve the boot's stance alignment for a specific skier. The X Pro 100 W is also available in a Custom Heat model (at a higher price tag), and it's white!

  • 2017-18 Salomon X Pro 100w  at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Salomon X Pro 100w  at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Salomon X Pro 100w  at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
Total Avg Score 
18.83

Salomon X Max 120 W

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
22.5-27.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Narrow
Also in this Collection 
X Max 110 W, $725; X Max 90 W, $600
Cantology Compatible 
Yes

The Gist

The all new 2018 Salomon X Max 120 W takes its former 110-self and bumps the flex dial up to a legitimate 120-flex (which our taller, more aggressive testers loved) and also rebuilds the lower shell using stiffer polyamide plastic for better transmission of energy from boot to ski. Testers unanimously said this boot skied like a mofo—but a few said it hurt like one, too.

The Fit

The use of polyamide plastic has a side effect of slight shrinkage after injection molding, which makes the lower shell slightly tighter than the polyurethane boots built off the molds last year. To compensate for this the liner is made thinner, with less padding. This equaled some harsh foot to shell interaction for testers with bony prominences, i.e. hotspots, and a consensus that the toebox and forefoot was one of the tightest of the category. Our very slim-footed folks had no complaints—in fact, they loved how tight the fit was on all parts of the foot and lower leg. One other common complaint was that the tongue was firm, bordering on sharp, up against the shin. This is not a once-in-a-while soccer mom goes skiing kind of boot, testers caution, but a serious performance tool for low volume feet or discerning skiers who know the bootfitting game.

Performance

This is where the X Max 120 W excelled for our test team—every single tester praised how well this ski put a ski on edge and hammered it home. They liked the quickness of response to steering inputs. They liked how stable it remained through jumbled off-piste junk. They liked the precision that came from such a tight fit which easily unlocked tight and tricky situations on snow for them.

Cool Features

This is a stripped-down performer without too many gizmos, though testers appreciated the cam buckle powerstrap (not found on the 110-flex version), and if there was ever a reason to employ Salomon's Custom Shell molding feature—the slightly too tight everywhere fit is it. The 10-minute oven cook works wonders for slightly opening the fit throughout as well as honing the boot's stance angles specific to the skier.

  • 2017-18 Salomon X Max 120w at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Salomon X Max 120w at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
Total Avg Score 
19.50

Salomon X Access 80

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
25.5-31.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Wide
Also in this Collection 
X Access 70, $200
Cantology Compatible 
No

The Gist

Surprising sleeper, said testers about the 2018 Salomon X Access 80 who were shocked at the 300 dollar price tag (one tester was guessing 500 by the way it skied). They said it showed more backbone than expected at a mere 80-flex and maintained just enough hold of the heel and ankle to provide adequate tracking while the rest of the foot and leg enjoyed the spacious 104 mm last.

The Fit

Evenly wide everywhere with a hint of connection at the ankles and in the heel pocket—this is a comfy boat for high volume feet, or those who would rather ski in Crocs or flip-flops if they could. The flex feel was appropriately cushioned by the liner's plush tongue, and while soft, the X Access 80's flex didn't collapse and managed an eventual stopping point.

Performance

This is the high-volume intermediate skier's ideal ride said testers who thought the neutral stance angles, anatomical (if huge) fit, and functional flex feel would add up to instant improvement of both technique and comfort—for a street price (MAP) of 250 clams. Damn!

Cool Features

The coolest feature here is really the leftover dough a skier will have to upgrade skis and maybe outerwear, but this is a legit four-buckle with a Velcro powerstrap.

  • 2017-18 Salomon X Access 80 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Salomon X Access 80 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
Total Avg Score 
17.50

Salomon X Max 120

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-29.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Narrow
Also in this Collection 
X Max 130, $850; X Max 100, $600
Cantology Compatible 
Yes

The Gist

The 2018 Salomon X Max 120 returns revised but still a favorite amongst testers who appreciate the narrow, sculpted fit that hugs the foot closely for maximum feel underfoot. This year the lower shell utilizes polyamide plastic in the bottom portion to increase stiffness and energy transmission with some weight savings. This plastic shrinks after being molded at the factory, making the shell slightly tighter, so a new, thinner, less-padded liner is used to conserve the X Max's 98 mm last fit tension. This closer-to-shell feel gives the new X Max 120 a bit more Spartan fit character, which turned off a few testers but most felt it upped its performance game.

The Fit

Testers gave the X Max 120 evenly narrow (that means tight) scores throughout the lower boot and up into the narrow gauge cuff, with mentions that the heel and ankle pockets are particularly tight—tight enough that some testers shed a tear or two. Our previous tests of the X Max 120 have produced similar results, and our custom liner and shell tests have yielded improved fit in those too-tight areas. Testers liked the extra fit freedom in the toebox, which was the only area that didn't ring the snug bell out of the box.

Performance

The lack of bulky padding in the liner gave a more connected and in-tune feel between the foot and the ski, testers agreed, and quickness scores were top notch. At the 120 mark, some of the taller, heavier testers folded it over a little bit, but most liked the spring-loaded flex feel for it's accurate and spritely drive to the front of the ski. There is a 130 flex available.

Cool Features

Salomon's Custom Shell 360 oven-cook and molding feature works like a dream when the boot fits just a little too tight, everywhere even after heat molding the liner. We recommend trying a liner cook as a first step to relax the fit in the ankles and heel.

  • 2017-18 Salomon X Max 120 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Salomon X Max 120 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
Total Avg Score 
19.25

Roxa Trinity

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
22.5-27.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Cabrio/3-PC
Boot width profile 
Narrow
Also in this Collection 
Trinity I.R., $575
Cantology Compatible 
No

The Gist

The all new 2018 Roxa Trinity is the traditional-cuff version of the new R3W boots (the 105 and 95 have hike mode features) and therefore is the third in the series—get it, trinity? However, testers had a much different take on this unique 85-flex than they had on the R3W's.

The Fit

Our crew liked the narrow-class fit characteristics of the Trinity—snug enough everywhere in fairly even fashion with a little extra room in the forefoot and then again some in the toebox. Testers agreed that the tongue was firm against the shin, bordering on sharp, and they also found it fit a bit tall against the leg.

Performance

Testers did not like the way the Trinity flexed, or rather how it failed to. Even in soft mode, testers said the little 85 flex felt like a brick wall against the leg. This limited normal skiing movements and tanked the Trinity's performance scores. The R3W 105 Ti that testers admired for its long-travel flex feel is a hike mode enabled cuff built on a Grilamid lower shell. The Trinity is a fixed cuff model with a polyurethane shell and cuff. We can only guess at whether that played any role in changing the feel of this boot so drastically.

Cool Features

The bottom buckle of the Trinity is flipped to close medially—tres avant garde!

  • 2017-18 Roxa Trinity 85 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Roxa Trinity 85 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test

Roxa Bold 120 I.R.

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-30.0
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
Bold 100, $500; Bold 80, $375
Cantology Compatible 
No

The Gist

Testers liked the highly padded liner feel of the 2018 Roxa Bold 120 I.R. and thought it was well-suited to advanced intermediates looking for warmth and comfort at a strong flex tier.

The Fit

Many testers found the "V" shape foot was reversed in the Bold 120 such that the toebox and forefoot were tighter than common medium-widths while the back half (instep, ankles, heel) fit more similarly to the wide-last group. This didn't translate into good fit scores overall, though entry and exit were favorites among the test team.

Performance

Testers praised the raw edge power the boot could generate laterally—solidly built and a bit tipped-out in its cuff angles resulted in aggressive inside-edge carves. They didn't like the boot's forward flex pattern as well, finding it abrupt and unpredictable for smooth transitions and off-piste charging, preferring to stay on smooth surfaces where testers let them arc. Quickness turn to turn was there, but a little muted by the heavily padded liner, testers thought.

Cool Features

Comfortable cushioning and warmth were the ticket here, and the Intuition liner offers high molding capability.

  • 2017-18 Roxa Bold 120 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Roxa Bold 120 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test

Roxa Element 120 I.R.

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-30.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Cabrio/3-PC
Boot width profile 
Narrow
Also in this Collection 
Element 110 I.R., $625; Element 110, $575
Cantology Compatible 
No

The Gist

Testers were on board with Roxa's new 2018 Element 120 I.R., and drank the Kool-Aid for this unique, low-profile and lightweight three-piece, fully buying in for how it fit and skied.

The Fit

Testers said this 99 mm last stands by its numbers, delivering a closely snug fit throughout the lower and upper, which testers liked—they also liked the slightly more relaxed (mediumish) fit at the instep and on the navicular bone. They weren't as stoked on the firm liner feel against the shin during initial try-on but found that it softened some with time skiing.

Performance

Lateral quickness was catlike, testers reported, and the ease of roll edge to edge was noticeably good. Testers felt that the combination of the shell's forward lean angle (upright) plus the double layer of the Intuition spiral wrap liner stood them up a little too tall, and they found it hard to get out in front of the boot and off their heels. They thought both the on-board forward lean adjustment and full molding of the liner would remedy this.

Cool Features

The use of Grilamid in the shell and the upper cuff is still unique, but gaining momentum—it doesn't always work, but testers felt it did here, providing a lightweight but strong and snappy package. The inverted toe buckle closes on the medial side to avoid damage incurred on the lateral side, according to Roxa. Sure, okay.

  • 2017-18 Roxa Element 120 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Roxa Element 120 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
Total Avg Score 
18.50

Rossignol Alltrack Pro 110 W

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
22.5-27.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
Alltrack Pro 100 W, $600; Alltrack Pro 80 W, $500
Cantology Compatible 
No

The Gist

The 2018 Rossignol Alltrack Pro 110 W was the highest scoring boot in the women's On-Off Area medium category—for the fourth year in a row! That says something about its combination of fit, performance and tester-favored features for women skiers.

The Fit

Our test team says the Alltrack Pro 110 W fits like a glove—a medium-width one. No bothersome hotspots, no pinch points, a calf fit that suits average bodies and a flex feel that's cushioned enough and progressive. They love the white fur liner, even if it's a little over the top, and say the boot's a dream to get on and off.

Performance

From relaxed cruisers to hard-charging ex-racers, every woman likes the turns they lay down when they're wearing the Alltrack Pro 110 W. They say turn initiation is automatic, deep carves are stable at speed and off-piste carnage is tamed with ease. Some say the cushioned, fuzzy liner might rob the boot from a little quickness, but a happy trade for most. Very few testers have much good to say about the hike mode range of motion when the cuff is released, but they do appreciate that this boot doesn't ski like a boot with a hike mode. They say look at the cosmetics to know the difference—that's a bar mode, not a hike mode.

Cool Features

The Thinsulate Platinum liner is warm as well as fuzzy, which testers liked. The boot soles can be swapped for WTR (Walk to Ride) compatible ones, which will improve walkabouts and require a WTR binding—or they could hit the skin track with an A.T. frame binding.

  • 2017-18 Rossignol Alltrack Pro 110 W at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Rossignol Alltrack Pro 110 W at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Rossignol Alltrack Pro 110 W at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • Amy Post testing the 2017-18 Rossignol Alltrack Pro 110 W at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • Amy Post testing the 2017-18 Rossignol Alltrack Pro 110 W at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Rossignol Alltrack Pro 110 W at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
Total Avg Score 
20.21

Rossignol Pure Pro 100

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
22.5-27.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
Pure Pro Heat, $750; Pure Pro 90, $550; Pure Pro 80, $500
Cantology Compatible 
Yes

The Gist

Here's one you can take anywhere and be balanced, comfortable and ready to rip, said testers of the 2018 Rossignol Pure Pro 100. Its classic looks go with every outfit, the liner is warm and cozy, it's easy to get on and off—and it skis as well as anything in the category. What's not to love?

The Fit

Testers say this runs a bit on the roomy side of the medium-fit group, with plenty of room at the forefoot and in the toebox, especially in length—they say if there's a boot you might go down a size in (if you're on the cusp) this one's worth trying. The ankle and heel are snug enough, but slender feet would probably do better in the Pure Elite (the narrow version). The calf is furry (liner) and open enough for thicker legs, they report.

Performance

Testers put the stance a touch on the upright side, which they liked for a long leg and no quad burn, but a few mentioned they wanted a heel lift to help get out over the front of the boot. They thought the 100 flex was on target, perhaps even a little stronger, with a nice progressive feel on the leg during flexion. Side to side moves were rewarded with solid, stable edge power. Testers were split on whether this was a quick boot or perhaps happier in medium- and long-radius turns, so we'll say it's "quick enough."

Cool Features

The fuzzy liner (which testers like for not being too fuzzy) is made with Thinsulate and Merino wool, so high warmth scores were not imaginary. A set of WTR (Walk to Ride) soles is available as an accessory (nice for walking, compatible with WTR bindings only). Testers also thought the price tag was a nice feature--$100 less than its direct competitors in the medium-width group.

  • 2017-18 Rossignol Pure Pro 100 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Rossignol Pure Pro 100 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Rossignol Pure Pro 100 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
Total Avg Score 
18.81

Rossignol Pure Elite 120

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
22.5-27.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Narrow
Also in this Collection 
Pure Elite 90, $550; Pure Elite 70, $450
Cantology Compatible 
Yes

The Gist

One of the 3 top-scoring boots in the women's All-Mountain narrow group, the 2018 Rossignol Pure Elite 120 returned to impress our test team this year. Unchanged this season (and why would you?), the Pure Elite 120 garnered praise for its solid, stable 120-flex horsepower combined with its high comfort-quotient. One tester requested a couch made from its yummy fluffy liner material.

The Fit

Testers agree it's one of the roomiest of the narrow category—borderline medium—with a tall and upright feeling cuff and a roomy toebox (length, width & height). A few of our low-volume testers successfully dropped down one size in this model. On the whole, testers don't mind the extra room, and they say that the anatomical shaping is spot-on for the human foot and leg. They all love the faux fur, and universally praise the evenly progressive flex feel, if firm, at a legit 120.

Performance

Our taller, more aggressive skiers loved the Elite 120's tall, upright and stiff cuff in their normal size—they had the long leg leverage to get over the top of this boot and uncork its raw power and quickness. So too, did the shorter testers who were able to size down and get a lower cuff fit. Average height and shorter testers who stuck with their normal size felt a little pushed back onto their heels by the cuff and commented that they wanted a little heel lift to help put them in the driver's seat. Every tester, to a woman, agreed this is one powerful and responsive ride.

Cool Features

The fuzzy liner is made with Thinsulate and Merino wool, so high warmth scores were not a figment of testers' imaginations. A set of WTR (Walk to Ride) soles is available as an accessory (nice for walking, compatible with WTR bindings only).

  • 2017-18 Rossignol Pure Elite 120 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Rossignol Pure Elite 120 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • Linda Parazoo testing the 2017-18 Rossignol Pure Elite 120 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
Total Avg Score 
21.06

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