Tecnica Mach1 130 MV

The Gist

The 2018 Tecnica Mach1 130 MV returns to take its place amongst the very best of the medium width All-Mountain boots at this year's test with a score that put it in the top 25% of a very strong field. Testers cite its nearly perfect blend of performance and comfort elements as the key to its success for a variety of foot shapes, skiing styles and in all manner of snow conditions. While the Mach1 130 MV comes with a full slate of cool bootfitting features, few testers mentioned needing them given the clean out-of-box fit. One tester summed it up as such: "Well, you put it on and go rip—if you don't love it, you suck."

The Fit

Testers approved of the boot's firm grab on the heel and ankles achieved by the well-mated shell and liner shape, but they also liked the way the fit tension relaxed toward the forefoot and toebox—well suited to the "V-shaped" foot, they said. A few testers were calling it the Orange Crush for how tight this medium-width fit over the top of the foot at the instep, though some found that this pinch point relaxed with some wear time. The lower leg shaft is encased in a firm and anatomically shaped cuff, which testers liked for a direct connection to the ski. They mention it has a firm feel against the shin at first, but appropriately so for a 130 flex.

Performance

The stance geometry is dialed, according to testers who unanimously gave fore-aft and lateral angles "ideal" scores. This, combined with a firm and progressive flex feel and an immediate edging response to lateral moves earned the Mach1 130 MV high performance scores. While testers gave it solid-sole Frontside boot power ratings, they like the off-piste tuning of its grippy plates for a slightly more dampened ride through chop.

Cool Features

The Custom Adaptive Shape (C.A.S.) bootfitter-centric toolbox is well crafted for simple fixes of common problem areas, but few testers reported needing to implement them. The C.A.S. shell is marked by dimpled fit zones where heat stretches would commonly be needed. The reduced mass in those areas makes for a more-defined stretch and better retention of the modification over time. The C.A.S. liner's signature exterior is made of a dense microcell EVA foam which can be heat-molded or ground upon to offload pressure on hotspots.