Tecnica Cochise HV 130

Model Year
2023-2024
Category
All-Mountain Freeride
Last Width
102
Flex Index
130
Price (MSRP)
$800.00USD

The new Tecnica Cochise 130 HV is one of the three big boot stories of the year for our test team (see the home page blogs for that discussion). Why is our test team so excited about the new HV Cochise? Because it's a tech compatible, 102mm boot--and not some pretend AT brand 102mm that actually fits like a narrow boot. The Tecnica Cochise HV line-up represents a three model phalanx of legitimate wide rides that will suit skiers with thick feet and legs who want to haul their high-volume carcasses over hill and dale in the pursuit of sick pow or aerobic health. Or perhaps the skins and the touring is purely aspirational--and that's okay--the Cochise is one of the few freeride boots that really do ski as well as all-mountain alpine boots without walk modes, so it's alright to pay a few extra ducats for tech fittings, just in case the granola calls, but mainly use that T-Drive, locking walk mode to saunter up to the bar. It is a truly multi-use ski boot.

But wait, there's more! The Cochise 130 HV is available all the way up to a 32.5 and that's a rarity in the freeride boot world too. Do humans that large tour? Of course they do--think of the distance they can cover with the long legs attached to those massive feet.

Yes, these developments are somewhat pedestrian--big last widths and big sizes, but that's what gets our bootfitter tester types fired up (true, they're nerds), but they uncovered other more traditionally exciting things about the Cochise HV as well.

Namely this wide body rips, they said. It was pretty well unanimous that it skis as well as the 99mm Cochise, both in its power and torque quotient and it's quick response to transitions and steering moves. The only thing that would hamper the connection of body to ski or slow the transmission of messaging would be a lack of girth--there's some room there that needs to be filled for the true performance limit of the Cochise 130 HV to be approached. They also liked the simplicity of design and functionality of features--it's a boot, with four regular buckles and a hike mode. Okay, the microscopic lock switch on the cuff release lever is damn small and is a bare-fingered adjustment, but if that's the Cochise's big flaw we're doing pretty well, folks.

Our testers still like a polyurethane lower shell (CAS dimpling is useful) and we can deal with a polypropylene cuff just fine. GripWalk works without issue, and while testers said the cuff's range of motion while released is a bit limited, they remind that this isn't one for the uphill-rad and Lycra-clad but rather aggressive descents and all-day adventures found near the chairlift.

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-32.5
Hike Mode 
Yes
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Wide
Also in this Collection 
120, 110
Special Sizes 
31.0 and larger
Cantology Compatible 
No
Total Avg Score 
4.82
Shell/Cuff/Tongue Plastic 
polyurethane/polypropylene
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.80
Dynamic Balance 
5.00
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.60
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.80
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
5.00
Tech Compatible 
Yes

Kudos

  • “For such a large boot, this does steer quite quickly. There's no cutting corners in liner quality and performance here (like some others in high-volume categories). This has all the best attributes you would expect from a 130-flex LV or MV boot.” -- Jim Morris
  • “Long turns, high speeds, quick short turns--all effortless. Great lateral stiffness for edge control. Stance puts you right over the balls of your feet--ready to rip.” -- Mike Evans
  • “Fantastic wide fit--perfect expansion on the Cochise medium. There's more room where the thicker foot needs it but still provides control. Skiing the HV was fantastic--great new edition to the Cochise lineup.” -- Mark Elling
  • “Fits on the lower side of high volume with a firm but curvaceous feel. For such a high volume boot it wraps my chicken leg unexpectedly well. It has a dense, strong disposition and well-endowed fit. ” --
  • “Great boot. I could take this one home. Solid. Perfect score.” -- Kevin Gabriel
  • “Surprised by this boots agility. It looks and feels big and bulky, but it rips. Simple, easy, and high performing. Great blend of comfort, downhill performance, and hike-ability.” -- Jim Schaffner

Caveats

  • “The hike mode lock switch is tiny, hard to see (for us old guys) and could only be operated with bare fingers.” -- Mike Evans
  • “Hike mode range is more limited than other AT style boots.” --
  • “Pretty snug heel and ankle fit for an HV model.” -- Charlie Bradley

This boot available at...

Chicago, IL
Steamboat Springs, CO
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Pagosa Springs, CO
Golden, CO
Newton, MA
Ann Arbor, MI

Special thanks to all of our sponsors!

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