For many testers their approach to testing a boot is to start with a perfect score and then as they encounter issues, the demerits are logged in the minus column. The Dalbello DRS 130 may have had an unfair advantage straightaway, as testers commented that the martini olive cosmetic with pimento highlights instantly said, Bond, James Bond to them by way of demerit-free introduction. From that point forward the DRS 130 marched along with a nearly perfect test appearance across all criteria and testers.
The initial impressions lodged by the test team were resoundingly positive. Very tight, everywhere--amazing fit! Seems lighter and the shell seems to fit more closely than previous models. Wow, a frontside boot that's easy to get on and comfortable! First impression--this is gonna be fun!
Testers loved the close 98mm fit that provided a secure grip along the entire foot, through the instep and into the leg shaft with minimal interference on prominent bony spots. One tester mentioned that the snugness approached true race boot levels in the ankle pockets and over the instep but he also said that it did so in a well-shaped way that avoided peak pressure on bony points and also improved with some time in the boot. This is not to say that the out-of-box fit lacked anything--testers gave both the initial fit and on-snow fit the exact same high score of 9.33.
Testers called the DRS 130 an all-day technician that would prosper under the direction of a skilled, expert skier. The on-snow performance score highlight was a perfect 10.0 for Quickness and Steering, but edge power levels were top-notch and testers said the boot was ideally balanced between damp stability at speed and rapid fire responsiveness when needed.
Several testers used that P-word (perfect) to describe a variety of the DRS's elements, from fit to stance to performance. They also issued a couple skier cautions. One tester put it this way: Perfection! This is a high-performance boot meant for high-performance skiing--if you aren't an expert, this boot is not for you. Another tester was a bit more positive about its accessibility for a variety of good skiers: Just perfect. There's nothing wrong with this boot. If you can't ski well in it, you suck.
Kudos