The new Cabrio LV 130 3DWrap so impressed our test team with its updates that they called it both this year’s Most-Improved boot and also Dalbello’s best cabrio design yet. Testers had a solid list of things they loved about the Cabrio LV this time around.
First, testers were impressed with the internal shell shape change in this new version for its true-to-LV forefoot fit. This is a great, narrow fit throughout the lower boot, now, testers said, though they mention that there’s some added ceiling height over the top of the foot—a boon for the high-arched and bony instep folks who still need a narrow fit elsewhere. Testers praised the closure at the base of the lower leg where the 45-degree Dynalink buckle did an admirable job of keeping the heel planted back in its pocket, while not crushing the top of the foot.
The other fit update came in the form of the liner’s revised fit along the shin—hugely improved, testers reported. They were pleased that the previously abrupt feel at boot top had been eradicated, replaced by a well-shaped and nicely cushioned wrap across the front of the lower leg from top to bottom. These fit improvements were noted straight-out-of-the-box, without the aid of any true heat molding, so testers surmised that the fit will be even better once that’s accomplished, post-purchase. The initial fit was good enough that no liner molding was considered at our test this year, which was a first for the Dalbello cabrios in the past several seasons.
The improved shin fit unlocked the classic, three-piece-shell flex feel that our testers always hope to find in a cabrio model—longer forward travel with an energetic return to center in between turns. That’s what the Cabrio LV brings to the table now, they say, claiming that the rebound energy was high and lively, without excessive pogo-ing or disruption of the skis’ entry into the next turn. Edge power is not always part of the cabrio performance blend but the Cabrio LV 130’s edge power score was a 9.5 out of 10, so not too shabby for an all-mountain three-piece.
As expected, the spiral-wrapping liner teamed with the open-topped cabrio lower shell to make entry and exit an absolute breeze, testers said. They also liked the hook-releasing cam-buckle style power strap on the 130 they tested—that strap is also available on the 120-flex, but you’ll lose the rad 80’s inspired graphic highlights in addition to ten flex-index points, and you’ll only save 55-bucks. Get the 130, testers say.
