Head Vector Evo 130

The Gist

The Vector Evo 130 mans-up this season. Gone is last year's high-talking softie, replaced by new, stiffer plastic (legit 130). A robust new liner fits skiers, not cush-craving luxury sedan drivers. Our team judged the Evo 130 one of the test’s best.

Fit

The Vector Evo 130 is one of very few boots we would put the "benchmark" label on for 100mm fit characteristics. It avoids falling into the also-ran medium width pit by maintaining a firm and anatomical hold on the foot and lower leg. It's a touch on the strong side of the medium fit target but our test team was okay with that. One suggested that maybe the V in Vector represents the V-shaped taper from open toebox and forefoot to more snug than average instep, ankle and heel.

More than a few testers heaped praise on the way this year’s cuff and liner wrapped the lower leg and let the shin seat into a perfectly contoured tongue. That made for comfy flexing moves in and out of all turns.

Performance

Testers were surprised by the horsepower emanating from such a comfortable boot. That has been a hallmark of Vector models over past years as well, but this go-round was a step up in terms of throttle response and top end performance.

Doctor-lawyer model this is not, unless they are chargers. More than a few testers made mention that they'd consider abandoning their narrow-last rides for the blend of strength, agility and comfort found in the Vector Evo 130.

Cool Features

Testers raved about the Double Power Booster power strap’s circumference-cranking cinch-ability and stretchy-snappy return to center. Some testers loved Spine Flex buckles' ability to accurately wrap the curvature of cuff and lower boot, others found them finicky.  After a little intimacy they’re easy to figure out.

Head’s Form Fit shell molding process combines with its Perfect Fit liner to tailor foot to liner, liner to shell and shell to foot shape. It works. Our testers with feet thick enough to feel a little tingly in the Vector liked the result of Form Fit shell molding. Others preferred the snug out-of-box fit and said they'd rather just mold the liner alone. So, as always, start with the liner and move on the shell if you still aren’t completely dialed-in comfort-wide.