The perennial favorite Mach1 MV W has returned but in a burlier, badder build--the 115 flex model!
The 2023 Lange RX 130. What's new about it this year? "Nothing," said one tester, "and that's why it's awesome." This is a perennial comment about the Lange boot test entries--they don't change much from year to year, and for a reason, testers say--there's nothing to change. The medium width RX remains a test team favorite and topped the All-Mountain Traditional category this year (so did the RX LV in the narrow group) not despite being unchanged but because it's unchanged.
The RX 130 remains one of the models that each year testers try to leave with at the end of the test period. It also receives the most, "I could ski this boot every day" comments. The fit is universal (or at least suits the vast majority of folks) and the stance is the definition of neutral in all directions, testers say. While the entry and exit is as easy as it gets for a 130-flex performance model and the liner material drapes against the foot in a supple sort of caress, the RX receives inputs from the skier and translates them directly to the ski for powerful and accurate direction changes and a highly stable ride at mach speeds over undulating terrain. Testers claim that the boot should not ski as well as it does for how comfortable it is, but that is its magic. More than one tester wondered on their test forms why they spend so much time squeezing themselves into narrower race boots when this would likely perform just as well, straight off the rack.
Testers continue to praise the RX's traditional shell wall thickness, comprised of Dual Core polyether plastic in the shell and the cuff, for a predictably stable and strong feel underfoot without making performance trades for the gain of a few extra marketing ounces. They like the simplicity of a four-buckle overlap design and a well-crafted liner that both matches the human foot and leg but also links to the interior shape of the shell for a positive transfer of energy through the boot, without any slipping or shearing internally. Testers are mostly catching on to GripWalk soles, though a few mentioned that it might rob a smidge of throttle response (but they said is probably worth that trade for the convenience and comfort of stride on hard surfaces).
One of the best boots ever made. That's how one veteran tester described the Lange RX 130 LV, and by the looks of this year's scoring a bunch of our other testers might agree. With nearly perfect scores for Edge Power and Quickness categories (an average of 4.94 out of 5.00 after 10 separate tests), the RX 130 LV continues to bank on its performance game but testers also say the RX in its current form is the by far the most comfortable it's ever been. True, it returned to the boot test unchanged from last year, but that only meant that testers had a chance to be impressed all over again by last year's new liner and its anatomically matched and perfectly padded tongue feel against the shin. The proprietary gas-filled foam material in the tongue's construction also generated noticeably snappy rebound energy and an energetic flex feel that complemented the LV's power and stability, which testers said remains top notch.
Next to rating its edging and agility game most highly, testers gave the RX LV's stance set-up a similarly high score, claiming a perfectly balanced stance for boot board ramp angle, upper cuff angle (most like the rear spoiler out) and neutral lateral angles in the lower shell and cuff. For those who need a little stance adjustment, the Allen key style loosen-move-tighten cuff adjustment will most likely suffice, though Cantology shims mate with the boot's sole plates regardless of whether a skier chooses to run the stock GripWalk soles or swap out to the more traditional alpine DIN MaxGrip (aftermarket purchase) soles.
While ease of entry, initial fit, convenience and features scores lagged slightly behind the performance metrics, these did not represent real demerits but rather highlighted that the RX line still prioritizes on-snow performance over fluff features or needless niceties. Testers do say that the boot goes on just fine, is plenty warm and has all the adjustments a skier might need to make it his or her own, but they also suggest that if furry liners and built-in heat systems are requisite features then one will need to look elsewhere.
Testers weren't exactly sure who was on the lookout for a fixed cuff, tech-compatible all-mountain boot, but they said that for those who are, the K2 Anthem Team is probably the one! They loved the light weight, ease on and off and the well-contoured anatomical shape (if more of a medium-width fit). Skiers who've made a transition to a pin binding but who don't love or need a hike mode will find only a few boots to suit their needs and the Anthem Team is one of them. Note that the images in this review do not show the tech fittings (but they're there, we promise!).
Testers felt that the 125 flex was a bit oversold and surmised that the cuff's Pebax construction might be implicated. Some testers love the resilient, springy and long flex feel while others would give up a few ounces for a more traditional PU feel. Fore-aft balance is slightly tunable with the cuff's calf adjustment and the lateral mechanism of adjustment is the offset inserts that are common to K2 boots over the past several years. Testers gave the Anthem Team its highest scores for its balanced stance, though the next highest scores came in for both Edge Power and Quickness.
The liner construction is soft and inviting, testers said, though perhaps an element in the slightly-roomier-than-expected feel throughout the lower boot. Testers agreed that a true 98 mm narrow, this was not. This isn't to say the fit is bad at all--they loved it, just said it runs to the widest side of the narrow group.
Testers like the cam-locking power strap, dual pull loops on the liner and GripWalk soles...pretty standard fare for top shelf price points, but appreciated all the same.
If your wintertime reconnaissance missions routinely consist of an all-mountain poke-around to suss out the best conditions, be it leftover, blown-in pow, just-ripening corn or a.m. groomed corduroy, the K2 Recon Team should be on the required equipment list. Our test team did exactly that with this year's Recon Team--dragged it into every good and bad pocket we could find at Mt. Bachelor--and it executed well, they said, with a particularly convenient and comfortable style.
Across the board, over many different testers, one common Recon refrain was how instantly comfortable and balanced it felt straight out of the box. Testers loved the Powerfit Pro liner (one went so far as to say it should get stuffed into the new Dispatch) and they also praised its smooth and trouble-free entry and exit. Was it too comfortable? They said it was one of the most luxuriant of the narrow class and fit a little more mediumish in the toebox and calf--none of that was a bad thing for testers, but a crushing, race-like 98mm fit it was not.
The Recon Team's lateral transmission and edge work was also given thumbs up. Testers called it precise, reliable and strong from arc to arc when moving side to side. The Recon Team's fore-aft feel had a few testers wondering if the Pebax cuff construction contributed to a feel of rearward give, which they didn't like much--but perhaps they should get the hell outta the backseat, right?
The test team rendered something of a split decision on their opinion about tech fittings on the toe lug of a fixed cuff boot. Some liked the idea of a hikeable boot paired with a pin binding but without the linkage compromise that might come with a hike mode feature. Others thought it was a trendy doodad that wouldn't be utilized by most skiers. The Recon Pro (also called a 140 flex) is offered in a mirror build-out, sans tech fittings, and without any discount for lacking the buggers. The Recon 130 similarly goes without the tech toe and also swaps out the Pebax cuff for a polyurethane version and this along with a $100 discount at list price. All of those options come with the cam locking Booster power strap, which testers loved.
This year's Head Formula 105 W returns to the boot test with an unchanged exterior build but it sports an all-new liner and testers gave the upgrade two thumbs up for the huge improvement it brought over last year's fit. Our test team unanimously praised the Formula's neutral stance set-up and well-balanced combination of power and quickness packaged in a silky warm embrace. This year's medium width Formula W stepped up into high scoring gold medal status, and nudged a couple perennial 100 mm category benchmarks out of the way to do so.
The Formula construction is made to ski--its shape is modeled after the new and narrower Raptor WCR also released last year, and also parallels its construction in both materials and angles. The grippy soles and more luxurious liner are really the only thing that differentiates the two boots other than width, so it's not a surprise that our testers said the boot was powerful, stable and reactive to inputs from the skier. Testers for the most part loved the flex feel and felt the 105 was stronger than expected. The stance set-up was without flaw they said, neutral in every respect and easy to access for any good skiing move desired. Testers looking for something slotted right between the Raptor and the Formula are in luck--the Formula RS (tested and loved last year) fits into the 98mm middle ground in Head's range.
Where did the Formula 105 W fall short for our test team? They only had a couple gripes--speaking of short, testers agree that the cuff feel is slightly low on the leg, which was a point of consternation for our long and slender-legged testers but suited our shorter skiers quite well--and it might be just the ticket for the thicker legged skier who doesn't want a tall boot jabbing the calf (and speaking of calf fit, it's roomy for a medium width testers said, which they said should put this model on any good skier's watch-list if they've had issues with an uncomfortable calf). A few testers had issues with the new liner's tongue feel, which clipped them over the top of the foot and had a somewhat sharp feel against the shin. This wasn't a universal complaint, and conversations with Head revealed that a liner 3.0 is in the works for the boot's final release this season, which may likely put those complaints to bed. The testers who had those issues noticed them right off the bat, so if you don't have a problem on initial fit you're golden, they said. They also noted that with some warm-up and on-hill testing, the liner softened up and improved.
Formula features are functional: upper cuff adjustment (lateral), forward lean spoiler (removable), boot top calf adjustment, Form Fit oven-cook moldable shell and Liquid Fit injectable liner. Note that testers mention that the heel pocket is snug right out of the box, so for the chronically loose-of-heel but otherwise mediumish-of-fit, this is a good start with the additional insurance of a Liquid Fit squirt mission. GripWalk soles continue to gain traction with our team.
The Formula 130 was a hit last year and it doubles down this time around with a revised liner that strikes an ideal balance between control and comfort for our testers. They say that if the concept was to produce a roomier, all-mountain version of the Raptor WCR then mission accomplished--testers say the power and quickness mimics that of the 96 mm Frontsider with some minimal loss of transmission in trade for a more comfortable, padded liner construction, GripWalk soles and 4 mm of extra breathing room at the forefoot.
Technical all-mountain weapon of trench warfare was how one tester described it, citing a slightly stronger-than-average set-up to the inside edge. Testers agreed that the cuff angles are ever so slightly tipped out in a bowlegged fashion, which loaded a lot of grip to the big toe edge, but the dual cuff adjustment offered more than enough range to zero out that edginess for those looking for flatter, looser alignment angles. The forward angles were on the money for testers and the firm 130 flex feel remained true under pressure and testers had no complaints of any shin discomfort.
Last year's test revealed an aggressive heel pocket fit which this year's liner revision has almost entirely eradicated. The shell fits snugly there, so testers with fat heels have had to do some light shell grinding to get comfy, but this is easily accomplished on the Formula. Our bootfitter testers appreciated the Formula's straightforward, monoinjected polyurethane build-out which makes stretches and grinds easy and predictable.
Formula features are functional: dual upper cuff adjustment (lateral), forward lean spoiler (removable), boot top calf adjustment, Form Fit oven-cook moldable shell and Liquid Fit injectable liner. Note that testers mention that the heel pocket is snug right out of the box, so for the chronically loose-of-heel but otherwise mediumish-of-fit, this is a good start with the additional insurance of a Liquid Fit squirt mission. GripWalk soles continue to gain traction with our team. For those looking for a stiffer flex feel, the additional rear spine anchor can be installed to bump it to 140.
Dalbello's new Veloce boot means it when it says rapid, quick, fast--both in Italian and also according to our testers who gave its second-highest scores in the Quickness category (its highest scores were found in Anatomical Fit and Feel where it received a perfect score). We tested the top of the line 105 flex in the all-new medium width, four-buckle overlap design but there's a 95, 85 and 75 flex available as well.
Testers were very impressed with the first fit of the Veloce, universally approving of its silken liner feel against the foot and leg as well as a just-right amount of 100 mm last squeeze. The flex feel was spot-on against the shin and the lower leg fit transitioned through the instep and over the top of the foot in well-designed shaping they said--while they couldn't point directly to the auto-molding foam in the tongue as responsible for the nice shin fit it would make sense that it had an influence. They thought that there was an appropriate amount of circumference room through the upper cuff to house the average leg and a nice bit of flare out at the boot top for a muscular calf. Closure is traditional and straightforward with four functional buckles on an overlap shell--call our testers old school if you want but they did appreciate this simplicity and functionality.
Stance-wise testers dug the forward to backward set-up, citing neutral positioning in both ramp angle internally and the forward lean angle of the cuff. They said the cuff height was average for the category and ideal in feel. Laterally there seemed to be a bit of a glitch in the matrix, with some testers mentioning feeling slightly over-edged by an outboard cuff angle and unable to really tap the boot's power due to a slightly hooky feel. While we didn't spend time doing model-specific stance modifications, testers did think that the issue was minor and most likely resolved by the on-board cuff adjustment range.
Cosmetically, the black with gold highlights and a furry liner top worked well for our test team, and a 40 mm power strap and GripWalk soles were par for the course in the category and worked just fine they said.
Dalbello splits its boots into two architecture families, three-piece and overlap shells. We've always been impressed with the cabrio designs from Dalbello, as they maintain their solid "real-boot" status of stance and transmission of movement while offering some cabrio-centric benefits. This year we are very impressed by the more traditional four-buckle overlap architecture found in the the new Veloce. Its clean lines evoke other sophisticated Italian go-fast icons like Ferrari and Ducati, but without any new fangled embellishment--testers used old-school to describe the Veloce 130 in a complimentary way.
Polyurethane shell, polyurethane cuff with a traditional tongue-style liner, four-buckles and a cam lock power strap--add to that a stance set-up that drilled the bullseye fore and aft as well as side to side and there's not much to frown about here, according to our test team.
The initial fit impressed testers for a combination of ease of entry followed by a very cozy address against the foot and leg--testers used words like silky, cushioned, smooth, contoured, luxurious to describe the liner feel but did not use any words like pack-out which would indicate that its fit wasn't all fluff. Testers said the grip on the foot was maintained in a firm enough way to enable high performance skiing but without any hot spots or discomfort. They said it suited medium width fit needs well, both in the lower and in the upper boot shaft where the boot top offered appropriate flare for a muscular calf without allowing excessive fore-aft balance seeking.
While the Veloce 130's high scores in both the Anatomical Fit and Convenience and Warmth parameters point to its A-game, testers gave its next highest scores in both the Dynamic Balance and Edge Power groups which parallel the many comments about its neutral positioning and stable, predictable command over the ski on hard snow at speed as well as through a broad variety of off-piste junk. Comments pointed to damp power reserves and tenacious edge hold taking a priority position over spritely agility and laser-quick direction changes but few testers complained about its steering accuracy or fast-twitch potential.
Some testers used the old-school moniker to discuss the shell's toebox shape--definitely well-rounded, literally, as opposed to oblique or squared-off but testers loved the fit for the toes nonetheless. The Veloce's return to a simple and straightforward lateral cuff adjustment appealed to our bootfitter tester types who also approved of the uncluttered bi-injection on the lower shell that offered benefits of bottom-end power transmission with softer wrapping plastic up higher on the shell without creating hazards for grinding or stretching where they'd be commonly needed. GripWalk soles come mounted on the boot as is the current fashion.
Bravo Dalbello! Veloce e un vincitore!
Testers affirm past-years' takes on the Atomic Hawx Magna 105 S W GW in their consensus that for as massive an amount of room as is offered in its lower boot fit, the luxury liner performs well above expectations. While the only thing particularly new about this year's Magna is the revised Mimic liner with an improved, smoother feeling and roomier toebox construction, testers nevertheless were surprised again by its combination of cushioned comfort and power lurking beneath its cozy demeanor.
Testers scores provided quantifiable proof that it's a roomy one, receiving the widest scores of the women's test in toebox, forefoot and calf fit. For the wide last target, these scores back up the perfect score that the Magna received for Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel--an aircraft hangar's worth of room is not a demerit in this category, especially when paired with proper skiability.
That is the key to the Magna's wide last allure, the fact that it still skis well enough for expert skiers in all-mountain conditions. Testers note that it's not winning any agility competitions but its on-snow performance persona is reliably strong and predictable.
The testers who put the Atomic Hawx Prime 115 W through its paces comprised a mix of boot retailers, boot fitters, instructors and hard core local skiers--so that's a good blend of folks to see what shook out as common threads both good (mostly) and bad (minimal). The boot sellers and fitters may have been slightly biased going in, as the Hawx Prime women's boot is one of the go-to medium widths for shops that carry the brand--these testers mention that it provides a "universal" kind of fit that appeals to many skiers and as such is usually in the try-on mix with other mediums and often the one remaining on the customer's feet at the end of the trial.
The common fit thread that came through in tester commentary is an ideal blend of fit tension, or squeeze factor, in the lower boot from heel and ankle (rearfoot) to the forefoot and toebox--tighter in the rear, looser in the front. This is not good balance for a race car, but great for a medium width performance ski boot. The newly revised Mimic liner impressed the team for the open and smooth-feeling toebox construction. Testers also unanimously agreed that the vase-like flare at the boot top was well-matched to the athletic (or just thick) calf, and the combined feature set of the Adaptive Fit System Cuff and heat moldable Memory Fit shell make it possible for the calf-fit-challenged to keep a true medium width foot fit while gaining wide-last-territory calf room. This calf-loving fit map should have many skiers putting the Hawx Prime W on their short list.
Another cool feature of the Hawx line is the fore-aft stance adjustment offered by the Power Shift rear cuff anchoring mechanism--this allows the cuff to be made slightly more upright or more forward, but few testers ever mention wanted to employ this tool as the stance angles seem to work for virtually everyone right out of the box. Testers say no big frills on board the Prime but also no problems or unnecessary features--a common refrain from testers was praise for an unencumbered ski experience with plenty of fun and the absence of gear-related hassles. Most shops will carry the 105 flexing Hawx Prime W, which offers enough horsepower for most good skiers, but our test team liked the 115 for its ability to stand up to harder terrain hits and taller, more aggressive skiers mashing on the throttle without collapsing the flex.
The Atomic Hawx Ultra 115 S W GW remains one of our test team's favorites for its true narrow fit and no-compromises performance acumen. In a category where few narrow boots fit truly narrow, the women's Hawx Ultra bucks that trend and offers the low volume foot and leg the kind of firm grip that the 98mm last should. Testers love the closeness of the wrap through the bottom of the lower leg, around the ankle bones and behind the heel at the Achilles tendon. For as tight as it fits (tightest score in group for toebox and lateral column) testers were surprised by its lack of hot spots. Testers were particularly pleased with the fit over the bony top of the foot, where while snug, the boot maintains enough curvature and height to maintain good blood flow and comfortable closure and retention.
Testers love how well the Hawx Ultra 115 connects the body's movements to the skis' performance--the close fit is a large part of that, but testers cite a rapid transmission of energy through the boot and an exceptional amount of power generated by such a lightweight package. The all polyurethane construction aids in maintaining a stable and damp feel on hard snow and bumpy conditions, though the thin shell wall in non-critical areas shaves weight and lets the plastic wrap the foot's curves. The flex feel is energetic and rangy, but without complaints of being collapse prone or overly soft. Testers say the 115 flex marker is accurate on the Hawx Ultra.
The shin fit did bother a few testers who found a bit of bite low on the leg shaft--without the benefit of a liner mold it's tough to say how that would improve for those testers, but our bootfitters on the team have found that molding the Mimic liner makes substantial fit improvements and combining that with an oven cook for the Memory Fit shell often resolves minor shin and instep issues. The Hawx Ultra 115 remains one of those not-so-easy on and off models for our testers, partly due to the stiff, thin and somewhat sharp plastic overlaps but most would make a willing trade for the fit and performance that comes with that. The softer 95 flex would offer easier entry and exit for those skiers who must prioritize that element.
GripWalk soles come mounted on the 115 as well as the 95 flex Ultra and while the women's top shelf Ultra rolls with a 40mm Velcro power strap instead of the cam buckle style found on the men's 130, the women's team had no issue with how that closed up the fit at boot top. The Adaptive Fit System Cuff is a good feature for improving the calf fit for more muscular legs without having to go full-monty in the Memory Fit oven.
The Atomic Hawx Magna 130 is one of a handful of wide-lasted boots to have ushered in the era of Big-is-Badass in the ski boot world. It hasn't been that long that the 102-104mm boot has been afforded the level of respect it garners today. Not too far back in the day, big meant bucket and wide was simply a waste of time for good skiers. Not anymore, and the Magna helped pave the way for that by offering an anatomically proper fit (though expanded proportionately), solid construction that stands up to good (and large) skiers and a neutral stance that harnesses the boot's power in a functional way.
Testers like the Magna for its massive lower boot environment. Spacious doesn't do it justice. Cavernous doesn't capture the fact that the ankle and heel is still retained in adequate fashion for connected skiing. Curvaceous is pretty good--there's room for any high volume foot's topography, that's for sure, and testers would generally agree that the 102 mm measurement is understated. The upper cuff is not massive in circumference but open enough for thick trunks above the ankle and below the knee. The boot top flares enough to avoid calf jabbiness and the overall cuff height feels a touch lower than that found on the Ultra and Prime designs which allows for the great-of-gastroc to find ample accommodation.
Testers also like the Magna for the fact that it skis like a regular old performance boot--no surprises in stance or stability and given enough foot and leg to fill the void spaces it manages to snap off turns with respectable cadence.
The revised Mimic liner was a hit with the test team that appreciate its out-of-the-box fit as well as its highly customizable construction and features. While the rest of the Magna's features slate is fairly straightforward, testers like the dual side cuff adjustment and quick releasing cam buckle pull tab in particular.
