The Gist
We tested the latest version of the 2019 DaleBoot AK 130 at this year's boot test and again testers saw potential for this re-born On-Off Area medium (the shell is the former Black Diamond Factor MX). This year's fit and fore-aft stance were both improved with the advent of a new Intuition-built liner.
The Fit
The shell has a fairly open feeling toebox and forefoot and a tapered narrowing at the heel and ankle area. Once combined with a custom-molded Intuition liner, this fit tension differential is moderated, but the heel still fits quite snug and low—great for guys with skinny heels, numbingly tight for thicker feet. The AK 130's cuff is slightly lower in height than the current norm and slightly more forward, which tended to suit our shorter testers best. This year's shin fit and flex feel in the AK 130 was much improved over the past version we tried, though the short length fit persisted as a problem for some testers.
Performance
The AK 130 is made of polyurethane in the upper cuff and shell, and the rigid bootboard is through-bolted to the soles with metal bushing connections, so this is a stiff and powerful ride—laterally testers thought it was Frontside powerful for driving edges on firm snows but a few found it overly rigid and edgy off-piste, where bumpy terrain rattled them a bit. Testers liked the side-to-side alignment straightaway. The AK 130 sports one of the best hike mode actuation switches in the business, and the range of motion is top-tier for the category, both forward and rearward.
Cool Features
We are waiting to hear from DaleBoot how they plan to handle the sole-canting issue with the AK boots and what other former BD models may be rising again like the Phoenix.