The Gist
The 2018 Nordica Speedmachine 130 returns to the boot test with a revised liner (a more snug heel and stiffer cuff material) and testers gave it the thumbs up, again, but even more up this time for its better envelopment of the foot and a more high performance feel on snow. It still skis on autopilot--so easy, testers said.
The Fit
It's still on the wide side of the medium group in the toebox and forefoot, and plenty dreamy, creamy, cushy upon one's first slide-in (which is super easy), but the fit quickly narrows to a firm wrap around the ankles and on the heel, which is much improved this year, testers agreed. The fit is evenly medium, testers say, through the instep and into the lower leg zone, which has a more locked-in, athletic feel this year due to the stiffer liner cuff construction. The flex feel is dead-on for comfortable (but high-end) skiing moves and testers liked the Power Driver plate that slides on the power strap for spreading pressure along the tongue.
Performance
This is the Volvo XC 90 of ski boots, one tester said. Sure, why not--all-wheel-drive, 250 horsepower, paddle shifters and plenty of leg room! Testers say the Speedmachine 130 practically skis for you it's so well-balanced and reactive to the surface underfoot. The thin-walled Tri-Force shell puts the foot in direct-feeling contact with the ski, though without a lack of padding or creature comfort, and it maintains a solid feel while on edge at all speeds. This is a boot that shouldn't ski as well as it does based on the high perceived level of comfort, but it does, and testers weren't complaining.
Cool Features
Testers liked the 3-D Cork liner construction for its firm, transmissive feel, insulating quality and molding capabilities. We really like the trick Infrared shell molding system developed specifically for the Speedmachine (and 102 mm Sportmachine boots)—the infrared heater brings the shell up to ideal molding temperature and a suction-cup of varying sizes and shapes is applied to the hot shell and the suction pulls the punch into place. The only real disappointment in the system is the fact that it will be rarely used, since the boot fits so well (and roomy where most need it) out of the box.
Kudos
Caveats