The Gist
The 2018 Salomon X Max 120 returns revised but still a favorite amongst testers who appreciate the narrow, sculpted fit that hugs the foot closely for maximum feel underfoot. This year the lower shell utilizes polyamide plastic in the bottom portion to increase stiffness and energy transmission with some weight savings. This plastic shrinks after being molded at the factory, making the shell slightly tighter, so a new, thinner, less-padded liner is used to conserve the X Max's 98 mm last fit tension. This closer-to-shell feel gives the new X Max 120 a bit more Spartan fit character, which turned off a few testers but most felt it upped its performance game.
The Fit
Testers gave the X Max 120 evenly narrow (that means tight) scores throughout the lower boot and up into the narrow gauge cuff, with mentions that the heel and ankle pockets are particularly tight—tight enough that some testers shed a tear or two. Our previous tests of the X Max 120 have produced similar results, and our custom liner and shell tests have yielded improved fit in those too-tight areas. Testers liked the extra fit freedom in the toebox, which was the only area that didn't ring the snug bell out of the box.
Performance
The lack of bulky padding in the liner gave a more connected and in-tune feel between the foot and the ski, testers agreed, and quickness scores were top notch. At the 120 mark, some of the taller, heavier testers folded it over a little bit, but most liked the spring-loaded flex feel for it's accurate and spritely drive to the front of the ski. There is a 130 flex available.
Cool Features
Salomon's Custom Shell 360 oven-cook and molding feature works like a dream when the boot fits just a little too tight, everywhere even after heat molding the liner. We recommend trying a liner cook as a first step to relax the fit in the ankles and heel.
Kudos
Caveats