The 2021/2022 Tecnica Mach1 MV 130 was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Traditional medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
The 2022 Mach1 MV 130 isn’t exactly new, it was released last year, but with our boot test getting canceled due to Covid we missed its debut—we asked for it back this time around, and we’re glad we did. Testers loved it and rewarded it with the highest score of the entire test. This is a 130-flex that no good skier should be afraid of, one tester said, highlighting the ease of access this boot provides in every way: entry, fit and downhill performance. Never has ripping been so easy, they said. Another tester said that If you don’t like this boot your first task is to get a lesson, and if that doesn’t do it, a trip to your therapist to work on the anger issues.
The Fit
Testers call this a perfect medium width fit and anatomically sculpted to a perfect match with the average foot and leg. It offers a little extra room in the toebox, forefoot and calf, and is a little more snug over the instep and against the ankle bones. Testers liked the combination of comfort and control distributed in the proper places for each, and the very few complaints were typically mentioned with a suggested solution that involved the CAS shell or the CAS liner bootfitting options. Few problems and easily solved was the general sense.
Performance
One tester asked about the Mach1’s stance angles: Does this boot have gyroscopic abilities? It was impossible to get out of balance! In every test parameter related to stance and balance the tester remarks were either “ideal” or “neutral.” This laid down the foundation for both a strong and stable delivery of energy to the ski edge and a lithe connection with the snow and rapid fire reactions between turns. One tester described it this way: Good snow feel and feedback through the boots sole. Powerful to and through the edges. Testers found the power and quickness blend to be evenly weighted and seamless. Another tester: Snappy and proficient, it delivered all sorts of action with very subtle input.
Cool Features
The Custom Adaptive Shape shell and liner continues to impress our bootfitter-by-day testers. The shell’s dimpled patches in common work zones make for easier stretches with less deformation to adjacent areas and with less return over time. The microcell foam exterior around the ankles and quarter panels is pre-sculpted but can be re-molded and even grinded on to relieve peak pressure points at the ankle bones. Testers like the Power Lock power strap with the up-hook for easy release and re-connection and appreciate that Tecnica maintains performance basics like screwed double cuff adjustments and regular old alpine DIN soles, thank you very much.
