Lange RX 130

Model Year
2022-2023
Category
All-Mountain Traditional
Last Width
100
Flex Index
130
Price (MSRP)
$950.00USD

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).

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-31.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
120, 110
Cantology Compatible 
No
Total Avg Score 
4.77
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyether/polyether
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.72
Dynamic Balance 
4.83
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.83
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.94
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.50
Tech Compatible 
No
CANT SHIM OPTIONS - CANTOLOGY COMPATIBLE

Kudos

  • “This boot has an amazing, out-of-the-box, overall fit. Excellent retention comfortably kissing and holding my entire foot and lower leg. I'm confident I could ski this boot out of the box without any shell modifications. This boot continued to fit like a glove while skiing--no tweaking or adjusting the buckles, just the perfect amount of foot hold versus comfort for all-day skiing in all conditions. This boot came out of the box with a perfect set-up of fore-aft as well as lateral balance. From my first turn I was snapping off precise and predictable arcs and could easily adjust my trajectory at will. Strong and powerful at any turn shape yet subtle enough to allow for playful skidded turns in all snow conditions. This boot does it all so well--it makes me rethink my choice of always skiing in such narrow, low-volume, thin liner race boots. ” -- Jim Schaffner
  • “Locked and loaded, ready to jump into a narrow chute or the race course. If it ain't broke don't fix it--there's a reason why this boot is still in line, it just works. One of its best qualities is the ability of the shell to absorb terrain without giving up tip and edge pressure--thank you Dual Core! ” -- Charlie Bradley
  • “Very well-balanced boot, particularly fore and aft--never felt out of balance. Easy to engage from edge to edge. Extremely nice and cushy liner--the forefoot has ample room. This boot is a grab and go. You will not be disappointed with its performance. ” -- Pat Sullivan
  • “Still a benchmark for the medium width fit--a little snug in the heel, ankle and lower leg shaft compared to many mediums but a very good anatomical match with no hot spots. A "performance medium" is a good way to describe it. This boot still wins for being generally perfect--no problems--it fits great, stands great, skis great. You can just put it on and go--you start skiing and instantly have fun. ” -- Mark Elling

Caveats

  • “Putting GripWalk soles on this boot saps a bit of its energy.” -- Pat Sullivan

This boot available at...

Newton, MA
Westborough, MA
Avon, CO
Breckenridge, CO
Sandpoint, ID

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