Tecnica Mach1 MV 105 W

Aside from cosmetic updates for the Tecnica Mach1 MV 105 W it returned to the boot test unchanged from its previous entry where it topped the Gold Medal boots in the All-Mountain medium group. This year's score and last year's score are within a tenth of a point and again testers put it on the podium in this heavily-stacked category. The fixed cuff, All-Mountain medium width group is always receives the most entries (paralleling historical market share trends) and offers the highest gold medal score average of our women's test. The Mach1 MV 105 W has been in the top tier of this strong group every year of the past several, and testers were still impressed with its superior blend of performance and comfort traits this time around.

Testers repeatedly comment that the Mach1 MV should not ski as well as it does given its 105-flex billing (they say it skis as strong as the 110-120 flex models) nor given its high level of comfort and cushioning. This is an easy boot to put on and wear around without any liner molding or a bootfitter's help. Straight out of the box and onto blue square groomers is this boot's jam--if that's what the skier's into--but testers say it just as easily can come off the rack and off the lip of a big drop or hammer through the nastiest of semi-frozen, tracked up crud. Huge fit and performance bandwidth without unnecessary fluff or features is what testers continue to praise the Mach1 MV 105 W for. Testers say that the toebox seems a bit roomier than expected for the snug-medium hold on the ankles and heel, but most were just fine with a little extra breathing room for the pigs.

Stance-wise the Mach1 specs hit the bullseye for lateral and fore-aft balance, and testers continue to love the flex feel against the shin and they say that the height of the cuff against the leg is ideal.

Is it a power boot or an agility master? Some boots have an obvious bias in one direction or another and therefore attract a particular type of skier. Testers say that the Mach1 MV's magic is its perfect blend of both traits--a no-compromises all-mountain performer that fits with instant ease. It's no wonder that it rises to the top each year.