The BOA skeptics on our test team were doubly concerned about the Mindbender 130 BOA--two of them thangs? And while the BOA system on the compliant liner made entry and exit a challenge and the lower shell BOA offered a new closure hurdle, that was where our teams doubts remained, squarely in the rearview mirror as testers got in, got buckled up and went skiing along their merry way. And that, in a nutshell, was the resounding praise-laden consensus--this boot skis really well.
Yes, they said the fit was on target too, especially for the thicker-than-average medium-width foot and leg, and testers liked how the combination of liner BOA and shell BOA worked in concert to fine-tune an already well-engineered fit map. Testers mentioned that the BOA is easily over-done as the closure cranking power was enough to shut down blood flow and crimp nerve paths on the top of the foot, but with one click at a time micro-adjustment they were able to sort out where things needed to be for an ideal mix of containment, sensation and warmth. They said the best way to find that perfect fit tension was to not overthink it--rather than worry about how many clicks or where on a visual indicator was the spot, testers recommend simply going by feel. Backing off tension with a couple clicks instead of popping the reel completely loose made for a quicker return to ski snugness when needed, they said.
Testers liked the stance all the way around, though the skinny-legged felt a bit upright. Rather than visits to the gym to bulk up their calf muscles, they suggested that they'd just utilize the new forward lean adjustment integrated into the revised cuff release lever assembly. They said that laterally the boot was quick and strong--well balanced for all-mountain skiing regardless of sliding tool, and it was equally happy to remain on-area for chair assisted descents or out and about on short- to medium-length tours. A backcountry specialist it is not, they said, but of the alpine-power descenders tested, they say the Mindbender's quality and range of stride is one of the very best available.
Kudos
Caveats