Lange XT3 Free 130 MV

Model Year
2024-2025
Category
All-Mountain Freeride
Last Width
100
Flex Index
130
Price (MSRP)
$0.00USD

Testers had three things to say to say about the Lange XT3 Free 130 MV. One was, damn this thing is blue. The second was, damn this thing skis well. The third was, damn, I gotta get one of these things.

Well, they had a little more than that to say, but those three comments were shared by testers across our team. Many of the other comments of note focused on the stellar snug-medium width fit throughout the lower boot and cuff, which testers said got better with some time spent in the boot as the liner relaxed just enough to hit the bullseye on what they considered the medium-width fit tension target. They loved the fit of the tongue against the shin and the boot's flex feel and said that while there was enough room in the toebox and forefoot for a warm and comfortable tour, the instep, heel and ankle offered a performance-oriented grip for controlling the ski in even breakable crust with a pack on.

Other comments touched on the XT3 Free's improved touring function. The cuff release switch is glitch-free and simple to use, they said, and they remarked that when locked into ski mode there was no perceptible cuff freeplay--it was ready to rip at the flip of the switch. The range of motion available in the cuff for hiking or skinning was noticeably improved over previous iterations we've tested, and while not full backcountry boot style stride length, testers said it was more than adequate for off-area adventures and a perfect match for the alpine-level skiing power it came loaded with.

Speaking of the downhill game, the XT3 Free has always been solid, but testers said this 130 MV was head and shoulders above most others in the category for its power to the inside edge. It offered totally legit, alpine-level, 130-flex control of big skis at high speed on hard snow and variable surfaces alike, testers said. They were impressed with the stability and strength given the noticeably light weight underfoot, and they said its power was matched by its quickness. There were no performance flaws noted by testers. None.

Testers like the wide, cam-locking power strap and simple, straightforward features--like four buckles and GripWalk soles. The color was mostly a hit with testers, but it was a very vibrant, Smurfy hue, they said. The gave Lange credit for its trend of truth in advertising this year--the color is called Vibrant Blue. No creativity awards there, but honest, and testers didn't care what it looked like given what it helped them do on the hill.

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-29.5
Hike Mode 
Yes
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
120, 110
Cantology Compatible 
No
Total Avg Score 
4.64
Shell/Cuff/Tongue Plastic 
PU/Lyfran
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.69
Dynamic Balance 
4.56
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.69
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.56
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.69
Tech Compatible 
Yes

Kudos

  • “Nice fit around the whole foot with an easy-to-use walk mode feature. It's extremely quick and effortless to bring from edge to edge. This is the outstanding boot of the category. The XT3 Free 130 MV is the hybrid boot to base all others off of. Looking for a hard charging freeride boot? This is the pinnacle!” -- Pat Sullivan
  • “I think this boot is a great compromise without having to give up much--it skis very well and gives you the ability to tour. It is one of a very few 50/50 boots that truly feel right and ski well.” -- Andrew Orlich
  • “These boots are in charge. Their drive is powerful, with rabbit like quickness. Here's a tour-capable boot that doesn't sacrifice power or responsiveness.” -- Bob Gleason
  • “Fit my foot like a glove, and the faster I went, the better it fit! Perfectly balanced stance angles in a super, ripping, releasable cuff boot--feels almost as strong as an RS 130. The perfect blend of downhill performance with off-area hike quality makes it worth owning this boot.” -- Jim Schaffner
  • “Fantastic medium width fit--would be great for touring, with plenty of room in the toebox and forefoot but a good control-fit in the rearfoot. Super flex feel and the hiking range of motion is better than it's ever been, and the actuator is clean and easy with very little free-play slop felt in the cuff. Ridiculously strong to the inside edge and super reactive, super quick. If there was ever a freeride boot that skis as well as an alpine boot, this is it. So yeah, best XT3 Free yet--I think I need one for myself!” -- Mark Elling
  • “Skis exceptionally well on the hard pack. Lighter weight than a traditional downhill boot with a good out-of-box fit.” --

Caveats

  • “MV, my ass! This is tighter than the Shadow LV.” -- Charlie Bradley
  • “I would have to make a slight cuff adjustment by padding the lateral side of the liner to mellow out some of the inside edge bias.” -- Mark Elling

This boot available at...

Ludlow, VT
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Ann Arbor, MI
Plymouth, NH
Princeton, MA
Long Lake, MN

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