The Nordica Sportmachine 130 won the unofficial, most-cushioned and soft initial fit award at this year's boot test, and veteran testers said that was the second time it's done so! This is a wide ride that impressed testers with its mediumish hold on the heel and ankles, which for most testers equated to well-controlled edging moves and accurate steering inputs that they didn't expect from such a cushy cruiser.
There wasn't much for testers to grumble about when it came to fit, stance or skiing qualities--everything worked together they said to create a comfortable all-mountain utility vehicle for the higher volume foot and leg.
The toebox and forefoot offer a massive amount of room, testers reported, and there was extra room along the lateral side of the foot--good for the widely splayed foot with a meaty little toe side. The cuff was roomy enough for a well-muscled calf but it wasn't an oak barrel--testers with average leg shapes felt held securely through variable terrain. The tongue cushioning was mentioned by testers as one of the nicer-feeling shin fits of the test, and the flex feel was consistent through its range.
One of the Sportmachine 130's highest scores was for its balanced stance, which testers said was ideal for a home base position, front to back and side to side. For skiers who need more lateral stance adjustment than offered by the cuff adjustment available, 0.5- and 1.0-degree Nordica cants are available as an accessory purchase. That high score was matched in the Convenience, Warmth and Features criterion which didn't surprise testers who found zero inconveniences and said this was a well-insulated boot with plenty of room for circulation where it mattered.
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