Testers were amazed that one of their perennial powerhouse favorites, the Tecnica Mach1 LV 130, got even better. It was nearly flawless to begin with (on the podium for every entry in past decade) but one fit issue had plagued certain testers. Those testers with a high arch and particularly boney top of foot often mentioned some uncomfortable pressure there. These testers’ prayers are answered with this newest design evolution of the Mach1 LV flagship. The lower shell’s revision solves the problem with 3mm more ceiling height over the instep which testers said produced an evenly snug fit across the entire top of foot, without pain or impingement of nerves or a restriction of circulation.
Testers repeatedly commented on the revised Mach’s better feel for the snow (yes, that will improve without numbness) and a more comfortable all-day-long fit. Part of that all-day comfort was also owed to the new lower shell’s more-open toebox and forefoot than found in the former LV, which of course led some of our no-pain, no-gain testers to lament the loss of crush and constriction—but they were outnumbered by the rest of our team who felt that the fit improvement didn’t negate any of the Mach1 LV’s characteristic power and quickness and thought that the low-volume and medium-volume models still remained well-differentiated from each other. Testers also liked the now slightly more contoured inside ankle pocket and re-shaped heel which still grabbed them like a true narrow last but with a bit less bite and a slightly more cushioned feel against the foot.
Testers loved the new cuff re-design that uses a carbon and Grilamid blend for its thin, closer-wrapping feel with a crisp, energy-laden flex and return-to-center. Often, testers can be critical of Grilamid plastic (a nylon) in the upper cuff for what can be an overly reactive or twitchy feel but not so with Tecnica’s implementation of it here. Testers commented that the updated, two-piece T-Drive 2.0 cuff-to-lower linkage paired well with the lighter, stiffer cuff material for a cleanly harnessed and predictable delivery of power to the ski and then a snappy return to an effective stance in between turns. Testers liked how seamlessly the Mach1 LV transitioned between smooth surfaces and demanding chop off-piste and they enjoyed testing that out in the highly varied snow and terrain of Mt. Bachelor’s 360-degree spring skiing options. The revised shell is also thickened up in critical spots for maintaining power and stability while on edge but left thinner where easier entry and wrapping for a comfortable fit remains the priority.
In addition to a new liner and shell, the Mach1 LV 130 even has updated GripWalk soles, made slightly thicker for better traction and increased durability. Testers noted a new look on both the medial sides’ laser finish for improved scratch resistance and an updated color that’s, dare we say, iconic.
Kudos