The Gist
Shockingly comfortable, world class performer. Almost anybody CAN wear and ski this boot. Its user friendly fit is coupled with easily accessed power that will be fully tapped by only the best technical skiers. The RS 140 elevates wannabes' game and absolutely catapults real skiers' performance with the closure of four buckles. Wanna buy a podium finish? Look no further.
Fit
Sumptuously snug. Forgivingly tight. Lovingly gripping. This isn't your Dad's Lange. Hasn’t been for quite a while. The fit is aggressive at the heel, ankle, and instep; it relaxes toward the forward cabin to ensure toes don’t grow numb or cold. There is a lace-up liner for the Masters racer that wants to look cool by stuffing his laced-up liner foot into the shell in front of his fat, speed-suited cronies. For everybody else, the liner works just fine crammed in the shell sans laces, just like a standard liner.
Don't fret the 140 flex index. Current Lange offerings should be taken with 5- to-10 point grains of salt on the flex index. If you’re a charger get the 140. The number isn't as important as the flex feel. This year's liner changes give the tongue an even more cushioned and wrapped feel. It’s the best, most progressive flex feel in the frontside boot group.
Performance
Pick your marketing lingo—Tiptronic, sport-automatic, point-and-shoot, stupid-proof—this boot practically skis itself. It's not too tough on the shin, offering a firm but progressive flex that’s compatible with dynamic flexing movements. It's not too rigid laterally, enabling a skilled skier to feather the edge on and off with a tactile feel underfoot. It's not demanding in any way shape or form, and yet under full-throttle will drop into a gear you probably won’t be ready for.
This is smooth, useful power that's a joy to be in control of. You won't ever drive a super car for real, but you could own this boot and get a little taste of that track-dominating feel.
Cool Features
The revised liner construction (no, really, this is cool…) has perforated foam over the top of the foot where the cuneiform bones sit, which makes it way, way, way more comfortable. That's also where some nerves and arteries call home, so this liner improvement makes for a warmer, more comfortable foot. The RS 140 and 130 have a cam lock power strap, the softer models a Velcro version. Testers liked the new orange highlights on the buckles and liner.
Kudos
Caveats