Wow! The tightest of the tight with a power band to match, testers said. This was the narrowest and most true race boot of the Technical Frontside bunch, and as such came with a set of fit challenges to be expected of a real gate crushing machine. It's stiff and snug throughout, with a race-typical thin liner designed not for creature comfort but for maximum transmission of energy and movement from body to boards. Testers cried a bit for their bony prominences and virtually all mentioned needing to send this one to the bootfitters bench for the usual plug-boot prep grinds and stretches in order to begin approaching all day tolerances.
Given that the Technical Frontside category is not a race boot group but rather a tuned-down, "gentlemen's class" piste pounding sort, the X Lab 130 was a little raw compared to the other 97 and 98mm entries there that seemed downright cozy off the rack by comparison. But on the other hand, this baby skis like a weapon. Set up slightly upright and out (bowlegged), aggressive moves forward and to the inside produced early and strong edge engagement without compare. Power was on demand and unlimited, testers said, but tapping it required a strong, skilled pilot willing to commit.
Kudos
Caveats