Expert Review: Tecnica Mach1 LV 130 Ski Boots 2021
Showing off the boots on a groomer day! All photos courtesy of Galen G.
About this Review: This review is my own honest opinion of the ski boots, which I bought with my own money in April 2021.
My take
Made for aggressive skiers, the Tecnica Mach1 LV 130 ski boots are ideal for everyday resort skiing and provide excellent performance for advanced and expert skiers on all types of terrain.
No Name Peak at Snowbasin Resort.
About the gear
- Model: Tecnica Mach1 LV 130 (2021)
- Size: 26.5
About me
- Height: 5ft 10in
- Weight: 150lb
- Street shoe size:U US Men's 9
- Experience: 20 years
Test conditions
- When I bought these: April 2021
- Days tested: 40 days
- Skis: Bluehouse District 176 & RMU Apostle 175
- Bindings: Marker Griffon ID 13
- Where I’ve used them: Utah, Idaho, Wyoming
- Terrain: Groomers, hardpack, chunk, moguls, powder, park
How they perform
What I was looking for
I was looking for a strictly downhill boot with increased stiffness for better control on days when the snow was less than favorable, which would allow me to ski through crud and thin, crust layers off-piste without any problems. I also wanted a boot that would be ideal for small natural booters and would take the impact well without breaking down after 30 plus days a season.
Why I chose this gear
Before these boots, I was in the Tecnica Cochise boots and put them through the ringer. They had performed well and were durable so I wanted to stick with the Tecnica brand. I didn’t need a hike mode, and I have narrow feet with a low arch, so the Mach1 Low Volume (LV) was the perfect option. I thought about getting the new version of the Tecnica Cochise 130 DYN, but determined that I wouldn’t need the added hike mode.
Soaring at Snowbasin Resort.
What I love about them
- Performance: I love the great performance and control that these boots have. The boots are very stiff for my size, allowing me to turn and maneuver quickly and with minimal effort compared to other boots. The Tecnica brand makes very durable boots and these are no exception.
- Accuracy of Claimed Stiffness: The stiffness of these boots feels accurate. Typically a hike mode will reduce that claimed stiffness value, but with no walk mode and four solid buckles, the 130 feels accurate.
- Accuracy of Claimed Fit: The claimed fit is accurate as well. The low volume is definitely for a narrow foot.
- Flex: These boots have a stiff flex thanks to their C.A.S. shell.
- Weight: They’re on the heavier side due to their durable and stiff nature, which makes them best for driving around heavy skis.
- Ease of use: With a removable C.A.S. shell that spreads wide open, the boot allows the foot to easily slide in. Lift lock buckles also move out of the way when putting the boot on.
- Resort: The thick, stiff C.A.S shell is great for repeat laps at the resort.
- Park: The C.A.S bootboard is removable and customizable for comfort and support to help reduce hard impacts when catching air.
- Adjustability: The buckles can be moved to a tighter or looser setting with a simple Allen key.
- Grip: These boots’ 5355 Alpine soles are not the grippiest for walking but are compatible with all downhill bindings.
- Durability: The hard C.A.S. shell and liner are well made. They only incurred cosmetic defects and scratches from my skis from tons of days riding them.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Comfort: After multiple long days on the hill in a row, there were slight pressure points/hot spots on the inside of my foot near the arch and ankle bone due to the narrow fit.
- Backcountry: These boots are only suitable in the backcountry if no uphill travel is necessary.
- Adjustability: Talking with a Level Nine Sports head bootfitter, these boots are somewhat difficult to shape and remold.
Wear and tear on the inside of both boots.
Favorite moment with this gear
I’ve always found that when there is a small crust layer in the snow, the snow would grab my skis and make them harder to turn. Snowboarders never seemed to have that problem because of the larger, heavier mass. Having a heavier, stiffer boot has helped reduce this feeling and increased my fun when ripping through crust with pow underneath!
Value for the money vs. other options
I recommend these boots. It can be hard to find the 2021 boots in all sizes, but they are worth the money. Because they are only a year old at this point, they will be cheaper than many of the 2022 models. The hard part will be finding this boot in the correct size.
Other options include the Atomic Hawx Ultra 130’s. The Atomic Hawx are known for great comfort, but if you care more about performance and a better price, and are only skiing at the resort, the Mach1’s LV are the ideal option. If you want a boot that has a hike mode or is compatible with touring bindings, the Lange XT3 130 LV or the Salomon Shift 130 are great options at a slightly higher price point.
Final verdict
The Tecnica Mach1 LV 130 boots unlock high-performance aggressive skiing at the next level. No snow conditions are too extreme for these boots. I feel a major increase in the proficiency of my skiing with these boots.
