Tecnica Mach1 MV 130 Review

The most obvious upside to the Tecnica Mach1 is its fit, which is comfortable and reassuring right out of the box. Both the shell and liner are built according to Tecnica's C.A.S. ("Custom Adaptive Shape") design, which is based on the anatomical shape of the foot. However, if you do need some extra work to get the fit just right, the dimpled shell makes it easier to perform custom shell work, and the liner is heat-moldable and can be punched or ground to increase volume. Another feature behind its perfect flex pattern is the T-Drive, a carbon connector along the spine. This seemingly simple design is responsible for a more effective connection between the cuff and shell, and thus, more efficient power transmission.

Performance

Previous versions of the Mach1 were impressive, and this iteration is even more so. Skiing in these boots after testing others feels like getting behind the wheel of a racecar after driving a pickup truck. The Mach1 is responsive to subtle movements, which makes it feel stable in all conditions. But it's also stiff enough that I could really dive into the front of the boot to derive more performance from my skis. The stiff, but progressive flex pattern, coupled with an excellent fit, seemed to boost my performance on the slopes every time I pulled this boot on.

The flex pattern on the Mach1 is as close to perfection as I've ever felt. While other 130-flex boots I tested feel impenetrable at the beginning of the flex range, the progressive flex pattern on the Mach1 is easy, almost gentle to initiate. The flex stiffens dramatically the harder you drive into the front of the boot, providing a responsive but stable feel throughout the middle of the turn. At the end of the turn, the flex springs back into a neutral position, popping you out of the turn and onto your other edge with snappy precision.

Central to the performance of this boot are

The stiff liner and T-Drive carbon connector are central to this boot's performance. The liner is wrapped in stiff carbon and plastic, adding rigidity and increasing the resistance to flexion. The T-Drive connector prevents the relatively soft plastic of the shell and the cuff from deforming, increasing torsional stiffness and refining edge transitions. The Mach1's downhill performance gave me the confidence to push the speed limit, regardless of the snow conditions.

Comfort and Fit

Right out of the box, the Mach1 was more comfortable than any other boot I tested. We purchased the Mach 1 MV, or the medium-volume version of this boot – it's also available in narrower (LV) and wider (HV) versions. My feet are of average width, and the fit of the Mach1 MV was spot on. I also lent this boot to some friends to get their take on the fit, and everyone agreed that for the average-sized foot, the 100 mm last on the MV fits perfectly straight out of the box.

The Mach1 has the best stock liner of any boot I tested. Its ergonomic fit is soft, comfortable, and cozy. The woven, carbon-fiber construction on the exterior adds stiffness that greatly benefits downhill performance. The footbed is soft yet supportive, and I didn't feel like I needed to replace them right away (which is a major compliment to a stock footbed!) Unlike other boots on the market, it's clear that Tecnica put a lot of research and development into their liner design, and it pays off in a big way.

Features

The Mach1 is loaded with features that further enhance the boot's performance. The liner has a removable insert that allows you to quickly and easily adjust forward lean. I find that most expert skiers (including myself) prefer to leave the insert in place to ski with more forward lean, but if you want a more neutral stance, that's also an option. The liner is thermo-moldable, and after only a handful of days skiing in this boot, my body heat easily molded the liner to better suit my foot without needing any additional work.

Externally, this boot features four micro-adjustable buckles and an elastic power strap that enhances the progressive flex pattern. There's a rubber GripWalk sole, which makes navigating icy parking lots feel a whole lot safer. Similar to the liner, the C.A.S. shell design features dedicated thermo-moldable plastic in areas where shell blow-outs are most often needed. This ensemble of features takes an already impressive boot to the next level.

Warmth

The high-quality liner kept my feet warm, even during a serious arctic blast in the middle of the winter. As temperatures at Telluride dropped well below 0°F for days on end, everyone around me was complaining about their cold feet, while I didn't notice a thing while wearing the Mach1. The toe box is spacious enough to allow ample circulation, even at your lowest extremities, and the liner is comfortable without any discernible pressure points that would inhibit circulation.

This liner is warm, but we attribute that warmth more to an ergonomic fit, rather than bulky, insulating materials. This boot was just as comfortable to wear on warm spring days on the hill, which we attribute to its breathability. Without a doubt, the well-designed liner in the Mach1 will keep you comfortable across a tremendous temperature range.

Should You Buy the Tecnica Mach1 MV 130?

There is no better choice for skiers who demand performance from their boots. The Mach1 delivers comfort, performance, warmth, and customizable features at a price point that falls well below other directly comparable, high-end boots in our lineup. There are plenty of width and flex options to choose from, so there should be a Mach1 that suits advanced to expert skiers of all body types. We couldn't ask for anything more from a ski boot – we wholeheartedly recommend the Mach1.

What Other Ski Boots Should You Consider?

The Nordica Speedmachine 3 130 S (GW) delivers nearly the same performance as the Tecnica Mach1, and may be a better choice for folks with narrower feet. The Tecnica Cochise 130 offers similar performance to the Mach1, but with tech inserts, this hybrid boot is compatible with touring bindings. If you're an intermediate skier, the Rossignol Alltrack 90 HV offers exceptional performance for a very reasonable price.