Tecnica Mach1 MV 130 Review

Looking for a high-performance alpine boot with excellent performance and three easy-to-shop volume sizes to fit any foot size? The Tecnica Mach 1 impressed our testers with its ability to drive any ski in any condition from crud to pow. This boot is crowned with our coveted Editors' Choice Award for its consistent firm flex rocketing it to the top of the performance metric in all snow conditions: moguls, chutes, powder, wind buff, and corduroy. We found ourselves constantly gravitating back to this boot while testing due to its all-day comfort and snug cuff.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Mach 1 comes in three varying shell sizes and boasts a fully customizable liner. For our medium-volume feet, this is one of the most comfortable boots we rode. Comfort can be a very subjective metric, but our feet slid right into the soft instep and felt snug on the top of the foot with minimal heel rise while skiing. The standard medium fit last of 100 millimeters doesn't aggravate your sixth toe and has a snug heel cup with a generous toe box. The anatomical shape will need little shaping for most feet. The quick-release power strap cinches super tight to increase cuff comfort and consistency, so your not cranking on any one buckle too hard.

We don't have much to complain about with this boot. Regardless of the volume or width of your foot, Tecnica offers a style to fit you. In addition to the MV (medium volume) version we tested, the Mach1 is also available in an LV (low volume) version with a 98-millimeter last and a lower volume profile, and an HV (high volume) version with a 103-millimeter last and a higher instep volume. These three styles in one boot model make shopping pretty straightforward as well. We tested the 130 flex, which offers high performance for more aggressive skiers, but if you are looking for a softer flex to increase comfort, Tecnica offers the Mach 1 in flexes 110 and 120 as well. Extra holes for moving the cuff buckles allow for more room for those with large calves. The firm CAS liner feels hard, but the dual-density foam can be heat molded and ground for additional customization. The adjustable PU tongue can also be molded to conform to your shin perfectly.

Performance

The common trade-off in ski boots is to sacrifice comfort for performance. Stiffer, skinnier, lower volume boots typically provide better precision, power transfer, and control. The Mach 1 is an extremely comfortable boot that does not sacrifice performance. The T-Drivve technology in the LV and MV models is a carbon fiber spine that extends from the cuff to the ankle. This increases the moment arm, increasing control and precision in edge-to-edge transitions. This also reduces lateral flexion and power loss. In fast GS turns, poppy moguls, and steep hop turns, the stiff flex precisely places the ski tip exactly where you want it.

The T-Drive and power strap works well to keep the flex consistent throughout the cuff through the ankle of the boot to increase control through the lower leg. Unfortunately, Tecnica does not offer the T-Drive in the HV or high volume model (103-millimeter width). Regardless, the performance of the Mach 1 MV sets the bar in this category. Consistent flex allows you to push progressively through your turn without any soft spots or weaknesses.

Materials & Durability

Dimpled work zones in the PU shell make the boot fitters life easier. The metal buckle system allows for the preferred tension for any rider with micro-adjustments. The 45-millimeter power lock strap cinches wonderfully tight with a sturdy cam buckle. Save your money and forego a Booster Strap. The Power Lock buckle and stiff webbing give ample cuff support. It is a stiff and heavy boot to cruise the apres ski in, but we will trade cobblestone comfort for carving corn turns any day.

We did not encounter durability issues during testing. The replaceable toe and heel caps are easy to change out, extending the boot's life from pavement wear and tear. The sturdy PU construction with a carbon spine appears very resilient to abrasion and abuse.

Warmth

The increased toe cap space kept our feet from getting cold on single-digit mornings standing in lift lines. On that same token, we found the boot to stay comfortably cool on hot spring afternoons.

The CAS liner utilizes Celliant and lambswool to promote warmth. Celliant is a third-party company that creates fabrics, they claim, that absorb body heat and reflect it back as infrared heat. Celliant claims this increases local circulation and oxygen availability keeping you warmer. They state this has been tested and proven in clinical trials.

If you are interested, Celliant provides in-depth information on their website regarding their technology. During testing, we rejoiced in warm toes and feet throughout the coldest winter days. As with any higher performing boot, you can expect on warmer days to find the need to unbuckle to allow for boot swelling. It will be up to you to determine the trade-off between comfort and performance because it is hard to have both. That being said, for us, we found the Mach 1 threads the needle nicely.

Features

There are several features of the Mach 1 that we think make this boot unique and ascend it, in our opinion, even further. The lift lock buckles are a classy element that holds the foot top buckles up and out of the way. This is advantageous while putting the boot on or if you just need maximum pressure relief on the deck after a long day. Our favorite feature is the quick-release Power Lock buckle on the power strap. The nose of the buckle opens upward so that it drops away when released and is easy to feedback on when you're ready to go. This makes for quick entry and exit of the boot, and as we already mentioned, holds the cuff super secure.

It is possible to replace the standard ISO soles for Grip Walk soles if you want extra traction. In the box, Tecnica includes cuff shims to increase forward angle and reduce cuff space as well. We used our own insoles for testing, as we recommend you do as well to provide better arch support. The moldable and adjustable tongue is also a very nice special feature.

Value

The Mach 1 clocks in the top end of our tested price range. For the performance you get for that price, we think it is worth it. Tecnica has made a top-of-the-line product for years with the Mach 1 and is continuing that tradition. The price tag is justified and is worth the investment if you are looking for a new stiffer boot to expand your skill set and challenge yourself or just to continue ripping.

Conclusion

Excellent comfort and performance in testing awarded this boot as our Editors' Choice. Anatomical out-of-the-box comfort with customizable components and multiple volume sizes mean that even the strangest foot shape should find a Mach 1 to match. This boot can drive the heaviest stiffest ski and carve perfect turns as well as perform any other job it is asked to do with grace and precision.