Lange XT 130 (2012-13) Review

October 18, 2012
Lange XT 130 (2012-13)
2Lange-XT-130-rear-view
3Lange-XT-130-Liner
4Lange-XT-130-Sole
5Lange-XT-130-mode-switch
Lange XT 130 (2012-13) 2Lange-XT-130-rear-view 3Lange-XT-130-Liner 4Lange-XT-130-Sole 5Lange-XT-130-mode-switch
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
86
Fit/Comfort
8
Weight
7
Power
9
Walkability
7
Versatility
7
Value
8

The Good

  • Very smooth and consistent flex on the down
  • Clean design and appearance—it just looks smooth
  • Robust rubber sole/tip and tail attachments—excellent on your feet
  • Dual last options allow skiers to dial in the best possible fit

The Bad

  • No tech fittings
  • Fairly heavy compared to other four-buckle freeride boots
  • Walk mode is sufficient but range of motion is limited
  • Heavy on the tour, but about average weight for freeride/frontside
THE VERDICT

The Lange XT 130 is a performance-driven option that can drive any ski around the resorts in true alpine fashion, but will have no problem bootpacking or skinning just outside the gates. The flex might not be quite 130, but it’s the consistency that shines more than the stiffness. Long tours? Not it’s forte.

FULL REVIEW

Like a lot of skiers, I’d been waiting for a boot like this: four buckles, stout powerstrap, walk mode, walking sole—all part of an Alpine-styled design with a backcountry spin. The overlap shell is all Lange, and the fact that it comes in two lasts (97mm, 100mm wide) gave me confidence I could get a primo fit.

Nevertheless, the liners were a little tough to warm up to, and my toes got a little cramped. The heel pocket was very cozy and locked my ankle into position on the downhill. Lange claims the flex index is 130, but I thought that was a little generous. That said, the XT 130 is plenty stiff, and I wouldn’t have wanted a true 130 flex.

The build of the boot is such that it absorbs the terrain and doesn’t beat up your feet like some other AT-turned-Freeride boots are notorious for. Skiing between groomers and broken snow was enjoyable, and I felt the boot insulated me from the rigors of resort charging. I did think the forward lean was a little upright for my taste, but the side-to-side edge responsiveness was immediate and precise.

When the walk mode was engaged, the lower cuff hinged at the ankle to allow articulation for hiking and touring. Locking it down, the “Power V lock” resumed its position to fully transmit power from the boot to the ski. And the toggle was easy to manipulate with a gloved hand.

The totally rubberized sole pattern was great for scrambling over rocks, climbing stairs, but still retained that AFD standard; and it will be the envy of on-mountain personnel like ski patrol, lift mechanics, and lifties.

 


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