Man am I really impressed with what Black Diamond has been up to these days. For the 2013/14 ski season, they’ve revamped their entire ski lineup, and redesigned the Factor ski boot from the ground up. The Factor Mx 130 is what they’re calling a “true” 130 flex backcountry boot and replaces the Factor we all know. I got to ski all day in the new Factor Mx 130 at the Outdoor Retailer All Mountain Demo, and came away really impressed.
The Black Diamond Factor Mx 130 is different from the original Factor in many ways. First, it has lateral stiffness that is more akin to a stiff alpine boot using Black Diamond’s own Mx Direct Connect™ swappable sole block technology. Add a walk mode that is as good, if not better than, the BD Quadrant, and you’ve got the ultimate one-boot-quiver that can tour like a maniac and ski in-bounds as awesome sauce as the best of ’em.
Skiing the Black Diamond Factor Mx 130 at Solitude on a spring-like day of groomers and hard pack bumps, I felt like I was in alpine boots. While the original Factors left some unimpressed with its stiffness in a resort setting, I was driving my skis through moguls and tearing up the corduroy as if my Head racing boots were on my feet.
While walking around the All Mountain Demo tent area, I was amazed at how much range of motion the boots had in walk mode considering the 130 flex. While I didn’t actually tour in the boots, I would say they felt very similar to my Quadrants.
Easy to use buckles and sharp-looking colors make the boots easy to use and are easy on the eyes. A thermal liner replaces the old Boa system, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your preference. I also found the boots to be very comfortable with no pressure points or weird sizing issues.
While this is a rudimentary review based on one day in the resort, I think it’s safe to say that the Black Diamond Factor Mx 130 is going to be the go-to ski boot for anyone looking for a single pair that can slay inbounds and is light enough and has a sweet walk mode for the backcountry.
Look for the Black Diamond Factor Mx 130 to be in stores Fall, 2013.