I have been skiing the mindbender 120 for 2 years now and been mostly happy with them however when I’ve needed to crank them down for greater micro foot control/ more demanding skiing … I was finding them too soft. 120 not a 130 I get that but I’m not on budget for new boots …yet, so on a hunch I took the Intuition liner from my old Full Tilts and replaced the stock K2 liner with the old liners and problem solved! After using my old liners for 7 days I went back to the K2 stock liner to see what I thought, I didn’t like the stock liner after being upgraded to an Intuition liner. Moral of the story perhaps, K2 could use some liner upgrades. The Recon boots do seem like more in line with what my next boot might be. Overall the K2 boots have impressed me and having to customize a boot for exactly what I need is not a put off, out of the box is just the starting point. Lastly as a older advanced eastern skier that skied top level race boots mostly in my past, I have down-flexed to the 120 now for the last 10 years and for 75% of my turn time I don’t miss the 130.
One of the things we discussed in the Salomon S/Pro 120 BOA review (and didn't really touch on in this review) was the fact that the BOA also cinches up the top part of the lower shell quite a bit. Buckles do not do that. As a result, yes, the wrapping effect trickles up and does help keep the ankle and heel more firmly planted in the back of the boot. One thing I noticed was that you kind of have to go back and forth between the third buckle up and the BOA in order to get the best possible snugness.
Yes, I was surprised at how stiff this boot felt. I have a Lange RS 130 and a Lange Shadow 130 as well, and this boot, when cinched up tight at the top, feels stiffer than those Lange's.
Hey, good review, thanks. I have these boots (with buckles) matched with Rossignol Forza 60. In this review you've talked about matching this boot with wider skis like 89,95-TI , what would be a good boot for my 75mm Forza ski ? The goal being carving on groomers. Thanks in advance !
Basically anything race-oriented will be smoother, more stable, and powerful at speed. Lange RS series is one of the most comprehensive and high performing out there.
I have a 2021 Recon 130 and love it...except for the extreme squeakiness when walking in it. Do these 2024/25's have excessive squeak? Also, I totally agree with Bob's analysis; spot on review.
Ha! Funny you should say that. The Dalbello Veloce 130 referenced in this video does that, but only in my left boot! I have no idea why this happens to some boots and not others. I have not found my Recons to be particularly squeaky, and I caution against using some type of lube or WD-40 in the pivots as it could simply loosen the bolts/rivets.
We've heard that some K2 boots have had durability issues, but we haven't seen them in our shop or experience, specifically with this Recon. You always have a bit more of a potential for issues with multi-injections like in the Recon or something with a walk mode like the Mindbender over something that's more mono-injected and riveted like the Lange RS 130, but for most skiers, this won't be a problem.
I had a similar experience as Bob. I had the 120 Mindbender. It was the most comfortable boot I’ve ever worn but I didn’t like the flex at all. I thought it was a little mushy for me. It has a different power strap so maybe that had some effect? As far as BOA, I have the Salomon S Pro 120 and have a hard time getting into them too. I cut off the liner instep strap as well and that helped fix most of the problems I had. Way better boot for me but I’ll have to tweak the fit a bit to make it as comfy as the K2. I do prefer the BOA though. I feel like I can get a better fit around my forefoot. With buckles half the time I look down and they’re not even closed. With the BOA I can get nice even pressure around there. Not a game changer but nice nonetheless.
Thanks for the feedback! As for the MB 120's flex, perhaps the walk mode makes it feel different from the more connected S/Pro? Stance affects flex, too, and this Recon didn't feel like it flexed correctly until I got the heel lift in there. And with the BOA pressure--I totally agree--it's not a whole different thing, but the pressure is certainly more even than buckles, especially if you're going a bit tighter.
I have the same boots and noticed the upright stance as well, I added a heel shim, definitely interested in adding a spoiler. What would you recommend for this boot?
Amazingly I've never skied the Mach 1 130 in its current form. I would guess that the K2 feels more reactive vs the smoother and more powerful Technica.
![[UA] NAVI проти G2 Esports | Blast Premier Fall Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QWlIm4FGESQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Looking forward to them in Skiservis Jaglarz Opava, Czechia. Until now K2 Anthem ridden. Gr8 ski shoes.
I have been skiing the mindbender 120 for 2 years now and been mostly happy with them however when I’ve needed to crank them down for greater micro foot control/ more demanding skiing … I was finding them too soft. 120 not a 130 I get that but I’m not on budget for new boots …yet, so on a hunch I took the Intuition liner from my old Full Tilts and replaced the stock K2 liner with the old liners and problem solved! After using my old liners for 7 days I went back to the K2 stock liner to see what I thought, I didn’t like the stock liner after being upgraded to an Intuition liner. Moral of the story perhaps, K2 could use some liner upgrades.
The Recon boots do seem like more in line with what my next boot might be. Overall the K2 boots have impressed me and having to customize a boot for exactly what I need is not a put off, out of the box is just the starting point. Lastly as a older advanced eastern skier that skied top level race boots mostly in my past, I have down-flexed to the 120 now for the last 10 years and for 75% of my turn time I don’t miss the 130.
Go way way weirder, let’s see what you have to dust off in the back :)
Whitcomb is the man! ❤
Would like to see a similar testimony on the new Rossi Vizion.
I'm wondering if the wrap effect from the boa system is better at keeping the heel down then a buckle system?
One of the things we discussed in the Salomon S/Pro 120 BOA review (and didn't really touch on in this review) was the fact that the BOA also cinches up the top part of the lower shell quite a bit. Buckles do not do that. As a result, yes, the wrapping effect trickles up and does help keep the ankle and heel more firmly planted in the back of the boot. One thing I noticed was that you kind of have to go back and forth between the third buckle up and the BOA in order to get the best possible snugness.
K2 has always seemed softer flexing then other brands, i have some older k2 boots from 2021 looking to upgrade does this feel like a true 130 flex?
Yes, I was surprised at how stiff this boot felt. I have a Lange RS 130 and a Lange Shadow 130 as well, and this boot, when cinched up tight at the top, feels stiffer than those Lange's.
I’ve got the 130 boa mindbender. Looking forward to your review on it!
Coming soon!
Hey, good review, thanks. I have these boots (with buckles) matched with Rossignol Forza 60. In this review you've talked about matching this boot with wider skis like 89,95-TI , what would be a good boot for my 75mm Forza ski ? The goal being carving on groomers. Thanks in advance !
Basically anything race-oriented will be smoother, more stable, and powerful at speed. Lange RS series is one of the most comprehensive and high performing out there.
Can you guys review the Dahu Ecorce ski boots? They look comfortable and the double boot idea makes some sense. Thanks, W
Just looked them up--those things look wild! We'll see if any of our sales representatives can get access.
I have a 2021 Recon 130 and love it...except for the extreme squeakiness when walking in it. Do these 2024/25's have excessive squeak? Also, I totally agree with Bob's analysis; spot on review.
Ha! Funny you should say that. The Dalbello Veloce 130 referenced in this video does that, but only in my left boot! I have no idea why this happens to some boots and not others. I have not found my Recons to be particularly squeaky, and I caution against using some type of lube or WD-40 in the pivots as it could simply loosen the bolts/rivets.
Can you all speak to your experience with warranty and durability for this boot? Would you say they are compare favorably to other top boots you sell?
We've heard that some K2 boots have had durability issues, but we haven't seen them in our shop or experience, specifically with this Recon. You always have a bit more of a potential for issues with multi-injections like in the Recon or something with a walk mode like the Mindbender over something that's more mono-injected and riveted like the Lange RS 130, but for most skiers, this won't be a problem.
I had a similar experience as Bob. I had the 120 Mindbender. It was the most comfortable boot I’ve ever worn but I didn’t like the flex at all. I thought it was a little mushy for me. It has a different power strap so maybe that had some effect? As far as BOA, I have the Salomon S Pro 120 and have a hard time getting into them too. I cut off the liner instep strap as well and that helped fix most of the problems I had. Way better boot for me but I’ll have to tweak the fit a bit to make it as comfy as the K2. I do prefer the BOA though. I feel like I can get a better fit around my forefoot. With buckles half the time I look down and they’re not even closed. With the BOA I can get nice even pressure around there. Not a game changer but nice nonetheless.
Thanks for the feedback! As for the MB 120's flex, perhaps the walk mode makes it feel different from the more connected S/Pro? Stance affects flex, too, and this Recon didn't feel like it flexed correctly until I got the heel lift in there. And with the BOA pressure--I totally agree--it's not a whole different thing, but the pressure is certainly more even than buckles, especially if you're going a bit tighter.
I have the same boots and noticed the upright stance as well, I added a heel shim, definitely interested in adding a spoiler. What would you recommend for this boot?
Mine had spoilers that came with the boot--any rear spoiler will do just fine.
Is this or tecnica mach 1 130 a stiffer boot?
Amazingly I've never skied the Mach 1 130 in its current form. I would guess that the K2 feels more reactive vs the smoother and more powerful Technica.