Lange RX 130 MV vs. Shadow 130 mv

I know there are a few mags who are extremely well versed in the Lange boot line and so I would appreciate any insights into the pros/cons of these 2.

I've been in the black w/green buckles RX for about 5 years now. Gots pretty damn normal feet, boot shell fits 95% w/out any altering. I run Intuition power wraps to finish the fit.

I have a new pair of both and wondering what strengths and weaknesses each have before I break them out. Likely stick with the Shadows but if someone said the RX's are better for sumpin', I'd be all ears.

I do understand the difference in build with the new dual hinge point, and that the shell toe length is a bit diff.

Any users/abusers?

Interior volume vertically is higher on the shadow.

Flex on the Shadow feels much more linear and stiffer off the top. Reminds me of old school Tecnica flex. Good or bad, not sure.

For my foot, I prefer the RX/RS. The RX 130 is a little soft for me but the RS/RX 140 is perfect. Struggled with how much instep volume the Shadow has, and I’m pretty used to the “softer” flex on the RX that I feel smooths out the bumps and lumps.

If you have a high instep, your experience will likely be different. I never felt like I could flex the boot right. Adding a boot board shim just pushed me forward and out of the heel pocket.

I’ll be posting my shadows on GS soon and likely future alpine boot purchases will be the RS now that the RX is replaced by the shadow.

YMMV

“ Flex on the Shadow feels much more linear and stiffer off the top. Reminds me of old school Tecnica flex. Good or bad, not sure.v Flex on the Shadow feels much more linear and stiffer off the top. Reminds me of old school Tecnica flex. Good or bad, not sure.”

The best bootfitter I know agrees with this feedback and feels that the Shadow is one of the best boots for people with limited ankle dorsiflexion.

My buddy who blew up his ankle mountain biking and has a plate in his ankle loves them.

I moved from RX to Shadow last season. Moved from MV in the RX to LV in the Shadow. Most comments and reviews recommend doing the same. They really are roomier. I think the heel pocket is identical between the LV and MV. I have an easy foot as well. No work needed in the RX or moving to Shadow LV. Ski mine with ZF Gara.

I agree that the flex is more linear. They feel more direct off the top than the RX, but ultimately beyond that I fold them at 6'2" 240 (but I also folded the RX). Staying in the sweet spot at the top of the flex or skiing soft snow I really like them and do think they are a pretty direct replacement for RX. But in warm temps or really pushing on the boot I just need stiffer.

The Shadow really is a great boot, but for my size and style, I'm looking at moving to or supplementing with a Raptor or Kastle.

Excellent input, thanks everyone.

Keep it coming.

My bootfitter bro says they feel quicker and easier to change direction in bumps but yet they still feel generally stiffer than the RX.
True for you?
And the newer RX is stiffer than my older gen, not to mention it's mileage...

I read that the LV instep is a bit more roomy; I'm a RX MV foot so stayed with the Shadow MV. He says with the Intuition any variance in instep space will be taken up...as it usually is.

I'd rather fill space than make space. I'm not about a tight fit. Snug but warm and comfy.
He also insists that a 28.5 shell should take a 28 power wrap, but intuition says it should be a 29. I've always used the 28; Thoughts?

My skiing doesn't improve by having cramped, cold feet.

Also, I'm not overly mental about all of this. Honestly, I'm just trying to decide on which one to keep and which to sell off. I can just ski both and decide but would prefer to sell whichever pair in mint condish.

As boots seem to get softer at the 130 mark, I question going 140+ or changing model to RS. I just turned 59 and it seems counter intuitive.

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Originally Posted by Djongo Unchained

As boots seem to get softer at the 130 mark, I question going 140+ or changing model to RS. I just turned 59 and it seems counter intuitive.

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I gots 5 years on ya. Fell in love with the RX120 LV last year. So what did I do? Bought some minty RX130 LVs. My head might be writing checks my body can't cash but my ego says fuck that. Bottom line is that whatever fits your foot best is what you want (but you already know this). A good-fitting 120 will ski better than an ill-fitting 140.

Well, knock on wood, I'm an easy fit.

My feet have changed just a bit in the past 10 years but not enough to even need punching or grinding. Lucky.

I am also...a lazy skier. You've seen me. So any gear that will fill in the gaps/lapses is welcome. Christ, sometimes I'm so 'relaxed' that I feel like my hands are dropping my poles. I'ma need those straps or I'll be walkin uphill.

I only get serious on the sketchiest terrain I attempt. So I eat shit a lot on the rest. Fucking around, finding out.

Chronic line stepper on the snow.

I’m in the opposite camp. If you have to take up space in a boot it will just get sloppy. Get a snug fit. Liners pack out enough after a few days. I am in old RX LV,s that have been in hibernation. Moving to Tecnica Firebird 130R’s. I want that snug fit.

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Originally Posted by Djongo Unchained

My feet have changed just a bit in the past 10 years but not enough to even need punching or grinding. Lucky.

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My feeling is if you don't have to punch a boot, it's probably too big somewhere. No experience with the Shadow, but I've had years in the RS 130 (97mm) and the Shadow LV feels way roomier on my foot.

I agree with the volume concern. I didn’t think it fit well compared to my rs or my xt3. Too much instep room and didn’t have the typical Lange feel. You are losing the speed of the boot with a loose and sloppy fit so it sounds like that buying point doesn’t actually apply. I would honestly stick with something tried and true. If you want more performance then the rx the jump to an rs and get the easy punches done.

And I would use a 29 wrap from the sounds of your larger fit that you like.


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Originally Posted by Djongo Unchained

I just turned 59 and it seems counter intuitive.

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Dood, yer sooo effin old! :D

Ok, to clarify my fit is not loose.

Ideally the interior fit is so good that I can ski them unbuckled, by mistake, and when buckled they stay firmly in place without a ton of pressure. Example: my buckles need a little push to close them, anymore and I'm creating cramps. That's my stopping point.

Due respect but there's no way I'm gonna buy a shell that needs grinding or punching. Never needed it.
That said, I think you two have seen a fuckton of bootfitting scenarios, so no discount on your info.

I had to make a fast call on the Shadow and went with the known factor, the MV.
Debated the lv highly.

The tight boot for ultimate control and precision approach got ditched early on.

I ski at JH so we don't get a ton of warm days, so slop is rare due to heat and compression compared to many venues.
If I do get some slop tho, I can twista bale or even go a step if needed, it happens. Or if I'm in sketch terrain and want to increase my foot sensitivity to the underfoot feel.

I hear ya on the 29's but damn I don't know if they're going in there.

Reaaally appreciate the input. I was hoping you guys would chime in, thanks.

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Originally Posted by waxoff

Dood, yer sooo effin old! :D

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I'm having a hard time buying softer boots and shorter skis.

You on the other hand, are still in those fucking solly rear entries and Pocket Rockets.

I will BUY you a new pair if only you'd take them.

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Originally Posted by Djongo Unchained

I'm having a hard time buying softer boots and shorter skis.

You on the other hand, are still in those fucking solly rear entries and Pocket Rockets.

I will BUY you a new pair if only you'd take them.

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My SX90E died many moons prior to the birth of the pocket rockets, but I'd happily take whatever you buy me, unless it makes my head spin outta control, again... ;)

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Originally Posted by waxoff

My SX90E died many moons prior to the birth of the pocket rockets, but I'd happily take whatever you buy me, unless it makes my head spin outta control, again... ;)

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Oh, we're gonna have you spinning at the EuroGrumble. Like a fucking Whirling Dervish.

So looking forward to it.

Appreciate the dialog in this thread. Like many, I’ve been using Lange RX 130s for years. Bought a Lange Shadow last year for a good price but haven’t skied them yet. Might be able to get another year (or yrs) out of the RXs as I don’t ski them very often but I’ll need to switch somewhat soonish.

Haven’t put them on since they arrived but felt like the fit was pretty similar the multiple times I’ve tried them on. Figure I’ll probably need the same punches I typically need but I like to ski my boots a few times before I get work done

Suffice to say I’ll be following along

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Originally Posted by SoVT Joey

I agree with the volume concern. I didn’t think it fit well compared to my rs or my xt3. Too much instep room and didn’t have the typical Lange feel. You are losing the speed of the boot with a loose and sloppy fit so it sounds like that buying point doesn’t actually apply. I would honestly stick with something tried and true. If you want more performance then the rx the jump to an rs and get the easy punches done.


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That’s why I’m psyched they came out with the RS WC with the 95 last for my skinny foot. I just picked up a pair this season and yes I will need some shell work. Also, I was getting tired of blowing through the flex on the 130 and them getting sloppy as the liner packs out. The 140 feels pretty awesome, at least so far, getting on snow the first time tomorrow. I was at the shop getting my son fit for some new RS 130’s and I asked about the Shadow. The fitter saw my foot and handed me the RS WC. It sounded like the Shadow is a significantly different fit, I would have probably had to size down to fit the Shadow. I need to get a couple punches on the new boots, but nothing like the work needed on a 92 last plug.

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Originally Posted by SoVT Joey

And I would use a 29 wrap from the sounds of your larger fit that you like.


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A size 29 liner will have more material than a 28 liner. So stuffing a 29 liner into a 28.5 MP shell should actually take up more space and yield a lower volume fit.

I'm generally more interested in performance differences than fit. Although the different shape means that may need to be addressed a little more on my part.

I consider myself lucky that finding my sweet spot for fit is pretty easy and I'm not too retentive on uber precision.

But all the fitting info is well accepted for me and the others listening.

I'm of the mind that the 28 liner in the RX or maybe the 29 in the Shadow is food for thought.

Ya. That’s what I meant, that the shadow is a looser fit so the 29 liner would take up that extra volume. Sorry for the confusion.

It took me and two other guys the last time but it’s very doable to fit the 29 in the 28 and I liked the bigger liner more when I ran it.

Then I went to zipfits, this could be the time to make the switch and then add cork as needed.


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Thanks for the clarification, I rather figured that's what we were thinking, on the same page.

Funny thing for me and the zipfits... A few years back, I found an unworn pair in my size of the fanciest, priciest pair of zips at the thrift store in some janky shells. Scooped them for $10, crazy...

I boot up daily out in a snowy lot and the process of getting out of my street shoes/sorels and into the zips and then into the shell, outside the vehicle was just too much to deal with. As opposed to opening my warmed RX w/intuition and easing into those slippers.

Just a choice. We make 'em. We deal wiv it.

I think we all agree that the RX130 can be softer than preferred at times.

If you had to guess, which one is an overall stiffer model? Or are they genuinely that close?

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Originally Posted by Djongo Unchained

Thanks for the clarification, I rather figured that's what we were thinking, on the same page.

Funny thing for me and the zipfits... A few years back, I found an unworn pair in my size of the fanciest, priciest pair of zips at the thrift store in some janky shells. Scooped them for $10, crazy...

I boot up daily out in a snowy lot and the process of getting out of my street shoes/sorels and into the zips and then into the shell, outside the vehicle was just too much to deal with. As opposed to opening my warmed RX w/intuition and easing into those slippers.

Just a choice. We make 'em. We deal wiv it.

I think we all agree that the RX130 can be softer than preferred at times.

If you had to guess, which one is an overall stiffer model? Or are they genuinely that close?

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I think they really are that close. The Shadow might be perceived as stiffer just because it engages quicker.


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Originally Posted by Djongo Unchained

Thanks for the clarification, I rather figured that's what we were thinking, on the same page.

Funny thing for me and the zipfits... A few years back, I found an unworn pair in my size of the fanciest, priciest pair of zips at the thrift store in some janky shells. Scooped them for $10, crazy...

I boot up daily out in a snowy lot and the process of getting out of my street shoes/sorels and into the zips and then into the shell, outside the vehicle was just too much to deal with. As opposed to opening my warmed RX w/intuition and easing into those slippers.

Just a choice. We make 'em. We deal wiv it.

I think we all agree that the RX130 can be softer than preferred at times.

If you had to guess, which one is an overall stiffer model? Or are they genuinely that close?

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Shadow is stiffer at the top. But they are about the same once you get in to the meat of the flex. RX = progressive, Shadow = linear.

Thanks.

Now I have to face my demon here...I'm not sure how you guys put linear and progressive as terms for flex.

Maybe this: Progressive starts softer and gets stiffer as you lean into it vs. Linear is stiff to start and basically stays about the same flexing top to bottom.

Izzat it?

And it's a fore/aft flex, nothing else, yes?

Not to beat this topic to death but the info helps, appreciate ya mags.

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Originally Posted by Djongo Unchained

Progressive starts softer and gets stiffer as you lean into it vs. Linear is stiff to start and basically stays about the same flexing top to bottom.

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Correct. Progressive "progresses" from softer to stiffer the further you go into the flex pattern; linear is similar from engagement and much of the way through the flex zone. People who refer to 3-piece designs as "progressive" are misinformed (still happens often in marketing literature, almost as prevalent as referring to the "Titanium" in skis).

This is all funny to read as I considered the shadow the most progressive boot I've skied in a long time.

Right on, thanks fellas.

Kind of common sense terminology then.

Differences in flex was prolly what I was really wondering about. Danke.

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Originally Posted by grskier

This is all funny to read as I considered the shadow the most progressive boot I've skied in a long time.

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Shadow (and Lange DualCore plastics in general) feel very progressive to me as well. Why is that funny?

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Originally Posted by gregL

Correct. Progressive "progresses" from softer to stiffer the further you go into the flex pattern; linear is similar from engagement and much of the way through the flex zone. People who refer to 3-piece designs as "progressive" are misinformed (still happens often in marketing literature, almost as prevalent as referring to the "Titanium" in skis).

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Exactly, I like to refer to linear boots as having an on/off feel. Not my cup of tea, I much prefer the feel of a Lange.

A few retailers are now carrying a Shadow 140 Pro LV, but I don't see it on Lange's website.

Does anyone know if this is a stiffer shell than the 130? Or just a different liner like other Lange "140" flex boots have been? Basically every non-WC Lange 140 is just a 130 with a different liner/power strap...

In the photos, the shell says 140 ProLV so it seems like a real boot at least, not sure why Lange doesn't list it on their website.

Evo's listing: https://www.evo.com/alpine-ski-boots...oots-2025-.jpg

Looks like they're selling these only through select retailers. Evo, Starthaus show them with a search. Lange's site doesn't show anything above 130 in any of their models other than RS.

The main difference I felt besides some small fit differences between the RX and Shadow is the flex.

The RX/RS/etc. start to “deform” at the higher end of flex, which in turn loosens up the ankle, and slows the return to un-flexed shape.

The shadow, when you get to the “end” of the flex, still has more. It’s got a very high top end, but more interestingly, there is immediate rebound and “snap” on the cuff as you begin to un-flex.

That was the main difference I noticed, and if I hadn’t moved to the Hawx I would still be riding the Shadow. I just needed a narrower ankle pocket.

IMHO, the shadow dual cuff addresses some of the flex limitations of the newer plastics used in boots. I have the Hawx ultra 130 RS, but also the redster CS 130, and the redster is a completely different flex experience. Gimme that old thick plastic any day. I wish we’d never left.

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Originally Posted by Climber Joe

The main difference I felt besides some small fit differences between the RX and Shadow is the flex.

The RX/RS/etc. start to “deform” at the higher end of flex, which in turn loosens up the ankle, and slows the return to un-flexed shape.

The shadow, when you get to the “end” of the flex, still has more. It’s got a very high top end, but more interestingly, there is immediate rebound and “snap” on the cuff as you begin to un-flex.

That was the main difference I noticed, and if I hadn’t moved to the Hawx I would still be riding the Shadow. I just needed a narrower ankle pocket.

IMHO, the shadow dual cuff addresses some of the flex limitations of the newer plastics used in boots. I have the Hawx ultra 130 RS, but also the redster CS 130, and the redster is a completely different flex experience. Gimme that old thick plastic any day. I wish we’d never left.

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I’m mot a fan of getting in and out of the Hawx Ultra, I do like the custom liner and strap. I’m also not a fan of the on/off feel of the way it skis. I want to switch back to the RX and get a Zipfit. I would consider hiring the CS 130 if it felt like a Lange though. First world problems.

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Originally Posted by Climber Joe

Gimme that old thick plastic any day. I wish we’d never left.

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The Lange WC RS 140 is a "plug-lite" 95 mm last. Thick plastic. Definitely worth a look if you're into that kinda thing.

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Originally Posted by auvgeek

The Lange WC RS 140 is a "plug-lite" 95 mm last. Thick plastic. Definitely worth a look if you're into that kinda thing.

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Yeah the redster is basically that, but it fits my ankle better. Thank you though.

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Originally Posted by auvgeek

The Lange WC RS 140 is a "plug-lite" 95 mm last. Thick plastic. Definitely worth a look if you're into that kinda thing.

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Just got my first few days on mine. I just left them at the shop today for their first few grinds and punches. At least, it won’t take near the work of a 92 shell. First impression is holy cow, that’s the performance I’ve been missing that I forgot about. It’s been 22 some years since I last had a boot like that. Had some cold days and they felt more like a 150 (especially coming from their “130”, but absolutely loving them. I will have to get some boot heaters for them or live in neoprene wraps for the season, maybe the latter even if I get the former to keep the shell warm enough to get out of on a cold day. Or I could keep a heat gun handy. But goddam, that is a real boot. I can’t even compare to my RX 130s, especially for lateral support. Just have to be ok with lacing the liner up then getting into the shell as it’s a real plug style floppy liner, supposedly just a little thicker cork flow than the 92s.

I just noticed that Lange has a Shadow 140 LV. Haven’t seen a shop with them, but that seems like the equivalent to the RS 130 in terms of price and features like cam power strap and liner. I would maybe consider that boot if you are looking at the RS130.

Anybody skiing a version of the shadow on the World Cup yet?