2021-2022 Tecnica Cochise 130 DYN Review

The all new 2022 Tecnica Cochise 130 DYN may be the most versatile and high performance boot on the market and is one of the most exciting products for this season. When the first Cochise hit the market nearly 10 years ago, it was truly a pioneer in the new realm of 50/50 boots that do excel in downhill performance yet can climb efficiently when it comes to ascending. For 2022 Tecnica took this pinnacle boot and made it vastly better, shedding some weight while increasing strength and adding a handful of well thought out updates. The Cochise is the one boot that truly does it all and it does it all very well. From long tours to resort laps, the all new high-performing Cochise has your back.

About the Boots

The product cycle for the proven Cochise starts anew with a complete re-design of the Tecnica Cochise 130 DYN Alpine Touring Ski Boots, and it was worth the wait. Lighter and more anatomic without giving up the power the Cochise 130 was known for, the new boot uses a freshly developed walk mode mechanism dubbed the T-Ride Hiking System. With better range of motion and a new locking switch for the downhill mode, T-Ride is a win-win move. The 130 DYN combination of Gripwalk sole blocks and Dynafit-certified tech fittings means you can go between Gripwalk-compatible alpine bindings and tech bindings seamlessly - a huge plus in our book.

Technical Details

High performance starts with fit and the C.A.S (Custom Adaptive Shape) System. Used in both Tecnica liners and shell, C.A.S. allows for maximum comfort throughout the boot. One thing I noticed right away was the improved heel hold which stems from the new anatomically shaped liner. The C.A.S liner uses a dual density micro-cell material which is both highly durable as well as extremely easy to customize and fine tune to your liking. The increase in durability means the liner will maintain great fit over an extended period of time and is less likely to ‘pack out'. The C.A.S shell also has an anatomical shape, contouring the foot, and allowing for maximum comfort for long days on snow. This shell is a bootfitter's dream as it is ultra-customizable if you need any punching, grinding, or other boot work done.

The most impressive new upgrade in the Cochise is the all new T.Ride high performance walking system. T-Ride is fully integrated into the boot design - it's a rock-solid cuff-to-shell connection which is key for both downhill and uphill hiking performance. Another key differentiator in the new Cochise walk mode is the asymmetric power transmission. This is a zone of thicker plastic behind the walk mechanism and inside the boot that increases support and provides more lateral power transmission and increased edge grip. Two other things to note in the new walking system: longer lever arms make transitions from ski to walk mode a breeze, and also add to the overall increased lateral power & stability; and a new integrated lock screw that ensures your boot stays either in ski or walk mode. This lock isn’t mandatory to use and the boot functions just fine if you prefer to keep it unlocked.

About the Reviewer:

Ride Impressions:

For me, the Cochise was super comfortable and plush right out of the box. This may not be the case for everyone, so definitely have your local bootfitter take a look at how the boot fits you. However, I think the majority of people will find the out of the box fit surprisingly accomodating. After about 15 days in the boot, it still fits like the first day. I’ve mostly been impressed with the updated heel pocket and support. After the initial fit, the next thing I noticed was the decreased weight from the last generation of Cochise boots. The boot is lighter and noticeably less bulky. This reduced weight, coupled with the all new T Ride walk mode, allows this boot to walk much better then previous editions.

Once on hill, I found the Cochise to perform with the power and stability you’d expect from a downhill ski boot. When looking at other boots in this class like the Lange XT3 or Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130, although solid boots, I believe the Cochise stands alone when it comes to downhill performance.

Who Are They Best For?

I’d recommend this boot for the 50/50 resort/tour skier that is looking to prioritize fit & performance but demands power & stability on the down. Keep in mind, this boot is not for your dedicated AT enthusiast looking for a more light weight option but is a great ‘one boot quiver’ for someone trying to get it all done in one pair of boots. It’s clear that although the Cochise comes with some well-thought out updates, shedding some weight and improving fit, that the downhill performance of the boot was not left out and still shines as a top performing boot in this class.

Tecnica Cochise 130 DYN - Bottom Line

 I’d recommend this boot for the 50/50 resort/tour skier that is looking to prioritize fit and performance but demands power and stability on the down. Keep in mind, this boot is not for your dedicated AT enthusiast looking for a more light weight option but it is a great ‘one boot quiver’ for someone trying to get it all done in one pair of boots. It’s clear that even with its well-thought out updates, the Cochise 130's downhill performace was prioritized and still shines as a top performing boot in this class.

Learn More With Our Other Ski Guides:

Discover Our Favorite Gear: