Lange RX 120 Review

This is my review of Lange RX. In my opinion, it has long been a reliable boot for more serious skiers. The 120 is a well-fitted model that provides you with top-of-the-line downhill performance. What it lacks in warmth and comfort, it more than makes up for in precision and control.

Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of this boot, who it is best for, and other similar alternatives to consider.

Quick Summary

• Where to Buy: Amazon, The House
• Best for: Advanced all-mountain skiers who put a lot of stress on superior downhill performance.
• Pros: This boot is quite stiff, which gives you great control. It also has a nice medium volume fit in addition to a well-made liner. The 4-buckle overlap design is great too and expert skiers will love the downhill performance.
• Cons: The liner on the tongue could be thicker. As durable as the entire shell is, the RX 120’s rubber soles don’t hold up quite as well. There’s not a lot of warmth here.
• Alternatives: Lange LX 100, Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130, K2 Recon

Why Trust Me

I’ve been hitting the slopes since I was a kid. I enjoy getting out in the snow and have hands-on experience with a wide range of different skiing items. I have spent ample time researching these boots and tested them out in different conditions.

Detailed Review of Lange RX 120

The Lange RX 120 are downhill boots with a large focus on power and control. They have many features that make them great when zipping down the slopes, including a tight fit, stiff flex, and 4-buckle overlap design. Though beginners won’t be able to get much from this, advanced skiers who want something purely focused on performance and durability will enjoy the different features.

Performance

First and foremost, the RX 120 boots excel through their downhill performance. This is something you’d expect when paying for an advanced boot, but the stiff flex really does a great job of holding up over time. It also works nicely with the close fit to create a responsive item that will give you more control over your runs.

Something else you’ll notice right away is the low profile design leading to increased sensitivity throughout the entire boot. The soles, while not the most durable, work well enough when it comes to reducing vibrations. That comes in handy on hardpack.

Lange fixed the forward lean at a 12-degree angle. That might not be for everyone, especially skiers not used to less aggressive forward angles, but you’ll be able to get the hang of it with a little bit of practice. It can just feel a little awkward at first and make it tricky to stay forward.

Comfort and Fit

The fit is another area where the Lange RX 120 excels. This is perhaps the number one reason I would recommend this as a downhill option. It comes with a stiff shell and thin liner on top of a medium volume last. That combination gives you a lot of power out on the slopes.

Comfort is not the prime focus here. It’s all about performance. The lack of serious comfort might be an issue for some, but most skiers who care about getting the best control and response will absolutely love the way the RX 120’s operate. The flex rating is spot on, as is the length. There are several different levels as well, giving you plenty of options depending on what you need.

The boot’s tight fit locks you in and ensures you don’t move around the shell or liner. The 4-buckle system is reliable and works as advertised. Even so, there are two things you should know when it comes to the feel. The thermo-moldable liner is simple, which can cause some discomfort if you don’t get the right size. In addition, the thin tongue can lead to sore shins.

Warmth and Durability

As the tongue and liner are so thin, you aren’t getting a ton of warmth with these shoes. The lack of heat is especially noticeable in the toe region, which can suffer from a close fit. I would recommend an extra warmer to help pick up the slack. The liner has a slit to hold a boot heater, which rounds out the feel and comfort.

When it comes to durability, the Lange also doesn’t quite hit the highest marks. The shell is strong enough, but the sole can’t match. You can switch the toe pieces to get more from them, but don’t expect them to last over an extended period.

Additional Features

One aspect I truly enjoy about these boots is how many features Lange managed to pack into the relatively simple design. They work well enough as boots, but a premium shoe in today’s market needs a bit more. These deliver on that with replaceable soles, micro-adjustable buckles, and flex adjustment.

Of those, the buckles are perhaps the most impressive. They come with a unique articulated point that’s easy to grab, even if you’re wearing gloves. The flex adjustment is also quite reliable. All it takes is a small tweak to the screw or plugs at the back, and you can switch up the stiffness. It works reliably, which I found impressive.

Price and Value

This boot does have a slightly higher price tag than similar models, but you’re paying for quality here. The excellent performance definitely makes them worth it for downhill skiers who want or need a higher level of performance.

What I Like

If there’s one aspect to like in the RX 120, it’s the performance. You aren’t going to get a lot of comfort, but you will get great responsiveness, feel, and control. The 4-layer buckle system works wonders with the tight fit to ensure you don’t move a lot inside the shoe.

I also enjoy the liners, as well as the different ways to adjust the flex. The stiffness is perfect. These are a shoe with downhill performance in mind, and they deliver on that promise in a wide range of different ways.

What I Dislike

There’s no doubt that these boots could be more durable. While the external shell construction is fine enough, the rest of the material doesn’t quite have the same lastability. The soles are a particularly weak spot. Expect to move the toe pieces around a bit.

You also aren’t going to get a lot of warmth here. Downhill boots focused on performance tend to be less concerned with comfort, but you should know your toes are going to feel the elements in frigid conditions. You’ll likely need to go out and get a boot warmer for these to stay toasty. Luckily, the liner does have the proper accommodations for it.

The Alternatives

The RX 120 gives you a lot of control through its high flex rating and tight fit. Even so, there are other downhill options out there that give you a similar feel at a different price point or with extra characteristics. Take a look at this if you want to branch out:

• Lange LX 100 – Those who want the RX 120’s performance with a slightly different fit or at a slightly different price point will enjoy the LX 100. The flex is slightly lower, but they have more of a focus on comfort and are made to accommodate wider feet.
• Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 – This model is not as focused as the RX 120, but that is why some skiers might like it. The high flex is great for advanced downhill skiers, but it also has the versatility to work in different settings thanks to the walk/ride lever.
• K2 Recon – Another 120 shoe, this is a lightweight model with excellent downhill capabilities. It’s incredibly easy to control, as well. This isn’t the most durable boot, mainly due to its lightweight frame, but it delivers excellent results at a reasonable price point.

Final Verdict

There’s no doubt that the RX 120 is a premium boot that puts a lot of focus on performance. Everything here, from the stiff flex to the last and fit, are all about ensuring you have the maximum amount of control while moving downhill. Such features make it a great choice for advanced skiers.

You won’t find a ton of comfort here. They can also be a bit cold. However, if you understand what these boots are and prepare to use them purely out on the mountain, you’re going to get great results. There are other models with more features, but it’s hard to do better for a simple design.