Scarpa Maestrale
The world's lightest four-buckle AT boot... power and lightness combine to create the perfect touring boot - Maestrale.
Features
* 40 degrees range of cuff motion
* Active Power Strap
* Alpine Axial tongue closure
* Asymmetric tongue
* Intuition Liner
* Magnesium Mirage buckles
* Quick-step fittings
* Ski/Walk mechanism
* Vibram Mistral sole
* Wiregate Tour-lock buckle clasp
Scarpa Maestrale
Great boots, for both ascent and descent, BUT:
Buckle screws come loose and ski/walk latch mechanism freezes up and won’t lock
The above mentioned screw- and the ski/walk-latch-issues make them unusable for any serious tours simply because one cannot rely on them. Imagine skiing a 50° face in walking position with unfastened boots due to lost screws.
I have been using mine for two seasons now and will send them back to Scarpa. I have lost 4 screws, the screw threads of both distal screws are worn out – I had to rethread them – and both liners are worn.
Very disappointing! Would be such a great boot was it not for its lack of quality
http://www.gpearl.info
Scarpa Maestrale
Without a doubt this boot has generated the most buzz of any new touring boot this season. MEC in Vancouver has sold out of them completely as of mid January 2011. A real testimony to the popularity of this boot. As all the reviews on the internet suggest, it is a ground breaking new touring boot. Range of motion in touring mode is very good and when buckled down, it provides more than adequate power for driving 100mm plus skis. All this in a four buckle boot that tips the scales at under 7lbs. per pair! There has been some critisicm of the side hinging tongue but I found no issues with putting the boot on. On top of all this, they also sell for under $600US!
Here are some notable quotes on the boot from around the web:
Great boot. Adjustable, easy on/off, very comfortable. Fantastic range of motion. Don't let the light weight fool you, these boots have enough stiffness and power to drive almost any ski. Have been skiing 102 wide K2 Kung Fujas this year with great results. Keep an eye on the screws, mine did loosen up after a few days of skiing. - www.scarpa.com
In my opinion Maestrale is now the clear leader in the light-weight four buckle boot category. The boot will be shipped in a size range of size: 24.5 – 31. Reversing an ugly trend of rising prices, the MSRP of Maestrale is USD $ 599. Available next fall or early winter. - Lee Lau, www.wildsnow.com