Scarpa Aliens

[GPP33]

I came across what appears
to be a good deal on some lightly used some Scarpa Aliens- this version :

https://skimo.co/scarpa-alien-boots?...iABEgLJZ_D_BwE

First hand experience with down hill performance? Are these all about the up at the cost of fun going down or do they achieve a balance? I’m looking to lighten by BC setup which includes about the heaviest tele boots and bindings one can get (T1s and AXLs) but I value the down over the up so I’m not interested in feather weight gear that makes actually skiing a struggle.

[truax]

Quick answer: Don't do it.

I've used them extensively and IME they require a skinny ski (80's or less), good technique, and good conditions.

[1000-oaks]

For not much more money, you could get something heavier that both tours well and skis well.

[thecazdog]

I skied mine this last weekend on Salomon Mtn Ex 95 skis. They are a dream on the up or hiking...skiing down, they are less of a ski boot than the TLT6, which has been kind of a minimum for me in the past.

I reckon I could just ski better and make them work, but I certainly wouldn't use a bigger ski. And I wouldn't be going super fast, especially in variable snow.

If you want light and downhill performance, ZGTP is your boot. I've put a solid month on them and they are pretty close to perfect for touring and still hammering downhill.

[timmaio]

I agree, the plastic aliens aren't worth it, weight to performance is not great. Heaps of better options(though maybe not for the money if you have a really good deal)

[mall walker]

I wouldn't use those for anything beyond racing/race training and I like ultralight skimo-style gear. The black Aliens, the Fischer Carbon Travers, TLT7s, Scarpa F1s etc all would be a huge step up in skiing performance, if you can find em cheaper. Compared to the T1s any modern AT boot is gonna feel light though lol

[cravenmorhead]

"I’m not interested in feather weight gear that makes actually skiing a struggle."

Then my understanding is that these boots are not for you.

[GPP33]

Thanks for the input guys. Everything I read about them was that they are great going up but not a big ski driver on the way down. Just saw em come up in a FB group and they were the right size so they caught my eye. My BC skis are 105 and Colorado BC kinda defines “variable” conditions.