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  1. #301
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Ventura Highway in the Sunshine
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    22,430
    Just an update...I finally got a chance to ski mine at the resort (BC ski pretty thin in California), and was pleasantly surprised at how well they drove my Bro 183 AK version. Skied a mix of boot top deep power mixed with ice bump and frozen mashed potatoes, often all within the same turn (Mammoth was snowin' and blowin'). They handled it all. The walk mode is fantastic and they were comfortable all day. The first (and only) day I used them last season they hurt like hell, but I had not molded the liners. This time I did and they were great. I found the more upright lean lock worked best, maybe because it felt similar to my Titan's lean???

    For a light, very comfortable touring boot these worked great with mid sized Bros. I did not get a chance to ski them with 186 Lhasa's, but think they will drive that ski fine, at least in reasonable conditions.

    I agree it is a constitutional right for Americans to be assholes...its just too bad that so many take the opportunity...
    iscariot

  2. #302
    Join Date
    May 2007
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    Yep, I like mine for walk mode and skiing and weight and price. That barn door tongue is an essential part of the boot performance. It makes the boot what it is. Pity it leaks like a whore. Only a problem near water, obviously. I don't think they suit my foot shape perfectly, but better than the other disasters I've handed over limited cash for.

    I may be paranoid, but at times it seems that the Intuition rubber is becoming puffy and soft again, particularly around the toes. Somedays I put them on and my toes are mangled-cramped in their, and they sure as hell were not like that the previous day on a long tour. I hang my liners 3 feet from a wood stove, probably air temp of 100F at the most. My other Intuition liners are older, but the rubber is harder/less spongy and seem to remember a molded shape much better.

    I'm half way through my season and had 60 days on mine, of which 50 touring. I'm a very light guy, 184 Wailers with Dynafits. The boot is becoming a reliable partner and I like that. Thanks Scarpa, I appreciate your boot and do not regret giving you my money. Though final comment reserved until I knock out another 50 days and see how they perform in warmer spring.

    ps - that rubber sole is not so grippy on slick hard snow. Perhaps it is the vibram, perhaps it is the shape of the lugs, particularly below the toe. I miss the grip of my Radiums. It was much more aggressive.
    Last edited by neck beard; 03-01-2012 at 06:05 PM.
    Life is not lift served.

  3. #303
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    verbier, milan, isla de pascua
    Posts
    4,806
    Quote Originally Posted by Hohes View Post
    ps - that rubber sole is not so grippy on slick hard snow. Perhaps it is the vibram, perhaps it is the shape of the lugs, particularly below the toe. I miss the grip of my Radiums. It was much more aggressive.
    I'd like more feedback on that. How long did you use your radiums and was their grip well maintained over time? BTW, maestrale's lug have been studied a lot to reduce weight, so yes, their shape might be a factor.....

  4. #304
    Join Date
    May 2007
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    I'd say 300 days on the Radiums, mostly touring, plenty of rock walking in spring, including some 10km or more gravel road hikes, and a bunch of late season 2-5 km sealed road hikes. The grip at the toe and heel wore with time - however I think it maintained performance for longer than I deserved to be honest. Main deterioration is at the toe.
    Life is not lift served.

  5. #305
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    verbier, milan, isla de pascua
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    4,806
    Quote Originally Posted by Hohes View Post
    I'd say 300 days on the Radiums, mostly touring, plenty of rock walking in spring, including some 10km or more gravel road hikes, and a bunch of late season 2-5 km sealed road hikes. The grip at the toe and heel wore with time - however I think it maintained performance for longer than I deserved to be honest. Main deterioration is at the toe.
    Useful, thanks.....

  6. #306
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    MiZZZZoula
    Posts
    3,145
    Skied my Maestrale's for the first time last weekend with Dynafits on some 185 Kilowatts and really like them. Toured and skied approx. 5000 vertical in 18 of new heavier POW on Lolo pass. The overall impression was very good and they are light! Previously I was on 10 year old Scarpa Denalis on Freerides. If I were to compare the two setups I would have been 5 times as gased afterwards on the old setup. The boots are stiff enough to drive that ski no problem. Tour walk mode rules, very efficient.

    Sent from my ADR6300 using TGR Forums

  7. #307
    Join Date
    May 2007
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    Broke one of the hinges that the tongue opens on. Heard this happened with the 10/11 generation. Mine are 11/12. Had to pay 6 bucks for a new one (in Japan). Choice of either send boot away for 3 days to get a new one installed with a rivet, or install myself with a screw. I need my boots, so went the screw option. My guess is that it will come out sooner or later.
    Life is not lift served.

  8. #308
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    North Vancouver/Whistler
    Posts
    14,174
    Quote Originally Posted by Hohes View Post
    Broke one of the hinges that the tongue opens on. Heard this happened with the 10/11 generation. Mine are 11/12. Had to pay 6 bucks for a new one (in Japan). Choice of either send boot away for 3 days to get a new one installed with a rivet, or install myself with a screw. I need my boots, so went the screw option. My guess is that it will come out sooner or later.

    email scarpa! They will send you a fix it kit. Or if you don't have the kit send me your address and I will mail you mine and get another fix-it kit from scarpa. $6bucks! That\s at least one auto-bot trade

  9. #309
    Join Date
    May 2007
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    I complained (commensurately with the dollar value). The Japanese distributor told the local shop that Scarpa (Italy) charges them for the part, so they have to on-charge the customer.

    Thanks for the offer the mail the fix-it kit. Does it come with a rivet? If so, I'll try Scarpa Italy direct. I'll bet you a free room at my house that they will tell me to contact Scarpa Japan.

    When three buckles fell of my Radiums, I had to buy each one of them, 17 dollars a pop. So I am quiet familiar with being shafted by Japanese backcountry gear distributors relative to how customers are treated in the US.
    Life is not lift served.

  10. #310
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    North Vancouver/Whistler
    Posts
    14,174
    No - my fix it kit is for the earlier versions all with screws and all the parts can be disassembled

  11. #311
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    157
    Just wondering what category is gonna be killed next year.

  12. #312
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    cordova,AK
    Posts
    3,749
    since this is next to the DPS durability thread. Maybe they can kill the durability category. I am presently skiing one Maestrale and one Megaride. The tongue broke off one of the Maestrales. Scarpa sent me a replacement for every nut on the boot. The bottom screw came out. I could not get the replacement screw to thread into the nut. Also could not find a slightly longer one in the same size to thread in. I think the threads are stripped. Tried to ski them using one buckle on the tongue that broke the hinge. Thankfully I have a bag of parts. I think it is a Tnut on the lower screw. I tried to punch it out to replace with one Scarpa sent me. However the nut didn't want to budge. Could the nut be molded in? I am afraid to beat to hard on the boot and crack the shell.
    off your knees Louie

  13. #313
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    North Vancouver/Whistler
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    14,174
    hey BFD - I don't know. I've had every hinge break though. Not too stoked on that. Wow did Scarpa ever not figure out the fastenings on the Maestrale. It's ok on just day tours but if I'm out in the field for a week or so checking every bolt every day is something I'm going to forget. Hope the Maestrale RS is better

  14. #314
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    righthere/rightnow
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    3,224
    How are you guys breaking these hinges?
    I've gotten over 145 days on mine over two seasons with no breakage yet.

  15. #315
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Electric Larry Land
    Posts
    5,317
    Yeah....I've heard great things about the Maestrales. I've got the Scarpa Denalis. In terms of lightness, i'd consider the maestrales a step up. Everything else is pretty similar. I haven't had any issues with the buckles, and I've abused the hell out of them.

    BFD: try using Threadlocker red on the nuts.

    --
    "The reason death sticks so closely to life isn't biological necessity - it's envy. Life is so beautiful that death has fallen in love with it; a jealous, possesive love that grabs at what it can." by Yann Martel from Life of Pi



    Posted by DJSapp:
    "Squirrels are rats with good PR."

  16. #316
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    North Vancouver/Whistler
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    14,174
    Quote Originally Posted by mud View Post
    How are you guys breaking these hinges?
    I've gotten over 145 days on mine over two seasons with no breakage yet.
    Believe it or not just skiing along. If one goes, the other will soon go. I'm being quite careful taking the liner in and out.

    Cuff rivet buckles loosen too as does other mounting hardware.

  17. #317
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    verbier, milan, isla de pascua
    Posts
    4,806
    Maestrale RS = no durability issues so far after a full winter

  18. #318
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    cordova,AK
    Posts
    3,749
    So how do you get the T nut out to replace it? I started another thread hoping for some Tech help. I live in a town of 1500 people. There are two pairs of Maestrale's in town. The other skier probably has less than 20 days on his. We have the exact same problem and he can not figure out how to get the T nut out either. He is heading to Anchorage to try and have a shop do it up there. I was hoping for some advice here. I guess I will send my boot out with him also.
    off your knees Louie

  19. #319
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    northern BC
    Posts
    32,315
    Quote Originally Posted by verbier61 View Post
    Maestrale RS = no durability issues so far after a full winter
    how much stiffer are the RS than the regular and can that (new?) plastic be punched

  20. #320
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    verbier, milan, isla de pascua
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    4,806
    I would say the rs is at least 25% stiffer. It's described at 120, but this means nothing to me. It's in a nylon similar to grilamid, and should be punchable by very expert bootfitters

  21. #321
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Canadian Rockies
    Posts
    5
    I've been on the 28 Maestrale Since early January... couple quick thoughts:

    Note: I'm skiing Dynafit ST bindings on both the BD Justice and Amperage skis

    - This thing is LIGHT - not just kinda light, it's borderline ridiculous how light this thing is. 4 buckle, 3 buckle... it's just incredibly lightweight. I'd almost rather wear these than my mountaineering boots for summer glacier travel. They are that comfy and light.

    - The walk mode is by far the best I have ever experienced. A massive range of movement, coupled with a great buckle design results in a boot that is incredibly easy to tour in. I've upgraded the footbed and had them molded once, and even after 8 hours in them, the worst i've experienced is a bit of pins and needles after taking them off.

    - I've struggled with blisters for over a decade. I've had multiple trips nearly ruined due to horrible blisters on both feet... mostly on the backs and sides. I don't know if it's my feet, but even with very snug fitting boots, i've had horrible blister issues. This includes Scarpa boots, Garmount, and Black Diamond, and multiple brands of hiking and mountaineering boots - it's been a MAJOR problem for me. That said, I've worn the maestrale for multiple full day trips and one two-day tour and i've had zero blisters. For me, the maestrale has literally brought this sport back from the dead for me - blisters are a complete Non-issue for me now.

    - Downhill performance is good. Not "spectacular", but VERY good. I find that throughout a day of primarily descending (cat skiing or resort skiing), I have to cinch up the power strap and buckles a few times, but they never feel sloppy, and they power through the crud reasonably well. I'm on 115 underfoot ski now, and so far the boot has performed very well. There are times in hardpack/cruddy steeps that I wish the boot was a little beefier, but those instances are rare, and honestly the boot performs so incredibly well in every other scenario, that I can't complain about this minor performance decrease at all.

    Summary? Best boot i've ever owned or skied on... bar none.

    Pros:
    - Tours like a dream
    - Walks/bootpacks like a dream
    - Reasonably warm
    - Incredible walk mode
    - Insanely lightweight
    - Well designed/placed buckles
    - Power Strap works extremely well
    - First time in my life i've had no blisters after multi-day excursions
    - Handles 95% of downhill conditions with aplomb

    Cons:
    - None worth mentioning (so far, after 3 months and 6 separate trips)
    - I've heard that some people had buckle screws come loose... I've not experienced this, but maybe a good idea to throw locktite and a couple allen keys in your pack just in case.

    Recommendation:
    If you tour, buy the damn boot
    Last edited by jonathanc; 03-27-2012 at 02:51 PM. Reason: clarity

  22. #322
    Join Date
    May 2007
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    I have to agree. They are a weight/performance/cost winner.

    Small niggles: they have been zero water resistance and a not so grippy sole design. Also hard to switch into ski mode due to icing of the hole after a long hike. Those tongue hinges should be made of old fashioned stainless steel until they find a suitable material that does not break. I'm guessing that one of the hinges sticks out so much that it will catch and break when I start my rock scrambling season.

    If Garmont or Black Diamond offered me free boots, I'd still choose to pay full price for the Scarpa Maestrale.
    Life is not lift served.

  23. #323
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    verbier, milan, isla de pascua
    Posts
    4,806
    hohes, when and where have you had trouble with the soles? So far feedback at vibram about maestrale soles has been very good about grip, slide and durability (despite being extremely light soles to reduce the weight), but there is always room for improvement....
    Last edited by verbier61; 03-28-2012 at 04:27 AM.

  24. #324
    Join Date
    May 2007
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    Like I said in the last post when I mentioned it: slick hard snow.

    The rubber lug at the toe is one large smooth area with very little texture - exactly like on my Scarpa Charmoz hiking boots, which also suffer from the same problem. It slips easily on slick hard snow, which stands to reason (but that toe ledge is great for rock climbing).

    By comparison, my Garmont Radium boot has a smaller/narrower lug under the toe. It is more textured, and has pimples all over it. So it grips better on slick hard snow. Which also stands to reason.

    I have no idea which rubber compound grips the best.

    I like beer and believe that a pitcher is worth a thousand broads:





    Note that the Radium toe rubber is very worn out due to some... long walks. In newer glory it has far more defined texture and hence grip. The Maestrale toe is racing slick smooth from the shop.
    Life is not lift served.

  25. #325
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    verbier, milan, isla de pascua
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    4,806
    Useful insight, thanks!

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