Scarpa Mobe - grand unifying thread

[le dog]

used my mobe for 5 days. overall impressions: i like them. I am not used to such a stiff boot, today i came back home and was barely able to flex my legs (probably made the boots too tight and also because of some beginning of season out-of-shape-ness). for sure they can drive my lhasa 191 and wailer 112 (and then some). they are quite comfortable (there are a couple of minor pressure points but nothing serious). I think I have to learn not to tighten them too much.

[telelebowski]

Thanks, Lee. Took some effort, but problems are now resolved. There was not a problem with the walk/ski mechanism, it was actually the forward lean which had been previously adjusted. The forward lean can be adjusted using an allen wrench on the two points on the back of the heel. Once those had been tightened, the boot then would go into ski mode, and there is a subtle click as you flex forward when it does, just like the Skookum. Obviously much more impressed with the boot now. As for the Vibram, I stand corrected, maybe it was the Denali that had Vibram soles? And x2 this boot is surprisingly stiff. And x2 the plastic is scuffing quickly with just a couple rock scrambles.

[LeeLau]

tele - are there instructions in-box about how to adjust the forward lean? There were none in my box and no docs on-line. It's not very intuitive and the allen key is small and fiddly. I didn't find the process very intuitive. The saving grace I guess is that once it's done it's done.

[telelebowski]

There aren't any that I know of, and the Scarpa resources online page wasn't too particularly helpful (I think it dates from 2007?), which is why it took more than one shop tech to figure it out after I gave up trying to figure the thing out. That said, it is super simple with a proper Allen wrench which can give you some leverage. Loosen each of the two screws from the outside, only caveat is do not loosen them too much, or you will lose the small piece holding the screw which is behind the large brown plastic flap that covers them on the inside of the boot heel, although it can still be retrieved. Once they are slightly loosened, you can move the lean in either direction with full motion of the cuff, and align it with the markings on the outside of the boot on the heel. Then, of course, make sure to fully tighten both of the screws with the Allen wrench. Just experimenting, if you put in too much forward lean (upper limit of the markings on the outside of the boot), you may not be able to get the ski mode to engage b/c the tongue is so stiff I couldn't flex it forward enough!

[RiderX]

Still have yet to ski these, but I was having some of the same fit issues over the top of my foot that some others on here have had. I could barely buckle the front two buckles, especially on the left foot.

Basically I resolved this by re-baking the liner, but instead of using a regular sized toe cap, I made an extended toe cap out of a thick sock that covered my forefoot as well. Then buckled the boots down tight. Unfortunately, I forgot the part about drinking several beers beforehand. Suffered 15 minutes of some serious pain, but now the boots buckle down with no discomfort.

[Canada Guy]

Is the tongue in the Mobe stiffer than the Skookum/Typhoon or was the stiffness made up elsewhere in the boot or maybe a combination of both? I wouldn't mind stiffening up my Typhoons, and if all that it takes is the stiffer tongue from the Mobe it seems like a no brainer.

Based on looks alone it seems like the mold for the Mobe/Typhoon/Skookum is close enough that the tongues should be interchangable between the three boots.

Is there anyone here that has both the Mobe and either the Typhoon/Skookum that could test this out for me?

[LeeLau]

Is the tongue in the Mobe stiffer than the Skookum/Typhoon or was the stiffness made up elsewhere in the boot or maybe a combination of both? I wouldn't mind stiffening up my Typhoons, and if all that it takes is the stiffer tongue from the Mobe it seems like a no brainer.

Based on looks alone it seems like the mold for the Mobe/Typhoon/Skookum is close enough that the tongues should be interchangable between the three boots.

Is there anyone here that has both the Mobe and either the Typhoon/Skookum that could test this out for me?

The tongue as far as I can tell is identical. The stiff tongue fits in Skookum, Spirit 3 and Spirit 4 no problem. Also fits on a Megaride too.

I am told that the Mobe is stiffer due to construction

[dumbledore]

My quick review:

Tried the Mobes on in the store only. The boot was much softer than the BD Factor. It felt like a pure touring boot compared to the factor. Extra room in the toes was nice, but I couldn't find a size that locked my heel down like the factor.

In the end I bought the factors with toe blocks so I could use them on my dynafit mounted wrenegades.

I had high hopes for the Mobe, but is was just too soft.

[summit]

dumbledor: I'm not sure on what planet the Factors are stiffer than the Mobe or the Mobe is consider "pure touring soft" but I suggest you come to Earth and try the ski boots there.

I just put Alpine Power Wraps in... fucking outstanding

Is the tongue in the Mobe stiffer than the Skookum/Typhoon or was the stiffness made up elsewhere in the boot or maybe a combination of both? I wouldn't mind stiffening up my Typhoons, and if all that it takes is the stiffer tongue from the Mobe it seems like a no brainer.

Based on looks alone it seems like the mold for the Mobe/Typhoon/Skookum is close enough that the tongues should be interchangable between the three boots.

Is there anyone here that has both the Mobe and either the Typhoon/Skookum that could test this out for me?

All the Scarpa tongues are interchangeable except with the new Maestrale.

The Mobe brown tongue is identical to the Skookum tongue and the Spirit 4 black tongue. What makes the boots perform difference is the rest of the boot.

[dumbledore]

dumbledor: I'm not sure on what planet the Factors are stiffer than the Mobe or the Mobe is consider "pure touring soft" but I suggest you come to Earth and try the ski boots there.
.

Different strokes for different folks. Not sure what size human you are, but I am a standard 6ft 180lbs. Mobes felt soft, soft, soft, soft then WALL!. The shel also felt much lower on my leg.

Bottom line: Go try on many different boots and make a decision for yourself. If you can't do that, then order different pairs online and return the ones you don't like. Boots are specific purchases that need to be carefully thought out. find a good retailer that will help you make the best decision possible.

[skinipenem]

tele - are there instructions in-box about how to adjust the forward lean? There were none in my box and no docs on-line. It's not very intuitive and the allen key is small and fiddly. I didn't find the process very intuitive. The saving grace I guess is that once it's done it's done.

Adjusting forward lean tip...

Adjust the forward lean with the boot in SKI MODE not walk mode. This way the hex heads on the screws line up with the mechanism; otherwise it is a bit of a pain.

Also, I think not over loosening the screws is a good idea not only to keep the square backings on, but also to create an audible click at each setting.

[skinipenem]

There aren't any that I know of, and the Scarpa resources online page wasn't too particularly helpful (I think it dates from 2007?), which is why it took more than one shop tech to figure it out after I gave up trying to figure the thing out. That said, it is super simple with a proper Allen wrench which can give you some leverage. Loosen each of the two screws from the outside, only caveat is do not loosen them too much, or you will lose the small piece holding the screw which is behind the large brown plastic flap that covers them on the inside of the boot heel, although it can still be retrieved. Once they are slightly loosened, you can move the lean in either direction with full motion of the cuff, and align it with the markings on the outside of the boot on the heel. Then, of course, make sure to fully tighten both of the screws with the Allen wrench. Just experimenting, if you put in too much forward lean (upper limit of the markings on the outside of the boot), you may not be able to get the ski mode to engage b/c the tongue is so stiff I couldn't flex it forward enough!

I adjusted the forward lean to the max and the boot still clicks when put into ski mode and flexed forward;; albeit one has to push pretty hard. That said, it feels a bit too far forward, IMHO.

[skinipenem]

Instep = arch pain. 2nd buckle (counting from the toe) puts me into orbit around a distant dark planet called Hell. Skiing with the instep buckle unlatched is quite a bit better, but still some arch pain (with my orthotics and without.) Unfortunately, the buckle is riveted in with no adjustment, and I would like to close the buckle. The buckle/strap/latch is the same length on all Scarpa Mobe boots.

I'll try heat molding again with some added thickness across the instep and arch area, but pretty sure that ain't gonna cut the mustard. I have already removed the boot sole block.

Any ideas for lengthening?

Thanks

P.S. the touring tongue makes the walk mode smoother.

Edit: Lengthened buckle/strap by drilling new hole and riveting.

[adam]

So I tried on the Mobe's today in a local shop. They feel soooooooo nice! Keep in mind, for the past couple seasons I've been touring mostly in my Nordica boots (also short stints in a Dynafit four buckle green thing, and a few days in a Garmont something or other, hated both). Thinking about doing some sort of payment plan for them, extremely tempted.

[Pitch]

I've been on the mobes with touring tongues about three days now. Totally a different boot. With the touring tongue, and the cuff unlocked, the walk mode is hugely improved.

With the cuff locked in ski mode, its slightly softer, but I'm a pretty light guy, and I almost prefer skiing with the touring tongue.

Also, anyone else getting pressure from the metal strap that the buckles mounted on just over the instep? Any ideas to ease that up a little?

[suntoucher]

same problem with the instep buckle, footboard was replaced by 2mm foam but still way to tight...
scarpa should offer a longer mirco adjustment for this or something similar

otherwise its a really nice boot

[LeeLau]

hey guys - i asked Scarpa this question to your fit. Now this is just a guess and bootfitters will have different answers plus suntoucher - maybe it might not even work for you given that you're already trying

On the Mobe, the issue below is likely a high instep or high-volume foot. It's easy rectified, but not by adjustments to the buckles. Best thing to do to address this is to pull out the boot board and fill the heel with the EVA inserts, which will add some volume to the boot. EVA inserts are available as an accessory from SCARPA.

http://scarpa.com/scarpa/products/SK...RIES/p_P.EHI-1

[thin cover]

just got these boots today, since I was offered a great deal and my last AT boots were cut off me First step in and they are a great fit, definitely stiffer then the factor or the like that i have tried on. Wont be skiing them anytime soon but this is the AT boot I have been waiting for. Longer micro adjustments would be great it is a tad tight over the instep but once it is buckled it was fine. I cannot figure out the canting/lean adjustment yet. Going to work on it tonight.

Do they come with a touring and alpine tongue, I know most scarpas do? mine did not, Going to contact bc.com

[summit]

These boots continue to amaze. It's only a few times a day that I find myself *wondering* "would my alpine boots have performed better on that last turn? I'm not even sure!" A few days of inbounds skiing on hardpack before I decide to sell my new alpine boots that only have 4 days on them.

adimmen thinks they are stiffer than the Titan and the Factor.

[LeeLau]

TC - just the stiff tongue. Maybe BC.com offers both? The touring tongue should be about $ 30.

Like others, I actually liked them better with the softer touring tongue,

Summit- its good to have that confirmed by you and andy

[skinipenem]

SOLUTION TO INSTEP/ARCH PAIN (well, at least what has finally worked for my width and height challenged feet):

0) remove boot sole blocks, use orthotics, heat mold liners
1) cork heel or pay money to scarpa for EVA heel inserts
2) remove 2nd buckle from boot, drill out pop rivets, drill new hole more medially, pop rivet buckle back in place using old medial hole and new more medial hole = longer instep buckle/strap
3) add 4mm or so additional cork to heel to raise foot up in boot and presumably, although this might be a placebo effect, to a slighter wider part of the shell in the proximal arch.
4) don't buckle so damn tight (not quite the race fit but wtf)
5) consider amputation.

hope this helps someone.


Touring Tongues were $40 shipped from Scarpa. IMO: Definitely sweetens the walk mode, but the stiffness of the stock/brown tongue is also quite nice - application dependent.

[suntoucher]

I do have a high instep an have problems with most boots, but as many here are having an issue scarpa should maybe offer something to fix it (just dreamin)

[marshalolson]

if you are using the touring tounge, it is much thicker than the alpine tounge, so factor that in.

also, the oot bed of the liner is fairly thick (7mm) and will over a handful of ski days thin out to 1-2 mm... so stick with it. 5mm foot drop is a huge amount of space.

[LeeLau]

http://www.wildsnow.com/4031/mobe-scarpa-boot-review/

Review out. Thanks to all on this thread many of whom contributed significant data points. I've told Scarpa about the instep buckle fit issue some are experiencing

[marshalolson]

dear scarpa - pebax sucks ass. make this boot out of PU, or at least the upper cuff. i have had to bolt on all sorts of weird stuff to minimize the shell deformation