Scarpa maestrale rs fit1/21/2024 My first outing with the Maestrale XT was a day of lift skiing at Vancouver Island’s Mount Washington Alpine Resort, and that downhill prowess was immediately clear: The carbon-infused Grilamid lower shell and large, overlapping cuff provide great torsional rigidity, while the fairly progressive 130 flex allows the boot to drive and transfer energy extremely well. Despite its great touring abilities, the boot was specifically built to excel on the descent whether you’re lapping frontside groomers or hitting steep lines in the backcountry. Put simply, the Scarpa Maestrale XT shines when pointed downhill. All told, I’ve been highly impressed by the Maestrale XT’s climbing abilities and consider it one of the most balanced downhill-focused designs I’ve tested to date. This has led to some minor toe strikes on more aggressive slopes, but the impact on overall comfort is fairly minimal-and it’s a price I’m willing to pay for the more aggressive fit. I have found the fit at the front to be a little prohibitive-my toes are slightly scrunched when skinning, which is likely a result of the 2-degree forward lean and lack of ratcheting strap over the forefoot (I cover this more in " Fit and Sizing" below). This allows my calf and ankle to flex naturally without my heel moving around sloppily inside the boots. To maximize climbing comfort, I release the top and bottom buckles and loosen the power strap while leaving the buckle at the lower cuff snugly in place. It’s also crampon-compatible with most automatic or semi-automatic models. Bootpacking performance is similarly competitive: Like the RS, the XT is equipped with a capable Vibram Cayman PRO outsole that bites well into everything from hardpack snow to ice and rock. On the flip side, the Maestrale’s rear flex exceeds my foot’s range of motion and makes it easy to navigate tight, techy switchbacks that require awkward kick turns. For reference, I’ve only had to revert to using the heel risers on my G3 Ion bindings a few times on particularly steep slopes. There is a definitive stopping point when the cuff hits the middle of the tongue, but I’ve never felt limited by the amount of forward tilt. In terms of mobility, the XT has a total flex (forward and backward) of 56 degrees, which is very generous and provides ample range of motion for ascending. The Scarpa Maestrale XT is a decidedly downhill-focused boot, so I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it’s a great uphill companion, too. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best backcountry ski boots. It's still best suited for hard-charging, experienced riders, but this is more than a one-trick pony. That said, in testing, the XT way exceeded expectations on the climbs with generous range of motion, a grippy outsole, and good adjustability. Introduced a couple seasons ago, the XT version unapologetically favors the latter, combining added stiffness and rigidity for a locked-in and confidence-inspiring feel on steep descents. Scarpa’s Maestrale RS boots are legendary among backcountry skiers and well loved for their effective balance of uphill and downhill performance.
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