![]() ![]() The upper shell also incorporates a burly, stretchy power strap with a cam buckle. The XT has a similar lower buckle, but removes the instep buckle and replaces it with an extra buckle on the upper shell. The RS has one over the lower shell, one over the instep, and one around the upper cuff. The Maestrale XT and Maestrale RS both have three buckles, but the difference is where they are located. The front of the cuff also has more surface area. It’s slightly taller (about 1cm taller on the back). While still made out of Grilamid, the upper plastic shell is an entirely new shape. The tongue is “split” to allow the boot to flex in walk mode. The lower shell has the same hybrid construction Grilamid combined with LFT (fiber-reinforced) plastic. They look like they came out of identical molds. The tongue and lower shell are mostly unchanged. The XT is similar to the RS, with small, but effective changes. Since many potential Scarpa Maestrale customers are going to be deciding between the RS and the XT, I’m going to focus this review on comparing the two. ![]() The Maestrale XT, a stiffer version of the RS new for this year, looked like an excellent option to fulfill this niche. The fact is, I’m not a good enough skier to ski well in wimpy light boots. I’m often willing to sacrifice a fair bit of uphill performance to have a boot that can hold up to some air and speed. I tend to like a beefier boot for the ski area, and backcountry tours that are more focused on having fun on the down. That lands the RS right in the middle, which works very well for much of the skiing I do, especially in mid-winter. For me, the compromise is on both ends of the spectrum: it doesn’t have the tour-ability of a light skimo boot, but also it gives up a bit of beef on the down, compared to a more alpine-like boot. As with every touring boot, it is a compromise. The Maestrale RS is fairly light, and tours well, while still being “enough” boot to drive big skis. I’ve been a fan of Scarpa’s Maestrale line of touring boots for years, with my current go to being the RS version ( review here). While the thermoformable Cross Fit pro Flex performance Intuition liner uses the exclusive Foam Intuition, the best in terms of wearing comfort.Comparing the Maestrale XT to my old favorite, the Maestrale RS. The cuff has a simple and clean design with differentiated reinforcement and thickness zones to offer adequate support for the skiing phase while limiting weight. The heel is locked in place thanks to the HRS system: the combination of band and lever on the instep offers an incredible fit for both uphill comfort and downhill performance. The Wave closure system offers the ability to customize the closure of the hull over the entire forefoot area, ensuring exceptional comfort. The Thor Rack XT and Buckle system allows an effective hooking of the lever in the "walk" phase with a light and resistant system. The Power Stap Plus is very light and keeps the tongue in contact with the tibia even in the fastest changes of direction, integrating the RECCO reflector. The closure system combines several systems, which together allow for excellent fit and sensitivity. The Ski / Walk mechanism is the Speed Lock Plus, a practical and quick system to lock and unlock the cuff, thanks to the spring that improves the functionality of the lever. In addition, the radial design in the heel area allows weight to be contained by ensuring support in the most stressed areas. The hull is made by injection with the combination of two high-performance materials, Carbon Grilamid LFT and Grilamid, which guarantee exceptional performance, with high torsional stiffness from the ankle to the toe. They are compatible with all ski touring bindings, but perform at their best in combination with 85-110 mm wide skis. SCARPA Maestrale RS are ski mountaineering boots suitable for expert skiers looking for uncompromising performance. ![]()
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