Great video, and I agree that range of motion is king in any touring boot. I learned to telemark in 2001 because it was easier than finding AT gear for accessing N. American backcountry. In the 2000’s the touring mode tele bindings got me further. Because it was fun, I spent many years skinning every weekend in front range Colorado & Wasatch ranges in Scarpa T2X’s, & Garmont SynerG’s….while shopping for a new pair of tele boots in 2012, NTN was really heavy and frankly junk. I happened onto bargain AT boots and the old tele setup collected dust. Despite the durability issues of braking several AT boot ski mode latches, my lumbar spine and knees were happier with a more natural gait and less weight. 14 years later, I’m excited to discover tele bindings with tech toe touring options….but where is the touring boot cuff angle to utilize tech toes? Also, under-discussed in tele boots is ski mode cuff angle. I’ll never forget the day I discovered a second ski mode position in my T2X’s or SynerG tele boots (lock pushing knee forward vs backward gave two different cuff angles in ski mode). Despite the obvious free-heel feeling, the technical part I miss most about my mid-00’s telemark touring setup is the right to refuse removal of my skis. With touring mode cable bindings and tip stretch skins, a skier could leave skis attached through most any touring transition-which also helped keep fingers warm, pants dry, mind relaxed, etc. I had a goo flow with waist wrapping the jacket on the up, then stuffing skins into the jacket, and re-buckling pack waist strap on the down. Now I live in the southeast, considering, patrolling again, and shopping for a tele resort kit….ohh glory days!
Scarpa been talkin’ for five years… much as I like their boots, it’s time to shit or get off the pot. There have been versions of the comp with tech insets up front. Not sure if they were a prototype or what, but Weston D had a pair on him when I did my AIARE 1 course with him 3 years ago. He was skiing them with Lynxes (which I love, but I haven’t tried the meidjo yet…) Also… Eliminator tongue shims (from Masterfit) might be a good $30 substitute for investing $200 in replacement liners. They were an absolute game changer for me. And as a recent(ish) convert from alpine, I never quite got the hang of the wrap liners. Habituation. Cheers!
Agreed, Scarpa needs to get on this. I’m not sure about the comps with tech inserts, I’ll have to be on the lookout for them. Thanks for the tip about the tongues.
I had a pair of 75mm Crispi boots but I didn’t really like them. They were yellow and very stiff. I have not tried the Alpine heal, though I can see the appeal. Sorry I can’t report on that.
Great video, and I agree that range of motion is king in any touring boot. I learned to telemark in 2001 because it was easier than finding AT gear for accessing N. American backcountry. In the 2000’s the touring mode tele bindings got me further. Because it was fun, I spent many years skinning every weekend in front range Colorado & Wasatch ranges in Scarpa T2X’s, & Garmont SynerG’s….while shopping for a new pair of tele boots in 2012, NTN was really heavy and frankly junk. I happened onto bargain AT boots and the old tele setup collected dust. Despite the durability issues of braking several AT boot ski mode latches, my lumbar spine and knees were happier with a more natural gait and less weight. 14 years later, I’m excited to discover tele bindings with tech toe touring options….but where is the touring boot cuff angle to utilize tech toes? Also, under-discussed in tele boots is ski mode cuff angle. I’ll never forget the day I discovered a second ski mode position in my T2X’s or SynerG tele boots (lock pushing knee forward vs backward gave two different cuff angles in ski mode). Despite the obvious free-heel feeling, the technical part I miss most about my mid-00’s telemark touring setup is the right to refuse removal of my skis. With touring mode cable bindings and tip stretch skins, a skier could leave skis attached through most any touring transition-which also helped keep fingers warm, pants dry, mind relaxed, etc. I had a goo flow with waist wrapping the jacket on the up, then stuffing skins into the jacket, and re-buckling pack waist strap on the down. Now I live in the southeast, considering, patrolling again, and shopping for a tele resort kit….ohh glory days!
Scarpa been talkin’ for five years… much as I like their boots, it’s time to shit or get off the pot.
There have been versions of the comp with tech insets up front. Not sure if they were a prototype or what, but Weston D had a pair on him when I did my AIARE 1 course with him 3 years ago. He was skiing them with Lynxes (which I love, but I haven’t tried the meidjo yet…)
Also… Eliminator tongue shims (from Masterfit) might be a good $30 substitute for investing $200 in replacement liners. They were an absolute game changer for me. And as a recent(ish) convert from alpine, I never quite got the hang of the wrap liners. Habituation.
Cheers!
Agreed, Scarpa needs to get on this. I’m not sure about the comps with tech inserts, I’ll have to be on the lookout for them. Thanks for the tip about the tongues.
Crispi has the World Cup...thats a serious boot...tech toe and heel...have you ever tried the Alpine heel for the Meidjo? Great vid!
I had a pair of 75mm Crispi boots but I didn’t really like them. They were yellow and very stiff.
I have not tried the Alpine heal, though I can see the appeal. Sorry I can’t report on that.
SCARPA TX pro - december :) , 3 buckle, 62 - range of motion, 3080g (27)
I can’t wait! I found a picture of it but unsure how to post in comments.
Scarpa's don't fit my feet well, too sloppy in the toe/ball area.
Different strokes. Hope you find a boot that works for you!