These stops aren’t engaged at all in ski mode, but they keep the buckles on the upper cuff from hitting the forefoot buckle when in walk mode. While investigating this reduced forward flexibility, I was surprised to find that it is entirely due to “stops” molded into the shell. The forward flexibility in walk mode is slightly less on the Maestrale XT (56 degrees) compared to the Maestrale RS (60 degrees), although it’s still quite good for a boot that is this burly. These changes of course have the effect of making the XT a stiffer, heavier boot. Rear of the two boots (XT on the left), the XT is noticeably higher (although the attached spoiler on the RS makes up for some of this difference). It’s still external, but uses a different locking system that looks heavier duty, and also allows for forward lean adjustment 14-18 degrees. The other major change for the boot is the walk mode mechanism. 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). Comparing the Maestrale XT to my old favorite, the Maestrale RS.
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