Crispi XR Dynamic Telemark Boot - 2009 BCS

I spent 2 seasons on the XRs, and I am now on my second season on the T1s, and I must say the T1 is a higher quality boot. Both in build quality and symmetry of flex, as well as durability. The comfort of each boot depends on the shape of your foot, and the quality of your fitting, but the heat moldable liners make that a negligible difference. My XRs had an issue with the power strap where the velcro was misplaced too far along the strap for any real benefit. I later had this altered to remove the slack, but it was a bit annoying.
Jack's comment about softening is on track for the Crispis. The XR tends to relax noticeably more than the scarpas, especially around the bellows. That is not to say that T1s dont get skied in at all, they certainly do, but small details such as these make for the difference between a great boot and a really great boot.

I just acquired a pair of XRs this season and they are the best tele boots that I have ever skied. Hands down. It is tough out here in Colorado to find them. Great boots. They do everything very well. I had a pair of T-1s that I liked very much, but I like these better. I have toured with them quite a bit on both a pair of G3 Barons and BD Megawatts. I have Voile Switchbacks on the Barons... a great combination. The boots are comfortable and warm. The fit is similar to Scarpa, but the toe box is a little bigger, which works well for me. The heel pocket is deep and secure. For pushing around big skis, these babies rule. They have smooth forward flex and plenty of stiffness to drive the Megawatts through whatever I point them through. I am a pretty aggressive skier, so these may not be the best choice for a beginner, but I am sold. So far about 25 days in them this season. The soles may wear out faster than the Scarpas, but other than that, they have stood up well.

I by far prefer the T1 over any other boot. Scarpa makes the stiffest, most durable tele boot around. You get a more custom forward lean, a stiffer, smoother forward flex, more lateral stiffness, and excellent comfort. The T1 is about 15oz heavier, though, but the extra weight is what makes them perform better. I have found Crispi boots to get soft and break down over time. Not so with the Scarpas. I have well over 200 days on my T1's and they're as good as the first day I skied them, minus some scuffs and scrapes and the smell. I would wear my boots for twelve hours straight, or more, and was always comfortable. Great boots.

For some boots, the shell does not come in half sizes, but the liners do. They wouldn't make up half sizes.

The sizing between the brands is pretty much the same. If your Scarpas are running large, I'd go for a 27.5 or a 27. I wouldn't give up on Scarpa, yet, though. Crispis don't last as long, and they're not as stiff as Scarpas. In my experience, Crispis don't perform as well, or hold up to long seasons of use. My Scarpa T1's are solid after 200+ days, and are as good as ever.

I think most boot are coming to a norm; that is Scarpa's are not that wide anymore. This is not as narrow as the old Crispi with the wrap around instep. Also the baffle is super stiff, not flexible like the old ones. I've had this boot for 2 years and it's the stiffest boot I've ever had. Stiffer than a T1 but I don't know if it's a stiff as a T-Race. Not good for touring in general; to stiff, hard to walk in, but if your looking for maximum downhill performance it' s probable better for touring than the T-Race.