Scarpa Spirit 3 Alpine Touring Ski Boot - 2006 BCS

Ok, so these are my first AT boots, so I'm not an expert. But...I love them. I love them so much. They're so great on the uphill, I feel like I'm wearing mountaineering boots. I use them with Naxo NX01's and even with the heavy binding I can climb all day on these. They're also even great bootpacking or with crampons on. I thermofitted the liners at home and they're incredibly comfortable. Not for a ski boot, but for a boot, period. They're light for AT boots (especially given the trend towards heavier) and it's noticeable on longer tours. I'm significantly less tired with these than my alpine boots.

On the downhill I'm perfectly happy. I'm driving a pair of 05/06 175cm Salomon 1080 Guns with 90mm underfoot, and this boot is plenty to handle it. I ski everything I can find including steep, tight couloirs and trees and they handle it. I also use this boot at the resort and charge everything I find there and it handles it all. I am a lightweight guy (150lbs) so maybe that's why I don't need more boot? Very satisfied. I was disappointed that they discontinued this and replaced it with the Spirit 4; from what I hear that's also a good boot, but I don't think the fourth buckle was necessary at all and it adds weight.

My one gripe is that I think not only are the two lean lock positions unnecessary, but cumbersome. First, there is a difference in stiffness between then: the forward setting has a softer flex, maybe more "progressive", while the more upright setting is incredibly stiff to the point of being uncomfortable. It's like banging your shins on a post for me; perhaps a bigger skier would want something this stiff, but not me. I only use the forward lean lock position when I'm skiing; it just feels better, both with the flex and the aggressive skiing posture it allows. I'd prefer that there was only the forward, as it's too easy to accidentally put one boot in the forward and one boot in the upright, which results in a very strange feeling descent. It's easily changeable once you notice it, but if you're dropping into a tight couloir you just have to stick it out to the bottom. You learn to double-check before you ski anywhere, but it's still an annoyance.

Pros:
Very comfortable fits a little higher volume than the Denali XT. Best boot I have ever been in for walking all day.
Cons:
Disappointed in the ski performance. A bit to sloppy for fat skis. They are fine on easy powder slopes, but get them in the steeps or in some tough snow and you are fighting to keep your skis in order.

This is now my do it all boot, very lightweight and stiff. I have used the Adrenaline's in the past and they are heavier and slightly more stiff. The wider toe box, better touring ability and compatibility with Dynafit bindings is what pushed me towards these. Overall I am very pleased with this boot. Could come with the optional stiffer tounge and spoiler for the price you pay (expensive!).

I upgraded from the Scarpa Matrix this year and have found these boots to be a bit stiffer with an improved tongue. I also would prefer a stiffer tongue but for the weight of these boots they have performed well and are supporting enough for my 6'4" 200 pound frame. For a wider foot these boots are a better fit for me over other brands. Be sure to have the liner heat molded and you're set!

Dynafit lightness. Great boots. Prefer the wraparound liner to Garmonts liner that has a touring. I chose these over the Megarides on this feature alone. I like the Megarides buckles better though, something about the ratchet system doesn't feel as reliable as the buckles. Skiing these is nice as long as you don't push to hard in them. If looking for a more aggressive set up Go for a beefier system than the Dynafit.