Nimble and Light - Highly Recommend!

By Stephen Koch Ranked #26 - Men's Mountaineering Boots April 16, 2010

I used the Phantom Lights out of the box for a late season session in Highlight Canyon where I warmed up on a couple of moderate ice routes before hitting the classic Alex Lowe route, Come and Get It. At first I was concerned I did not have my fruit boots (rock shoes with crampons) to tackle this technical and intimidating route. But after slamming in some gear to protect the first overhanging section I was stoked with these nimble and light weight boots. The ankle movement was great and my heel stayed put with the lacing system snuggly locked and tied. My one complaint is that the thinness of the lace was uncomfortable and even painful to tighten securely. And when I tried to change the laces for something thicker I realized getting to the bottom eyelets would have been harder than performing many surgeries, so I relaced the thin ones and will endure. That being said, these boots climb better than other boots in this category, are warm and also exceptionally comfortable, RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX! I had to size down to a 44 after using a 44.5 in the Sportiva Batura's and even could have gone with a 43.5 with a little work with the local cobbler.

Bottom line: Great ice and mixed boot that is super comfortable, stable and climbs better than some fruit boots while keeping my toes nice and warm.

Highly recommend!

View Details: Scarpa Phantom Lite Mountaineering Boot - Men's

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