The only downside to this innovation is the abundance of choice for the consumer. Are we now expected to have a quiver of boots to suit our touring, mountaineering, and racing needs? It seems so, but I will persevere.
Finding the right ski boot, for me, represents the crux of my ski kit assembly. Fit, performance, weight, and binding compatibility all receive equal consideration.
I feel as though I found an appropriate balance last year with the Scarpa Mobe.
The Mobe is Scarpa’s entry in the tech-fitting (Dynafit) compatible freeride category. This is a boot that’s designed to deliver high performance for aggressive skiers in steep terrain. The Mobe will be seen as often in the ski area as in the skin track. Weight and flex are comparable to or better than others in this category (Radium and Titan).
The flex index of the boot is listed as 125. This is a difficult number to interpret objectively or score against other models. Suffice to say that it is a stiff boot in comparison to other touring oriented models out there. What I can say that I appreciate about the Mobe is that it offers a progressive flex that I haven’t experienced with other stiffer boots out there. It offers plenty of power without feeling like my shins are pushing up against a brick wall.
Other details worthy of feedback include the power strap. Specifically…….it is a power strap. It’s plenty wide and its elasticity tightens the cuff around your entire leg.
One thing I would change with this boot is the buckle system. It would be valuable to add some sort of buckle catch that functions to secure the buckles while they are loose.
So, buy this boot if you are an aggressive ski area convert. Buy this boot if you ski big terrain on fat skis and want a stiff and supportive ride. It will not disappoint.
Have fun out there.
Mike Soucy
Colorado Mountain School Guide
800-836-4008 x3
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