tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post4099788499813335817..comments2024-03-16T10:11:19.302-07:00Comments on Cold Thistle: La Sportiva Spectre! One boot to rule all?Danehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08300760603627210620noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-50856598650704213512014-12-19T13:52:53.108-08:002014-12-19T13:52:53.108-08:00Wow! Good on ya! I couldn't get a F1 Evo to ...Wow! Good on ya! I couldn't get a F1 Evo to fit me and I tried hard! It is a very cool boot. I am generally a 28 in a performance fit ski boot. I'd guess the 28 Spectre will fit fine. Easy to punch on the sides for width as well. Good luck! Danehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300760603627210620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-2421979029106378522014-12-19T12:44:57.646-08:002014-12-19T12:44:57.646-08:00Hi dane, you've helped me dial in fit very wel...Hi dane, you've helped me dial in fit very well on other boots, thought I'd ask about this one. I have a 45 in rebel ultras and phantom 6000s. My foot measures just under 10.5 us but is very wide, i usually size up to accommodate the width but in some shoes go as low as a 43.5. I normally see that you are about a half size larger than I am in most postings. But this post you say you have a sz 28 shell for the spectre. I have an decent out of box fit on some f1 evos on a 29.5 that have a BSL of 314 with ample toe room and a "relaxed" fit. I see the BSL of the spectre in a 28 is also 314. I'll no doubt have to punch it, but do you think ill be fine in length? Thanks for all you do!Anthonyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00119272742212089291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-85678276746350640722014-12-02T22:54:30.045-08:002014-12-02T22:54:30.045-08:00Sorry Curtis, zero interest on my part in either. ...Sorry Curtis, zero interest on my part in either. I have skied the Maestrale RS a good bit. Really nice boot. But neither fish or foul for my own use. Hopefully you have seen Lou's review already:<br />https://www.wildsnow.com/12089/trab-tr2-ski-binding/Danehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300760603627210620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-88933304371069393822014-12-02T21:29:27.136-08:002014-12-02T21:29:27.136-08:00I know heavier tech bindings are really not your s...I know heavier tech bindings are really not your style but I would love to hear what you have to say about the Scarpa Spirit RS and the seemingly innovative Trab TR2 bindings if you ever get your hands on them. Also, for comparison, have you ever climbed in the Scarpa Spirits, like the 3's or 4's or have any insight into how you think they would handle? I'm sure they would climb similarly to this new RS.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />CurtisCurtishttp://jccrosscountry.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-6730474492866603812014-08-16T15:21:38.144-07:002014-08-16T15:21:38.144-07:00Hi Brad, Didn't ski as much as I could have in...Hi Brad, Didn't ski as much as I could have in the Spectra. But what I did there were zero durability issues. Climbed in them as much or more than skiing and nothing broke. Love the walk mode. But have used the Spectre liner in all my boots (including right now with a TLT6 in Las Lenas) and will again this winter in my TLT6 and Mercury. I really, really like how they fit and will buy a new pair to use in everything once they are available from La Sportiva NA. I have over 100 days on this liner including a comfy 6 day trip on the Haute Route in them. And still a solid liner for my own use bot lift served and human powered. I have a lot of liners and could use any other inner boot option made. For me the Spectre liner is super solid. Reason enough IMO to buy the entire boot.Danehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300760603627210620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-75909276992668160672014-08-16T09:33:18.364-07:002014-08-16T09:33:18.364-07:00Hi Dane,
Thanks for the comprehensive review, and...Hi Dane,<br /><br />Thanks for the comprehensive review, and clearly the updates over the season. I was wondering if you had any comment on the durability of the boot now that you've hit the end of the season. In particular how did the bellows in the tongue and the flex area in the liner hold up after some skinning? Thanks,<br /><br />-BradBradhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08000420606064995498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-2485120575219908982014-03-02T07:53:23.531-08:002014-03-02T07:53:23.531-08:00Beer bottle is good. Wine bottle has more leverag...Beer bottle is good. Wine bottle has more leverage :) Use it with the heat gun. Easy to get it all done that way.Danehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300760603627210620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-55284716441629757622014-03-01T15:01:19.954-08:002014-03-01T15:01:19.954-08:00Hey Dane huge fan of the blog. Just got a pair of ...Hey Dane huge fan of the blog. Just got a pair of spectres and super stoked coming from a pair of Clinton administration scarpa lazers. Can already tell I will need to mold the shell for all day instep comfort, what did you use with the heat gun? I was thinking shoving a wider beer bottle down there to open it up after the heat gun treatmen, but just wanted to make sure I didnt screw it up. Thoughts? sdizzlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12973514555980262115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-58939171718574338422014-02-25T07:43:35.172-08:002014-02-25T07:43:35.172-08:0028.5 has a BSL of 314mm. My grivel crampons (haut...28.5 has a BSL of 314mm. My grivel crampons (haute route and G20) fit very weell with standard bars. Danehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300760603627210620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-4787422536949407932014-02-25T00:38:09.375-08:002014-02-25T00:38:09.375-08:00Can anyone help me please. I have purchased a pair...Can anyone help me please. I have purchased a pair of these boots in size 28.5. I am trying to find out what length the soles are in size 28.5. I am away from home at the moment and want to find out if the Grivel Tech light crampons with standard central bars will fit my boots. The problem I am having is I am away from home at the moment. I arrive back on a Saturday night and head off on a 4 day ski tour on Sunday morning. If I can find out the sole length of size 28.5 then I can work out if I need to order via the internet the longer bars. Odd request I know but if you know the sole lenght that would be of great help for me. Thanks a million. Dee. Deehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05568772815922334692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-91854617969847634912014-02-07T21:36:02.407-08:002014-02-07T21:36:02.407-08:00Just bought some Spectres, at first I was unsure a...Just bought some Spectres, at first I was unsure about the fit. Then I went to Marmot Mtn. in Bellevue and tried on the Dynafit Vulcan and Scarpa Maestrale RS, when I came home I tried on the Spectre again and in comparison it fit great. Looking forward to taking them out this week as we are looking to finally get some serious snow here in the PNW.Travishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01266894262515496520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-81521010579478997602014-01-26T17:45:47.667-08:002014-01-26T17:45:47.667-08:00I've not seen Velcro loosen up. I have seen i...I've not seen Velcro loosen up. I have seen it wear out. I use a Voile rubber strap on some of my boots (PDG/TLT) as a quick and easy booster strap if I want a little more support. Cinch buckles are nice and certainly make sense to me.Danehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300760603627210620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-8722588159548049632014-01-26T11:10:07.139-08:002014-01-26T11:10:07.139-08:00I've always wondered why velcro power straps h...I've always wondered why velcro power straps have lasted in the market? Mine have always loosened up over the day, so I convert to the "Booster" elastic strap with a positive cinch buckle. Thoughts?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10514068284890970734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-45041245360755225052013-12-13T18:30:52.312-08:002013-12-13T18:30:52.312-08:00Sure...But not sure why you'd use the heavy Ma...Sure...But not sure why you'd use the heavy Markers. Guess it makes sense with the heavier yet Obsethed. Good as the Spectre is for skiing I am getting word from Chamonix that it is a great climbing boot as well. I have yet to climb in them.Danehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300760603627210620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-38883259431598183592013-12-13T12:54:28.279-08:002013-12-13T12:54:28.279-08:00would it be any good for freeriding with fat K2 ob...would it be any good for freeriding with fat K2 obsethed ski's with marker binding's? as i also want to do some turing and climbing ? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-70502184672702481132013-12-12T17:37:26.181-08:002013-12-12T17:37:26.181-08:00Thanks. I wonderred where the idea came from. I ...Thanks. I wonderred where the idea came from. I do know the boot's designer, Colin Lantz @ la Sportiva. He assures me dispite the rumors the Spectre will work with any of the plate bindings including Marker.<br />Danehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300760603627210620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-30107243516997726072013-12-12T15:07:57.094-08:002013-12-12T15:07:57.094-08:00Thank you for your timely response I was referring...Thank you for your timely response I was referring to the video insert on your blog i thought you were its author. I want to get these boots to begin making the move to BC skiing but I have seen some that have said it is nmot very compatible with the marker tour.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-41985087390480377512013-12-12T11:36:24.744-08:002013-12-12T11:36:24.744-08:00Hi Mark, Not me. I am only useing Dynafit bindin...Hi Mark, Not me. I am only useing Dynafit bindings. The Spectra are on either Radical Speeds or Speed Superlights. Pin holes on the boots are a little off compared to my Dynafit boots but nothing you would really notice on the hill. FWIW some frinds in Chamonix are o nthe Spectre as well and sending me rave reviews for both free skiing and climbing. Shoot, score!Danehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300760603627210620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-54151603970779372372013-12-12T11:30:09.598-08:002013-12-12T11:30:09.598-08:00Dane I noticed you set these boots in what looked ...Dane I noticed you set these boots in what looked like Marker tour AT bindings I have read on other blogs that there is difficulty fitting these boots in the tour binding Was I correct in identifying those bindings and did you have that difficulty?<br />marknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-67412407198729918992013-12-04T22:19:24.946-08:002013-12-04T22:19:24.946-08:00Thanks Jim. Been wanting to pull the lower two bu...Thanks Jim. Been wanting to pull the lower two buckles, add duct tape and climb in them :) Skiing has been good in them for me on 110+ skis.Danehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300760603627210620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-41113465852915748032013-12-04T20:32:47.240-08:002013-12-04T20:32:47.240-08:00Re: stiffer tongues in the Spectre:
Just for grins...Re: stiffer tongues in the Spectre:<br />Just for grins I slid a pair of TLT tongues under the ez-flex tongues of the Spectre and the stiffness went postal. Like Vulcans with tongues. <br /> Like you I was tempted to heat spread the shell instep, but waited until after moulding the liners and discovered it wasn't needed. I'm a 27.5 and removing the front buckles dropped the weight down to 1385g per.<br />Great write up. I was/am a TLT fanatic too. These black beauties really rock.jimkusahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13325725833762786685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-90136288459058778432013-11-24T21:39:45.455-08:002013-11-24T21:39:45.455-08:00I have not Kai. But it is the first boot that has...I have not Kai. But it is the first boot that has tempted me to leave my TLT6 at home. If I had to choose and could only use one boot? Skiing a priority? It would be a tough choice. If the priority was climbing I'd stick to the TLT6 but skiing really important...Spectre is a pretty slick package. Fits crampons well and easily a good enough walk mode to take them climbing. If you wanted to you could even pull off the lower buckles (bolt on/off) to climb in them for a cleaner profile. Ony need to add some duct tape on the holes. I have yet to even think about climbing in them....but some really fun options on the Spectre!! I might have to try that sooner than later ;-)Danehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300760603627210620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-28298055950828520312013-11-24T20:33:42.648-08:002013-11-24T20:33:42.648-08:00Been ice climbing in them yet? How would these pe...Been ice climbing in them yet? How would these perform as a winter alpine boot, particularly on climbs where you're skiing on the approach and descent?Kainoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-537166517411359462013-11-22T12:54:58.631-08:002013-11-22T12:54:58.631-08:00I got a pair of 2013-2014 Vulcan size 28, and one ...I got a pair of 2013-2014 Vulcan size 28, and one of the first things I noticed is that for 2014, the Vulcan comes with removable forward flex stops. They are bolted in with hex screws attached to the carbon cuff. Prior to this year, the Vulcan did not have these stops. The stops hinder forward range of motion in walk mode a bit, but I think they are an overall positive thing.<br /><br />The Mercury apparently has molded in stops to make up for the lack of overall stiffness compared to the Vulcan. This made the Mercury almost as stiff as the old Vulcan. These new stops on the Vulcan completely eliminate for me the consideration of using the Vulcan tongues. <br /><br />My size 28 Vulcans came in at about 1730g per boot as well. I have removed the front buckle and buckle strap, the tongue, the booster strap, and I have replaced the stock liner with an Intuition Pro Tongue. With the Pro Tongue liner and the flex stops but no tongue, the boot seems every bit as stiff as the Vulcan+tongue from last year.<br /><br />With these mods, my boots are now 1500g on the dot. I maybe could have approached 1450g if I had opted for one of Intuition's lighter liners.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6940163880772720830.post-60872381621442317332013-11-19T21:02:35.629-08:002013-11-19T21:02:35.629-08:00I finally fitted my pair. I have a low volume C wi...I finally fitted my pair. I have a low volume C width foot with narrow heals, medium arches, high instep, and my first three toes are the same length. We (the boot fitter) did a mild 6th toe punch to keep my instep from getting taller, and then relieved/opened the instep. The liner is very thick so heat molding them helped significantly. I was actually surprised how thick the liner was. The buckles are no longer maxed out and I can now actually use some of the adjustment in the cuff.<br /><br />Ianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10023513087034699039noreply@blogger.com