Edit: Skied on a new pair of Scarpa Maestrale boots. First of all it is the most comfortable boot I have set foot in. They took the "Scarpa Bump" out of the midfoot area so a full length footbed is not rockered. It has the best walk mode I have ever experienced, even on the upper cuff in steeper sections. It took me some time to get used to the ski setting and softness of the upper cuff compared to the stiffer, but never comfortable BD Quadrants. The forward setting seemed to forward and the back was to upright. But I learned a newer technique that skied real well in the slop, glop and powder. It drove the larger Stokes pretty well even in boot deep saturated coffee grounds. Probably not your daily frontside-sidecountry boot, but a great long tour, day trip boot that feels like it has dexterity when walking rather than clunking around in Frankenstein's boots.
I'll be interested in your feedback on the Maestrale during the spring season. I have a pair that I used a few times before my spine surgery. Once Eric at Marmot made a few modifications, I found the light boot was still able to drive my K2 Sidestash. GerryH, Eric and I all have a 310 shell . The entry/exit is rather unusual and takes some patience. If the snowpack continues to grow, I just might get a chance to use the Maestrales this summer.
Happy Birthday !
