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La Sportiva Spectre 2.0 Boots
Three years after their first win, the La Sportiva Spectre AT Boots are on the podium again, this year it's the 2.0 version. Just as light, stiffer, cooler looking and more compatible than before. La Sportiva continues to improve an already incredibly good boot. If you're a backcountry skier who doesn't want to give up performance for weight savings then this is your boot. Congrats (again) La Sportiva.
The Backcountry Skiing Canada Team.
How do you make the lightest 4-buckle boot even better? The obvious answer would be “make it lighter”. But then you’re flirting with disaster by crossing that line of being too light and not stiff enough. La Sportiva made the Spectre 2.0 stiffer, without adding any additional weight. You may remember from our review of the original Spectre Alpine Touring Boots that they weighed a scant 1445 grams for the size 27.5. While this hasn’t changed, the flex rating has increased from 110 to 115 or approximately 5%, which enables the Spectre 2.0 to take on more advanced terrain and accommodate skiers who like to push it a little bit harder. La Sportiva achieved this increased support by filling in a few of the holes on the boots spine and adding more plastic in the lower shell/outer arch area. This minimizes the lower shell bulge when it flexes; a common problem of other super lightweight alpine touring boots. The 2.0 version is also now compatible with alpine, tech and TR2 bindings which allows you to ski alpine and virtually any touring bindings on the market.
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The same, only better.
One thing that’s stayed the same from the original Spectre boots are those innovative, low profile aluminum Pegasus Buckles with built-in micro adjustment. Also carried over from the original Spectre are the thermo-mouldable EZ liners, 60° cuff rotation, 1145g weight, Vibram sole, and their incredible comfort and fit. The same goes for the women’s Sparkle 2.0 which comes in an appealing berry/blue moon colour combo.
Be sure to read the previous review of the original La Sportiva Spectre so that you have a solid background of what make this AT boot such a strong performer and one of our top pics.
Lets look at a 360° view of the La Sportiva Spectre 2.0 Boots, shall we?
Materials:
- Shell - Compact lower made of ultra-lightweight nylon polymer Grilamid.
- Cuff - Pebax
- Vertebra - Carbon-reinforced Grilamid.
- Tongue - EZ flex Grilamid tongue uses a hinge system for better ankle movement and a waterproof seal under the tongue.
- Spoiler - Marfram
- Liner - Thermo-mouldable EZ liner with Spantik lacing system for custom fit.
- Sole – Resolable outsole features hard yellow Vibram Top 85 edging platforms in toe and heel for climbing, with softer and stickier Vibram Icetrek rubber in the mid foot and heel for grip on cold, icy or snowy surfaces.
Features:
- Dual-axis cuff has a Pebax dual-density 2-buckle climbing system for lateral control and increased ankle articulation.
- Removable polyurethane, ultra-lightweight insulating inner sole.
- Rear diffuser element allows for full 60-degree range of motion (30 degrees forward and 30 degrees back with buckles closed).
- Removable 2-position asymmetric rear spoiler provides fine-tuning of forward lean angle and foot position.
- Tongue position can be adjusted between three positions within a 4mm range, for greater comfort.
- 4BT Tech last is neutral and is 102.5mm wide underfoot for a wider, more comfortable performance fit.
- Canting adjustment modifies leg angle +2/-2 degrees to provide powerful neutral stance.
- Bindings compatible with these boots are Tech, Alpine touring and TR2.
- Flex index of 115 for high performance skiing on wide skis.
- Walk/ski mechanism is easy to operate, even with gloves on.
- Pegasus buckles use a unique cam design that's simple and easy to use.
- Speed step-in locator on sole allows fast positioning into bindings.
- Vibram Top 85 edging platforms in toe and heel, with softer and stickier Vibram Icetrek rubber in the mid foot.
Verdict:
It’s challenging to improve on a something that’s already good. Sure, there were a few issues with the original design of the original Spectre AT boots, but these have all been resolved. There were the buckles that came loose, likewise with the pivot assembly; The 2.0 buckles are all secured with lock-tight and the pivot assembly is no longer removable. Also, the second buckle from the top would wear into the flexible rubber tongue area. Over time this weakened the soft rubber area and made it pop out. This buckle is now less curved and no longer hits this sensitive area on the tongue.
The Spectre 2.0 boots are now 5% stiffer without adding any additional weight. They also have more vertical room in the toe box so the fit is even better than before. I also find the new graphics and colour scheme to be pretty slick. I’d have to say that the Spectre 2.0 boots are more comfortable and ski even better than the originals. I’ve had them out in early season conditions which consisted of powder, chop and west coast cement, and the Spectre 2.0 powered through it all.
Bottom line, the power-to-weight ratio of the Spectre 2.0 is unmatched by any other 4-buckle AT boot I’ve tested. If you are looking to go light without compromising flex, fit or performance, then the La Sportiva Spectre 2.0 is the boot for you.- Vibram Top 85 edging platforms in toe and heel, with softer and stickier Vibram Icetrek rubber in the mid foot.
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PROS:
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CONS:
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SPECS:
Price: $779CAN / $679US
Weight: 1445g / 3lbs 2.97oz (half pair, size 27.5 with liner and footbed)
Sizes: 25-31.5 (half sizes)
Colour: Yellow/Blue
Flex: 115
Cuff rotation: 60°
Last Width: 102.5
Forward Lean: 3 pre-set positions (12°/14° /16°)
RATING: 10/10
| Fit/Comfort 2/2 Cuff Rotation 2/2 Function 2/2 Weight 2/2 Quality / Price 2/2 |
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