The 2021/2022 Scarpa Maestrale RS was tested in the men’s Backcountry category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
Testers loved this improved iteration of the Maestrale RS since the last one they tested—now following the lead of the Maestrale XT’s mold shape and design but in a softer shell and slightly less dense Intuition Pro Flex Performance liner the RS provides everything a backcountry skier is looking for in a user-friendly package, at a $100 discount off big brother XT.
The Fit
Testers said the 101mm last width labeling was just as advertised—medium fit tension throughout, with a little additional relief in the toebox and forefoot. The out-of-box fit was surprisingly good, they said, but recommended full heat molding to better match the foot and leg and lock the exterior of the liner to the shell for increased precision.
Performance
This RS was a step up in performance from the last RS we tested—it’s more in line with the descent performance of the XT now, just in a slightly softer and less exact sort of way. Testers agreed there was plenty of power on tap for expert level charging through all snow conditions for all but the biggest and hardest-corest of guys. The touring range of motion was outstanding and the weight on the foot was light.
Cool Features
All the key features for a BC winner are in place—Vibram outsole, dual pull loop Intuition tongue liner, Grilamid Bio plant-based plastic in the cuff, straightforward Velcro power strap, a 3-position forward lean adjustment and even a Recco chip.
