The new Scarpa 4-Quattro GT was one of the best surprises of this year's boot test for our crew, who have tested many different Scarpa freeride and backcountry boots over the years. Many of our testers have lamented the evolution of the Maestrale and preferred its fit and straightforward performance a few iterations back in the past. They say that the 4-Quattro GT is a great combination of old-school Maestrale fit elements with new-school freeride performance levels.
Our test team's experience with the 4-Quattro line-up last year had them wondering how the GT would be the same or different, and their immediate thumbnail was that it's similar in many ways to the 4-Quattro Pro and SL but with a much friendlier, more easily accessible fit and feel. Testers loved its instant-gratification fit layout that felt like a medium-width is expected to--snug in the heel and ankles, adequate hold through the instep without feeling low on the top of the foot, plenty of forefoot and toebox room to spread out and find a neutral homebase against the ski, with warm toes!
The 4-Quattro GT's longer boot sole length than other 4-Quattro models felt more appropriate to our test team for a 101mm last target and more true-to-size when compared to other brands' freeride models. They still grouse about the variety of buckle styles and various cabrio layers that need to be properly lined up for comfy closure, but they liked the less edgy-bitey feel of polyurethane plastic in the hand as they managed those flaps and fiddly layers. The GT would appeal to more traditional alpine skiers who are looking to get into the uphill game without giving up on what they like about their area-based boot experience.
The skiing was surprisingly strong in this so-called 110-flex. Testers felt it held up better that that to abuse and big guys and said it was on par with most 120-flexes for stability and support. Testers liked the stance angles and the flex feel that combined to put them right where they wanted to be to enjoy the downhill without having to play any new games they weren't expecting--it's a good boot with no surprises on the downhill.
For an upwardly mobile model, testers thought it was surprisingly light for a polyurethane shell and cuff. They loved the fact that it moved just like the 4-Quattro Pro or Maestrale RS when hiking or skinning, and they had no issues with the cuff release and lock actuation. Testers unanimously reiterated their love for the 4-Quattro's permanently molded GripWalk outsole for making boot-binding compatibility more straightforward, to everyone's mutual approval.
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