I've tried lot of different boots over the years, and so far, these are the best yet for me. I only used these for the second half of the winter of 2000-2001, but I'm extremely happy with them. I used them for standard ice cragging, and some alpine couloirs with long approaches and walk-offs. The fit is great. They are insulated for colder conditions; but they're not so warm that you'd really suffer on a spring day. They are great for front pointing - excellent stiffness in the sole and high support around the ankles. But they also allow decent french technique (better than a plastic boot, anyway...). Very comfortable, no trace of shin-bight or walking pain. Then again, I pretty much only walked on snowy paths in them. Not a lot of miles on dry paths or rock yet. They've got a nice rocker which helps with the walking part of the equation; and it helps them fit some of the newest high-tech crampons (I used a pair of the new grivel rambocomps with them for the second half of this winter - fantastic!!). The toe and forefoot width is not too clunky, so they feel quite point-able for both ice rock climbing. Better than many other full-bore mountain boots that I've worn. The (sticky?) rubber rand goes pretty much all the way around the toe and heel. An obvious thing, you'd think, but some boots don't. I can't think of a single negative thing to say about these boots. If they fit your feet, you'll be a happy ice climber in them.

Customer Service

No issues. No need to contact them. They seem totally bombproof so far. Scarpa's reputation is pretty good though from what I've heard.

Similar Products Used:

Plastic boots - I've used Koflachs and Asolos. Both were fine. Warm and waterproof. I'll hang on to them for especially cold days. Leather - I've used Salomon Super Mtn 9 Guides (super stiff - ice climb well, but very painful for my feet - narrow with a tiny toe box; plastic rand skates off rock climbing toe holds). La Sportivas (also nice climbing performance, but agony for my feet). Scarpa Freney - great alpine boot, but not enough support for long days of frontpointing (which is what I like to do); not tall enough, not stiff enough; totally flat sole (no rocker) so wearing crampons that have a bit of rocker designed into them is problematic. Freney's maybe too specialized for a generalist like me.