Scarpa F1 Evo version 2.0 2016-2017 is basically the same F1 that was retailed last year, and replacement for F1 Evo that was recalled. We suspect it has a few tiny improvements.
Remember the F1 Evo? Amazingly good boot in so many ways, but the Tronic lean lock (automatic locker) of the F1 Evo was flawed so they up and recalled every boot with a Tronic. Mature way to handle things in my opinion. Nice to see. Promise was to send the recall swap boots out this fall, sans Tronic, and they delivered. Ours came a few days ago and they look fantastic.
Tronic is a brilliant innovation. After the trigger plate was thickened as an “in line” change last winter, in my opinion it worked fine in a properly adjusted binding. But I’ll admit it’s easy to get it wrong, and if your boot misbehaves (coming unlocked accidentally and jamming into the binding) a dangerous situation could result. Nonetheless, while one might think Tronic is relegated to that amazing museum in Montebelluna, it’ll actually still be sold in Europe, just not “officially” in North America. As always we find that to be strange, but them is the vagaries of globalism. Despite the best intentions of worldwide business, reality is not always global, that is unless you have a credit card, computer, and an extra two days to wait for shipping.
In any case, one can imagine the boot minions of Montebelluna have been as busy as a roofing crew after a hurricane, taking all summer to make subtle improvements on the F1 boot, and mold enough copies to handle the Tronic recall. They probably made a few changes we’ll never hear about, but all to the good. Main things to know is compared to first-generation boots, this version of F1 is easier to get into (the first ones were a struggle), and all versions have a sole that’s probably about as good as you can get for a compromise between wear and grip. Most importantly in my view, all F1s have a basic and effective external lean lock bar. No fooling around with fancy hidden lean locks prone to icing and mysterious failure modes. I popped a few photos, just to whet everyone’s appetite for a boot that indeed makes a nice balance between lack of mass, uphill comfort, and downhill performance, Tronic or not.
Big thing is of course all Tronic equipped boots being replaced with standard F1 that has basic and effective lean-lock external bar.
Excellent. Remove one screw, flip lock anchor, get a few degrees more forward cuff lean. Perhaps someone will make an aftermarket piece for LESS cuff lean (or even more if flipped )?
Change forward lean in about 65 seconds.
Challenge with tech equipped AT boots is to provide enough thickness under the toe fittings, especially when using the Dynafit Quick-Step-In fittings. Scarpa tried, and does about as good as anyone. Sole material is said to be as wear resistant as can be without becoming too slippery.
This year F1 still includes the safety strap anchor. It took about 40 years of making AT boots for someone in the industry to include this in an AT boot (tele boots were first), kudos to Scarpa.
Idea of the one or two motion mode change remains. When you begin your tour, fine tune your fit with the infinite adjustment of the hook-loop, and leave it that way for the day. Change to downhill mode requires a flip of the buckle and stab at the lean lock. That is if the power strap is tight enough and the Boa is good. Thus, you could conceivably change modes with two motions, though in reality most people will end up with a few more than that, if not simply because they fiddle with their pant cuff. Whatever, we love the idea of less diddling during mode changes, especially in crumby weather. So let’s see this trend continue across the industry.
Scarpa attention to detail, tongue extends above power strap.
Removable cuff pivots, keeping boot fitters sane worldwide.
Boa is refined for ski boots after years of development. We love it.
Secret sauce is a carbon infused yoke wrapping down from the cuff pivots, mitigating dreaded pivot bulge.
Liner sourced from Intuition is refined to exactly compliment F1. Said to fit better than earlier versions though for the most part that probably applies only if you have the ‘standard’ leg shape the liner is designed for. Not to worry, it’s a thermo mold liner and everything you need to create a good fit is there for the boot fitter to work with, including a removable boot board in the shell under the liner and as mentioned above, an easily removed cuff in the event major mods are required. The shell is easily punched. All this combined with Boa might make F1 one of the easiest fit customizable AT boots available. If you’ve never been able to get an AT boot to fit, this one will be worth another stab at achieving the kind of comfort you’ve only experienced while in a warm bath with your boots off.
F1 hang tags tell stories, interesting that they’ve made sure the rear ‘sole shelf’ and cuff shape are compatible with Marker Kingpin. Anti stink liner is nice, while the Dynafit certified fittings are appreciated though we’d rather see the older version toe fittings that allow thicker sole material.
Weights of our 2016-2017 F1 ski touring boots (NOT Evo Tronic, which is a few more grams)
Size 28 with liner: 46.4 ounces, 1314 grams.
Size 28 shell, NO liner: 37.3 ounces, 1056 grams (size 27 shell comes in at almost exactly 1 kilo, which is our general target for a “real” modern ski touring boot, combined of course with good walking mobility as these boots have).
Size 25 with liner: 38.2 ounces, 1084 grams.
Size 25 NO liner: 31.3 ounces, 888 grams.
According to Skialper magazine last year, F1 has a 99 mm last in size 27, which is within a few mm of nearly any brand boot model in this class.
F1 is innovative and thus a bit difficult to evaluate in terms of fit and how it will meet your needs. Especially true if you’re shopping online. Thus, while you’ll be able to get it from outfits such as backcountry.com, we’d recommend shopping for Scarpa F1 with our friends at Cripple Creek Backcountry here in the Wildsnow home town.
Check out our ongoing F1 coverage, all the way back to yours truly being hosted at the unveiling in Montebelluna in 2014.
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
