UKH

In the recent sales I purchased a pair each of the Scarpa Manta Pro, Scarpa Charmoz and Scarpa Ribelle Lite OD boots.

All seem to fit really well when double socked as I always do on the hills. However, I can't decide on which pair to keep and which two to take back and I definitely can't keep all 3 as tempting as it is!

Manta seems the most durable, has the most inner padding and has the GTX factor.

Charmoz seems to come in slightly lighter and was cheaper but with no negatives vs Manta.

Ribelle is almost the same price as Charmoz, very light and comfortable making it perfect for the walk in as well as the more challenging slopes though loses some ankle support, padding and stiffness.

 

I'm looking to use these boots as my winter boots with C2 crampons when called for. I'm mostly doing easyish winter Munros with no technical climbing but am looking to start doing some more winter gully exploration. 

Anyone got any experience or points worth considering on these boots please?

Thanks!

In reply to HotelGolfWhisky:

I've not used the current Charmoz or Ribelle.  Did use the previous Charmoz though.  I suspect both these boots will be a little light weight and will lead to less durability (obviously) but also colder feet.

When out in Scotland you see loads of Mantas and with good reason.  They are excellent for the use you have described, will keep you feet warmer and will last for ages.

In reply to HotelGolfWhisky:

My Manta Pros are still going strong after 4 winters of Munros & grade II climbing so they should suit your plans. No experience of the other 2 though.

In reply to HotelGolfWhisky:

I'm looking at all 3 models you've mentioned too!

The ribelles look like a nice-to-have but the other 2 are more suited to winter walking/easy climbing I think. How does the charmoz stiffness differ to the manta?

In reply to HotelGolfWhisky:

I love my new Charmoz OD boots. I don't suffer too badly from cold feet but they kept me dry and toasty last winter in Scotland.

The OD material seems incredibly resistant to wetting out and supposedly doesn't need to be treated. 

We'll see how they last. 

In reply to hbeevers:

Charmoz and Manta stiffness seem about the same. Wore one on each foot and tested the toe bend (only indoors though) and couldn't tell any difference.

In reply to Max Hangs:

How are the lace up points holding up on the Charmoz? The lower ones strike me as being perhaps on the weaker side as they're just cuts of material.

And how do you find the clips that lock on the laces at the ankle point (both Charmoz and Manta)? I've found them tricky to release and suspect they'd be irritating to get off at the end of day.

In reply to HotelGolfWhisky:

Charmoz OD here. Bombproof. Light and precise with a good fit with Petzl Vasak crampons. Mine did a winter season on the usual Scottish days last year and plenty of grace one and two ground. 

 

 

In reply to HotelGolfWhisky:

I had a pair of the Charmoz OD I bought about a year ago however the stitching on the inside edge came undone and rather than replacing them I was given a refund (I can assure you this is very rare). As someone who runs quite hot I found for the low grade winter Climbing that I was doing they were plenty enough with warmth and all provided i didn't stop for too long. I did however choose to replace them with a pair of Ribelle lites which whilst they seem much less durable I choose them based on the price being cheaper by quite a bit when I bought them.

In reply to HotelGolfWhisky:

I actually own and have used all 3 extensively. 

For Scotland, hands down the Manta. They are really tough so will last ages, plenty warm, and stiff enough to climb IV. 

The Charmoz OD is a bit lighter, not quite as warm, and feels a little less clumpy than the Manta. I've used mine in the alps for the last two years and they are great when you'll spend all day in your boots and need some precise footwork.  

The Ribelle is a bit of a specialised 'fast and light' boot. It won't last as long as the others (my mantas are on winter number 4, my Ribelles look pretty trashed after 30 days use). They aren't as warm as either of the other two so are better suited to warmer weather, or days where you know you'll be moving quickly. 

Let me know if I can answer any other specific questions for you!

In reply to HotelGolfWhisky: Ive had and used the current versions of  both Mantas and Charmoz. They have different Lasts so fit slightly differently.

I much preferred the Charmoz as they fitted me much better, felt much less clumpy and were easily warm enough last winter in Scotland. I also used them to just over 6200m this summer in Ladakh and they were fine but thats not the Cairngorms in a hoolie and its not their recommended useage

If they fit you,(and thats the crucial bit) both are excellent boots with the Mantas a bit tougher heavier and clumpier

Charmoz are a perfect fit with Grivel Air Techs, I found the Mantas to be a good fit with Grivel Airtechs but poor with BD Sabretooths

Not used the Ribelles so cant offer anything on them

There is also the discontinued but still available at Decathlon,  Scarpa Triolet as a compromise. The look of the Charmoz but with leather and Gtx rather than Outdry giving the toughness of the Manta.  Again they are a different last so need to be tried carefully

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triolet-gtx-boots-id_8364160.html

 

In reply to HotelGolfWhisky:

Just experiment with them. Untie, keep the loose lace ends tight and at the right angle the lace locks should easily pop right off.

In reply to HotelGolfWhisky:

Sorry for the late reply. Haven't had any issues with the clips, although after having a play, I'm not sure I bothered locking them down at all in use!

Only had about a week out in them. No signs of wear or damage at all so far (thankfully).

In reply to HotelGolfWhisky:

Thanks all for the feedback. Useful info.

Leaning towards the Charmoz for the durability over the Ribelle and away from the additional clumpiness of the Manta.

Or at least I think I am! When I get to the shop again my mind may change back!