SCARPA Maestrale RS. While this boot began its tenure as a fairly reliable workhorse, it is no secret that the fall 2017 manufacturing run of both Maestrale flavors had problems with cracks developing in the toe area of the lower shell (scaffo).

According to my source at SCARPA, they saw the first cracked scaffos beginning January of 2018. At first, I’m told, the return numbers were within the realm of acceptable quality level (AQL) — and the problematic manufacturing run was virtually sold out by January of 2018. The defect was in the long U-shaped opening in the lower shell underneath the tongue. This opening is configured as much to facilitate release from the injection molding machine as it is to function for the user, and it introduced a weak point. For unknown reasons, the SCARPA factory’s cyclic boot durability testing didn’t catch the defect — it was boxed up and shipped for consumers to discover (yes, I like that about as much as you do, dear readers). SCARPA fixed the problem in the next run of Maestrale and Maestrale RS for fall 2018 (and we hope revamped their in-house testing).

The Fall 2017 run was thousands of boots, and the breakage/returns gradually exceeded SCARPA’s threshold for acceptable quality level. As I’ve written about in the past, I’m an advocate of immediately recalling any safety-related product (just about any mountaineering gear) with issues. But things take time in the big ol’ world. It’s now fall of 2019, two years since those first fall 2017 Maestrales hit the retail pipeline — and cracked.

Thus, I’d have liked to see it happen sooner, but I’m glad it is happening. SCARPA now announces a voluntary recall of All fall 2017 manufacturing run Maestrale RS. They will repair the boots by installing a new scaffo.

As always, we applaud any ski touring gear company going all-in on a recall instead of playing games with PR, customer service, tired euphemisms. Nothing is perfect. Our loved ones and friends use this gear. If there’s a problem, I want it zeroed. Seeing SCARPA own up to the imperfections and make it right is key. They’re doing it. They’re a good company who deserves our support. If you’re a Maestrale or Maestrale RS owner, use the info links below to ascertain the need for a return. If so, enjoy your new scaffos. And let us know how your return process proceeds. Official word follows. Comments open!

SCARPA issues voluntary recall for 2017 Maestrale and Maestrale RS ski boots Only 2017 boots are affected; users are asked to send boots back to SCARPA immediately for repair. BOULDER, Colo. (DRAFT) – SCARPA North America has elected to voluntarily recall all Fall 2017 Maestrale and Maestrale RS ski boots. It appears that under certain conditions, the boot shell may crack, which may render the boots unusable for skiing. This recall applies only to the Fall 2017 Maestrale or Maestrale RS models purchased in North America. It does not apply to any other Maestrale or Maestrale RS models. A guide on how to identify affected Fall 2017 models can be found at this link on SCARPA’s North American web site. SCARPA North America is asking all consumers who have purchased Fall 2017 Maestrale and Maestrale RS ski boots in North America to cease using them immediately and return them to SCARPA North America as soon as possible for repair. To initiate a recall and receive a shipping label free of charge, consumers may email recall@SCARPA.com. More information is available at http://www.scarpa.com/product-recall. SCARPA is also available via phone toll free at (866) 998- 2895 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST Monday through Friday. Initially, SCARPA is anticipating a two-to-three-week turnaround time once the boots are received to repair and return. During ski season, SCARPA is anticipating a one-week turnaround. Boots will be repaired in the order they are received. SCARPA North America apologizes for any inconvenience this causes users of its ski boots.

CONTINUE READING FOR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION ON IDENTIFYING DEFECTIVE BOOTS