Scrapa’s 4-Quattro Pro comes to play four buckles, a mighty power strap, and reinforcements that should make it a durable go-to.
Scarpa introduces the 4-Quattro Pro—part of its beefed-up Quattro line. These four buckle boots play many roles, both on and off-piste. For tourers, they offer real deal support and a range of motion suitable for longer missions when a more supportive boot (read bigger skis and more aggressive skiing) come into play.
Contrary to some of my previous remarks, most recently in my Atomic Backland XTD review, I am revisiting the four-buckle boot realm this winter with the Scarpa 4-Quattro Pro. A few factors led me to this boot – first and foremost, the desire to experience a proper, high-performance fit. Next, I am curious to see how far the weight vs walking friction balance can be pushed. Can a 1500g boot that walks well meet my needs on the uphill while providing a more enjoyable skiing experience? Third, I was looking for a boot with more forward lean and higher performance in a more forward skiing stance. While I love the ability to ski more upright and use lightweight boots with progressive skis, I am learning that these same boots do a disservice to more directional, rearward-mounted skis that I have struggled to get along with in my usual more neutral boots and stance. Last, I hope for better durability/longevity with a heavier and more robust boot and a longer life for my lighter boots by spreading the wear and tear.
The 4-Quattro seems to fit the bill on all counts; the fit is low volume, and Scarpa’s different sizing breaks (I have a 28.5/29, rather than a ‘normal’ 28/28.5) seem to be working in my favor with a good length fit. The stock forward lean is adjustable and aggressive from 15-21 degrees, and the walkability to carpet test skiability ratio seems excellent. Durability and longevity are something we will have to wait and see about. The XT and SL models had some issues with cracking and failure around the walk mechanism and in the upper cuff, but these areas are beefed up on the Pro model, so I am hopeful they will hold up.
I’m looking forward to testing the 4-Quattro Pro with both directional skis, like the Dynastar M-Tour 108, as well as some of the bigger skis in my quiver, like a 187 cm Heritage Lab BC120ST, to see how a stiffer, more damp boot impacts my skiing experience. I’ll likely click them into some Alpine bindings, too, taking advantage of the GripWalk sole.
The boots upper offers a reinforced upper and specs around the ski/walk mechanism.
The ski/walk mechanism called the Secure Speedlock 4 Mechanism, has a dual lock securing system, which equals more piece of mind as mach speeds.
As we expect (and respect) from Scarpa, the boot comes with a fine Intuition liner—the Pro Flex Ride.
A lot of cuff, and some should like it that way. The Pebax® Rnew® cuff sports a claimed 130+ flex, which, if the specs align with our past experiences with boots in the Quattro line, should be accurate.
Specs
Size Range: 24.5-33
Total Weight (Stock): [28.5] 1692g
Sole Norm/Compatibility: Gripwalk
Materials: Pebax Rnew
Notes: Intuition Liner, Elastic Powerstrap, locking walk mode
Price: $949
I’ve been using the Quattro SL as my touring boot for the past year and I’m a fan. The ROM is surprisingly excellent. It’s nearly equal to the new Maestrale-same fit too if you size down.
It walks better than my old Hoji Pro Tours did. It skis better than anything worth touring on (except maybe a Hawx 130 XTD, if you find that’s worth touring on).
I’d love to find a boot that walks better, and accommodates low volume feet/ankles. I’d love to find a boot that doesn’t have gripwalk some. There doesn’t seem to be much in the market for my foot shape. All I know is that the Quattro is “plenty good enough”. The Quattro + Deathwish tour combo is a fun one, though maybe a bit overkill. Excited to hear how the Quattro Pro compares.