Boot Review: 2018 Crispi Svartisen BC

[lilcliffy]

Thank you for posting on this Jlbny.
This is great information as I could have bought the Lofoten cheaper than the Svartisen and was thinking that I had perhaps made the wrong choice.

I have been told that the Lofoten is the same boot as the Stetind, with an added instep strap.
Do you know if this is true? Or is the Lofoten the same boot as the Svartisen without the powerstrap?

[lilcliffy]

Your mention of the stiff sole flex of the Lofoten suggests that it has a stiffer sole than the Svartisen...

[bgregoire]

I have been told that the Lofoten is the same boot as the Stetind, with an added instep strap.
Do you know if this is true? Or is the Lofoten the same boot as the Svartisen without the powerstrap?

LC, I somehow recall reading from someone in the business that these are 3 entirely different designs...FWIW.

[lilcliffy]

Well, it certainly would be better if we could try on all of these boots, walk around and flex them before we buy them!!!!

[Ziggy]

I've just started using the Svartisen NNN BC.

A couple of comments on fit:

The US Crispi importer is Telemarkdown. They advised that these boots run a size bigger than the label. I concur - even with a medium thickness sock.

The heel is similar to the Crispi Evo NTN boot - lots of space. I have a narrow heel and Scarpa plastics suit it. So an hour in the Svartisen produced a blister on one heel. I've put some stick-on high density foam strip in the heel. Will see how that goes.

FWIW these are a replacement for Glittertind boots and the cuff and sole are stiffer and provide more power for edge control.

[bgregoire]

The heel is similar to the Crispi Evo NTN boot - lots of space. I have a narrow heel and Scarpa plastics suit it. So an hour in the Svartisen produced a blister on one heel. I've put some stick-on high density foam strip in the heel. Will see how that goes.

https://www.ezeefitsports.com/product-p/021.htm

Works a charm.

Enjoy the snow down under!

[Ziggy]

Thanks, and thanks for the tip.

Will try it if duct tape and fencing wire fail.

[Tanker_5455]

I was let down by Crispi as well... I used to be quite satisfied with their production, but this model was a disappointment. In late November of last year, I wore that model in the German Alps (I wasn't technically supposed to have holidays, but I went on to do rentability estimations of this real estate in Munich for the company I work for, and managed to scratch two days to go to the mountains!) and found it rather... weak. The boots didn't endanger me as much as actually bad ones would have, but they were underwhelming compared to the brand's other models in terms of flexibility and closure system. I wish I'd have blown that money on something at least a little bit better!

[lilcliffy]

So- an update-

I have grown to love this boot.
It offers a wonderful mix of XC range of motion with superb ankle support. It is a beautiful made boot- the construction and quality of the materials is magnificent.

I do have to return to one my initial concerns.
I do think that the sole-flex is too soft.

On the one hand it is certainly easy to flex and very comfortable out of the box.
On the other hand is so soft that it does not have the stability and power transfer that this boot needs and deserves.
These boots are now completely broken and are a dream above the sole, but the sole is too soft for both BC-XC skiing as well as downhill power transfer.

Fantastic Nordic BC touring boot- needs a stiffer midsole- IMO.

[lilcliffy]

I have been using my Alfa Guard Advance BC boots almost exclusively for my BC Nordic touring this winter- I love it.
I have been throwing my Crispi Svartisen BC into the mix regularly.
The sole flex of both the Guard and the Svartisen BC is very similar- softer than the Alpina Alaska BC.
Early on I was a bit disappointed in the softer sole-flex of this boot- because I was mind-melded to the Alaska BC.
I have grown to realize that I prefer the moderate sole-flex of the Guard/Svartisen BC- I can flex, pressure and feel the ski more effectively than I can with the stiffer Alaska BC.

The Svartisen BC is a beautifully made and most excellent BC Nordic touring boot.

It has one significant flaw-
it does not have lace cleats to the top of the boot!
This boot has breath-taking high-quality full-grain leather right to the top, but there are no lace cleats in the upper portion of the boot:

I don't get it...

Every time I wear this boot I crave for the lacing system on the Guard- to be able to lace them up to the top just right.