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R&D Interview: La Sportiva Skorpius CR II


A flagship ski boot within the La Sportiva line, the Skorpius CR II is touted to supply efficiency for demanding ascents and descents. Wild Snow reviewed the boot earlier this winter. On this article, we join with the Director of R&D at La Sportiva, Matteo Jellici, for a deeper take a look at the design and tech of the boot.

Skorpius CR II

WildSnow: What market phase of backcountry skier is the Skorpius CR II aimed toward?

Matteo Jellici: The Skorpius is aimed on the religious superior backcountry skier that desires a lighter product for greater days within the mountains that may nonetheless ship downhill efficiency for mid-waisted skis. This skier can sacrifice somewhat stiffness for lighter weight and a tremendous ROM for extra consolation when ticking a number of vert.

That is the second version of the Skorpius. How lengthy was the R&D and prototyping course of?

Sometimes a brand new ski boot takes about 3 years for the total cycle of growth, beginning with the design temporary and all the way in which to supply of the product in shops. With a revamp of a boot just like the Skorpius CR II we’re capable of drop a 12 months off of the event cycle.

Matteo Jellici, director of R&D at La Sportiva

Matteo Jellici, director of R&D at La Sportiva

What particular adjustments have been produced from the unique Skorpius?

We added the BOA closure system, redesigned the tongue of the boot, and we added extra thickness and luxury to the liner for higher downhill efficiency and luxury.

Are you able to describe the overall prototyping and design course of for a boot just like the Skorpius?

We have now seen a leap lately with 3D printing expertise. The cycle has sped up dramatically. All of it begins with a design temporary and a design course of. That culminates with a 3D design and then you definitely begin mildew growth. Typically, there are about 3-4 iterations of mildew design and take a look at cycles.

3D printers now enable the event of a boot that may be fit-tested many occasions earlier than executing mildew growth. Mould growth may be very costly so that you wish to be as near excellent as doable. With 3D printing, we will do some gentle testing however not full stress testing. Actual plastic is required for that.

When designing ski boots, what number of variations do you develop earlier than the ultimate mildew?

There are often about 10-15 numerous prototypes which are examined earlier than the ultimate molds are produced.

Boa closures added to the up to date Skorpius boot

The Skorpius is a boot we regularly consider as a 1kg+ class ski boot. Are you able to inform us the place it stands within the La Sportiva line?

It’s solidly in the midst of our line. We have now race-focused merchandise within the Stratos Collection and the Racetron. The Skorpius sits instantly within the center and is a lighter-weight ski touring boot that may nonetheless drive a mid-waisted ski. The Vega and the Vanguard are on the heavier extra downhill-oriented finish of the road.

La Sportiva Skorpius CR II Specs

  • Weight: 1190g. 1/2 pair (measurement 26.5)
  • Sizes: 23-31.5 +1/2
  • Becoming Compatibility: Tech
  • Angles: 12° – 14° – 16°
  • Vary: 68°
  • LAST: 101

A number of firms have a model of 1kg+ boots which have a carbon cuff. Why does La Sportiva not use a pure carbon cuff on this mannequin?

The carbon-reinforced cuff of the Skorpius may be very comparable in stiffness to comparable boots from different firms. The Photo voltaic and Stellar are primarily the identical boot with a plastic cuff.

Thanks for the small print, Matteo! We’ll see you on the market on the snow.

–This interview was sponsored by La Sportiva. Study extra concerning the La Sportiva Skorpius CR II on the hyperlink.



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