– The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog
  • Avalanches
  • Gear Reviews
    • Ski Reviews
    • Boot Reviews
    • Binding Reviews
    • Snowboard Splitboard
    • Book Reviews
    • Avalanche Beacon Reviews
    • Airbag Backpacks
    • Backcountry Electronics
    • Misc Gear Reviews
  • Podcast
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Ski Touring Basics
    • Boot Fitting
    • Fitness & Health
    • Gear Mods
  • Trip Reports
    • Fourteeners
    • Huts – Cabins – Lodges
    • Denali McKinley
    • 8,000 Meter Skiing
  • Stories
    • History
    • Humor
    • Land Use Issues
    • Evergreen Ski Touring
    • Poetry
  • Resources
    • All Posts Listed
    • 100 Recent Comments
    • Backcountry Skiing & Ski Touring Webcams
    • Ski Weights Comparison
    • Archives of WildSnow.com
    • Authors Page
    • Ski Touring Bindings
      • Trab TR2 Index and FAQ
      • Salomon Guardian & Tracker
      • Naxo Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Silvretta Pure Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Marker F10-12 Duke Baron
      • G3 Onyx Ski Binding FAQ
      • G3 ION Ski Touring Binding
      • Fritschi Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Fritschi Diamir Frame Bindings Mount DIY
      • Fritschi Diamir Bindings FAQ
      • Fritschi Tecton FAQ
      • Atomic Salomon Backland MTN
      • Dynafit Tri-Step Binding 2001-2003
      • Naxo randonnee alpine touring AT ski binding FAQ
      • Dynafit Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Dynafit Binding Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Review 1
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Page Two
    • History
      • Ski Touring Binding Museum
      • Trooper Traverse Intro & Index
      • Randonnee Ski Touring “AT” ski gear — What is Hip?
      • Chronology
    • Backcountry Skiing Core Glossary
    • Gear Review Policy & Disclosures

– The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog

Banner
  • Avalanches
  • Gear Reviews
    • Ski Reviews
    • Boot Reviews
    • Binding Reviews
    • Snowboard Splitboard
    • Book Reviews
    • Avalanche Beacon Reviews
    • Airbag Backpacks
    • Backcountry Electronics
    • Misc Gear Reviews
  • Podcast
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Ski Touring Basics
    • Boot Fitting
    • Fitness & Health
    • Gear Mods
  • Trip Reports
    • Fourteeners
    • Huts – Cabins – Lodges
    • Denali McKinley
    • 8,000 Meter Skiing
  • Stories
    • History
    • Humor
    • Land Use Issues
    • Evergreen Ski Touring
    • Poetry
  • Resources
    • All Posts Listed
    • 100 Recent Comments
    • Backcountry Skiing & Ski Touring Webcams
    • Ski Weights Comparison
    • Archives of WildSnow.com
    • Authors Page
    • Ski Touring Bindings
      • Trab TR2 Index and FAQ
      • Salomon Guardian & Tracker
      • Naxo Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Silvretta Pure Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Marker F10-12 Duke Baron
      • G3 Onyx Ski Binding FAQ
      • G3 ION Ski Touring Binding
      • Fritschi Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Fritschi Diamir Frame Bindings Mount DIY
      • Fritschi Diamir Bindings FAQ
      • Fritschi Tecton FAQ
      • Atomic Salomon Backland MTN
      • Dynafit Tri-Step Binding 2001-2003
      • Naxo randonnee alpine touring AT ski binding FAQ
      • Dynafit Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Dynafit Binding Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Review 1
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Page Two
    • History
      • Ski Touring Binding Museum
      • Trooper Traverse Intro & Index
      • Randonnee Ski Touring “AT” ski gear — What is Hip?
      • Chronology
    • Backcountry Skiing Core Glossary
    • Gear Review Policy & Disclosures
   

La Sportiva Synchro (Shadow) Review — Spectre Boot Reinvented

by Lou Dawson December 4, 2017
written by Lou Dawson December 4, 2017
Synchro, a nice upgrade to Spectre.

Synchro, a nice upgrade to Spectre.

After skiing the boot a bit last winter while in Italy, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the retail version Synchro (Shadow in women’s version) so we could do an honest unboxing. This is essentially an upgrade of the now venerable Spectre, boasting a clever two piece tongue that flexes while touring and locks for downhill when buckled tight. Scaffo is still constructed with easily customized Grilamid, cuff latch is said to be improved. Overlap liner instead of the Synchro’s tongue liner. Check out a few photos.

(This post sponsored by our publishing partner Cripple Creek Backcountry. They’re a Sportiva dealer, contact.)

As before, tech fittings are present for classic tech bindings or Trab. The heel fittings can be removed and trimmed if you're not on Trab.

As before, multi-purpose tech fittings are present — functional with classic tech bindings or Trab. The Trab portion of the heel fittings can be removed and trimmed if you’re not on Trab.

Rear spoiler is asymmetric, as well as being removable.

Rear spoiler is asymmetric, as well as being removable. Same as original Spectre as well as Spectre 2. Useful during configuration for folks with large and lower located calf muscles, or wanting a bit less cuff lean. More, this is a boot that can be weight stripped like a drag car; remove spoiler, power strap, lower 4th buckle, and you get an interesting rendition of a beefy boot. Perhaps somewhat physiological in terms of what it really offers, Spoiler only rises one centimeter above cuff rear. Personally, if I’m using a spoiler I’d prefer it rose closer to two or three centimeters.

Interior view of lean lock, said to be greatly improved over original Spectre, which did have some problems.

Interior view of lean lock, said to be improved over early Spectre, which did have problems in this area. This rather complex machinery. I see the point of an internal lean lock, but one has to wonder if it would be better for Sportiva to cut bait on this and just mount a lock bar on the outside of the boot, as appears to be the industry trend. Tesla does hidden door latches, but do ski boot designers really have to worry about such things?

Two part tongue,  locking slot and hinge.

Two part tongue, locking slot and hinge. This the most distinctive improvement over Spectre, a significant gain in lessening forward resistance in uphill mode. Good example of effective design through simplicity. We’ve seen other brands trying this sort of thing, but so far Synchro appears to be the best execution of the concept. Downside is you’ve got to arrange your buckle tension just so in walk mode, or the tongues can sandwich together and catch.

Another view of two part tongue, showing the black 'nib' that inserts in main tongue when buckled, adding significant beef to the boot flex.

Another view of two part tongue, showing the black ‘nib’ that inserts in main tongue when buckled, adding significant forward strength to the boot flex.

Buckles remain as the interesting  'Pegasus Plus Buckle' that micro adjusts using something similar to a bicycle cable tension device.

Slightly changed buckles are an interesting version of what Sportiva has offered since Spectre 1, ‘Pegasus Plus Buckle’ micro adjusts using something similar to a bicycle cable tension device. Tolerances on these appear slightly better than the originals, which I trust will do a better job of resisting loosening when they’re lightly buckled for the uphill. Of more importance, note major redesign of the buckle fastener portion, it uses scalloped sides to attach to the boot anchor. See next photo.

Spectre 2 at left, note the buckle anchors as well as changed buckle shape.

Spectre 2 at left, note the buckle anchors as well as changed buckle shape. I like the Pegasus type buckle, but they do take some getting used to for those who’ve spent decades clipping standard ski boot buckles.

Sportiva likes lots of rocker, so do I, Synchro provides same sole rocker as Spectre.

Sportiva likes lots of rocker, Synchro has same as Spectre.

External portion of lean lock is unchanged, slight adjustment of forward cuff lean is possible.

External portion of lean lock is unchanged, slight adjustment of forward cuff lean is possible.

Drone view.

Drone view.

As with Spectre, shell tongue angle (left-right) is adjustable. Seems useful but probably something most people need not fiddle with.

As with Spectre, shell tongue angle is adjustable. Seems useful but probably something most need not fiddle with.

Big change is the stock overlap liner, thermoformable as before.

Big change (and the only real distinction from Spectre other than two peice tongue) is the stock overlap liner, thermoformable as you would expect. This won’t tour as well as Spectre, but does add solidity to your downhill ventures. Swapping in an aftermarket tongue type liner would improve Synchro for the uphill, an easy modification.

I like this little gadget, band of lycra that helps close the overlap.

I like this little gadget, band of lycra that helps close the liner overlap correctly, thus avoiding liner damage caused by crunching it together during boot buckling.

Preemptive question and answer: “Lou, can the two piece tongue be swapped to the Spectre?” “Yes, though I have no idea of availability.”

Conclusion:
Beautiful shoes. Two piece shell tongue is the significant difference from Spectre. Overlap liner differentiates as well, but is easily swapped for a tongue liner if you’ve got the need and the cash. Works with Trab binding. Grilamid scaffo is easily heat punched. I did ski a pair of these last winter in Italy. They tour better than you’d expect from a tongue shell combined with overlap cuff, meaning with buckles adjusted properly they’re ok but not exceptional. Swap in a tongue liner and the lack of tongue resistance would cross over more to the exceptional category. Rearward cuff travel is good, but actual rearward ankle freedom is limited by the stiff liner. Synchro is plenty stiff on the downhill, progressive feel of flex was what I’d call average for a tongue shell.

Weights, 27.5 Synchro, BSL 304
Shell, 1244 grams
Liner, 246 grams
Boot complete, 52.6 ounces, 1,490 grams (1550 grams catalog weight)
Compare to Spectre at 51.8 ounces, 1470 (1445 grams catalog weight)

Previous Spectre coverage.

La Sportiva Synchro ski touring boot 2017 2018

La Sportiva Synchro ski touring boot 2017 2018

11 comments
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
previous post
Patagonia Descensionist Kit – Ski Jacket and Pants – Tested
next post
Got My Repaired G3 ION Bindings

11 comments

etto December 4, 2017 - 8:52 am

But how does it ski? 🙂

Lou2 December 4, 2017 - 9:14 am

I’ll add a few words, thanks for reminder. Lou

Sledger December 4, 2017 - 12:17 pm

Thanks for the review, could I ask a couple of follow up questions? I have the black /yellow spectre, is the fit similar, I guess it is? Is there much difference performance wise to the yellow spectre? Would it be worth handing a pair to young Louie with instructions to let rip to see how they perform. I’m sure you could do this yourself but good to keep him involved!

Lou Dawson 2 December 4, 2017 - 12:32 pm

Appears that shell mold is the same for all Spectre and Synchro, in terms of shell fit. The liner will vary, of course. On the down I’d call yello Spectre and Synchro to be quite similar. Synchro will certainly feel a bit more solid due to overlap liner, and it might be slightly stiffer. But I wouldn’t buy the Synchro with the idea you’re going from a fairly stiff boot to an alpine beef boot. It’s a touring boot. We’ll all ski them more and do a longer term review but yes I was planning on Louie getting in them quite a bit as I think he’d like the way they tour up and ski down. Lou

Patrik Lind December 8, 2017 - 2:51 pm

Do you think the fillers would fit the Sideral 2.0’s Trab cut outs? I’m fully aware that the Sideral has no screw inserts/thread holes.
Would be nice to be able to use them with my Kingpins.

swissiphic January 1, 2018 - 12:42 pm

Regarding the two piece tongue design: You mention that in ‘walk’ mode the buckles must be carefully set to avoid the two pieces of the tongue from locking together. Judging by the pics, to mitigate that risk, one could simply use a plug for the female side of the slot to prevent the male side from unwanted ‘latching’. Kind of like your guard for preventing the ultralock knob from engaging the cuff lock in the dynafit boots if a skier walks to close the cuff but not engage ski mode. Easy peezee.

Lou Dawson 2 January 1, 2018 - 1:02 pm

Good idea, and happy New Year Mr. Swiss!

Erik Erikson January 2, 2018 - 3:00 am

Hi Lou,

could you say a word about the width of the boot? I am always searching for the narrowest boot possible – even the TLT 5 (narrowest ever) only fits me adding a thick liner and two pair of socks…

Courtney January 12, 2018 - 10:50 am

Erik Erikson,

This is a wider boot. It’s about 102mm and that is almost wide enough for my very wide forefoot. You’re not going to be happy with this if you have very narrow feet.

Erik Erikson January 12, 2018 - 10:55 am

Courtney,

thanks a lot for the reply! Too bad, but way too wide for my feet.. As said, even the TLT 5 is without serious modding..

Kirk January 30, 2018 - 8:39 pm

La Sportiva have told me they’ll have the Synchro tongue for sale (as a separate item) on their website shop ‘late in January’, once they receive a shipment from Italy.

Comments are closed.

Recent Comments

  • Jon Canuck on Meidjo 3.0 Binding Review – Backcountry Telemark Evolves
  • Joe Sedy on Giving Myself the Gift of Backcountry
  • Bil Brandt on Versatile and Sustainable — WNDR Vital 100 Ski Review
  • Idaho Dawg on Giving Myself the Gift of Backcountry
  • Mike on Versatile and Sustainable — WNDR Vital 100 Ski Review

Gear Reviews

  • Meidjo 3.0 Binding Review – Backcountry Telemark Evolves

    January 12, 2021
  • Tele Tech First Look — Voile Ultra Vector BC, 22 Designs Lynx, Scarpa TX Pro

    January 5, 2021
  • Petzl Irvis Hybrid Crampon Review

    January 4, 2021

Trip Reports

  • Finding Early Turns on Rainier’s Muir Snowfield

    November 14, 2020
  • Treading Lightly Through Close-to-Home Mountains

    October 6, 2020
  • Snoqualmie Classic — Chair Peak Circumnavigation

    May 26, 2020

Totally Deep Podcast

  • Risky Business — Zahan Billimoria on Solving for Z

    December 14, 2020
  • Totally Deep Podcast 81 — CAIC Director Ethan Greene

    December 9, 2020
  • Unraveling the Mysteries of Avalanche Education — Totally Deep Podcast 80

    November 16, 2020

Tips & Tricks

  • 10 Essential Mistakes for the Backcountry Ski Touring Beginner

    December 2, 2020
  • Buying Used Gear Guide Part II — Poles, Avy Gear, Packs

    November 25, 2020
  • Save Your Ski Day — Emergency Car Kit Essentials

    November 24, 2020

Ski Touring Stories

  • Six Who Dared — Elk Mountains Traverse & Richard Compton Tribute

    January 7, 2021
  • Risky Business — Zahan Billimoria on Solving for Z

    December 14, 2020
  • A Lifetime of Skiing the Heights — Natural Progression Book Review

    December 11, 2020

Newsletter Sign-Up

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • About Lou Dawson
  • Authors Page
  • About
  • Contact
  • Copyright & Legal
  • Website Security

@2020 - All Rights Reserved. Designed and Developed by WildSnow


Back To Top

Read alsox

Euro Puro Amoro — La Sportiva...

January 13, 2021

Griffin Post Stays Home — Totally...

January 10, 2021

Tele Tech First Look — Voile...

January 5, 2021