Koflach Degre or Scarpa Inverno

Let's say I can get these for the same price new...which would be the better buy? Both fit quite well, degres run a bit smaller, but have the intuition liner...weight is a wash with the two boots I believe? Both made by Scarpa now...any insight or experience with the Degres? I owned a pair of the invernos and liked them very much (10 years ago perhaps?) Curious about the intuition liners though...

My personal experience:

I got Invernos, because they were cheap, and when I started climbing I didn't want to worry about cold feet. Fit was the main issue (I got burned by the UK sizing). They were also very heavy. So, I found some Intuition Denali Liners and bought used rental shells (this time in the right US size) from Whittaker. Total price: $200. They are incredibly warm, and with the much lighter liners the weight is reasonable. They are still clunky and I do a lot of technical climbing in cold weather - so I bought Phantom Guides for that use. I still keep the Invernos around for brutal cold days. I ended up in Huntington on a cold, stormy day last January and my feet never even got chilly.

I've heard good things about the Koflachs. They appear to be less clunky, and come with the Intuition liner, which as I said was huge for me. I have no personal experience with that shell, but if they are the same cost and fit - that's where I'd go.

But, Why are you ruling out fabric double boots? If I was buying I'd be looking at the Baruntse and Phantom 6000. They are 2x the cost, but the old-model Phantom 6000 in particular is still on clearance racks in some gear shops. I've quit skimping on climbing boots; I always regret it.

Hey Chris, I got a pair of Degres this year used for $100. I wore them last weekend to take the tools for a walk and get some aid climbing in. They were damn warm in the single digits. They felt a little clunky, but I felt it was a fair trade off for the warmth they provided. Took the shells off and slept in the liners and was quite comfortable. Great budget boot. I second Auto's comment about the fabric doubles though. I didn't have any trouble hiking around in the degres, but probably would have been a little more comfortable in the Phantoms. That being said, I definitely don't regret the purchase.

Add the Omega to the list, better boot than the other two imho.

I have heard that the omegas are not as warm as the degre or the inverno, but kicks both there assess climbing. I would love to be able to afford the Baruntse's but I can't...not this year anyway. I have a pair of Baturas and a third pair of Kaylands that I really like, but when you are standing around belaying for hours on end in the White mountains, I just want something relatively inexpensive that will keep my dogs warm. Ihave an old pair of supergaiters that I will afix to the boots when I decide on what I want to get. Hearing some good things about the liners though...

Think I got my Omegas for around $160 (STP). Poke around. They come with Intuition liners now, old liners are heat moldable--BIG advantages.

Feel very comfortable and very light compared.

My partner was very disappointed with the performance/warmth balance of his Alphas. The Omega has an Intuition liner and may strike a better balance. They certainly climb well for a double plastic.

On the other hand, I think the heavier boots complement Baturas better. They expand your boot quiver so you're ready for Kahtadin or Alaska.

Yeah and I like them as they'll drive a Silvretta binding pretty darn well.

Seem plenty warm enough for Wyoming winter conditions so far. I've had ice inside the plastic liner and toasty toes.

Fit felt pretty weird until I had the liners cooked, then perfect, kinda seems like non heat moldable plastics are obsolete. With a double cap and thick socks when forming the liners, toes have plenty of room for warmth and it helps avoid rubbing anywhere else.

All great suggestions and info guys! I appreciate it.

WEnt with a pair of the Degres. Found a new pair for $200. Pulled out my supergaiters and will put those on when the boots come in.