I used these last winter with the GSB Airtechs and they're all the boot I'll ever need these days, magic for any steeper days where I won't chance the bendy boots and Kahtoolas.
I see a few folk are using them as a summer scrambling boot as well, certainly light enough, but still feels like a winter boot. I really like the fact they're got a nice bit of toe flex for the walk in and out.
The Airtechs have most likely replaced my G12s, the slightly shorter points work really well in patchy horror called snow and ice we're getting these days.
I tried the Charmoz on, but last seems to be different, the toe was narrower and they might be a touch asymetric from memory? The Charmoz is stiffer as well, my wee mate got a pair. I think they're a proper alpine boot, the Mirage has a feeling of a hill walking boot in an Elvis suit about it.
Good though, I like them. I would be nice to think I'll actually need them in the next few months. The GSB thing is good, it feels more secure than you'd think. the wee hole in the boot does get clogged with snow though, and I was waiting for a wee stone to lodged. Never happened, but it did worry me to the point that I was making wee plugs for them. Then the snow disappeared and it was back to plimsoles.
I know Tiso and Cotswolds in Glasgow do the Charmoz, but I'm not sure if anybody has the Mirages.
Believe it or not Nevisport aka Trespass have the Mirages. I've tried both them and the Charmoz, but as it was in different shops a few days apart it was tricky to get a feel for the relative stiffness. There is defo more tread on the Mirages - the tread on the Charmoz sole is perhaps a little too shallow for squelchy descendings, but cracking for scrambling as the bit under the big toe is almost smooth. I thought there might be a little more room in the Mirages too, but I liked the snug precise fit of the Charmoz. Mebbe I should get a pair of each and return the loser. It's amazing isn't it - 3 snow flakes have been sighted and we're talking winter boots; I should probably wait for at least 3 more snowflakes, but it's nice to live in hope.
