Comparing the Scarpa Drago and Drago LV
The Scarpa Drago and Drago LV are both high-performance climbing shoes. Both models offer superior comfort and performance that make them a great choice for experienced climbers. In this article, we will look at the differences between the two models, as well as their similarities, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next pair of climbing shoes.
| Feature | Scarpa Drago | Scarpa Drago LV |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Narrow | Narrow |
| Sole Stiffness | Stiff | Medium |
| Shape | Asymmetrical | Asymmetrical |
| Closure System | Lace-up | Velcro |
| Materials | Leather and Synthetic | Leather, Synthetic, and Suede |
| Price | $$ | $$$ |
Fit
The Scarpa Drago and Drago LV both feature a narrow fit, making them best for climbers with slim feet. The fit is snug, but not overly tight, allowing you to move your feet freely without pinching or discomfort. They also offer plenty of arch support and the toe-box is slightly arced to allow for better toe hooks and edging.
The Drago is slightly more snug than the Drago LV, making it better suited for narrower feet. The Drago LV is more relaxed and accommodating, offering slightly more room in the toe box and around the heel. Both models are designed to provide a snug, secure fit, but the Drago LV may be more comfortable for those with wider feet.
Types of Climbing
The Scarpa Drago and Drago LV are both designed for high-performance climbing, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Drago is best suited for all-around climbing, while the Drago LV is designed with bouldering in mind. The Drago is slightly stiffer than the Drago LV, making it better at edging and smearing on small holds. The Drago LV is more flexible, making it better for toe-hooking and technical edging.
Sole Stiffness
The sole stiffness of the Scarpa Drago and Drago LV is one of the main differences between the two models. The Drago is slightly stiffer than the Drago LV, making it better for edging and smearing on small holds. The Drago LV is more flexible, making it better for toe-hooking and technical edging.
The Drago features a stiffer sole that is designed to provide good edging support and power while still allowing you to move your feet freely. The Drago LV is more flexible, making it better for toe-hooking and more technical climbing.
The stiffness of the sole also affects the fit of the shoe. The Drago is slightly more snug than the Drago LV, making it better suited for narrower feet. The Drago LV is more relaxed and accommodating, offering slightly more room in the toe box and around the heel.
Shape
The Scarpa Drago and Drago LV both feature an asymmetrical shape, meaning that the left and right sides of the shoe are different. This asymmetry allows for better precision and power when edging on small holds. The Drago is slightly pointier than the Drago LV, making it better for toe-hooking and smearing on small holds. The Drago LV is slightly more rounded than the Drago, making it better at edging on larger holds.
The asymmetrical shape of both models gives them a comfortable, secure fit. The Drago is slightly more snug than the Drago LV, making it better suited for narrower feet. The Drago LV is more relaxed and accommodating, offering slightly more room in the toe box and around the heel.
Closure System
The Scarpa Drago and Drago LV both have different closure systems. The Drago features a lace-up closure, while the Drago LV features a velcro closure. The lace-up closure of the Drago provides a snug, secure fit, but it can be difficult to get a tight fit with the laces. The velcro closure of the Drago LV is easier to adjust and provides a more precise fit.
The closure system also affects the fit of the shoe. The Drago is slightly more snug than the Drago LV, making it better suited for narrower feet. The Drago LV is more relaxed and accommodating, offering slightly more room in the toe box and around the heel.
Materials
The Scarpa Drago and Drago LV both feature a combination of leather and synthetic materials. The Drago features a leather and synthetic upper, while the Drago LV features a leather, synthetic, and suede upper. The leather and synthetic materials of the Drago provide a more rigid, supportive fit, while the leather, synthetic, and suede upper of the Drago LV is slightly more flexible and accommodating.
The materials also affect the fit of the shoe. The Drago is slightly more snug than the Drago LV, making it better suited for narrower feet. The Drago LV is more relaxed and accommodating, offering slightly more room in the toe box and around the heel.
Price
The Scarpa Drago and Drago LV both come at different price points. The Drago is priced at $$, while the Drago LV is priced at $$$. The Drago is a great option for climbers who are looking for a high-performance shoe that won’t break the bank. The Drago LV is a great option for climbers who are looking for a more comfortable, accommodating fit and are willing to pay a little more for it.Personal Preference
Ultimately, the decision of which model to purchase comes down to personal preference. The Drago is slightly more technical and better suited for experienced climbers, while the Drago LV is more comfortable and accommodating. The Drago is also more affordable than the Drago LV, making it a great option for climbers on a budget.
When purchasing a new pair of climbing shoes, it’s important to consider your own preferences and needs. Consider the types of climbing you do and your budget before making a decision.
Toe Box Shape
The toe box shape of the Scarpa Drago and Drago LV is one of the main differences between the two models. The Drago features a pointed, asymmetrical toe box that is designed for toe hooking and smearing on small holds. The Drago LV has a slightly more rounded toe box, making it better suited for edging on larger holds.
The shape of the toe box also affects the fit of the shoe. The Drago is slightly more snug than the Drago LV, making it better suited for narrower feet. The Drago LV is more relaxed and accommodating, offering slightly more room in the toe box and around the heel.
Heel Cup
The heel cup of the Scarpa Drago and Drago LV is slightly different. The Drago features a slightly deeper heel cup for improved heel hooking, while the Drago LV has a shallower heel cup for improved comfort. The deeper heel cup of the Drago is great for climbers who need extra heel hooking power, while the shallower heel cup of the Drago LV is better for climbers who don’t need as much power but still want a secure fit.
The heel cup also affects the fit of the shoe. The Drago is slightly more snug than the Drago LV, making it better suited for narrower feet. The Drago LV is more relaxed and accommodating, offering slightly more room in the toe box and around the heel.
Weight
The weight of the Scarpa Drago and Drago LV is another difference between the two models. The Drago is slightly lighter than the Drago LV, making it better suited for longer climbs. The Drago LV is slightly heavier, making it better for short, intense climbs.
The weight of the shoe also affects the fit. The Drago is slightly more snug than the Drago LV, making it better suited for narrower feet. The Drago LV is more relaxed and accommodating, offering slightly more room in the toe box and around the heel.
Level of Ventilation
The level of ventilation of the Scarpa Drago and Drago LV is another difference between the two models. The Drago features a perforated leather upper for increased breathability, while the Drago LV is made of synthetic and suede materials for a more breathable fit. The perforated upper of the Drago is great for hot climates, while the synthetic and suede materials of the Drago LV provide a cooler, more breathable fit.
The level of ventilation also affects the fit of the shoe. The Drago is slightly more snug than the Drago LV, making it better suited for narrower feet. The Drago LV is more relaxed and accommodating, offering slightly more room in the toe box and around the heel.
Conclusion
The Scarpa Drago and Drago LV are both excellent choices for experienced climbers who are looking for a high-performance climbing shoe. The main differences between the two models are the sole stiffness, shape, closure system, materials, and level of ventilation. The Drago is slightly stiffer and better suited for all-around climbing, while the Drago LV is more flexible and better suited for bouldering. The Drago is also slightly more expensive than the Drago LV. Ultimately, the decision of which model to purchase comes down to personal preference and the types of climbing you do. Consider your own needs and preferences before making a decision.