| Scarpa Helix | Techno X | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Asymmetrical, precision fit | Snug and comfortable fit |
| Type of Climbing | Technical face and slab climbing | Vertical and overhanging routes |
| Sole Stiffness | Stiffer sole (stiffness index 6) | Softer sole (stiffness index 5) |
| Shape | Asymmetrical, slightly downturned toe | Low-profile, flat toe |
| Closure System | Traditional lacing system | Quick-pull lacing system |
| Materials | Synthetic upper + rubber/Vibram XS Grip2 | Synthetic upper + EVA foam/rubber |
| Price | $100 – $150 | $100 – $150 |
| Personal Preference | Depends on user preference and type of climbing | Depends on user preference and type of climbing |
| Toe Box Shape | Asymmetrical, downturned | Low-profile, flat |
| Heel Cup | Slightly downturned | Flat |
| Weight | 9.7 oz (size 42) | 9.5 oz (size 42) |
| Level of Ventilation | Open design on the upper | Open design on the upper, but double-layer of synthetic leather in the toe box reduces ventilation |
Fit
The Scarpa Helix is designed to provide an asymmetrical, precision fit, with a slightly downturned toe profile for added support and grip. The Techno X is designed for a snug and comfortable fit, with a low-profile toe box that allows for excellent edging and smearing. Both shoes are made with a synthetic upper material that is designed to conform to the foot and provide a secure fit.
The Scarpa Helix also features a stretchable elastic tongue, which helps to keep the foot securely in place. The Techno X has a traditional lacing system with a double-layer of synthetic leather in the toe box to provide a secure fit.
The Scarpa Helix and the Techno X both have a wide range of sizes, ranging from European 35 to 48. Both shoes are unisex and come in a variety of colorways to meet the needs of different climbers.
Type of Climbing
The Scarpa Helix is designed for technical face and slab climbing, and is best suited for intermediate to advanced climbers. The Techno X is designed for more vertical and overhanging routes, and is suitable for all levels of climbers.
The Scarpa Helix has a slightly more downturned shape, which allows for more precise foot placements on small footholds. The Techno X has a low-profile shape, which gives maximum contact with the rock and excellent edging and smearing capabilities.
The aggressive shape of the Scarpa Helix allows for better performance on technical routes, while the lower profile of the Techno X is better for longer routes with more horizontal climbing.
Sole Stiffness
The Scarpa Helix has a relatively stiff sole, with a stiffness index of 6. The Techno X has a slightly softer sole, with a stiffness index of 5. The stiffer sole of the Scarpa Helix provides greater power and stability on technical routes, while the slightly softer sole of the Techno X gives more flexibility for edging and smearing.
The sole of the Techno X is made with a combination of EVA foam and rubber, which provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption. The sole of the Scarpa Helix is made with a combination of rubber and Vibram XS Grip2, which provides superior grip and durability.
Shape
The Scarpa Helix has an asymmetrical shape, with a slightly downturned toe profile for added support and grip. The Techno X has a low-profile, flat shape that allows for excellent edging and smearing.
The asymmetrical shape of the Scarpa Helix gives it a more aggressive profile, while the flat shape of the Techno X can provide better support on longer routes.
Closure System
The Scarpa Helix has a stretchable elastic tongue and a traditional lacing system for a secure and comfortable fit. The Techno X has a double-layer of synthetic leather in the toe box for a secure fit and a quick-pull lace system for fast and easy adjustment.
The traditional lacing system of the Scarpa Helix provides better precision when adjusting the fit, while the quick-pull lacing system of the Techno X makes it easy to put on and take off the shoe.
Materials
The Scarpa Helix is made with a synthetic upper material and a combination of rubber and Vibram XS Grip2 for the sole. The Techno X is made with a synthetic upper material and a combination of EVA foam and rubber for the sole.
The synthetic upper material of both shoes is designed to conform to the foot and provide a secure fit. The sole of the Scarpa Helix is designed for superior grip and durability, while the sole of the Techno X is designed for cushioning and shock absorption.
Price
Both the Scarpa Helix and the Techno X are priced similarly, ranging from around $100 to $150.Personal Preference
In terms of fit, the Scarpa Helix has an asymmetrical shape and a stretchable elastic tongue for a secure and comfortable fit. The Techno X has a traditional lacing system and a double-layer of synthetic leather in the toe box for a secure fit.
In terms of type of climbing, the Scarpa Helix is designed for technical face and slab climbing, while the Techno X is designed for more vertical and overhanging routes.
In terms of sole stiffness, the Scarpa Helix has a stiffness index of 6, while the Techno X has a stiffness index of 5. The stiffer sole of the Scarpa Helix provides greater power and stability on technical routes, while the softer sole of the Techno X gives more flexibility for edging and smearing.
In terms of price, both shoes are priced similarly, ranging from around $100 to $150.
Ultimately, the decision of which shoe to choose will depend on the user’s personal preference and the type of climbing they plan to do.
Toe Box Shape
The Scarpa Helix has an asymmetrical, downturned toe box shape for added support and grip on technical routes. The Techno X has a low-profile, flat toe box shape that allows for excellent edging and smearing.
The asymmetrical shape of the Scarpa Helix gives it a more aggressive profile, while the flat shape of the Techno X can provide better support on longer routes.
Heel Cup
The Scarpa Helix features a slightly downturned heel cup, which helps to keep the foot securely in place on technical routes. The Techno X has a flat heel cup, which allows for better edging and smearing on vertical and overhanging routes.
The downturned heel cup of the Scarpa Helix also helps to maximize power transfer, while the flat heel cup of the Techno X provides better support and stability on longer routes.
Weight
The Scarpa Helix has a weight of 9.7 oz (size 42), while the Techno X has a weight of 9.5 oz (size 42). Both shoes have a lightweight construction, which makes them suitable for long days of climbing.
Level of Ventilation
The Scarpa Helix has an open design on the upper, which helps to keep the foot cool and dry. The Techno X also has an open design on the upper, but the double-layer of synthetic leather in the toe box provides extra support and reduces the level of ventilation.
Both shoes are suitable for warm weather climbing, but the more ventilated design of the Scarpa Helix is better for hot, humid conditions.
When deciding between the Scarpa Helix and the Techno X, it is important to consider the type of climbing the user will be doing, as well as their personal preference. The Scarpa Helix is designed for technical face and slab climbing, with an asymmetrical, precision fit and a stiff sole for maximum power and stability. The Techno X is designed for more vertical and overhanging routes, with a snug and comfortable fit and a slightly softer sole for better flexibility and edging. Ultimately, the decision of which shoe to choose will depend on the user’s needs and preferences.
In conclusion, the Scarpa Helix and the Techno X are two of the most popular climbing shoes on the market today. Both shoes have a wide range of sizes and provide a secure and comfortable fit, while also offering superior grip on a variety of surfaces. The Scarpa Helix is designed for technical face and slab climbing, with an asymmetrical, precision fit and a stiff sole, while the Techno X is designed for more vertical and overhanging routes,