In reply to wookie667:
In response to your question, if you have not done so already, you should definitely check out Skiapler. Skialper is an Italian skimo and train running magazine. They just published their 2017/18 buyer's guide for ski touring gear. You can get the online version in English. It is the absolute reference--truly an amazing effort by professionals, unlike anything else in the industry. Extensive testing, often with custom made equipment, backed up my hours of skiing in the back country by lifetime skiers. I'm looking at the "compare" function for both boots with the on-line version right now. The published weight from Scott seems to say that the Superguide is lighter, but the measured weight from Skialper has the Csomos coming in lighter. All the internal shell dimensions are the same. The uphill and walk performance of the Superguide rate slightly better (probably because of the different liner). The downhill ski performance of the Cosmos rates significantly better, probably because of a different liner, the more progressive flex, and the buckle configuration. The standard line would be that the added carbon in the Superguide would make it stiffer and thus ski better, but that does not seem to be the case. Also, becausue of the added carbon, it is not as easy to mold the Superguide, compared to the Cosmos. Altogether, Skialper suggests that the Cosmos is the more coherent and sensible boot.
I have big wide feet, and the only ski touring boots I can comfortably fit into are Scott Cosmos. I know of course that liners and shells can be molded, but I think ski boot fit is something like rock shoe fit--everybody says you want them as tight as possible, but, for people with problem feet, like me, comfort is the more important part of performance than precision. I like my ski boots and rock shoes to fit looser than conventional guidelines. I have the Cosmos 2, and have used them for skiing on piste, for easy ski tours, to access climbs around Cham, and for ice and mixed climbing. They work great. Easy on/off, comfortable, light, and so forth. I never even felt the need to change the liners. My only complaint is that the walk/ski lever is a bit flimsy, and, while it has not broken, it feels weak, and it sometimes clicks or sticks for a moment. This year, all the Scott boots get a new aluminum lever, which should make them ski much better, and greatly improve durability. That said, I don't know how well they will work with crampons--it's possible that in some sizes the heel bail of the crampons will hit the aluminum lever. I hope that is nto the case,, becasue I would love to get a pair of the Cosmos 3 with the new lever, but I need to use my ski boots with crampons. I'll visit my local shop soon with some crampons to check the fit. OK, good luck!
