Spotted for £180 a pair

What is the concensus on these boots? Would they make a good first dedicated pair of tourers?

If they fit your feet they are great boots. I had a pair but I bought too small (26) and a 27 was just a bit too long. They fit a medium/wide foot. They are more a ski touring than freerando boot, they are not as tall or stiff as a Spirit 3 for example. That means that wide and long “big mountain” skis can be a bit too much for them.

Here is a look at the two boots

http://pistehors.com/news/ski/comments/0643-scarpa-spirit-3-matrix-compared/

and I’ve just seen that Lou Dawson did the same thing here

http://www.wildsnow.com/466/comparo-scarpa-matrix-and-spirit-3/

Would I struggle to drive my 175 pocket rockets with these boots?

I think they would struggle with your pocket rockets. I use them with Trab Stelvios and these are a bit much. I’d like to upgrade to something beefier. I just need the perfect storm of feeling like I can afford it and being in the mood for shopping at the same time.

However, as a touring boot they are great!

Pocket Rockets should be no problem.
I’ve been riding a pair of Atomic Pimp 193 on lasers and later matrix’s, and thats totally ok. Of course not for wc downhill, but still nice. If you have a pair of alpine boots spending closet time you can maybe switch the liners to make them a little stiffer. Those boots climb well!!