Post
by wabene » Sat Jan 21, 2023 9:14 am
Everybody has their opinion on the different bindings for XCD.
This was just posted on page 12 of the thread "Xplore and the advantages of a stiff sole for XC." It is an interesting read from a respected source;
"Came across the review of the updated Xplore in Utemagasinet.no. It touches upon the issue of stiff sole as well.
Below are some extract translated (mostly with google) for those who are not subscribers or don't read Norwegian:
About the flexors
The hard flex pad should be supplied with all Xplore bindings, as it is an absolutely crucial part for the binding to be more stable than the BC. Without it, we don't have much more than a new variant of a BC binding with a slightly larger travel range, and somewhat slacker forward resistance..
We are happy about the important improvements with the new flexors, because the weak and uneven forward resistance in the previous version was a big step back in functionality for a tour binding, and especially not favorable for contact with the ski in telemark turns. It is precisely on telemarking skiing that we can actually increase stability considerably with this technique, in contrast to the use of tall telemark boots where it is usually more stable with alpine technique.
Stable ski boots require a lot of stiffness in the sole, which in turn requires stronger resistance in the flexor. The new, hard flexor is up to the task, even for the 95 kg ski tester with a shoe size of 47. Fortunately, the hard flexor has now been considerably increased in size, as we suggested for Rottefella after testing two prototypes in March 2021.
The hard flex pad is also suitable for cross country. Also the lighter test subject of 165 cm and approx. 65 kg, who is only used to BC binding, somewhat surprisingly likes using this hard flex pad for normal walking.
The limitation in removing skis and changing loose flexors with Xplore is a clear disadvantage compared to many different randonee and 75 mm bindings [...]
We hope that there will be introduced several new flexors for the Xplore binding that are adapted to the skier's weight, shoe size or preferences, as you can with NNN cross-country bindings.[...]
About the small binding surface
No attempt has been made to increase the support surface of the ski boot, which is significantly narrower than a BC binding, and very much narrower than for 75 mm. Increased width under the ball of the toe on a flexible rubber sole provides better stability and edging power. Are there trend/fashion phenomena such as a slim look and the rando wave that lie behind these limitations in the binding's design?
About the way forward for Xplore
We have always done off-piste skiing, for recreation or transport in the winter. The binding is what matters the least in order to realize such an activity [...].Stability and steering properties are still determined 95 percent by the skis and boots.
Much of the way forward for the Xplore system is therefore determined by whether the shoe manufacturers come up with good and stable mountain ski boots, and whether they design a sole profile that provides better contact with the ski and reduces the disadvantage of a higher axis of rotation in the binding.
The Free shoe we have tested with now loses contact between the ball of the toe and the ski, even with full weight on one leg, already when the heel is lifted 5-6 cm, in contrast to the BC and 75 mm which have good contact with the ski when the heel is lifted two -three times as high. This gives the binding more instability during telemark turns and easier slips as the skis' buckle pocket is designed to be pressed down just below the ball of the toe.
New development is great - and more focus on the versatility of good mountain skiing equipment. New products must provide a better function, not just novelty value and appearance that resembles another type of binding that is not suitable for mountain ski boots.
Comparison with other bindings
There is no evidence to say that the Xplore is more stable than the scalable 75mm system. But with the new hard flex pad, the binding can somewhat exceed the stability of the BC system, but then only together with sufficiently stable mountain ski boots.
Both BC and 75 mm are still good enough binding systems to cover the whole segment between cross-country skiing and randonee, given that the shoes are stable enough in relation to the width of the skis.
Will we soon see an improved BC binding, or at least a harder flex pad? Or perhaps tighter springs for "Super Telemark with cable" and lighter 75 mm ski boots? Remember, the most efficient sailing ships were developed after competition with the steamships arose!"
What I take away from this is the venerable 75mm 3 pin with a cable that you can choose to use or not is still the most versatile binding there is. From light weight kick and glide to full blown heavy tele on plastic boots. The only clear downfall is skiing in the tracks. But are we so entitled we need others to lay down tracks for our precious selves to move through nature? I kid, I kid.
This is an exciting time for XCD with the Explore binding entering the fold. My step kids just gave me a subscription to Cross Country Ski magazine for the Winter Solstice Holiday and I look forward to your article!
