SE Minnesota unconventional Ski build..? HOk + Xplore
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2022 1:33 pm
I'm in SE Minnesota.. Winters here are hit and miss, and snow conditions vary greatly.. When we get snow, and keep snow, I want to take advantage! Most of my usage will be exploring State and County Land, and hopefully learning a little bit of telemark on my own, when i find clear areas to play..
I was luck enough to have a shop close by who rented a HOK 125 with universal bindings, and loved the unique freedom to explore the local woods vs exploring with snow shoes.
I quickly recognized that the universal binding, and my winter boots, are not enough for what I want to do.
I want to find a 'performance' dedicated boot/binding.
I also want a longer ski, so i can have a little bit more of a Ski feeling for downhill and traversing sections, with out sacrificing too much on my ability to climb.
We have Smaller hills around here.. I have no interest in Skins at the time being.
As of now I'm narrowing down my research and gut feelings to the build of:
Altai Hok 145 + Xplore Binding + XP Alaska
I am aware that the bindings won't fit the pre-taped mounting holes in the skis. =( (i have friends who can help)
https://us-store.altaiskis.com/product/ ... lank-skis/
I haven't seen too much mention online with people using this binding with a wider skis and i do have a concern that the wide ski could introduce more torque on the xplore binding, beyond what it should be able to contain...
Any thoughts on this?
I reached out to Altai for their impression of the Xplore. They tried the xplore, but went back to preferring and recommending the 3pin setup.. beyond their Universal Binding
( I do appreciate their customer feedback and attention to my questions, but I do take their personal experience with a grain of salt. )
I only have 3pin experience with Older x-country skis which were my parents.. I never liked those things. Yeah they were older shoes... but still.. the duck bill thing was annoying imo.
The NNN-BC bindings... Yuck as well.. I use to have traditional x-country skis with those bindings.. hated the little Pin contact point.
I really like the concept of the Xplore pivot point and the wider points of contact. I do agree.. the Boot goes a LONG way with the reality of your experience.
A lot of my trail braking will be kick and glide through dense woods. so i'm fairly confident with the Alpina XP Alaska boot choice.
I have three boots coming to my house (size 43-45), so i can pick the boot that fits the best, and return two..
from the little i understand on a true 'back country' telemark binding and boot, that would be way overkill for what i want.
Any general Thoughts?
On a side note, I intend to make a Taik Pole, but also have ski poles as an option as well..
Also, Thanks to TomM for all his Youtube reviews on this newer xplore system! Those Vids have helped a Lot!!
Respectfully, & with excitement for more snow!
Joshy Josh
I was luck enough to have a shop close by who rented a HOK 125 with universal bindings, and loved the unique freedom to explore the local woods vs exploring with snow shoes.
I quickly recognized that the universal binding, and my winter boots, are not enough for what I want to do.
I want to find a 'performance' dedicated boot/binding.
I also want a longer ski, so i can have a little bit more of a Ski feeling for downhill and traversing sections, with out sacrificing too much on my ability to climb.
We have Smaller hills around here.. I have no interest in Skins at the time being.
As of now I'm narrowing down my research and gut feelings to the build of:
Altai Hok 145 + Xplore Binding + XP Alaska
I am aware that the bindings won't fit the pre-taped mounting holes in the skis. =( (i have friends who can help)
https://us-store.altaiskis.com/product/ ... lank-skis/
I haven't seen too much mention online with people using this binding with a wider skis and i do have a concern that the wide ski could introduce more torque on the xplore binding, beyond what it should be able to contain...
Any thoughts on this?
I reached out to Altai for their impression of the Xplore. They tried the xplore, but went back to preferring and recommending the 3pin setup.. beyond their Universal Binding
( I do appreciate their customer feedback and attention to my questions, but I do take their personal experience with a grain of salt. )
I only have 3pin experience with Older x-country skis which were my parents.. I never liked those things. Yeah they were older shoes... but still.. the duck bill thing was annoying imo.
The NNN-BC bindings... Yuck as well.. I use to have traditional x-country skis with those bindings.. hated the little Pin contact point.
I really like the concept of the Xplore pivot point and the wider points of contact. I do agree.. the Boot goes a LONG way with the reality of your experience.
A lot of my trail braking will be kick and glide through dense woods. so i'm fairly confident with the Alpina XP Alaska boot choice.
I have three boots coming to my house (size 43-45), so i can pick the boot that fits the best, and return two..
from the little i understand on a true 'back country' telemark binding and boot, that would be way overkill for what i want.
Any general Thoughts?
On a side note, I intend to make a Taik Pole, but also have ski poles as an option as well..
Also, Thanks to TomM for all his Youtube reviews on this newer xplore system! Those Vids have helped a Lot!!
Respectfully, & with excitement for more snow!
Joshy Josh