Plastic Boot for Xplore?

[Bcskier44]

When the Xplore binding was initially released, I found myself both excited and somewhat disheartened. I am someone who enjoys a mix of cross-country downhill (xcD) adventures, downhill telemark skiing, and alpine tech tours. I have a deep appreciation for my tech setup, especially on those big days in steeper alpine terrain. However, there has always been a lingering desire for my xcD gear to provide the same level of downhill control as my trusty tech setup (with the Voile Switchbacks serving as a fun compromise).

So, when Rottefella introduced the Xplore system, I was initially thrilled – a potential solution to bridge the gap. But then came the realization, "Why didn't they incorporate the pin into the binding to make it compatible with plastic boots?" It felt like a missed opportunity on their part. However, my inner pragmatist kicked in, recognizing that if they had done so, they would essentially be creating another tech binding, albeit with slight differences, that could be easily replicated.

This approach wouldn't have secured exclusive boot deals with other manufacturers or granted iron-clad trademark rights to the design. In hindsight, it makes sense. So, the real question now becomes: when will we see the introduction of plastic boots that can seamlessly integrate with this system?

[spopepro]

I think there is possibly another issue. If you piece together all the breadcrumbs of the scarpa new tele boot that has been coming in the next two years for the last 10, one of the sticky points appears to be making a nice flexing, plastic, lightweight tele boot without a duckbill. The few people who have skied prototypes haven’t always been complementary about how they skied. Furthermore, they all appear to need heel spring tension to promote flex.

This is all leaving aside that rotte makes all the soles, and they currently aren’t the kind that can be easily grafted onto plastic. It would be interesting to take a combi type outer frame idea and beef it up more (ending up like a skimo race boot cuff) to assist with getting skis on their edges, even if the lower isn’t plastic.

[JohnSKepler]

The requirements of the Xplore system are much different than those of an Alpine touring system. Putting the pins on the binding, like a tech toe, results in a heavier system this is not as rigid. It is probably a lot stronger but that strength greatly exceeds the needs of the Xplore requirements which tend more towards a more normal walking motion and an ultra rigid coupling, which the Xplore does really well. Designs that are supposed to do everything be it a motorcycle, a ski, a car, etc., wind up not doing anything well. It's an axiom of engineering.

[spopepro]

The requirements of the Xplore system are much different than those of an Alpine touring system...

I only kinda agree. Yeah, that’s true of the product design, but the technical components should be capable. Retractable pins have already been AT proven, at a lighter weight than xplore.

[telerat]

Dynafit P49 is interesting, and probably an inspiration for Xplore. The above picture shows a slightly different construction than the final version:
https://www.dynafit.com/p49-binding-08-0000048799
The boot comes in both a P49 and regular tech version with the same weight:
https://www.dynafit.com/dna-pintech-by- ... 0000061334
https://www.dynafit.com/dna-by-pierre-g ... 0000061332

I think SkiTrab's tech compatible and releasable Titan toe and heel gives P49 stiff competition with a small weight penalty:
https://www.skitrab.com/attacco-gara-titan-wc.html

I still kind of want Xplore to use a tech toe for the ultimate compatibility, continuous specter of boots and possibility of innovation, but I am unsure if it would be great or not. The current Xplore implementation looks robust and is simple with a plastic-covered a steel skeleton, without many places where snow can accumulate/stick. It is probably also better suited for mass production than P49 and thus cheaper to produce and also for us users. With the stiff flexor the sole is the flex, so a plastic boot would have to replace that somehow.

I hope for a slightly higher, stiffer and warmer Alfa Free or similar boot that doesn't crush my toes and a Xplore binding with a switch for tour/ski mode. Hopefully we will get better NTN plastic boot(s) soon and then see how large a gap there will be between NTN/TTS and Xplore.

[JohnSKepler]

The requirements of the Xplore system are much different than those of an Alpine touring system...

I only kinda agree. Yeah, that’s true of the product design, but the technical components should be capable. Retractable pins have already been AT proven, at a lighter weight than xplore.

Saw this for the first time a few weeks ago. Blew my mind. Two things that look the same but ain’t the same!

One of the requirements, in the engineering sense, for Xplore, was cost. Nearly anything can be designed, a lot of designs can be built, but mass production with reliability and low cost place a lot of constraints. This was not a consideration with the P49 but it is something Rottefella really hit well with Xplore. If you know when and where to look I’ve seen the binding for < $140 US! Boots vary widely but are generally affordable in an expensive sport.

[Capercaillie]

I still kind of want Xplore to use a tech toe for the ultimate compatibility

Compatibility between what? Leather boots cannot work properly in a releasable low tech toe. There are no low tech toe pieces and no tech toe touring boots that can work with a flexor or are in any way suitable for cross-country skiing.

There is no point in trying to re-use the low tech standard:

https://telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php? ... 335#p63335

There is not anything special or well thought out about the geometry of the low tech standard. Fritz Barthel came up with low tech toes by drilling into alpine touring boots in the 1980s.

[DanH]

Hi. New to group. I am wanting to pair the Xplore bindings and Alpina Alaska compatible boots with some Kom 162 skis. Ive done my homework and it seems that this would fit my needs. However the shop I purchased the skis and bindings from said the skis needed to around 70mm. For me I'm an average skate skier and classic skier. I'm wanting a set up to cruise gentle back country slopes in the NE and make it through off track forrested areas. Maybe a winter camping trip in the Daks. I'm a very experienced alpinist and snowboarder. Average at best downhill skier. I have a great snowplow . Any advice appreciated