The Alpina Alaska XP Boot / Rottefella XPLORE Binding Experience Review

[Johnny]

For all of you chart junkies out there, here is one particularly relevant.
Taken from my review of the ALFA FREE boot, I think it's worth reposting here for future reference.

It seems quite simple at first sight, but there is actually A LOT of technical information packed in there. It took me quite some time to come up with all the details and to objectively analyze each boot, but I think it makes a great guide to evaluate what you need at a glance. I didn't add a "warmth" row because that would be hard to fairly compare and most of these boots have quite similar insulation. Lateral control = edging and steering power. Hiking = walking, boot packing, everything that doesn't imply actual skiing with the boot. And feeling is... Well, you know. It's the feeeeel man. The actual level of blissful sensations that run through your whole body when you go downhill. The actual level of dopamine and adrenaline running in your blood and up to your brain. A number indicating how freely the telemark quintessence embedded in every snowflake is able to run through your boots and be transferred from the skis directly to your spine. In other words, it means the essence of telemark... The spirit of telemark.

The free pivot plate has also been launched here, but was not in stock when I ordered the hard flex (which reminds me that I forgot to test skiing without the flex).

This is what I have been doing here. I haven't used any flexors on my 4 pairs of XP bindings for several weeks! The flexors are all stored in a box somewhere. I can't believe how great it feels, for both cross-country AND downhill. It's all a matter of technique, not flexors or cables.

FREEDOM! Nothing at the heels, nothing at the toes... NOTHING in the way for me please!

Alpina collection 2022/23:
https://issuu.com/inasport/docs/alpina_ ... nter_22-23.

Hmm, the Alpina Alaska XP is missing, while there is even a new black Alaska 75mm. The Pioneer is the only Xplore boot, while it has two NNN-BC siblings. There is a new series of 4 NNN-BC boots (Tourer) with one 75mm version, as well as a low 75mm xc-boot. It looks like a nice collection, but almost devoid of Xplore boots. I wonder what the reason is?

The reason is that the catalog posted was from some Europeen distributor, they select their own products. Here is the US version of the 2022-23 Alpina catalog below... (Oouuf! What a relief to see that my new all-time favorite boot is not retired yet... )

Alpina 22_23 XC Only Catalog_LR.pdf

(4.08 MiB) Downloaded 1209 times

[lowangle al]

Nice work on the chart Johnny. I'm interested in the Fischer Transnordic, have you skied it?

[Johnny]

Nice work on the chart Johnny. I'm interested in the Fischer Transnordic, have you skied it?

No, I have not skied the Transnordic and have no intention doing so. I honestly can't see any logical reason for retrograding back to an obsolete 35-year old norm... Let alone an almost 100-year old archaic 3-pin one... Why settle for less when you can ski the best? I mean, seriously?

Unless of course, you mixed things up, and you were talking about the new upcoming Fischer BCX Traverse XPLORE boot instead. Which would be a different story... XP boots just don't compare to their NNN or NN semi-equivalent...

Neon green soles and leopard patterned laces... Yummy!

[Tom M]

REI now has the Alpina Alaska XP in stock.
https://www.rei.com/product/200164/alpi ... -ski-boots

[Tom M]

Special thanks to @rlsimm for being kind enough to let me tack on a set of flexors with his new boot order from Alfa.
Here is my first look video.

[Stephen]

You da pedagogist, man!
Nice comparison.

[JohnSKepler]

I’m not a great skier (yet). The Xplore binding makes me much more capable. It reminds me of the RideModes on my BMW R1200GS, or the full suspension on my mountain bike. They just work. I can ski longer, faster, farther, and harder. I did most of this trail with the flat flexor. Lots of downed trees. Had to remove skis a few times but was mostly able to traverse with skis on. Switched to standard flexor to come down an icy road. Worked great!

[Markus]

@Johnny
What's the consensus on Springpin reliability? I saw some boots advertised with a stuck pin. Anyone have experience getting stuck pins unstuck?
Thanks,
Markus

Very interesting boots and new bindings!
Thank you, Jonny, for such a passionate revew )


The springpin mechanism seems to be very well sealed. But even if it would eventually ice, the slots on the bindings would probably force the pins into place. Only time will tell...

[Johnny]

Johnny
What's the consensus on Springpin reliability?

I can't speak in the name of the consensus, but I personally didn't have any problems with my 5 pairs of Springpin-loaded XP boots so far... Not even on my 3-season old Alaska XPs...

[grizz_bait]

I’ve seen four pairs of xplore boots from Alfa and Alpina at the local rei return rack with stuck pins.