THE XPLORE JOURNAL
December 2, 2021. *TOTALLY* ADDICTED.
10th day on the XPLORE system. A few more important observations. After switching back and forth between XP and BC setups, the difference is even more significant, more obvious. First, as I said, kicking and gliding is really A LOT superior on the XP system. The massive effect of the width between the 2 springpins is even more pronounced when you switch between systems. The XP offers incredible control over 75mm and NNN-BC. It works beautifully and magically with the Fjellski class and even wider skis, where more lateral leverage is needed to keep the ski stable on the snow. And the most magical thing is that is also works wonderfully with skinnier XC skis, which are usually not very stable laterally on the snow. I am not talking about subtle, barely noticeable changes for the elitist here. I am talking about feeling quite sad when I got back on NNN-BC. That little extra fun-factor just wasn't there anymore. The exact, very same tour I just did with the XP system was now more boring on NNN-BC, more tiring, and the skis felt a lot less stable, slightly drifting at every step in a way I had never noticed before. I must confess that I am very, very impressed by the XP system and the Alaska XP boots. BLOWN AWAY, honestly. Blown away. In capital letters.
Another very important difference is the resistance in the forward flex. The XP soft flexor offers substantially LESS resistance than the NNN-BC soft flexor. And this is not just the flexors, it's also in the soles. The XP feels almost like a free-pivot binding until the it reach the end of its course. The sole of the XP boot almost doesn't flex at all. On the other hand, you instantly feel some resistance on NNN-BC from the start. And the NNN-BC sole start slowly flexing naturally almost as soon as the heel is raised. NOT the case with the XP sole and binding.
This is what has been raising A LOT of questioning for me since last April, hence the confusion in my original review about "
getting used to it" and "
figuring it out". The whole Ball-of-foot thing. It would be tempting to say that NNN-BC is better and more natural. Now this is where it gets interesting. Because despite the XP sole's stiffness and its semi-
freepivot feel, the lateral control and edging power is much better than all other norms. And it sort of compensates for its own characteristics. So in the end, it offers a MUCH more natural and efficient experience for XC, but a quite similar experience for Telemark and downhill.
Back on NNN-BC, the experience was quite disappointing. Hey, we are talking about my favorite binding / boot combo here. Yes, for the first time, they felt less fun than before. I felt bound and tied to the binding, like restricted by some load. Like being handcuffed to the boots and bindings. My feet were not free, and I was not in complete control of the skis. Both NNN-BC boots and bindings felt quite restrictive (!!!). I felt like a slave of the equipment, compared to the liberty of the XPLORE. Even after taking the ALFA Guards for a mixed tour, I found myself wanting to get back in the Alaska XPs as soon as possible! The Guards did not feel as comfortable as they once did. Lacing them seemed not as smooth as before compared to the Alaska XP. The previous Alaskas felt heavy, their shoelaces almost impossible to tie. Boy, once again, this was totally unexpected! I just HAD TO get back on the XPLORE, as quick as possible! Quite a shocking experience for me, an hardcore advocate of the NNN-BC system.
This little thing is absolutely FASCINATING. I thought this was just a toy, just money-making. A way for Rottefella to capitalize on the already fading 2-pin craze. I was wrong. I am simply falling in love a little more every day, with both boots and bindings.
There is SO MUCH MORE magic in this little piece of engineering that what I had expected. Wow. Just WOW. I think I will have to start getting used to the fact that I might not be going back to NNN-BC or 75mm. I was not ready for this!!!
WARNING!!! This boot and this little thingie are HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!!!
What a beauty!
They are extremly light feeling on foots, easily bending to the ball of the foot, easy walking. When tightened with Boa closures they feels very stiff, I felt almost like in soft plastic ski touring boot. I am still waiting for my Xplore bindings, so I have to wait for the further tests on the snow. Overall first unboxing impression is very positive!