lilcliffy wrote: ↑Sat Mar 20, 2021 1:28 pm
@@Åsnes1922
Thank you very much for giving us this excellent preview of Xplore binding.
Your description of the Alfa Free boot is of particualr interest-
I am wondering whether this new binding is worth the investment without getting a boot with enough support and torsional rigidity to take advantage of the binding...
For example- I have the Alfa Guard BC boot- this boot is very soft- it is truly a XC boot- and as such I LOVE this XC boot for Nordic touring. I see that Alfa will offer an Xplore version of the Guard boot-
I wonder whether the downhill control using the Guard boot will really be that much better with the Xplore binding than it is with NNNBC?
I am wondering whether one needs a much more supportive/stiffer boot to truly take advantage of the downhill capabilities of the Xpore binding?
Crister- have you tested any of the softer XC boots with the Xplore binding?
I am assuming that the Free boot is going to be much more expensive than the already pricey Guard boot, but I am wondering if there is any point in getting the Xplore binding- over NNNBC- unless one gets the Free boot...
.............
Your descriptions of the flexors with the Xplore binding are helpful as well-
I too prefer some binding resistance for Nordic touring- I personally see it as essential-
The flexor definitely helps with controlling the ski when one wants to pick up the ski- kick turns- step turns- jump turns- striding turns.
I do sometimes take the flexor out of my NNNBC binding if I want to climb an extended steep trail with skins.
Based on your description I would definitely want both the standard flexor and the stiffer flexor for chargning downhill!
No problem. Happy to be of any help! Thanks for the feedback!
I have not gotten the opportunity to test all the boots yet, but I have seen some of them. The sole (made by Rottefella) will be the same on all boots. This means you will get most of the same torsional stiffness either way. The sole in itself is essential.
The other boot models will probably not give the same amount of precision as the APS Free, as it has the BOA lacing and a more precise fit. But other than that, I believe them all to be relevant and good.
It's the combination of the sole and the binding that makes the big difference! I think it will be worth the upgrade if you want a more responsive, stable system. There will be a difference between a NNN BC with Guard Advance and a Xplore Binding with the Vista Advance, for sure. But if it is worth the investment? I will let you decide that. Depends on many things. I still believe the NNN BC system is the best system for longer trips, and 100% XC touring.
Either way, as you say, you'll get more out of the Xplore system with a stiffer boot.
The Vista Advance is basically the Guard Advance, with the new Xplore sole. So you know this boot for the most part. The big difference here will be the sole.
For my taste, I actually think I will use the APS Free for shorter days where I do not need that much insulation, for fast touring, or for days where I will earn my turns. For the longer days, I like the height of the Skaget boot and suspect that it will give more support in the shaft/cuff and it's made of leather and has more insulation - so I think I'd use that boot for longer treks and colder days (I would compare it somewhat to the Alpina Alaska boot). But that's me.