Help With Equipment

[Rochester]

Hi all! First post here, and it’s not exactly about telemarking, but I think you can provide some insight based on what I’ve been reading. I’m pushing 70, and had a mild stroke a couple years ago, so my balance isn’t what it used to be. I have had extensive experience with cross-country and alpine skiing in the past, but kind of gave it up in favor of snowshoeing since the stroke. I saw some interesting skis a few months ago, that I thought might work for me, ie, Altai Hoks. I bought them with the universal bindings. Wanted more control, so bought Alpina Alaska boots with the Altai (Voile) 75mm bindings. Got pretty confident with them, especially in fresh or deeper snow. I live in Wisconsin, not much vertical drop. I decided I wanted to try some CC sling on/off track, and bought Fischer Spider 62 skis thinking I could use the Alaska boots and some Voile 75mm bindings with them. I haven’t mounted the bindings yet because my idea has been questioned by some “experts” saying the boots would overpower the skis. I know it’s overkill, but I’m not going to to ski aggressively. I just want control on icy, or packed snow, in or out of tracks. Back in the 70s I had 79mm Normark bindings with Norrona boots on Rossignol Horizons that were more narrow than the Spiders, so I didn’t think this would be a problem. Before I mount bindings, I’d like some opinions. Thanks!

[Montana St Alum]

I don't know a lot about this gear, but just looking at the skis and boots it doesn't seem like an outrageous combination. You're an expert on "you", so I'd go with my gut feeling on this.

[connyro]

I'm with MSA's opinion above. That ski/boot combination seem reasonable for your stated goals IMO. I don't think those boots would overpower those skis. You are an experienced skier and if your experience says that combination would suit your needs, then go for it.

[Slidey_Hiker]

My first set of skis were the Spider 62's with NNNBC and some low cut boot from Fischer. I had a hard time learning to control the skis until I upgraded to Alaskas on the NNNBC. Even though three pin is a little different I think that will be a great combination for you.

[Krummholz]

Back in the early Eighties I nordic skied a few times and the skis had 3 pin bindings with the wire trap to hold the leather boot in. Most were the same ski specs as you have, 62-52-60, 59/49/55, or close to that. Only made with a solid wood core not a mix of materials like now. You just need to use a good glue for the screws, epoxy or Gorilla Glue, or if you take them to a shop, make sure that they will use epoxy, etc. Not wood glue. I have Voile 75 on my Fischer E99 and Europa 99. I have better control with my Alaska than the light fake leather Rossignol boots I started out with. With that ski one click on the binding is all you need, unless you are going to be side stepping up/down the side of some steep sided gully. Then 2 click so you don’t pop out.

Keep On Trucking!

[phoenix]

The Alaska's & 75's will be fine on the Spiders, no problem. Rather noce combo, really. Alaska's look like a beefy boot, but are really pretty flexible, as you may have noticed.
BTW, I had those Horizon'ss in the 70's too, skied with some low cut Alfa leathers.

[Rochester]

Thanks for the feedback! I was thinking that if necessary I could buy some different boots/bindings, but the Alaskas fit great, are comfortable and fit nicely in the Voile bindings I have. Most reviews I’ve read on NNNBC boots are mixed, bad fit, poorly made, etc., so I’m apprehensive about switching over.

[riel]

Thanks for the feedback! I was thinking that if necessary I could buy some different boots/bindings, but the Alaskas fit great, are comfortable and fit nicely in the Voile bindings I have. Most reviews I’ve read on NNNBC boots are mixed, bad fit, poorly made, etc., so I’m apprehensive about switching over.

The NNN-BC Alaska is a very nice boot

However, given that you already have 75mm Alaskas, you might as well use those.

[wabene]

Hate to be a negative Nelly, but the Alaska and Voile 75mm aren't the best match due to the thin duckbill on the Alaska. A Rottefella Super Telemark 75mm is better with that boot.

[Rochester]

I have the thinner Voile, the Voile 201.