You know I think that this is a definite possibility of one was XC skiing on dense, consolidated snow most of the time...Leo Tasker wrote:I wonder if having a rocker sole and a flat binding would increase the likelihood of the toe section delaminating? Probably depends how stiff the sole flex is.
BUT- on soft, fresh, backcountry snow?
Yes it certainly does. If I put the Alaska in the binding on a hard flat surface and then weight the heel, I can actually feel the front of the boot outsole flexing and putting pressure on the front of the boot and binding.Does the heel contact the binding when weighted?
I have no proof of this, but this is my assumption for why Alpina has designed the sole like this- copying a very effective design from modern hiking/backpacking boots?I imagine the Alaska may feel more natural to walk in...
Here are some thoughts and observations-
During the glide phase of the diagonal stride- the skier is fully weighted on the heel of the forward ski.
With the weight fully on the heel, that boot rocker- combined with a stiff sole- is bound to produce flex energy in the front sole of the boot and put pressure on the front of the binding.
On dense, consolidated snow- there is likely nowhere for this force to go, putting uneventful torque on the front of the sole.
BUT- on soft snow that force should actually transfer and produce a certain amount of tip rise...
Here's the thing- it may be only in my mind, but I think I can actually feel this when XC skiing with the Alaska on soft snow...