Xplore Roller skiing bindings broken

[Lars_Danner]

I've had these bindings for about two year and put a lot of miles on them. Both bindings failed in the same way within two days. I do about 75% classic and about 25% skate on those roller skis. And I had also use the bindings in the winter for classics snow skiing. I went to get some replacement bindings at AMH in Anchorage and noticed that their display model had a slightly beefier looking interface. They didn't have any for sale with that interface but I'm hopeful that next winter I'll be able to pick up a pair with the upgraded interface.

[Stephen]

That’s pretty interesting, and starts to answer the question about how durable the binding is, and how much force can be applied to it in different use-case scenarios people have mentioned (modified for use with cables, AT boots, etc.).
Are you saying the bindings you recently saw in-store are different / beefier / stronger than the ones you have — that there has been an as yet unmentioned (as far as I know) change in the design / construction of the binding?

[Lars_Danner]

That’s pretty interesting, and starts to answer the question about how durable the binding is, and how much force can be applied to it in different use-case scenarios people have mentioned (modified for use with cables, AT boots, etc.).
Are you saying the bindings you recently saw in-store are different / beefier / stronger than the ones you have — that there has been an as yet unmentioned (as far as I know) change in the design / construction of the binding?

Yes, the display model in the store seemed to have more metal and less plastic in their construction than the ones I have that broke.

[telerat]

Thanks for sharing. I thought the Xplore construction was stronger as it has a steel internal structure, but should know from prior information that ski bindings break. I have no inside information on Xplore construction and has only observed the binding from outside. I am wary of roller ski bindings failing, but it looks like you came away without injury? This should be a straight forward warranty claim:
https://rottefella.com/en/info/customer-information

Perhaps you can dissect it more after you have warranty cleared? I think many here are interested in the construction. The picture is a bit coarse, so I can not see the details clear. I wonder if the internal structure is cast or stamped steel. I have assumed it is part of the same structure where the screws are located, but have not verified that.

I noticed that the construction of the bindings had changed this winter (23/24), and have a picture of it that I can not share right now. The steel inserts are a bit wider around the holes and it looks a bit rougher, but I can not tell if they are any stronger with regards to your bindings failure mode. The screw covers have also changed to semi-transparent plastic with text underneath, possibly to avoid the text wearing off with use as on mine. Otherwise it looked identical.

I also see your flex is worn, and have heard of one case where it was broken and had to be replaced.

[Lars_Danner]

Thanks for sharing. I thought the Xplore construction was stronger as it has a steel internal structure, but should know from prior information that ski bindings break. I have no inside information on Xplore construction and has only observed the binding from outside. I am wary of roller ski bindings failing, but it looks like you came away without injury? This should be a straight forward warranty claim:
https://rottefella.com/en/info/customer-information

Perhaps you can dissect it more after you have warranty cleared? I think many here are interested in the construction. The picture is a bit coarse, so I can not see the details clear. I wonder if the internal structure is cast or stamped steel. I have assumed it is part of the same structure where the screws are located, but have not verified that.

I noticed that the construction of the bindings had changed this winter (23/24), and have a picture of it that I can not share right now. The steel inserts are a bit wider around the holes and it looks a bit rougher, but I can not tell if they are any stronger with regards to your bindings failure mode. The screw covers have also changed to semi-transparent plastic with text underneath, possibly to avoid the text wearing off with use as on mine. Otherwise it looked identical.

I also see your flex is worn, and have heard of one case where it was broken and had to be replaced.

I did not fall when either binding failed, so no injuries. Thanks for asking. As to the bumpers, I'd noticed that they were failing a few days before the bindings broke. I'm thinking now that the failed bumpers may have led to the failed bindings by allowing my boots to put excessive forward pressure on the bindings.

[randoskier]

That’s pretty interesting, and starts to answer the question about how durable the binding is, and how much force can be applied to it in different use-case scenarios people have mentioned (modified for use with cables, AT boots, etc.).
Are you saying the bindings you recently saw in-store are different / beefier / stronger than the ones you have — that there has been an as yet unmentioned (as far as I know) change in the design / construction of the binding?

Yes, the display model in the store seemed to have more metal and less plastic in their construction than the ones I have that broke.

They are guaranteed for five years, Rott should be able to solve your problem. It's probably not recommended for skating or roller skiing, might want to check with the Rotters themselves. "All Rottefella ski bindings have a 5-year guarantee. If you should have problems with one of our products please reach out to support@rottefella.no and we will try to help out as best we can."

[Inspiredcapers]

Find myself wondering if at some point in the future other binding manufacturers create Xplore spec bindings that might be burlier/lighter/possible other options such as pin adjustability fore/aft. Guess it would have to wait until the Rottefella patent runs out…maybe Rottefella might look at options such as these in the future.

I enjoy the simplicity, ease of use, quietness, and versatility they offer.

[telerat]

And here finally a picture. Not the original promised, but from a recent Xplore binding I bought:

The insert around the holes is visibly different, and it would be interesting to know if there has been any changes to the rest of it also. I suspect the insert is cast steel, and then it is not as strong a forged steel insert or a full CNC aluminum binding. The question can also be where we want the Xplore system to fail. Perhaps the binding towers is the best place, instead of the pin cartridge in the boot or any of our ligaments or bones. It is non-releasable, so considering snow conditions and limiting skier's speed is probably well advised. I still really like the system so far.

Regarding @Lars_Danner failure; did you get the bindings warrantied? I wonder if this was a production issue, if corrosion contributed and if there is anything we should be aware of around use or storage. It would also be cool if you could dissect your broken bindings so we could see the internal structure.

I have added this to the Xplore system review thread too: viewtopic.php?f=19&t=4071&start=190#p71084

And regarding roller skiing and bindings failing; I know there has been issues with regular NNN bindings opening for professionals with resulting injuries. Rottefella first advised using zip ties to secure them, before releasing a binding with a locking mechanism instead of just a the regular friction lock on their Xcelerator bindings. Roller ski binding with lock: https://rottefella.com/en/cross-country ... ki-classic

[Maxwellian]

And here finally a picture. Not the original promised, but from a recent Xplore binding I bought:
Xplore_new_tower_insert.jpg

I have a recently purchased Rossignol branded pair that looks like that. Other pair I bought a year ago, open box clearance. That one has less steel around the pin holes. Didn’t notice any other mold changes, but there could be ones that can’t be seen. I have them mounted with inserts, so I could compare weights.

[Maxwellian]

Got around to weighing the two bindings, they’re within a gram of each other, with the new one being if anything lighter. Older one has a date code on the main body mold of 11/21, newer one 8/22. A closer photo of the break would be interesting. I used a voltmeter to see if the steel of the screw plate and the pin holes was connected, there seemed to be a separate left and right insert. I’m guessing vaguely t shaped pieces of stamped steel, with a bend put into them.