Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

@JohnSKepler I applaud your project, tinkering is cool and enjoyable. I've modified many thin-billed vintage 3 pin boots to work well in Voile Mountaineer and 3PC bindings and found it very satisfying. My Merrell Westwind 3 pin boots are in new condition and weigh less than my NNN track boots the Fischer OTX Adventure and Rossi OT5. It allows me a vast weight and performance characteristic difference between the boots I can use with a ski like the Gamme or really any of my skis. From the Merrel's to Alico Ski Marches or even T4's, lol.
When you say, "heavy, old-style 3-pin hardwire bindings", I'm not sure I agree with this. The Voile Mountaineer is 15 ounces whereas Explore is 13. That's pretty negligible. Looking at your project, I'm guessing the combined weight is similar to a Voile 3PC, or even the mentioned Voile Hardwire minus the risers.
Let's keep in mind you are dealing with a full fledged Voile Pin Bobo . A genius of simple, rugged engineering that has stood the test of time.

If I had the funds and time, I’d find an old Excursion and buy the cheapest Xplore boot I could find. Then I’d rip the front sole off both boots and then bolt front half of the Xplore sole to the Excursion.

@JohnSKepler i have some thoughts, just need time to organize those thoughts

Curious-
how is this "better" than a traditional 3pin-cable binding system?

I can see how it could be better. I think NNN-BC offers generally better XC performance than 75 mm. From reviews, I am assuming that Xplore can at least duplicate NNN-BC performance. If you could match that with a Rotte ST type cable, you could have a nice system.
The problems as I see:
Duplicating the Rotte cable would not be easy.
There is no latch for a heel throw on an Xplore boot.
You absolutely need to latch the cable to a riser to benefit from the Xplore XC advantages.
All this needs to go together without a lot of extra weight.
I think this is a big hill to climb, but the new Voile transit is only here because guys did a lot of tinkering. Then Voile came in and offered a turn key product

Hmmm...
Well this certainly very cool @JohnSKepler !
I am keen to hear how this works out for you- and in particular- what your perspective is on this XP-cable prototype vs the Rotte ST-cable system.

@JohnSKepler Question- what boot are you going to use with the Rotter ST-cable binding?

Good idea, however I’m with lemon defeats the purpose of the Xplore. But I honestly need more time on the Xplore to make a good determination if I prefer it over 3 pins and cartridges. If I am touring 90 percent on rolling terrian I would still prefer my Xplorer. But if my tour consists of bagging a peak or hunting for turns I will use my new Transit, Lynx, 3 pin Cartridges, or Switchback X2s. Yeah I got an addiction don’t ask.

@JohnSKepler how'd this turn out?? very curious

teleted wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 29, 2024 2:37 am

@JohnSKepler how'd this turn out?? very curious

I'm about half-way there but got distracted by my current set-ups and the snow on the ground.

It would not even surprise me if the actual prototype got pushed into some time when all the white stuff has melted.

JohnSKepler wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 29, 2024 4:05 pm

teleted wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 29, 2024 2:37 am

@JohnSKepler how'd this turn out?? very curious

I'm about half-way there but got distracted by my current set-ups and the snow on the ground.

It would not even surprise me if the actual prototype got pushed into some time when all the white stuff has melted.

On snow data is the most important data for this project. The final product will be superior by maximizing on snow research. The greater the range of snow conditions, and ski/boot/binding configurations will only enhance this project