Advice for 75mm plastic boots to occasionally pair w/ Asnes Ingstad

[jackers]

I have a pair of Asnes Ingstad 195s that I ski with the Alico March leather boots, occasionally with the Voile spring cable. It's for my main XCd BC skiing, done usually on rolling trails and the occasional glade. I'm looking to get into a little steeper terrain occasionally, so not looking for a whole new kit just now. Upcoming trip to the Algoma highlands near Sault Ste Marie, which is known for considerable powder.

Hoping the collective wisdom here might help me with a decision on whether it makes sense to buy a used pair of plastic boots (eg Scarpa T1) to throw in this setup. I'm hoping it can increase the range of these skis. Though they have a fair bit of camber, but good sidecut for turning. Is there a particular plastic boots (2-3 buckles?) that makes sense?

Thanks!

[fisheater]

I own a Ski March boot. I recommend a different ski. Ideally an FAlketinde 62 or Rabb, good considerations an S Bound 98 or 112, or an Annum.
I’m north of Detroit, I would lend you an S-112 provided I see photos. I used to ski Searchmont at least once a year. Nice terrain and great snow.
I also own a T-4, the boot will not make a difference, especially not in that powder you will be skiing. A softer flexing ski will make all the difference.

[bgregoire]

If you are not ready for a new ski as Fisheater recommends, go for a 2 buckle, any more and you will sacrifice too much on the flats. Either the scarpa T4 or the Garmont/Scott Excursion. Get thermomoldable liners if you can and choose the shell based on fit.

[lilcliffy]

Hello jackers!

While I agree that putting a more supportive boot on a ski does not turn a XC ski into a downhill ski-
Meaning if what one wants is to downhill ski- then choose a downhill ski!

However- the Ingstad BC is a VERY downhill-capable XC ski- the most downhill-capable XC ski I have ever tested.
I personally think it is better downhill than even the wide "xcd" skis like the S-98/S-112/Epoch/Annum- I find it both as easy to turn as theses skis- at least as stable- and certainly a much more efficient XC ski than any of these.

IMHO- if you want more downhill performance than an Ingstad BC- one should be looking at a true downhill ski.
..........................
Back to what you are asking- putting a higher, more supportive Telemark boot(e.g. T1) on the Ingstad will definitely give you more ankle support and will allow you to apply more leverage to the ski. It won't turn the Ingstad BC into a downhill ski, but it will certainly give you more support and leverage than the Ski March boot.


As you know- the Ski March boot is quite a hefty leather boot. I don't know that a low-cut distance oriented plastic Telemark boot (e.g. T4/Excursion) will give you that much more support. I have both the Ski March and the T4. I prefer the sole-flex of the Ski March- but I get a better fit in my T4- which is really the only reason that I prefer it over the Ski March.

I have not tried a high plastic Telemark boot with a ski like the Ingstad BC- I haven't even tried my Ski March/T4 because I have NNNBC on the Ingstad BC. I do know that Martin ("Nitram") on this site is planning on trying his Ingstad BC with the T4 this winter. He might be able to tell you more.

I have tested skis like the S-112/Annum; S-98/Epoch with a boot like the T4- even once tried my Guide/Annum with a T2. What I have personally found is that although I get more ankle support with a boot like the T4 (compared to a BC-XC boot)- these skis just do not have the torsional rigidity to be pushed hard downhill. I find that they just bend and twist if I try to push them hard downhill.

Hopefully I am helping you! (Please forgive my long-windedness! )

[Nitram Tocrut]

I have not tried a high plastic Telemark boot with a ski like the Ingstad BC- I haven't even tried my Ski March/T4 because I have NNNBC on the Ingstad BC. I do know that Martin ("Nitram") on this site is planning on trying his Ingstad BC with the T4 this winter. He might be able to tell you more.

I actually tried the T4 with my Ingstad but the conditions were no where near powder. I was so eager to start my season and try my new boots that I skied on a maximum of 3-4 inches of snow on a frozen pastured hill. I was not worried about scratching my skis on rocks but more like skiing over frozen cow dungs Many of us have rock skis... but I might be the only one to have dungs skis

Back to business... I did see a major difference dh as compared to my Alaska’s. Of course they offer way better support and stability and also they are really forgiving as I could easily switched to alpine turn on the fly. I was surprised by the touring with those boots as it was quite comparable to the Alaska in those early season conditions. They are surprisingly light. I have not weight them but I suspect that they weight about the same as the Alaska’s.

But as LilCliffy wrote the Ingstad is not a dh ski whatever the boots you put on. I tried the same hill with the same boots with my Rabbs and of course they were better... they had to as I bought them for that

What about you spare yourself buying expensive plastic boots and invest that money in a pair of FT62 or Rabbs like Fish suggested? Fish has wrote extensively, in the ski review section, on his experience with the FT and the same boots you already have. The FT 62 are supposed to be better for touring but I can’t speak about that. I did tour a very little bit with my Rabbs and T4 on a very thin snow cover and they should get the job done as long as I am heading for some worthwhile turns. If not, I rather go with my Ingstad and leather boots and enjoy the touring more and sacrifice on the dh fun

I will be able to better comment when we have an appropriate snowcover

[bgregoire]

With a little luck you will find used T4s or Excursions for 50$. Now that is economical. Plus, they will be there for you the day you do decide to pair a 2nd pair of DH oriented Asnes sticks.

[fisheater]

Hello jackers!


However- the Ingstad BC is a VERY downhill-capable XC ski- the most downhill-capable XC ski I have ever tested.
I personally think it is better downhill than even the wide "xcd" skis like the S-98/S-112/Epoch/Annum- I find it both as easy to turn as theses skis- at least as stable- and certainly a much more efficient XC ski than any of these.

Gareth, i can’t say how I came upon this quote from you, however it is quite intriguing. If this is true, one could tour in an Alaska 75, and tour very challenging terrain in an Alice Ski March boot. The Ski March would be willing to test the bounds of ludicrous speed.
Just saying, I did resort ski with an S-112. Not that I want to do that again. However the above description really peaks my interest in a full size Ingstad, for future aggressive touring.

[lilcliffy]

The Ingstad BC is quite a ski. It is a dream XC ski for deep snow and hilly/steep terrain.
It is rock solid stable and offers early tip rise and wonderful turn initiation at downhill speeds.

If I was not to own more downhill-oriented skis (e.g. Falketind 62/Storetind) I would definitely mount 75mm on the Ingstad BC so that I could switch between XC and Telemark boots (and I am with you on the Ski March- it is definitely a Telemark boot- on the "touring" end of the Telemark spectrum- but definitely a Telemark boot (compared to a boot like the Alaska which is a XC boot).

HOWEVER- I do own a Falketind 62 (mounted NNNBC) and a Storetind (mounted 75mm)- therefore, I am happy with the Ingstad BC + NNNBC and BC-XC boot.

(I do have a second pair of FT62 at the moment, and am considering switching one to 3-pin cable and testing them with a leather Telemark boot. I will also test them with my T4)

I have these en route:

[fisheater]

Gareth, looking at the lack of creases at the break point I would presume those boots look basically new! I hope they work for you.
As far as the Ingstad, I have some tours in northern lower peninsula Michigan that are very rugged, hilly, terrain. One in particular is 10 miles, no road crossings, in the snow belt, and I have been eyeballing it for a few years, no winter tracks. I plan on trying it on the Tindan this year. Too steep for Gamme, too deep on climbs for Falketind.
Most of my skiing close to home is easily handled by Gamme and Falketind. Traveling a few hours changes everything.