2024 Alpina Pioneer TECH XP Backcountry/Telemark ski boot review XPLORE

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fledersau
Posts: 41
Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2022 4:25 pm
Location: Québec, QC, CAN / Grindelwald, CH
Ski style: BC XC/D ex. Telemark 75mm, Snowboardcross and Alpine Skier
Favorite Skis: Asnes Ingstad Waxless 195cm, Asnes Rabb 188cm, Madshus Panorama M62
Favorite boots: Rossignol XP12 and BC X7

Re: 2024 Alpina Pioneer TECH XP Backcountry/Telemark ski boot review XPLORE

Post by fledersau » Sat Mar 01, 2025 10:45 am

DPO777 wrote:
Fri Feb 28, 2025 11:08 am
fledersau wrote:
Sat Oct 28, 2023 9:39 am
@Theme I'd say yes,they have really more support than the alaska XP. And more than the Alfa Skaget as well...
Especially lateral support is much stronger, fore aft a little bit. I think this is a good all around boot for people who want controll on the downhills but something that XCs better than an alfa free or an Rossi XP12...
Hi, I would be very interested to hear a bit more elaboration on the you looking for something that XCs better than the Alfa Free Or the Rossi XP12. I understand the Alfa Frees are pretty stiff for XC but what was your take on the Rossi XP 12s with regards to XC skiing on the rolling flats. Is it to stiff, too floppy or just too wrong a fit for that type of XC.

Reason why I ask is I have a new pair last year of the Rossi BC X10s and have been giving them a good run this year. Very warm and comfortable compared to my older stiff 3 pin Alicos. So nice on the feet after riding on the Alico size 44. The size is correct but there is padding around the ankle that protrudes too much and too much pressure around front of ankle from laces and stiff sole flex. I don't get any of that issue with the Rossi BC X10s but I can see they would not have suitable support for any challenging icy descents on the trail but overall satisfied with them for $120 CAD.

I saw some Rossi XP 12 at very good sale price and though they would be a cheap entry into playing with Xplore bindings on maybe 65 waist skis. One thing I noticed is that they are very similar to the Rossi BC x10s on the uppers but was surprised to see the Rossi XPs appear to have less plastic ankle support than the BC x10s. The ankle strap actually looks a bit whimpy on the XP12s compared to the BCX10s.

Hence my curiosity on your take on the Rossi XP12s and the your impression regarding not so good at XC.

Johnny sorry in advance for jumping off the Tech XP a bit and yes I am still getting through your excitement of the new discovery and don't worry I have a question coming regarding them LOL

I just had something " I Just gots to know" regarding the Rossi XP 12

Cheers
It's hard to say becauce i never tried the x10, only the x11 when back when i first startet bcxc. And yes, the XP12 gives more control than the x11.
But yes, visually the x10 seems more stable with the external cuff and strap, but i think the xp12 is quite more rigid than the x10. there is a ridig shaft inside the boot on the sides, probably comparable to the carbon stuff cuff on the Pioneer Tech, but sewn inside, so not visible, and there is a ridid backbone inside the boot, that helps a lot with stability and downhill capacity, but that limits the length of the stride.
For me, this works perfectly, i'm more a tractor than a ferrary when kicking and gliding, but it's still agile enough to do some light 'jogging'...
After 3 winters, i still love my XP12 and i'm on my first pair that works like a charm. I use it for all kind of skiing, no problem with rolling terrain up to 20km on my ingstads or alpine touring with smooth downhills and nice telemark turns on the Rabb68... Probably the best bang for your buck if you want something with some downhill performance.

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