The new Rottefella XPLORE OFFTRACK Binding System Review

[Woodserson]

I am not planning to get the new system but, @Johnny , you will be proud of me that I finally jumped in the NNN-BC bandwagon. I was finally reimbursed after tearing through 2 pairs of Alaska 75 in a short period of time so I decided to go the NNN-BC way for most of my skis.

Did you not just get the most awesome pair of 75mm leathers ever, the rarer than a dodo eggs' Zenith? Why then this sudden switch to NNN. Have you been struck by lighting or contracted yet another forn of GAS?

Good one Benjamin . I am not getting ride of all my 75mm binding and certainly not my Zenith . I just took the opportunity to buy the NNN-BC Alaska as the 75mm keeps breaking and I love those boots I will use NNN for my narrower skis…. for now

What size Zenith did you get

[RabbitEars]

Hmm. . . I was holding out for this binding to put on my new skis this season but I'm feeling more skeptical. Asnes promo videos seem to show it's potential but Rotta's promo cause me to think that the hard piece for downhill might be too soft for good control. Looks like I will be making the change to NNNBC as I can't find good 75mm boots that fit me NNN has a lot more options and I am committing to soft boots for XCD.

[Johnny]

Why then this sudden switch to NNN. Have you been struck by lighting or contracted yet another forn of GAS?

It's called ENLIGHTENMENT.
It happens after many years of practice and hard work... or suddenly, by the grace of God.

Rotta's promo cause me to think that the hard piece for downhill might be too soft for good control.

No one ever complained about the super-soft black flexors on NNN-BC... And yet it's my favorite #1 XCD binding for everything. I don't see why it should be different here. Well, it could be from my first taste of the XPLORE system. I have been NNNing downhill on soft NNN-BC for years without complain... On the contrary, I have been praising NNN for downhill since day 1, even without hard pieces...

My guess is that it will depend on the boot, the skier itself and the skier's expectations. Obviously, Rotte picked their skiers for their smiles, not their skills.

The best way to achieve good control is by practice. Relying on the gear will only postpone progress.

SOFT IS COOOOL...!!!

[Tom M]

Rotefella's website shows that the new boots and bindings will be available after Nov 1, and Sport Albert has a listing for the Alfa Vista and Alfa Free. 449 Euros for the Vista and 599 for the Free. Yowzah!!!

https://www.sportalbert.de/alfa-back-co ... nction=Any

https://www.sportalbert.de/alfa-back-co ... 42_p.dpage

[fisheater]

Rotefella's website shows that the new boots and bindings will be available after Nov 1, and Sport Albert has a listing for the Alfa Vista and Alfa Free. 449 Euros for the Vista and 599 for the Free. Yowzah!!!

https://www.sportalbert.de/alfa-back-co ... nction=Any

https://www.sportalbert.de/alfa-back-co ... 42_p.dpage

Tom, please remind us which boot you have demoed.

Also a simple question, does this system offer you more downhill control than NNN-BC?

How does the control compare to 75 mm?
How does the control compare to 75 mm/cable?

I don’t think any other binding comparison would be appropriate as anything more than 75 mm and a light cable doesn’t offer additional downhill control while wearing a leather boot.

Thank you

[Tom M]

Tom, please remind us which boot you have demoed.

Also a simple question, does this system offer you more downhill control than NNN-BC?

How does the control compare to 75 mm?
How does the control compare to 75 mm/cable?

I don’t think any other binding comparison would be appropriate as anything more than 75 mm and a light cable doesn’t offer additional downhill control while wearing a leather boot.

Thank you

I was able to get out last May on a set of Alpina Alaska XP boots / Alpina Discovery Skis for a couple of outings. I posted my initial impressions on my Youtube channel, but I need more time on the snow with this system. The Alpina system I tested worked great for typical XC touring. Like many, what I'm most interested in is the moderate terrain downhill performance, and for a more complete evaluation, I would like test the new binding/boots on a ski that I am most familiar with. I'd like to ski the Xplore and 75 mm combinations, one right after the other, maybe even one system on one foot and the other on the other foot. I'll have to wait to see what becomes available in December.

[lilcliffy]

These look good to me: https://m.sportalbert.de/alfa-back-coun ... 42_p.dpage

I'm actually hoping that there will be a BC version

[RabbitEars]

Rotta's promo cause me to think that the hard piece for downhill might be too soft for good control.

No one ever complained about the super-soft black flexors on NNN-BC... And yet it's my favorite #1 XCD binding for everything. I don't see why it should be different here. Well, it could be from my first taste of the XPLORE system. I have been NNNing downhill on soft NNN-BC for years without complain... On the contrary, I have been praising NNN for downhill since day 1, even without hard pieces...

My guess is that it will depend on the boot, the skier itself and the skier's expectations. Obviously, Rotte picked their skiers for their smiles, not their skills.

The best way to achieve good control is by practice. Relying on the gear will only postpone progress.

SOFT IS COOOOL...!!!

@Johnny Thanks for putting this in perspective for me. I have been skiing on the Alpina Montana 75mm two sizes too big and Volie 3pin with no wire. Talk about a floppy set up. Even with such a soft and supple set up I have still managed to learn how to K&G and even turn. So just about anything is an improvement over what I have. I'm over 75mm, I can never find a good fitting boot that fits my size 13 foot. NNNBC has a lot more options for boots and would even probably allow me to demo more skis or loan my skis to someone else. I am still interested in the xplore but cost and seeing that it might be iffy to get bindings and boots before the snow flies might just make me to fully commit to NNNBC.

[telerat]

These look good to me: https://m.sportalbert.de/alfa-back-coun ... 42_p.dpage
I'm actually hoping that there will be a BC version

Alfa Skaget is the most interesting of the Xplore boots so far to me, both sufficiently high and also the cheapest, and I'm very curious on the support and comfort. I think a BC version would sell well, but I don't have BC and will buy the XP anyway as long as the boot fits. I hope it will replace my old 75mm boots on Fischer E109 eventually, but it will first be used on my new Åsnes Ousland skis and for ice tour skating.

Alfa Vista Advance has proper leather, but is lower and more expensive. Alfa Free A/P/S is an expensive boot which I have problems placing; It's light and not very warm, with boa and have the best support of any Alfa boot tested so far; A spring touring boot for steeper terrain, possibly with a long flat start and ice tour skating?

I don't like the lacing system on Alpina Alaska regular or XP (nor the color), and the XP is lower. That is surly good for fast XC skiing, but for descents and moderately fast/long tours I'd think a bit higher is better. (The Alpina Alaska Heat has the lacing system I'd want, but is a bit high and I don't need or want heating.)

The binding is rather expensive and a bit of barrier for entry into this system. The latest videos show flex engagement from flat, which was a worry earlier for me. Getting a binding system with no play and good stability, with easy entry and exit and also shoes with a proper rubber sole for walking is very tempting.

[fisheater]

I have a simple question, if the pins are more forward mounted on the boot, would the pin line than be forward of say BP on a more traditional ski?
I really am surprised the question has not yet been asked. I mean if you order new boots, new bindings, maybe a new ski, you need to know if recommendations for mounting change.