The weight difference is significant and I wonder what the reason is. I'd expect the Xplore mechanism to be slightly heavier than NNN-BC, but there must be something else also here if the weights are correct (they are from what I can see).
An Xplore mounting on snowshoes would be very fast/easy to get in and out of compared to straps, in addition to being light.UtahBrian wrote: ↑Tue Apr 27, 2021 11:01 pmNNN-BC boots are good for snowshoeing, too. Neither will work as ice skates.lowangle al wrote: ↑Tue Apr 27, 2021 12:36 pmability to use the same boots for skating and snowshoeing
Here is a video (linked in the old thread) that shows Xplore mounted on touring ice skates:
This is an application I look forward to. The alternatives was previously NNN-BC to get a proper rubber sole for hiking to and from lakes, or NNN skating or combi boot with it's plastic slippery sole and possibly a separate boot for hiking. 75mm unfortunately does not work for anything else than slow upright skating (I've tried). So I very much look forward to Xplore for this application.
Announced prices for Xplore boots looks to be about US$50 more (including Norwegian tax) than the NNN-BC version, with the new ALFA Free A/P/S trying to establish a new higher price level. Not ideal, but not too bad. The binding is significantly more expensive though, at ~2.5 times the price of NNN-BC, which could be a deal breaker. The Xplore binding construction looks relatively simple, so I'll speculate that Rottefella has some leeway on pricing, but we have to see how prices develop. I understand their attempt to increase margins at the release of a new system, but it will slow adoption.UtahBrian wrote: ↑Tue Apr 27, 2021 11:01 pmAnnounced prices indicate that XPLORE boots and bindings will start above US$1000. Maybe well above.lowangle al wrote: ↑Tue Apr 27, 2021 12:36 pmif…they are priced comparable to what is already available
Top quality (Alpina Alaska or Alfa Guard) boots and bindings for NNN-BC can be had for under US$400 new.
Even with Alfa Free A/P/S and the binding you will not pass US$1000, and comparing launch prices to clearance or the most expensive to cheapest for the two systems are not relevant. I personally find the cheapest boot Skaget the most interesting from Alfa, but it remains to test it. The other option is Alpina Alaska, so I'm anxiously awaiting Johnny's review.
A last question for Johnny; Is the Xplore binding made out of plastic with a steel plate for the front screw mounts or (cast) aluminum? I have not seen it mentioned elsewhere.