Alfa FREE A/P/S GTX XPLORE Boot Review 2022

[Stephen]

- Like I posted earlier, I think in some cases, one can modify how the boots break across the toes to resolve toe crunch: http://www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.p ... =90#p56876

- Like @lowangle al, said, the boots have more toe room than I expected and are pretty comfortable in that respect, for me with a wide forefoot.

- My biggest gripe with the boot is the lack of fine-tuning the lacing system provides. You get two lacing zones, period. With my Alfa Guard, I can lace for at least three zones: Toes / BOF; Heel / top of arch; Ankle. I like my toes loose, my heel tight, and the ankle snug. With the Free, to keep the heel tight, I have to go too tight on the toes and ankle, for my liking.

- I wont do it this winter, but may this summer — the Boa Lacing System is repairable, which means it can be taken apart. I’m thinking of shortening the bottom lacing section by not running the lace through the bottom eyelets, and then shortening the lace, and put it all back together. That way, I can tighten for my heel, without getting so much tightening on the toes. Seems like it should work, we’ll see…

[lowangle al]

Edit / Update to a previous post…
http://www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.p ... =80#p56689

Point #1: - Unless the soles soften in flex quite a bit, I see no way one can keep back foot BOF on the ski in tele turn;
Point #2: - I have minor toe pinch on one foot, not the other. I have low volume / wide foot and have one extra insole in the boot to help fill the space. I'm trying @Tom M's idea to help, but it may not work with these

On Point #1, I want to modify that. First, I think skier weight is a factor. Heavier, stronger skiers may have more latitude in terms of getting the BOF on the rear ski. Below is as far back as I can move my rear foot with 50/50 weight distribution. Further back, and the stiff sole causes my BOF to start lifting off.

On Point #2, that didn’t work. The sole is too stiff to get the boot to crease on top.

With 50/50 weight, this is as far back as I can have my rear foot before the BOF starts to lift off. If I was heavier, or putting more pressure in a high-power turn, it seems like I could have the rear ski further back.
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[/q@Tom M[/me@Tom M

Stephen if you work on keeping your stance tight enough to keep that heel low it will have many benefits.

[Stephen]

Stephen if you work on keeping your stance tight enough to keep that heel low it will have many benefits.

Right, that was one of my points in one of the pictures.
As long as my back foot didn’t go back any further than in the picture, I could keep the BOF on the ski.

Stating the obvious once again, but it sure is easier to keep all the pieces lined up right with plastic boots and active bindings!
For me, keeping my back foot from drifting back and losing pressure is a challenge on light gear.

EDIT:
Is this your idea of “tight,” or not (maybe not?)?
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[lowangle al]

When I feel my back ski want to drift back, it because I don't have enough weight on it. Concentrate on the back foot even more. My guess is that as you pick up speed you get too far forward and the weight comes off that ski.

[Stephen]

When I feel my back ski want to drift back, it because I don't have enough weight on it. Concentrate on the back foot even more. My guess is that as you pick up speed you get too far forward and the weight comes off that ski.

That’s about right. Also, I think I shift weight to the leg with the stronger stance (front leg).
Work in progress…

[JoshC]

These are on sale over on Alfa's website for $441 with free shipping from Norway. Takes a little sting out of the $$

[Stephen]

Or for $334 US, delivered, from Varuste.