XPlore boots comparison

[fledersau]

Disclaimer:
These are my impressions, and while i try to be objective, your experience may vary.

I compare the Alfa Free A/P/S, Alfa Skaget, Fischer BCX Traverse, Alpina Alaska XP and Rossignol XP12.
I tried every boot, but only skied the last 2 and have the most experience with the Rossignol.

I made this overview because if you have to buy online without trying, it's hard to know, which boot fits best to your foot and to your need. I bought the XP 12 at the beginning of the season, because it was the only one i could find for a reasonable price and was able to try on before buying. but because i had no comparison to other XP boots, it was hard for me to see where on the whole XP lineup the XP12 is situated... Finally i realise the XP12 is a much more capable boot than i thought in the beginning and i'd even say it's a good alternative to an Alfa Free for people with a slimmer wallet (and probably a wider foot). Even if i don't like the skis of Rossignol, nor the look of the boot, i'm impressed by the product.

And to the other boot that hasn't got alot of Exposure, the Fischer BCX Traverse. It's ALOT like the Fischer Transnordic, really upright, really high, really warm. I think it would be a nice boot for an Expedition. On downhill it would be sturdy, but not as easy to control the ski as most of the others... there is alot of padding and it probably dampens the whole experience, but will be really warm.

On the Alpina Alaska XP. I'm mostly in line with Johnny review, such a great XCd boot, i was faster than ever on k&g (even if my feet hurt), so different of the normal alaska BC or / 75, much softer upper. I'd give this boot a lower score on downhill, because of lack of support on the ankle/upper part, but probably that's the difference of skiing skill between Johnny and me...

[lilcliffy]

Superbe!
Thank you for this!

[Peter P]

Can you add what size you tried in each boot? That would be helpful for interpreting your fit ratings.

At the beginning of the season, I ordered both the Alaska XP and Alfa Free to try for fit, and eventually kept the XP (I was looking for an all-around boot) and returned the Free. Based on previous fit comments here, I ordered the XP in a 44 and the Free in 43. Very similar fit (IMO) and I also noticed that the two boots were built on the same sized sole (even through the XP was a 44 and the Free was 43). I'm wondering if this could explain the two Alfas having larger fit ratings overall, if you tried them both in the same size.

[fledersau]

Hi peter, i tried all the boots in size 43.
Lengthwise i didn't found a to big of a difference between the Alpina and the Alfa Free, but in Width, yes...