Xplore & the advantages of stiff stole for XC

[fisheater]

I'd also want an Xplore binding with quick mode change like Voile Switchback.

That would be nice!

x3

[GrimSurfer]

It almost doesn't compress and makes the sole flex instead, so it increases resistance to flexing the boot significantly. I have unfortunately not tested it properly on a long and steep descent yet, but expect that I will like it from the testing I have done so far. It is far too restrictive though for XC skiing any distance and I'd like a flex in-between the normal and stiff for all-round use as changing the flex is harder than needed and I would only do it when there is a prolonged descent. The normal flex is fine for covering distance on flat terrain and nordic/touring skates.

I’m surprised that the Xplore didn’t incorporate a simple cam-and-lever system to move the flexor closer/further from the front of the boot. This would have allowed the same flexor to be used in free pivot (forward, allowing greater uninterrupted rotation) and stiff (rearward to resist boot rotation) modes.

[beeeweee]

I'm a bit surprised, incredulous and disappointed that manufacturers have not been able to innovate enough to solve the fore/aft flex vs. lateral/torsional stability challenge - especially on their latest and greatest marketing vehicle, Xplore. Unfortunately, I think they continue to flub the flex on some of the NNN-BC and Xplore boots.

They more or less solved this on NNN boots for skiathlon https://madshus.com/en-us/p/redline-ski ... boots-2023. It has the fore/aft flex of a classic boot and the lateral/torsional stability of a skate boot. Only problem is that it’s such a niche sport that it’s pretty much impossible to buy one.

I don’t imagine the number of people that would buy such a boot for light touring on NNN BC or XP can ever pay for the development cost of such a boot. Pretty sure the only reason the NNN version exists is because of sponsored athletes and there’s probably some FIS rule that says you can’t race on any custom, non-commercially available, equipment so Madshus has to at least put it on a website to make it look like you can buy them.

[DG99]

I'm a bit surprised, incredulous and disappointed that manufacturers have not been able to innovate enough to solve the fore/aft flex vs. lateral/torsional stability challenge - especially on their latest and greatest marketing vehicle, Xplore. Unfortunately, I think they continue to flub the flex on some of the NNN-BC and Xplore boots.

They more or less solved this on NNN boots for skiathlon https://madshus.com/en-us/p/redline-ski ... boots-2023. It has the fore/aft flex of a classic boot and the lateral/torsional stability of a skate boot. Only problem is that it’s such a niche sport that it’s pretty much impossible to buy one.

I don’t imagine the number of people that would buy such a boot for light touring on NNN BC or XP can ever pay for the development cost of such a boot. Pretty sure the only reason the NNN version exists is because of sponsored athletes and there’s probably some FIS rule that says you can’t race on any custom, non-commercially available, equipment so Madshus has to at least put it on a website to make it look like you can buy them.

That seems like the sole is totally rigid? I think fine for k&g (maybe not ideal?) but the concept wouldn’t be good for turns, especially tele turns. I can do k&g on AT (tech) gear and skins, doesn’t seem bad with the free pivot plus totally rigid sole. Regularly use T2s with Voile fishscale skis and Voile Switchbacks with their totally free pivot and it seems OK k&g until you get to turning. A good compromise is to keep the toe piece on the Switchbacks locked, but the cables and cuffs loose so you can have both touring and turning on mixed terrain.

[telerat]

It almost doesn't compress and makes the sole flex instead, so it increases resistance to flexing the boot significantly. I have unfortunately not tested it properly on a long and steep descent yet, but expect that I will like it from the testing I have done so far. It is far too restrictive though for XC skiing any distance and I'd like a flex in-between the normal and stiff for all-round use as changing the flex is harder than needed and I would only do it when there is a prolonged descent. The normal flex is fine for covering distance on flat terrain and nordic/touring skates.

I’m surprised that the Xplore didn’t incorporate a simple cam-and-lever system to move the flexor closer/further from the front of the boot. This would have allowed the same flexor to be used in free pivot (forward, allowing greater uninterrupted rotation) and stiff (rearward to resist boot rotation) modes.

I also had thoughts in the same direction after trying the hard flexor; The hard flexor is so stiff that it could be just a block that stops the boot from pivoting and engages the sole flex, or moves out of the way for free pivot. I imagined a binding for top tours that has an easy switch between the modes, possibly with ski brakes to ease step-in, as it would be easier if the ski stayed put and it would stop the ski from running away otherwise. A moveable block could also eliminate the current small gap between the boot and hard flexor, that is needed to facility step-in, but gives a little play before the flex engages.

A binding with an engageable and tunable flex might also be an alternative, but seems more complex to implement and I am skeptical about weight and reliability.

The Xplore sole was much stiffer than I assumed and wanted first, but I understand the reason after testing the stiff flexor. I think hiking would have benefitted from a more rockered sole as P.T. Gamme wrote in the original review on utemagasinet.no, but it is still better than 75mm and much better than plastic telemark boots (75mm or NTN).

[Johnny]

It seems that there are at least two versions of the hard flexor out. I know the original review on utemagasinet.no had a softer version that they preferred for all skiing, but I think that one was white.

No, there is only one offical, commercial version of the hard flexor available on the market. The one you are talking about was the testing prototype sent years ago to Alfa and Asnes, and they were never available for sale. I have the one available on the shelves... And it's not even half as stiff as the hard NNN-BC ones...

Can either the normal or the hard flexor actually help in a parallel or snowplow turn?

It sure would help a beginner to keep its balance. Or at least, it would help getting back on balance when you lose it. But not very significantly...

Radical. Is Johnny really skiing Xplore in Free-pivot mode all the time?!
First he says the flexors are not stiff enough, then he says he skis with no flexors at all.
I can see the freedom aspect of it, but hard to wrap my head around actually doing it.

Yep, Free-pivot all the time!
There is something about complete freedom of movement that words simply cannot express.

I like freaking stiff flexors, and I like no flexors at all. They are both fun. I like to have different options to choose from. It keeps boredom at bay...

[GrimSurfer]

I'm a bit surprised, incredulous and disappointed that manufacturers have not been able to innovate enough to solve the fore/aft flex vs. lateral/torsional stability challenge - especially on their latest and greatest marketing vehicle, Xplore. Unfortunately, I think they continue to flub the flex on some of the NNN-BC and Xplore boots.

They more or less solved this on NNN boots for skiathlon https://madshus.com/en-us/p/redline-ski ... boots-2023. It has the fore/aft flex of a classic boot and the lateral/torsional stability of a skate boot. Only problem is that it’s such a niche sport that it’s pretty much impossible to buy one.

I don’t imagine the number of people that would buy such a boot for light touring on NNN BC or XP can ever pay for the development cost of such a boot. Pretty sure the only reason the NNN version exists is because of sponsored athletes and there’s probably some FIS rule that says you can’t race on any custom, non-commercially available, equipment so Madshus has to at least put it on a website to make it look like you can buy them.

The memory foam in the heel of that boot is a nice touch. More of that in BC boots would be nice for slim heeled users.

[Tom M]

Yep, Free-pivot all the time!
There is something about complete freedom of movement that words simply cannot express.

I like freaking stiff flexors, and I like no flexors at all. They are both fun. I like to have different options to choose from. It keeps boredom at bay...

Most people know what the term Full Monty means, now I propose a new term, Full Johnny. It has a great ring to it and not derogatory in any fashion. So when someone asks you how the skiing was today you can reply "Amazing, I went Full Johnny" and don't explain it. It will be a telemark talk secret.

[GrimSurfer]

I think it speaks to where skiers can take their proficiency instead of playing equipment “whack-a-mole” by continually mixing and matching bindings, flexors, bumpers, cables, rods, boots, and unorthodox waxing.

[Johnny]

Most people know what the term Full Monty means, now I propose a new term, Full Johnny. It has a great ring to it and not derogatory in any fashion. So when someone asks you how the skiing was today you can reply "Amazing, I went Full Johnny" and don't explain it. It will be a telemark talk secret.

No cables, no flexors, no helmets, no clothes.

I think it speaks to where skiers can take their proficiency instead of playing equipment “whack-a-mole” by continually mixing and matching bindings, flexors, bumpers, cables, rods, boots, and unorthodox waxing.

People playing the game and doing exactly what they are expected to do are not only missing the point, but they are also missing all the fun. People stuck in the past and older technology will never be able to see and even apprehend new innovations and progress, blinded by their own ignorance and their retarded last millennium beliefs. But one day, sooner or later, in a life-changing enlightening moment, these non-playing characters will come to realize the truth. And sadly, at this point, they will start regretting their entire life...