Alpina Pioneer PI Pro Vital XP Discoverer XPLORE boots Review 2022

[Theme]

Sport Conrad finally stocked the Pioneer Pro!

[Johnny]

Johnny I have noticed in another thread that you sold your Alpina Pioneer Pro in 42 size.
What was the reason? Do you own another pair or you are just satisfied with Alaska XP?

Both reasons. Really.

Wonder what the issues have been with them getting delayed.

Sport Conrad finally stocked the Pioneer Pro!

Awesome!

Better grab them in Europe while you can. Like right now! I just got the news that because of delays in production, the Pioneer Pro will only be launched next season here in America... So you won't find them here in any stores as previously planned...

[Roman]

Better grab them in Europe while you can. Like right now!

Two pairs in sizes 39 and 40 have just arrived I have low volume flat feet (and a bit wider) so I am just between those two sizes. I may use 39 without insoles and 40 with thick insoles and thick socks, or other people in the familly can share the boots

Looking forward to try them out, but right now we have the snow thaw...

[Theme]

My 42 Pioneers finally arrived!

To be honest, I was very surprised that the toebox of these actually has more space than the Alaska XP in same size. Higher volume, but slightly. Can fit my thick socks and VBL liners better. Cool! Weight was 685g per boot. If I wanted to only use thinner socks, I would size to 41 which is my regular size. The difference in volume did surprise me.

The lacing is MUCH BETTER than on Alaska XP. I can really get my mid foot tight on the boot. It is still just a tad bit wide here for me, but with the better lacing it is amazing. My heel is also locked in place. The shape is a bit different, there is a curve that locks the heel in lower, less volume in the heel for sure.

The stiffness? Sole feels about the same as Alaska XP, if not even softer. Alaska XP has stiffer rubber guard around the whole boot so I imagine that this makes the difference. Pioneer Pro does feel softer in the sole. Nice! What comes to shaft support, it is better than Alaska XP. Not as much as I imagined, but it is stiffer. The shaft also is better shaped, for me the Alaska gave a lot of blistering here. At the toes, my left foot that is 3mm longer gets a preasure point where the boot bends, but it will probably smooth out.

I will go broke on the Pioneer Tech and Elite next season.

Unfortunately I will not be able to give the Pioneer pro a proper spin this season. I will get results from an MRI tomorrow, might have slightly fractured my heel in a crash...

[fisheater]

Slightly fractured??? Must be like almost pregnant !

Hope you’re on the snow soon!

[lilcliffy]

@Theme
Sorry to hear about your injury!

Thank you for the initial report on this boot-

wishing you a full recovery soon,
Gareth

[Nitram Tocrut]

@Johnny I just wonder if the sizing is similar to Alaska NNNBC?

Also, you must have mentioned that before in a previous post, but how do the same ski compares when skied with Alaska BC vs Pioneer Pro? Also, have you tried the Alfa Skaget? Not much information in that boot that is much cheaper from Varuste… I am not looking to compromise for a few bucks. Just wondering how they compare if you have tried them.

Thanks!

[Johnny]

@Johnny I just wonder if the sizing is similar to Alaska NNNBC?

Yep, the fit is quite similar... Perhaps a tiny, tiny little bit tighter for the Pros, but it might just be the stiffness that gives me that impression... Really, they fit quite the same...

Also, you must have mentioned that before in a previous post, but how do the same ski compares when skied with Alaska BC vs Pioneer Pro? Also, have you tried the Alfa Skaget? Not much information in that boot that is much cheaper from Varuste…

Yes, in fact, if you haven't noticed, my entire review is a comparaison of the Pioneer Pro vs Alaska XP. And my entire review of the Alaska XP is a comparaison with the Alaska BC... A lot of reading, I admit... But all the info you want is there, buried in poetic words...

(Also, take a second look at my chart, it will give you a quick overview of the Alaska BC vs PI Pros...)

XP vs BC: Two TOTALLY different experiences.

I did not try the Skaget, but it's Alfa's softess XP offering... I think I saw are a couple of reviews of the Skaget XP here in other threads...

[Nitram Tocrut]

@Johnny

Of course I read your reviews of those boots... actually probably a zillion time... so that will be a zillion time + 1

Actually, I am looking for a reason not to try Xplore and stick with NNNBC but for that I must disconnect from TTalk

[Theme]

Actually, I am looking for a reason not to try Xplore and stick with NNNBC but for that I must disconnect from TTalk

There is now the Discoverer Free NNN-BC version that looks exactly the same as Pioneer Pro. Only sole flex is rated softer