I want to buy ONE ski system only. please advise ?

[fisheater]

Just so you know, I ski my FT X with an Alaska 75 boot. It is quite powerful with the Rotte ST binding with cable. I also have these boots
https://www.ebay.com/itm/224356416769?h ... SwCh1gLk8H

They are British size, so if you are a 10 US you are a 9 UK

The Alico boot is much stiffer than the Alaska 75. However the increased lateral stiffness offered by the Rotte ST binding with cable over the Voile cables, allows me to usually use the much softer Alaska 75. The Rottefella cable is a significant difference over the Voile with soft leather boots.

I do not use or recommend a T-4 for a FT X or s-98/112. If you are going to a boot like the T-4 go to a more powerful ski like a Voile Objective or Vector. There may be specific reasons to use a T-4, I think overnight trips where a double boot makes sense.

Another stiff leather boot that should be readily available is the Fisher Transnordic 75. There have been mixed reviews regarding fit and comfort. I would wear them indoors, flexing into imaginary turns. Some guys like the flex, others didn’t. I believe the 75 mm boot received more favorable reviews than the BC version. It is a strong, stiff, boot if it fits you and is comfortable. You do not need a T-4 for this class of skis. Although it is a good thing to own a T-4.

Is it a fair inference to draw from the above suggestion that a well made leather boots like Crispi Bre paired with ST/cable would power/control a ski like Madshus M78?

I have not handled the Crispi Bre. I am confident it is well made. However there have been reports that it is very soft. I have also spoken with the people at Telemark Down in New Hampshire and they have said it is reasonably supportive, giving a fair comparison to the Crispi Antarctic. I do not have a definitive answer, if the Crispi Bre is as powerful as a Alpina Alaska, which is a pretty soft boot, it should pair well with the Panorama 78. An additional caveat would be you will be a bit under booted in wet heavy spring snow, but then again the Panorama 78 is not great in that snow either. I hope this helps. I think a soft leather boot like the Alaska is all you need, and the most fun and comfortable ninety percent of the time.

[fisheater]

I am in complete agreement with everything @wabene stated in regards to comparing the Voile 3-pin cable vs the Rotte ST cable. I purchased the Rotte ST cable because the clamp was much better with the thin duckbill of my Alaska 75. However the way the cable is fixed to the clamp, the way the cable “fits” my boot, and the mechanical action of the cable, is just so much more longitudinally supportive than even the Voile Hardwire when used with a soft leather boot at light spring tension.
The Rottefella ST cable is just a big step up for soft leather boots over the Voile design.

[wabene]

@fisheater An additional caveat would be you will be a bit under booted in wet heavy spring snow, but then again the Panorama 78 is not great in that snow either. I hope this helps.

Wait, whaaa? I'm about to put this to the test on uphill day at Spirit Mountain and you have me worried