telerat wrote: ↑Wed Nov 08, 2023 6:49 am
Nice to see people testing the Pioneer Tech. Thanks for the impressions and pictures with the Fischer BCX Traverse. Alpina Xplore boots are very expensive here in Norway, so I am unsure if I will buy this boot. I also did try Pioneer Pro in a shop and it felt too wide and soft for me to consider it, but it might have been to big so I will try the Tech if I get the chance. It looks like a thin, snug, fast boot for warmer conditions, and could be a nice alternative to my Alfa Skaget or the Alfa Vista/Alpina Alaska and Crispi Futura for such conditions. It's nice to see a decent number of alternative ski boots.
How will you describe the lacing; Is it easy to get really snug, and how is adjusting? How is side support and can you take a picture of it? I'm curious on how stiff the heel/lower is when bending sideways, and if it is comfortable or cuts into the side of the foot/heel. I do like taller boots, so that looks fine without trying it on.
Theme wrote: ↑Fri Nov 03, 2023 1:22 pm
...I presume I will be bringing the Pi Tech on my Norge på Langs attempt this winter, and have the Pi Pro as backup. Heck, I might end up trying both. Still need to do testing before I choose.
Welcome to Norway. Good luck and I hope your trip will be great.
IMO the support does not give me any discomfort. But I have not yet got to ski on the boots.
The lacing is good, almost the same as on Pioneer Pro but one more lace hook on the shaft. I think this allows a tighter fit for the ankle.
I maybe need to adjust the lacing a bit. I can get the foot very tight but I do not want to have the shaft as tight. If I leave the shaft loose, the laces on the foot end will slowly loosen up. A simple knot will fix this.
Only discomfort I have found is with the edge of the shaft. The tongue kind of pushes against my shin, but not as badly as on my Alaska XP. Pioneer Pro was the most comfortable out of these boots but Tech is more supportive. My pair is also more lightweight that Pi Pro.
Tech does have more volume, in regards to height. Pi Pro and Alaska XP have tight space for toes, Tech has a bit more room upwards. But it is easier to lace the Tech tighter. There is no leather, so the outer is more pliable.
Here is a short gif of the ankle support on Pi Tech. It does bend some, it is not as supportive as Alfa Free. But these feel way more comfortable for XC. The sole does feel softer too, but I think this is because of the fabric upper.
https://imgur.com/a/ioTKRb1
