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Post by LoveRonnyRavenSC! on Apr 11, 2024 17:11:37 GMT
The question was straight forward i.e regarding the Xplore binding vs the 3pin Cable or the Traverse binding (3PC withe risers) which would be the more capable on the downhill?
Here's the response:
We are! There are some benefits to the Xplore like the step-in function and semi-free pivoting pins, but the 3-pin will provide better tortional rigidity and support. The Xplore is limited in the boots that it can be used with, there are some plastic shell options that would work in the 3-Pin that would increase downhill performance.
"We are" is a response to mentioning that Voile is selling the Xplore binding now.
In any case, Voile's opinion is the 3pin Cable bindings provide more tortional rigidity and support and, of course, there's also no boot that compares to a T4 or T2 that's available for Xplore (there never will be). Also they mention that the likes of the Objective would be the biggest stiffest ski that it makes sense to pair the Xplore system with.
I guess if you are too lazy to clamp the spring cables and climbing or skiing overland you think will be vastly improved with Xplore, then Xplore might be for you IF you are willing to sacrifice downhill control when conditions are less than ez or ideal or the slopes are NOT relatively low angle.
I never asked them to compare the Hardwire 3pin to Xplore because it's just a stupid question to start with.
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Post by LoveRonnyRavenSC! on Apr 11, 2024 22:36:24 GMT
Honestly though, on the T2 and the springy cables (cables that are NOT cables at all), if you push it, the T2's can stretch the springs OUT whereas it's less likely a T4 or other lite plastics or stout leathers
Will.
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Post by lowangle al on Apr 12, 2024 1:12:14 GMT
It does seem strange to me that they would offer them. I think it's the only Rossi item that they carry. It's possible that they don't want to loose a ski sale to a customer that wants that binding and wants it mounted by them.
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Post by telerat on Apr 12, 2024 11:44:19 GMT
If Voile wants to cover more use cases, as in lower grade skiing, Xplore is a perfect fit. I do not know what the market looks like for Voile. Xplore might be a good fit with the new SR51 and SR61 skis, and I think it is best suited for skis with a 55-68 mm waist for turning and wider for flat terrain trekking. There are some that use Xplore with wider Voile skis too, but then it requires very good snow conditions and use cases are thus much narrower.
Alfa Free is actually a plastic boot with a rubber sole, due to an internal support like in the old Asolo Extreme leather boots. The Free's fit is not universal though and can/will crunch toes. It works for me though, unlike my Asolo Extremes that does not. Crispi Futura Pro/CXP is the other current alternative for the most supportive Xplore boot. We will se what else that comes, perhaps from Alpina. None of the boots are T4/Excursion class, but the boot and binding weight is significantly less too. Xplore with the hard flexor feels like a soft 75mm cable binding and a good match with the more supportive of the current Xplore boots, unlike my experience with a lower 75mm leather boot and Rottefella 75mm with Cable.
It will be interesting to see if the new Scarpa TX Pro will spawn a lighter boot too, as there are some rumors of both that and burlier version to take over from TX Comp. It will likely depend on sales, so we might have to wait a long time for it/them.
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Post by LoveRonnyRavenSC! on Apr 12, 2024 13:58:15 GMT
Here's the thing on having T4-level or even Excursion-class boots for Xplore (or NNN/BC or bare pins): you give up the kind of easy flexing characteristics of the less-stiff soles of the softer boots and there's no activity worth mentioning in the bindings, so all you would really get from boots comparable to T4's or Excursions in the Xplore system is tippy-toed Telemark, and right now 3/4 of Xplore fan boys ski Xplore just like Tom M who skis right up on his toes. Even Telehiro would be challenged to ski a T4-equivalent in the Xplore system.
I've said it 10000 times and I'll say it again: there will never be a boot like the Excursion or the T4 for Xplore, so those whining for one might as well stop and also stop making excuses for why Xplore can't measure up on the dowhill to Voile 3PC with a lite 75mm plastic boot.
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Post by mark on Apr 12, 2024 19:55:00 GMT
Speaking of tippy-toed Telemark attempt, poor Tom never learns and he's very unlikely to ever really understand downhill poling. I think he thinks all that assbackward poling is the REAL cross country downhill thing.
It's as if he is literally trying to diagonally stride downhill. No helping him.
It's so odd how he's one of the Ttalk elite but he does not even have basic alpine skills.
His video quality is quite good though. He should film a good Telemark skier and maybe he would learn.
Some great shots of EXACTLY how not to use your poles skiing downhill and how to ski on the toes.
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Post by mark on Apr 12, 2024 21:53:42 GMT
It's a miracle he can even stay upright considering how he flings the lead ski out and goes into the dog-legged stance. He is way way way way too spread out and that XC striding is a big part of the problem. Waste of time to say anything, I know.
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Post by mark on Apr 12, 2024 22:00:07 GMT
It's "weird" for him to ski without poles? Well, he's not, he's skiing with the WRONG pole all of the time whether he skis with one or alternates and uses both poles in one hand. The truth is he cannot ski without both poles and you will never see him lay BOTH down. Skiing with no poles is something any stable intermediate Telemark skier can do, hell, it's something any stable beginner can do. But Tom has the striding habit frozen into his ski brain.
Take this as a warning for those of you who think it's a habit to acquire. It will set you back, maybe forever, as it has done, sadly, In Tom's case.
Telehiro, for example, poles all the time with 1 hand when he uses the selfie stick, BUT it's the RIGHT hand to pole with WHEN he uses that hand/arm!
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