Rottefella Xplore XC Binding Hard Flexor, Part 1

[@gradywright]

Always on the cutting edge of XCD technology. Thanks for sharing.

[@tomm9850]

Thanks for tuning in

[@eugenemcgloin9680]

Thanks for this update! There seem to be more "moving parts" with the new Xplore system, when compared to the older 75mm or NNN systems. I guess time and usage will tell how the new Xplore system holds up in backcountry situations.

[@tomm9850]

I hope that Rottefella has done extensive field and lab tests, but we won't really know about the durability of this system for a few years.

[@KingOfPiraka1600]

Tom. Your videos are so informative. Huge help to guide me as I commit to xplore. First 15 outings have been fantastic for me. As many have mentioned, there are many moving parts. Wondering what you recommend for routine maintenance and field repair kit.

[@tomm9850]

So far I have had no issues with my Xplore bindings or boots. Some people have had a boot pin get stuck in the compressed position so it is a good idea to always carry something that will help unstick the pin. I've done a couple of videos on this subject kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmanpmubhLuXpck and kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGKWZml9mdF2pKs Rottefella sells a grease kit kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5TXoomogN2NftE for maintenance, but I have not lubed mine and I haven't found a source for this in the US. It sounds like you are having a great time with your setup. Thanks for tuning in and for subscribing.

[@jonathanwilliams5864]

Thanks as always for your informative videos Tom. Do you think it would be practical to keep the hard flexors in for regular touring or would they give too much resistance?

[@tomm9850]

That would depend somewhat on the boot and your expectations. It is possible to kick and glide with the hard flexors, but it is more restrictive than the standard flexor. I prefer the standard flexor over the hard flexor for most of my skiing, but I do ski the hard flexor upon occasion. I usually carry the hard flexor and the flat plate with me on my tours just in case I want to change them but the only time I've used them this year was to let someone else who I was skiing with try the hard flexors on their skis. I also find that the hard flexors can contribute to toe pinch on my Alfa Free boots, but that is not an issue with my Alfa Vista boots. I don't notice the toe pinch on my downhill runs, but I have noticed it on long approaches. The hard flexors do offer a bit more control on the downhill, so they are worth trying out. Give them a try and post back with your experience.

[@山口周-z7p]

Thank you for the update on XP binding system. My question is where we can get the hard flex at this moment. I could not find any web store that carries XP accessories.

[@tomm9850]

rottefella.no/rottefella-bc-magnum-singelpack-871 en.aventurenordique.com/rottefella-xplore-hard-flex.html www.alfaoutdoor.com/collections/accessories-xplore-binding www.fjellsport.no/rottefella-xplore-bc-flex-hard-black.html

[@山口周-z7p]

@@tomm9850 Thank you Tom. I could place my order at Alfa Web site. Thanks again!

[@Matt-vo1ge]

The boot sole doesn't appear to flex at the ball socket like even a plastic boot does, is this an issue?

[@tomm9850]

The sole is stiffer than NNNBC and most 75 mm leather boots, but it will bend under the ball of the foot. The new sole / binding combo offers plenty of control of the rear ski even if the ball of the foot is not firmly planted.

[@stephentannen7960]

Good morning Tom: Frugal tip to share (unsure if this fits in with your community guidelines). XPLORE Bindings sale $175 (vs $240 srp) from Varuste.Net, Finish sport goods company. ALFAOutdoors offers 15% off on gear if one joins their member club (free). I ordered bindings but waiting on Boots locally for sizing. I'll need to travel to Northern MN for snow as we are on warming trend in Minneapolis. Many thanks for what you do. Inspiring.

[@tomm9850]

Great tip. I've never ordered from Varuste, but $677 USD for the Xplore binding, a set of Alfa Free Boots and FedX shipping to the US is a very good price. I wish they also carried the hard flexors as that would be a sweet deal for someone who wanted to mount their own skis or convert an existing ski to the new system. I hope you have a great spring ski trip to Northern MN and thanks for tuning in.

[@WildMidwest1]

Excellent tips. Thx!