Just leaving my 2 cents: I mounted last week the Xplore on skinny fischer twin skins xc classic skis, they fit perfectly in the tracks, rest assured, no problem at all!
Hi Tom, quite nice actually! I tried comparing the system (I am using the alpina Alaska) to an old 75mm (which really didn't fit in the tracks 😆) and with a pure classic xc. I am not a strong skier at all, but I was pretty comfortable skiing in the tracks. The boot is not as flexible or as light as the track boots, but it doesn't feel uncomfortable or heavy as the old leather 75mm. I will never be able to race on these, of course, but to train and get fitter is perfectly okay. And my whole purpose was to train myself in using the binding and boots and bring them off track, so, well, mission accomplished. On the plus side, the higher rigidity means that I can try and train some movements on this setup like hockey stops, and telemark turns with more confidence than with the lightweight xc system.
Thanks so much for sharing your amazing outings. I am curious about your pack. I always preferred a fanny pack for day tours. Do you have any insights to offer on this? Fanny pack vs style you are using.
Åsnes Nansen are 77mm at the widest and narrower than 70mm at the tail. The tips don't scrape at the bottom, but they may scrape at the sides of the tracks, and even if this will not significantly damage the tracks or make them any wider, it still isn't ideal for the skier. Narrower skis might work just fine, though. On wet slushy snow, tracks will widen and eventually get wiped out anyway, no matter what skis people use. Contrary to popular belief, old-fashioned NN bindings (on a raiser plate) don't scrape at the sides of tracks, either. They are only the head of a screw wider than your boots. Why would you walk in the tracks in the first place? Unfortunately, if there is no space between or outside them, or you have to make way for downhill traffic in the opposite direction, then you may have no alternative. On even narrower tracks (scooter tracks), there often aren't any tracks, or they are not prepared, and it is often back-country skiers who make tracks.
'Good video Tom! You mentioned 4 boots that'll accommodate the Explor binding: besides the Alpina, what are the others? I'm thinking next year to get a pair of Osnes Falketind 68 Explors to match that binding, but nobody's got the Alpina boot/binding combo anywhere. i can get the skis from Neptune, but no sense in doing that now, just so they'll gather dust. I'm also jealous of your snow. We got 4-5 feet, followed by higher temps, rain, freezing fog, and freezing rain. Now, we've got ice so hard the edges barely bite!
Alfa has 3 boots, the Free, Vista Advance, and Skaget Perform www.alfaoutdoor.com/pages/xplore Alpina's boot is the Alaska XP www.alpinasports.com/us/nordic/backcountry/alaska-xp-53971B I hope you get some great fresh snow to cover up the ice. Keep your finger's crossed.
@@tomm9850 Thanks! I've begun checking the Alpina dealer list, but if I go for the Aflas, looks like I have to order from Norway. Not that big a deal, and DHL is outstanding! We're hoping for more snow early next week, so I'm even crossing my toes!!
Hello. I'm a good telemark Skier. I have two questions before buying this system. I want a lighter system for Backcountry trips, upon semi high tops. I what to be able to take some good turns with my new Fisher S-bouns 112s. instead of my heavy, but more robust set-up. Do you think it will work without breaking in the tourqe movement over the pins? and the second question: have you had some problem with snow and ice in the spring-loaded pins when you walking around in the snow for a while?
Only time will tell if the binding and boot spring loaded pin system is durable. I have had no freezing or ice problems with the pins. I have not used the boots for hiking in the snow, only walking short distances from the car to the trailheads, so I don't know if there would any problems if you needed to cross a stream and the boot toe got submerged in water in freezing conditions. The Alfa Free boot is very supportive, and I've been skiing it lately with my Voile Objective skis (117-84-102 @ 178 cm length). The total weight of the skis, bindings, and boots is 9.72 lbs (4.4 kg) and I really enjoy this setup for tele skiing moderate terrain. Of course, the system is not as powerful as my downhill setup (Scarpa T2, Switchback X2, Voile Hyper V6's), but that system weighs 16.88 lbs (7.7 kg). In my next two upcoming UA-cam videos I compare what it is like to ski the same hill under the same conditions using the two systems (2/4 T2's and 2/11 Alfa Free). Bottom line for me is that if you are happy skiing leathers with 75 mm or NNNBC, then you will be very happy skiing the new Xplore system. The biggest improvement is in the sole and the boots. To me they just feel like a better version of their former self.
Hi Tom, I have been practicing my telemark turns quite a bit lately and I’ve noticed something: sometimes my lagging ski doesn’t stay parallel with the leading ski and it kind of pushes into it or crosses it. Is there a way to a avoid this or is that normal? Thanks!
They do touch on occasion. It takes a lot of practice to maintain control of the rear ski. If the tip of the rear ski is crossing over the leading ski behind your leading foot, then you need to reduce the fore and aft distance between your two feet. I think it helps in the beginning to stay more upright and not try and go into the deep knee bend that you see the experienced skiers using, especially if you do not have an active binding (cables, hardwires, or NTN). The mantra for tele skiing is to keep weight and downward pressure on the rear ski. If the rear ski is unweighted, then it can noodle around. Every time you do a turn, concentrate more on the rear ski and be sure to edge the rear ski (put pressure on the big toe side of the front ski and the little toe on the rear ski as you carve the turn. Practice on a gentle slope with good snow conditions and experiment with different depths of the knee bend.
I haven't skied or examined the new Fischer transnordic 82. For others who might be reading this thread, there is a great description posted on Telemark Pyrenees www.telemark-pyrenees.com/ski/fischer-transnordic-82-easy-skin-xtralite-ski-2022 It sounds like a very interesting ski. I think it will appeal to those who prefer the more traditional shape of the legendary E99 and E109 skis, especially since it will be available in both wax and traction variants. I think there is a little magic being cooked into Fischer's new skis for 2022. My new SBound 98's just feel better than my previous version. They are a bit lighter. The dimensions are the same but somehow they just feel like a better version of their former self.
Fischer TN82 is the new name for E109 Xtralite and it has gotten at good reviews as far as I've seen. You will find them in you search. I have the older version of E109 and am decently satisfied. It floats and turns fine, but doesn't fit in prepared tracks, so I have bought a narrower ski (Åsnes Ousland) for tours involving that. I may exchange the E109 for or add a wider ski like the Åsnes Rabb/Falketind, Fischer S-bound 98 or similar for more float and turning power, but for a do it all all-round ski out of prepared tracks it may be the best option depending on your use and preferences.
Kinda off topic - but my beloved Fischer E99s (rebranded as Transnordic 66 Crown - just died - can’t find a pair in US. ‘Need something to compliment the SBound 98s I picked up at your Re commendation. I want more glide than the Traverse 78s. What do you think of the Asnes Nansen warless skis? These are available - other choices (like the Alpina Discovery 80s, etc) seem to be all sold out. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Greg
Hi Greg. I haven't skied the Nansen's so I don't have any on snow experience with them. They seem to be a very popular ski over on the Telemark talk forum www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=4290 Asnes uses a shorter traction pattern on their skis than Fischer and they are known for having less grip and better glide. Everyone seems to like the Asnes skin options. One of the nice things about the E99 was that it was narrow enough that it could be used for recreational use in a groomed track and made a good one ski option for both on and off trail. The Nansens, with a 76 mm tip would probably drag more if skied in a freshly groomed track. I'm sure it would make a great replacement for your E99's.
Tracks are always made for runners-plank. Not for mountain/back-country skiis. Quite simple. I your skiis are narrower than your foot, then you wouldn't even think about using tracks. Those are for ppl in a hurry.
![Lp. Последняя Реальность #107 РОДНОЙ ДОМ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IK3QKzKUlHM/mqdefault.jpg)
Just leaving my 2 cents: I mounted last week the Xplore on skinny fischer twin skins xc classic skis, they fit perfectly in the tracks, rest assured, no problem at all!
Fantastic. I'll pin your comment at the top. How does it feel skiing the Xplore in the track?
Hi Tom, quite nice actually! I tried comparing the system (I am using the alpina Alaska) to an old 75mm (which really didn't fit in the tracks 😆) and with a pure classic xc. I am not a strong skier at all, but I was pretty comfortable skiing in the tracks. The boot is not as flexible or as light as the track boots, but it doesn't feel uncomfortable or heavy as the old leather 75mm. I will never be able to race on these, of course, but to train and get fitter is perfectly okay. And my whole purpose was to train myself in using the binding and boots and bring them off track, so, well, mission accomplished. On the plus side, the higher rigidity means that I can try and train some movements on this setup like hockey stops, and telemark turns with more confidence than with the lightweight xc system.
Oh, jeez. So jealous of the snow and terrain. Looks great!
Lots of great terrain and snow in my area (Northwest Wyoming and Eastern Idaho). Teton Park is one of my favorites.
Me too
Living the dream!
Indeed, I pinch myself every day. Thanks for tuning in and have a great season.
This got me excited we’re getting 30-40cm of snow tomorrow!
Sounds wonderful. Have fun.
Beauty ski shots at the end. Great turns.
Thanks, and I appreciate the feedback. I hope you are having a great week.
Wonderful. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great conditions beautiful
Yes, it was a beautiful day. Thanks for tuning in and I hope you are having a great winter.
That’jacket matches the new skis Tom perfectly…👍
Yes, I've become very color coordinated. Both the new skis and the coat are working well.
Thanks so much for sharing your amazing outings. I am curious about your pack. I always preferred a fanny pack for day tours. Do you have any insights to offer on this? Fanny pack vs style you are using.
My frontcountry fanny pack setup ua-cam.com/video/ejv2TbWLPMk/v-deo.html
By backcountry setup ua-cam.com/video/bT3k7q-umPQ/v-deo.html
Åsnes Nansen are 77mm at the widest and narrower than 70mm at the tail. The tips don't scrape at the bottom, but they may scrape at the sides of the tracks, and even if this will not significantly damage the tracks or make them any wider, it still isn't ideal for the skier. Narrower skis might work just fine, though. On wet slushy snow, tracks will widen and eventually get wiped out anyway, no matter what skis people use.
Contrary to popular belief, old-fashioned NN bindings (on a raiser plate) don't scrape at the sides of tracks, either. They are only the head of a screw wider than your boots.
Why would you walk in the tracks in the first place? Unfortunately, if there is no space between or outside them, or you have to make way for downhill traffic in the opposite direction, then you may have no alternative.
On even narrower tracks (scooter tracks), there often aren't any tracks, or they are not prepared, and it is often back-country skiers who make tracks.
Spectacular! The Teton’s are truly beautiful in winter. Any good skiing in Yellowstone?
There is great skiing in Yellowstone. It is a big, wild place. www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/skiyell.htm
'Good video Tom! You mentioned 4 boots that'll accommodate the Explor binding: besides the Alpina, what are the others? I'm thinking next year to get a pair of Osnes Falketind 68 Explors to match that binding, but nobody's got the Alpina boot/binding combo anywhere. i can get the skis from Neptune, but no sense in doing that now, just so they'll gather dust. I'm also jealous of your snow. We got 4-5 feet, followed by higher temps, rain, freezing fog, and freezing rain. Now, we've got ice so hard the edges barely bite!
Alfa has 3 boots, the Free, Vista Advance, and Skaget Perform www.alfaoutdoor.com/pages/xplore
Alpina's boot is the Alaska XP
www.alpinasports.com/us/nordic/backcountry/alaska-xp-53971B
I hope you get some great fresh snow to cover up the ice. Keep your finger's crossed.
@@tomm9850 Thanks! I've begun checking the Alpina dealer list, but if I go for the Aflas, looks like I have to order from Norway. Not that big a deal, and DHL is outstanding! We're hoping for more snow early next week, so I'm even crossing my toes!!
Hello. I'm a good telemark Skier. I have two questions before buying this system. I want a lighter system for Backcountry trips, upon semi high tops. I what to be able to take some good turns with my new Fisher S-bouns 112s. instead of my heavy, but more robust set-up. Do you think it will work without breaking in the tourqe movement over the pins? and the second question: have you had some problem with snow and ice in the spring-loaded pins when you walking around in the snow for a while?
Only time will tell if the binding and boot spring loaded pin system is durable. I have had no freezing or ice problems with the pins. I have not used the boots for hiking in the snow, only walking short distances from the car to the trailheads, so I don't know if there would any problems if you needed to cross a stream and the boot toe got submerged in water in freezing conditions. The Alfa Free boot is very supportive, and I've been skiing it lately with my Voile Objective skis (117-84-102 @ 178 cm length). The total weight of the skis, bindings, and boots is 9.72 lbs (4.4 kg) and I really enjoy this setup for tele skiing moderate terrain. Of course, the system is not as powerful as my downhill setup (Scarpa T2, Switchback X2, Voile Hyper V6's), but that system weighs 16.88 lbs (7.7 kg). In my next two upcoming UA-cam videos I compare what it is like to ski the same hill under the same conditions using the two systems (2/4 T2's and 2/11 Alfa Free). Bottom line for me is that if you are happy skiing leathers with 75 mm or NNNBC, then you will be very happy skiing the new Xplore system. The biggest improvement is in the sole and the boots. To me they just feel like a better version of their former self.
Hi Tom,
I have been practicing my telemark turns quite a bit lately and I’ve noticed something: sometimes my lagging ski doesn’t stay parallel with the leading ski and it kind of pushes into it or crosses it. Is there a way to a avoid this or is that normal? Thanks!
They do touch on occasion. It takes a lot of practice to maintain control of the rear ski. If the tip of the rear ski is crossing over the leading ski behind your leading foot, then you need to reduce the fore and aft distance between your two feet. I think it helps in the beginning to stay more upright and not try and go into the deep knee bend that you see the experienced skiers using, especially if you do not have an active binding (cables, hardwires, or NTN). The mantra for tele skiing is to keep weight and downward pressure on the rear ski. If the rear ski is unweighted, then it can noodle around. Every time you do a turn, concentrate more on the rear ski and be sure to edge the rear ski (put pressure on the big toe side of the front ski and the little toe on the rear ski as you carve the turn. Practice on a gentle slope with good snow conditions and experiment with different depths of the knee bend.
What’s your thoughts on the Fischer transnordic 82 xtralite?
I haven't skied or examined the new Fischer transnordic 82. For others who might be reading this thread, there is a great description posted on Telemark Pyrenees www.telemark-pyrenees.com/ski/fischer-transnordic-82-easy-skin-xtralite-ski-2022
It sounds like a very interesting ski. I think it will appeal to those who prefer the more traditional shape of the legendary E99 and E109 skis, especially since it will be available in both wax and traction variants. I think there is a little magic being cooked into Fischer's new skis for 2022. My new SBound 98's just feel better than my previous version. They are a bit lighter. The dimensions are the same but somehow they just feel like a better version of their former self.
Fischer TN82 is the new name for E109 Xtralite and it has gotten at good reviews as far as I've seen. You will find them in you search. I have the older version of E109 and am decently satisfied. It floats and turns fine, but doesn't fit in prepared tracks, so I have bought a narrower ski (Åsnes Ousland) for tours involving that. I may exchange the E109 for or add a wider ski like the Åsnes Rabb/Falketind, Fischer S-bound 98 or similar for more float and turning power, but for a do it all all-round ski out of prepared tracks it may be the best option depending on your use and preferences.
@@rksnilsberg
Thank you…what’s your choice for bindings? Curious.
Kinda off topic - but my beloved Fischer E99s (rebranded as Transnordic 66 Crown - just died - can’t find a pair in US. ‘Need something to compliment the SBound 98s I picked up at your Re commendation.
I want more glide than the Traverse 78s.
What do you think of the Asnes Nansen warless skis? These are available - other choices (like the Alpina Discovery 80s, etc) seem to be all sold out.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Greg
Hi Greg. I haven't skied the Nansen's so I don't have any on snow experience with them. They seem to be a very popular ski over on the Telemark talk forum www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=4290 Asnes uses a shorter traction pattern on their skis than Fischer and they are known for having less grip and better glide. Everyone seems to like the Asnes skin options. One of the nice things about the E99 was that it was narrow enough that it could be used for recreational use in a groomed track and made a good one ski option for both on and off trail. The Nansens, with a 76 mm tip would probably drag more if skied in a freshly groomed track. I'm sure it would make a great replacement for your E99's.
Tracks are always made for runners-plank. Not for mountain/back-country skiis. Quite simple. I your skiis are narrower than your foot, then you wouldn't even think about using tracks. Those are for ppl in a hurry.