I use the Voile release binding with Rottefella 75mm pin or cable bindings. Will not risk skiing without a release binding. Not sure any other system would fit or adapt on a Volie release binding.
Both great options for XCD! I guess one thing to consider; it's not "if" but "when" the 75mm duckbill will wear out/crack/ maybe even separate from the upper (hard falls), where as the long-term durability of the Xplore boot is kind of TBD, but should be better you'd think? Might make up for the cost difference.
It's not a guarantee or inevitability that those things will happen with a duckbill. Lots of old duckbills with worn out soles, worn out leather, or so old that the midsole deteriorates, but no cracking or separating of the duckbill. However the Alpina Alaska is notorious for experiencing those issues you listed.
Being a new dealer, we cannot speak from experience as to the long-term durability of either Alaska boot, but we acknowledge your comments. Our survey of some industry vets and our own short-term experience led us to believe that the Alaska 75 is a comfortable entry level boot for new and casual users. For more frequent users we'd suggest you also look at the Crispi Svartisen 75 mated with the Voile HD 3-Pin or 3-Pin Cable.
Hello! The binding does feature a heel riser so you're covered there. While the rubber bumper could be removed for climbing, you'd then run the risk of that area filling with snow, making it difficult to re-attach the bumper for descent. We've found the binding tours great with the bumpers in as designed. Hope that helps!
If you all really want to break into the XCD market, you should make a ski with a waist width less that 70mm. The skis pictured here should be great in powder but too wide for leathers on firm snow.
Can you comment on the decision factors between these boot/binding setups and your transit tts binding with, say, the new tx pro boot? I'm hoping for a system that can bridge both backcountry and casual groomer use (to join with family, not tackle black diamonds). Does the endeavor + tx pro fit or is it still reasonable to use one of these combinations?
Hello! If you plan on riding at the resort at all, we'd recommend going the TTS + plastic boot route. If you happened to be committed to the 3-pin, you could pick up a 3-pin cable binding for a bit more downhill stability (cables can always be removed while touring). That said, we still would recommend the TTS for extended time spent cruising around on groomers. As for the Endeavor, we'd absolutely recommend that ski for what you're looking to do. Hope that helps!
