Alpina Alaska 75 mm: did we found the reason?

[Rodbelan]

There were many topics about the subject: did we actually found the reason why they were prone to crack along the pin line? Design problem? Batch problem?

[fisheater]

Mine is still going, but it really doesn’t see a lot of use. The duckbill is thin, that thinness does give it some snap or pop when kicking on the flats. I will ski it as long as it lasts. If it breaks, I will cut the duckbills off and use it as a winter hiking boot.
I do believe the Rotte ST binding clamps it tighter, and that tighter clamps preserves the pin holes. However that tighter clamp also isolates the area of bend in that duckbill to a smaller area. That may make it more likely to crack versus the Voile 3-pin.
I really can’t say definitively much of anything. I have skied this boot with only one ski for several seasons. However it isn’t the only boot I use with this ski. It’s also not even my main trail ski, which is mounted NNN-BC.
I’m just glad it’s still going. It’s a comfortable boot, that kicks nice. I use it in nice snow conditions, on tours for turns, when there is much more touring than turning.

[wabene]

There were many topics about the subject: did we actually found the reason why they were prone to crack along the pin line? Design problem? Batch problem?

It appears the thinner version of the molded Vibram sole with a 15mm duckbill used by Alpina is the culprit. It is simply not as durable as the thicker 18mm duckbill version used by Crispi and Alico among others. Altai's new line of Alico 75mm boots all have what they describe on their website as "the new Vibram Outback sole". This sole fits well in both the Rottefella ST and the Voile 3 pin bindings. It is distinguishable by not only the thicker duckbill, but the 2 holes on top. My Crispi Svartisen has this sole. It is my most used boot and shows no sign of wear after many years. Here is a picture from the Altai website of an Alpina Alaska next to an Alico boot.

[wabene]

Mine is still going, but it really doesn’t see a lot of use. The duckbill is thin, that thinness does give it some snap or pop when kicking on the flats. I will ski it as long as it lasts. If it breaks, I will cut the duckbills off and use it as a winter hiking boot.
I do believe the Rotte ST binding clamps it tighter, and that tighter clamps preserves the pin holes. However that tighter clamp also isolates the area of bend in that duckbill to a smaller area. That may make it more likely to crack versus the Voile 3-pin.
I really can’t say definitively much of anything. I have skied this boot with only one ski for several seasons. However it isn’t the only boot I use with this ski. It’s also not even my main trail ski, which is mounted NNN-BC.
I’m just glad it’s still going. It’s a comfortable boot, that kicks nice. I use it in nice snow conditions, on tours for turns, when there is much more touring than turning.

This is a great idea.