New Scarpa TX Pro Telemark Boot - binding interface review
Something feels different…
The new SCARPA TX Pro boot (we are calling it the TX Pro 2.0) has a lot of improvements, including better buckles, power strap, lighter weight, and increased range of motion in walk mode. We have also noticed changes to the geometry of the toe to improve the boots performance in telemark tech bindings.
This has caused changes in the way it fits into a telemark binding with a “toe cage” like the BMFs, and is part of what has some skiers noticing that they ski differently than the old TX Pro.
The main changes we have noticed that have an effect on how the boots interface with traditional toe cage bindings are:
- The shape of the area around the metal tech fittings in the toe
- The large radius at the very front of the sole
1. Area around the metal tech fittings
2. Large radius at the very front of the sole
These changes make for a better experience when stepping into and hiking with a tech binding. The openings for tech pins are more prominent for ease of step in, and the radius of the sole is concentric with the location of the tech fitting and pins that the boot pivots around when hiking.
However, when interfacing with a toe cage binding, these changes allow the boot to pivot more before the flexible bellows area of the boots are automatically engaged.
When skiing this may feel like your back foot is on your toes more as the bellows will not automatically engage as much when you lift your heel. This is more prominent the first few days as you are breaking in the plastic at the bellows, and can require more force at the cuff of the boot to flex the boot and get a "ball of foot" feeling.
As always, we are exploring improvements to our bindings to optimize the boot/binding interface, and are testing some ideas to allow you to adjust the feel of the binding to your preference.
We would love your input and feedback on this new boot in our bindings. Email us, leave your comments here.
hey, thought on improving the initial feel of the binding before the bellows engage. Even with 75mm duckbill boots i notice the toe pivots forward before the bellows engage, leading to a slight “dead spot” feeling in the initial movement. this also leads to the rubber sole on the end of the boot getting torn up and eventually chipping off. Extending the plastic cover on might help alleviate this, as it would give more support to the toe of the boot. I think this would also help with the new boot design. I’m starting to experiment with a 3d printed extended plastic cover to hopefully solve this issue, I can let y’all know how it works if you’re interested. shred hard – collin
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