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.
Update Regarding the Fit of New TX Pro and BMF Toe Cage:
I have now skied for two days and hiked a total of 400 vertical meters with the New TX Pro and BMF-R, adjusting the binding to maximum tightness. This adjustment has had a notably positive impact, making the fit feel more secure by reducing wobble. However, while hiking up—especially when using heel risers—the issue of poor toe box fit has become significant. I’ve popped the boot out of the toe box multiple times while hiking. This always occurs when the lower heel riser collapses, causing a sudden downward movement that flexes the sole of the boot enough to release it from the metal cage. Other instances involve hitting a pit that flexes the ski, and when exiting, the sudden movement causes the toe to pop out. I have only encountered this issue while hiking, not while skiing down.
I also skied for one day using the old Rottefella Freedom NTN bindings, and on these, the toe box seemed to provide a more snug fit for the New TX Pro. This is something worth investigating further.
I will continue my tests and keep you updated on any new discoveries. So far, I have skied for 20 days and roughly 4000 vertical meters with the New TX Pro and BMF-R.
-Aku, Chamonix
Thank you for the update, Collin! I’ve noticed a similar issue while skiing. I believe that making the plastic cover thicker could help by compensating for the new, rounder toe area, resulting in a snugger contact.
I’ve discussed the fit of the new TX Pro on the BMF bindings with other riders. It seems that tightening the binding to its maximum can reduce the wobble at the front of the boot, which could also address the prerelease issues I’ve experienced in powder when snow builds up under the sole. This wasn’t a problem with the old TX Pro, likely due to differences in toe shape and the softer sole of the new boot. I haven’t tested this on snow yet due to poor weather in Chamonix, but I plan to as soon as conditions improve. Based on carpet testing, the maximum tightness does feel more secure. It’s also important to frequently check the tightness with the new TX Pro, as the front part undergoes quick changes that can loosen the binding.
I’ll continue to explore how the BMF and the new TX Pro complement each other. So far (after 15-20 days), the skiing experience has been fantastic! The new boot offers a smoother flex profile and excellent lateral stiffness, while allowing you to feel the sole more distinctly. Personally, I think the new TX Pro has enhanced the binding’s performance.
-Aku
#Freetheheel #Freethespirit
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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