1st Generation Rotefella NTN and Scarpa Tx Review
1st Generation Scarpa Tx
The 1st Generation Scarpa Tx was one of the first two boots available for the NTN (New Telemark Norm), a new standard in how boots attach to skis released in 2007. The Tx no longer has a duckbill but an ISO standard AT boot toe and heel pieces fitted with Dynafit Inserts. Underneath the Arch of the boot is the new second heel or Duckbutt as it has become known at Telemarktips, which attaches the boot to the binding, rather than the heel piece. The Tx uses the same mould as the T2x however whilst the fit is the same the flex is not.
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The Tx did not receive a warm welcome in North America as most found the bellows of the Tx too stiff to break and complained of a "tippy toe" feeling. I however did not have an issue with bellows flex, I found the flex similar to my 2004 Scarpa T-Races which were a little bit stiffer than the current Scarpa T-Race. Scarpa have moved to multiple injections of Pebax for the 2nd Generation Tx which has reportedly turned these stiff flexing bellows into something more akin to flexing a pair of Dunlop Volleys. Early reports of the 2nd Generation boots will start to appear on the web once winter starts in the Northern Hemisphere.
I found the Tx to have a level of performance about half way in-between the T2x and 4 buckle T1. Like the T2x the Tx is a high volume boot with a massive toe box. I did not have any of the flex issues many complained about and found the stiff bellows increased the boots performance, but I do prefer stiffer boots to softer boots, I will be interested to ski the softer 2nd generation Tx. Without the duckbill I found the NTN standard allows a more natural gait when walking and it will be a godsend for kicking steps and rock scrambling. I would certainly buy into the NTN rather than buying a pair of T2xs and a 75mm binding because the Tx is a lighter boot, has no duckbill and delivers more performance.
The Scarpa Tx never made it to Australian shores (several retailers were very disappointed when their boots did not arrive for this winter) as few Australians will ever ski it I hope this review will be useful to those considering buying the 2nd Generation Tx.
1st Generation Rottefella NTN
The Rottefella NTN combines with boots like the NTN to deliver a new standard for Telemark skiers. The NTN has increased performance over 75mm bindings, customisable activity, non DIN standard release (Rottefella call it catastrophic release), tour mode, breaks and allow skiers to get into and out of their bindings whilst remaining standing. Whilst the NTN is not the holy grail, it is heavy, the release is not DIN standard and it is not step in is is a big step forward from the 75mm standard. The 2nd generation NTN should be an even further step forward.
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The NTN is a very powerfull binding which allows very precise edge controll. Power is delivered to the ski more effeciently by the shorter lever between the Duckbutt and the toepiece of the binding than by the longer lever of 75mm bindings. This short lever also allows edging and lateral power even better than the Bomber Bishop. The NTN is a step forward in performance over 75mm.
Activity and release are controlled by spring strength and tension. 4 springs were available with the 1st Generation binding, with the 2nd generation NTN the stiffest spring has been dropped and a new soft spring has been added for the new short length. Since both activity and release are controlled by the same springs skiers will have to decide between skiing at their ideal activity level or at the correct release setting. However even for skiers who prefer release over performance will still be ahead as the NTN vastly outperforms the Voile CRB bindings and the 7tM bindings. I have not played around with the activity level as the binding felt great on my first run and I have not tested the release function, but I'll update this later.
The tour mode is activated by pulling up in inner anodised lever. The NTN's tour mode does not have the same range of motion as the other tour mode bindings on the market but North American skiers feel that the NTN's tour mode has a sufficient range of motion for efficient touring. The NTN's tour mode is however affected by the brake lever. Whilst striding in tour mode the brake lever digs two little grooves in the sole of the boot. These grooves are thought to affect the reliability of the release function, but this has been addressed with the 2nd generation NTN.
The breaks on the NTN bring a level of civility to carrying around your skis, no more searching through pockets for your ski tie or carrying around a pair of skis that seem to only want to separate. It is not much bit it certainly adds a little shine to my day.
Getting in and out of the binding is achieved by raising and lowering the large lever at the front of the binding. It is no where near as conveninet as step in, but like the breaks, not having to bend over to get into and out of my bindings is a definite plus.
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If you are buying new Telemark boots buy NTN, you will be rewarded with more power and control, a tour mode, breaks and easy entry and exit. The first generation NTN had problems but they should have all been addressed with the 2nd generation NTN. If you are a gear whore just jump in now and enjoy the benefits before the manufactures stop making 75mm Telemark equipment and force you to change anyway.
Richard Hocking