Durability
So far I’ve been very impressed with the TransAlps’ durability. I have had no issues with the sole, walk mode or buckles, which are generally the weak points of AT boots. I have chewed up the toe plastic around the tech fittings, I think the heat moldable shell plastic of the TransAlp may be a little softer than most other boots, including the Fischer Travers where I haven’t seen any shell damage yet. That said, all the damage so far has been aesthetic and not structural.
Comparisons and Weights
I’ll be reporting back in a few weeks once I’ve skied the TransAlp back-to-back with a few competitors, but for now, Jonathan can make some comparisons with the Salomon MTN Lab and MTN Explore.
Fischer TransAlp Vacuum TS (size 26.5):
- Shells, no liners: 1324 & 1331 grams
- Liners, no footbeds: 260 & 275 grams
- Shells + Liners: 1584 & 1660 grams
Salomon MTN Explore (size 26.5):
- Shells, no liners: 1126 & 1135 grams
- Stock liners + laces, no footbeds: 281 & 281
- Shells + stock liners: 1407 & 1416
- Shells, no liners: 1257 & 1246 grams
- Stock liners + laces: 288 & 303 grams
- Shells + stock liners: 1545 & 1549 grams
Jonathan: The MTN Lab is a lot more boot than the TransAlp Vacuum TS. So much so, that it isn’t really worth saying much about these two boots. If you love the TransAlp, the MTN Lab will be too much boot. And if you love the stiffness and support of the MTN Lab, I do not think whatever uphill gains you might get out of the TransAlp will be significant enough that you ought to consider this softer boot.
The more apples-to-apples comparison, then, would be to the Salomon MTN Explore. And set up stock, the MTN Explore is the more supportive boot, for sure. It offers more rearward support, it has a stiffer flex, and I’ve never blown through the flex of the boot as I have in the TransAlp.
While I still personally prefer the MTN Lab to the MTN Explore, there have been some very-cold-temperature tours this winter where, when I REALLY cinched down the cuff buckles of the MTN Explore, I was surprised by how stiff that boot could feel. Oh, and while I would happily go uphill in either the MTN Explore or the TransAlp, both of these Salomon boots beat the TransAlp on the scale. I wouldn’t call it a noticeable on-mountain difference, but for you weight watchers out there, it’s a fact.
So why opt for the TransAlp over the MTN Explore? The primary reason would be if the MTN Explore doesn’t fit your foot well, and the second reason would be if the MTN Explore sounds like it might be a stiffer boot than you are looking for.
Bottom Line
While I’m still intrigued by the comparison to the Salomon MTN Explore, and will update as soon as I’ve had time in both boots back to back, I’ve found the TransAlp to be a serviceable one-boot touring quiver.
If you’re looking to charge big lines on big skis like you would inbounds, there are stiffer options on the market. And if your objectives include a lot of ski mountaineering, long days, and technical climbing, there are lighter boots with greater ROM.
However, if you’re looking for something in the middle of that spectrum, and your feet don’t play well with some of the other boots on the market, the TransAlp Vacuum TS could be the boot for you. The Vacuum Fit system is unmatched in providing a good fit to a wide range of foot shapes, which is especially important in a backcountry boot where comfort is at a premium.
Does anyone find thr explore to upright. Im am ex racer and would like more forward lean. Any advise would be appreciated
If you’re looking for a more supportive liner that still tours well, definitely take a look at the ProTour liner. Despite the name, its pretty substantial. I stopped using Powerwraps when I left full alpine boots.
Good note. I’ve actually spent a fair bit of time in the Pro Tour liner, while it is more substantial than the stock liner, and does walk better than the Powerwraps, I’ve found that my feet are just more comfortable in an overlap liner, and the Powerwraps work very well with my high instep and arch, even without any foot bed.
In use I haven’t found my Powerwraps to restrict my ROM too much, although I do use my softest, most broken-in pair in my touring boots.
Again, the whole liner thing does come down to what feels best on your foot, and if you can make a Pro Tour liner work for you feet that’s a great way to beef up this boot without sacrificing so much walkability.
Are you guys going to look at the new Transalp Pro?