Thank you so much, Rahul :) I tried to organize the info in a logical manner, but there's a few different angles so I wasn't sure if I was just babbling toward the end. haha. Glad you found it relatively easy to understand!
I’m always inspired by your demonstrations of different techniques, such as skating on waxless BC skis. Would you say that skating the Spider 62s is the more efficient way to tour the BC in these crusty conditions, or do you just do it for practice/fun?
Thanks so much for the kind words! Glad I can provide some inspiration :) As far as skating on the Spider 62s goes, I usually just do it for fun and to practice. I don't necessarily skate on them as my main mode of travel. That said, if the snow conditions are right (consistently firm) I will bring out my actual skate skis and boots and crust ski everywhere. But, again, the conditions have to be ideal for me to do that otherwise I just find myself fumbling around (especially when it comes to navigating forests). Mostly I find that skating (whether on dedicated skate skis or with backcountry xc skis) in the backcountry is best done across big open fields. Classic skiing/diagonal striding on backcountry xc skis is still the best way to go. But I definitely like to throw in some skating technique for fun when the conditions are right. The freedom of movement inherent with cross-country skiing is why I love it so much. Thanks to the free heel, light equipment, and camber/grip zone, you can do as you please without needing specific terrain features to have a good time :) Thanks again for tuning in, and I appreciate the positive feedback!
Hi Jared, thank you again for a great video, very helpful. I am one of those that decided to go against usual advice and buy 1 ski set, but then I am at my beginings so far so I guess I'm allowed.🙃 I wanted to know your view on my plan. I am a beginner crosskountry skier and I like to use the groomed tracks but also step off track and enjoy a bit of ungroomed terrain on rolling hils (similar to what you have in this vid ) not very steep and not very deep snow. I have learned that I need more support in a boot and more control of the skis going downhill (be it groomer or nongroomed trail). I decided to go for Skis = Fisher Spider 62 with steel edges (One you have on this vid, a coincidence :) ) and pair them with NNN BC Rotefella Auto (56mm) Seems like this is less wider version of BC bindings exactly for this kind of skis? Shops in my country pair Spider 62 with Turnamic Control Step In IFP bindings but as I need more stability and control going downhil I'd prefer the Rotefella BC. Also I'm deciding between 2 kinds of boots = - Fisher OTX Adventure BC - perfect fit for flats, but I'm bit worried they will not provide enough ankle support for making turns - Fisher OTX Tour - perfect fit for turns and BC, but I worry these might be too stif for the groomed track? Thank you for any advice & thoughts on my reasoning.
Hey Ivana, Thanks again for watching, and for the great question! I actually have two sets of Fischer Spider 62mm. The one I'm using in this video has a regular NNN binding, but on my other set I do have NNN BC (auto version) bindings. So, I think you'll be just fine with that setup. The manual version of NNN BC is pretty large compared to the auto version, so I think that would actually be too big for the Spider 62s. As far as the boots go, I believe the Adventure model is more robust and provides more support than the Tour version. So, your description sounds opposite of what they really are. The Adventure style boot looks like an updated version of Fischer's previous model BCX6 (which I have). You can use them on the flats and in easy terrain without too much hassle. They're not so big and bulky and heavy that you'd struggle with them at a groomed resort. That said, the Tour might actually be just enough for what you're planning to ski. And it looks like those Tour versions have a more friendly sole for walking to and from the car (or negotiating less than ideal snow/ice conditions on foot). Off the top of my head, I would think the Tour would be enough for you, but I obviously don't know your skills and how much ankle support you need. Just know that the Adventure looks to be the more supportive boot. Not sure how much that helps. So, if you have other questions feel free to ask :)
@@JaredManninen Thank you Jared, very helpful indeed. Glad to hear a personal experience from someone who uses ski and binding setup I plan té buy :) Great insight on the boots as just by looking online I'd say adventure is less stifer than Tour, I will definitely go and compare them in a shop to see which is better for me. Thank you again, and Im looking forward to browse more of your chanel, very informative, and beautiful as well (those mountines ❤️) Wishing you health and all the best
@@ivanap7935 Hey Ivana, so sorry for my delay in response! For whatever reason, your last comment was buried in my "held for review" folder. The whole RUclips studio thing is kinda complex, I guess. Anyway, thanks for the kind words and well wishes. I hope you have snow on which to ski. Just yesterday I logged my 40th day for the season of xc skiing! We were pounded with snow over the holidays, pretty overwhelming actually. But the snow is consolidating and setting just fine right now. Anyway, thanks again for watching and for all of your meaningful comments :) Take care!
I know NNN BC isn't compatible with vanilla NNN. However, being in the perfect storm of antique human (I'm 70) and beginner x-c skier (8 days) with a lot of alpine experience some years back (45+ years and a comfortable double diamond skier back then), a body weight about 265#, on a fixed income, I'm thinking I want to run BC bindings on my Spider 62 skis for the stiffer bootsn. That would, I suspect make everything feel a little more alpine-ish and comfortable. But, because there's always a but, they're mounted with Turnamic bindings. So being a bit long-winded meownself, here's my question finally: will Fischer auto BC bindings fit on an IFP plate? If not would they mount in the IFP holes? I'd love to maintain the integrity and strength of the ski while saving sixty or so bucks on mounting and/or a new plate. I'm also demo-ing a pair of Excursion 88 skis and Fischer BCX GT boots today and will likely buy them if they glide better than the spiders with my excessive weight (I have robbed the requisite number of convenience stores to cover that cost) . . . Cheers, and thanks!
Interesting! I didn't even realize that Fischer had gone to using the IFP plate on the Spider 62mm. Unfortunately, that plate is going to prevent you from mounting any other bindings to the ski. The NNN BC (auto and manual) bindings are strictly screw-on mounted, so they aren't compatible with the IFP plate. I wouldn't try removing the plate, either. So I hate to say that you're stuck with that setup, but I believe you are. That said, have you moved the bindings back to the -2 position yet? That will allow for a little more glide and less grip (it sounds like having less grip won't be a problem for you). If you're seriously considering the Excursion 88mm, I'd consider getting the NNN BC Magnum (manual) bindings as they feel more secure to me than the auto version. The manual binding does require you to reach down to lock/unlock the bindings, but I actually find this to be more favorable than the auto version in deeper/softer snow. The spring on the auto version is pretty strong, but that makes it challenging to push into it on soft snow. I remember one time I was skiing in deeper snow and took my skis off for whatever reason. Then, when I went to step back in, I just kept pushing the ski further down into the snow. So annoying! I think having the standard NNN bindings on the Spider 62s is not the worst thing in the world. I use mine for spring and firm snow conditions all of the time. And, believe it or not, I actually have another set of Spider 62s with the NNN BC auto bindings mounted to them (those were the ones I struggled with to click back in). But I seldom use them because the standard NNN seems to be adequate (for me, anyway) in firm snow conditions. Anyway, hope that helps. Let me know if you have other questions or want clarification on anything I've said here :)
@@JaredManninen I took the Fischer 88s out yesterday with the Fischer BCX GT boots. I was able to glide much better. Down a very short, maybe 20', decline I was able to glide and turn much more easily than on the Spider 62s. On longer gentle (guessing maybe 10-15 degrees) I was still unable to just slide, had to either stride--which resulted in a really good glide--or double pole. I should note that everyone I talked to yesterday said the snow was really slow. I ventured off trail and in roughly the same conditions my 62s sank nearly a foot the 88s only sank about 6". The BCX GTs felt much more intuitive to me and I actually had some semblance of edge control. Today I try S-Bound 98 189cm with Alpina Alaska boots and Xplore bindings. This is probably a bad idea as other than a wholesale spree of convenience store robberies I can't afford that setup. But, I've got 'em and I'll try 'em. 😏 I'll let you know what happens. Slainte Mhath!
Awesome. Sounds like a successful test run of the Excursions and boots! The S-Bound setup also sounds fun, but definitely both purchases add up quickly 😆 It's definitely nice to have options, but you can only run one set of skis at a time, so pace yourself 😁 And snow conditions are always a factor, obviously. That, and the fact that backcountry xc skis have much smaller glide zones compared to their groomer counterparts. So glide will always be a little less on them. But I'm glad to hear that at the steeper angle you had decent glide 👍🎿❄️
@@JaredManninen Update: Backcountry Experience had the actual BCX GT boots I demo-ed on sale for $!00 so those are bought. :) Also they have use as demos for my Spider 62s so those will trade in toward the Excursion 88s. Bit of a downside, the 88s are mounted with the Rottefella BC auto bindings but given my skill level it's far from a dealbreaker. I also have to wait a bit before I can pick up the skis, also not a dealbreaker. :) Thanks again for your help and advice!
A perfect answer to my uncertainty about buying a second set of skis and boots. Thank you!
Glad I could be of service, Gregory 🤗 And I appreciate your contribution 👍
Such beautiful explanation of the subject for the common man Jared!
Thank you so much, Rahul :) I tried to organize the info in a logical manner, but there's a few different angles so I wasn't sure if I was just babbling toward the end. haha. Glad you found it relatively easy to understand!
Really like my Fischer Sbound 88 skis for backcountry.
Fantastic! It's a great xc ski to have :)
I have Spider 62s, demo'ed Fischer 98 & 88, buying the 88. Better all around methinks.
I’m always inspired by your demonstrations of different techniques, such as skating on waxless BC skis. Would you say that skating the Spider 62s is the more efficient way to tour the BC in these crusty conditions, or do you just do it for practice/fun?
Thanks so much for the kind words! Glad I can provide some inspiration :)
As far as skating on the Spider 62s goes, I usually just do it for fun and to practice. I don't necessarily skate on them as my main mode of travel. That said, if the snow conditions are right (consistently firm) I will bring out my actual skate skis and boots and crust ski everywhere. But, again, the conditions have to be ideal for me to do that otherwise I just find myself fumbling around (especially when it comes to navigating forests). Mostly I find that skating (whether on dedicated skate skis or with backcountry xc skis) in the backcountry is best done across big open fields. Classic skiing/diagonal striding on backcountry xc skis is still the best way to go. But I definitely like to throw in some skating technique for fun when the conditions are right.
The freedom of movement inherent with cross-country skiing is why I love it so much. Thanks to the free heel, light equipment, and camber/grip zone, you can do as you please without needing specific terrain features to have a good time :)
Thanks again for tuning in, and I appreciate the positive feedback!
Hi Jared,
thank you again for a great video, very helpful.
I am one of those that decided to go against usual advice and buy 1 ski set, but then I am at my beginings so far so I guess I'm allowed.🙃
I wanted to know your view on my plan.
I am a beginner crosskountry skier and I like to use the groomed tracks but also step off track and enjoy a bit of ungroomed terrain on rolling hils (similar to what you have in this vid ) not very steep and not very deep snow.
I have learned that I need more support in a boot and more control of the skis going downhill (be it groomer or nongroomed trail).
I decided to go for Skis = Fisher Spider 62 with steel edges (One you have on this vid, a coincidence :) ) and pair them with NNN BC Rotefella Auto (56mm)
Seems like this is less wider version of BC bindings exactly for this kind of skis?
Shops in my country pair Spider 62 with Turnamic Control Step In IFP bindings but as I need more stability and control going downhil I'd prefer the Rotefella BC.
Also I'm deciding between 2 kinds of boots =
- Fisher OTX Adventure BC - perfect fit for flats, but I'm bit worried they will not provide enough ankle support for making turns
- Fisher OTX Tour - perfect fit for turns and BC, but I worry these might be too stif for the groomed track?
Thank you for any advice & thoughts on my reasoning.
Hey Ivana,
Thanks again for watching, and for the great question!
I actually have two sets of Fischer Spider 62mm. The one I'm using in this video has a regular NNN binding, but on my other set I do have NNN BC (auto version) bindings. So, I think you'll be just fine with that setup. The manual version of NNN BC is pretty large compared to the auto version, so I think that would actually be too big for the Spider 62s.
As far as the boots go, I believe the Adventure model is more robust and provides more support than the Tour version. So, your description sounds opposite of what they really are. The Adventure style boot looks like an updated version of Fischer's previous model BCX6 (which I have). You can use them on the flats and in easy terrain without too much hassle. They're not so big and bulky and heavy that you'd struggle with them at a groomed resort. That said, the Tour might actually be just enough for what you're planning to ski. And it looks like those Tour versions have a more friendly sole for walking to and from the car (or negotiating less than ideal snow/ice conditions on foot).
Off the top of my head, I would think the Tour would be enough for you, but I obviously don't know your skills and how much ankle support you need. Just know that the Adventure looks to be the more supportive boot.
Not sure how much that helps. So, if you have other questions feel free to ask :)
@@JaredManninen Thank you Jared, very helpful indeed. Glad to hear a personal experience from someone who uses ski and binding setup I plan té buy :) Great insight on the boots as just by looking online I'd say adventure is less stifer than Tour, I will definitely go and compare them in a shop to see which is better for me. Thank you again, and Im looking forward to browse more of your chanel, very informative, and beautiful as well (those mountines ❤️) Wishing you health and all the best
@@ivanap7935 Hey Ivana, so sorry for my delay in response! For whatever reason, your last comment was buried in my "held for review" folder. The whole RUclips studio thing is kinda complex, I guess. Anyway, thanks for the kind words and well wishes. I hope you have snow on which to ski. Just yesterday I logged my 40th day for the season of xc skiing! We were pounded with snow over the holidays, pretty overwhelming actually. But the snow is consolidating and setting just fine right now. Anyway, thanks again for watching and for all of your meaningful comments :) Take care!
I know NNN BC isn't compatible with vanilla NNN. However, being in the perfect storm of antique human (I'm 70) and beginner x-c skier (8 days) with a lot of alpine experience some years back (45+ years and a comfortable double diamond skier back then), a body weight about 265#, on a fixed income, I'm thinking I want to run BC bindings on my Spider 62 skis for the stiffer bootsn. That would, I suspect make everything feel a little more alpine-ish and comfortable. But, because there's always a but, they're mounted with Turnamic bindings. So being a bit long-winded meownself, here's my question finally: will Fischer auto BC bindings fit on an IFP plate? If not would they mount in the IFP holes? I'd love to maintain the integrity and strength of the ski while saving sixty or so bucks on mounting and/or a new plate. I'm also demo-ing a pair of Excursion 88 skis and Fischer BCX GT boots today and will likely buy them if they glide better than the spiders with my excessive weight (I have robbed the requisite number of convenience stores to cover that cost) . . .
Cheers, and thanks!
Interesting! I didn't even realize that Fischer had gone to using the IFP plate on the Spider 62mm.
Unfortunately, that plate is going to prevent you from mounting any other bindings to the ski. The NNN BC (auto and manual) bindings are strictly screw-on mounted, so they aren't compatible with the IFP plate. I wouldn't try removing the plate, either. So I hate to say that you're stuck with that setup, but I believe you are. That said, have you moved the bindings back to the -2 position yet? That will allow for a little more glide and less grip (it sounds like having less grip won't be a problem for you).
If you're seriously considering the Excursion 88mm, I'd consider getting the NNN BC Magnum (manual) bindings as they feel more secure to me than the auto version. The manual binding does require you to reach down to lock/unlock the bindings, but I actually find this to be more favorable than the auto version in deeper/softer snow. The spring on the auto version is pretty strong, but that makes it challenging to push into it on soft snow. I remember one time I was skiing in deeper snow and took my skis off for whatever reason. Then, when I went to step back in, I just kept pushing the ski further down into the snow. So annoying!
I think having the standard NNN bindings on the Spider 62s is not the worst thing in the world. I use mine for spring and firm snow conditions all of the time. And, believe it or not, I actually have another set of Spider 62s with the NNN BC auto bindings mounted to them (those were the ones I struggled with to click back in). But I seldom use them because the standard NNN seems to be adequate (for me, anyway) in firm snow conditions.
Anyway, hope that helps. Let me know if you have other questions or want clarification on anything I've said here :)
@@JaredManninen I took the Fischer 88s out yesterday with the Fischer BCX GT boots. I was able to glide much better. Down a very short, maybe 20', decline I was able to glide and turn much more easily than on the Spider 62s. On longer gentle (guessing maybe 10-15 degrees) I was still unable to just slide, had to either stride--which resulted in a really good glide--or double pole. I should note that everyone I talked to yesterday said the snow was really slow. I ventured off trail and in roughly the same conditions my 62s sank nearly a foot the 88s only sank about 6". The BCX GTs felt much more intuitive to me and I actually had some semblance of edge control.
Today I try S-Bound 98 189cm with Alpina Alaska boots and Xplore bindings. This is probably a bad idea as other than a wholesale spree of convenience store robberies I can't afford that setup. But, I've got 'em and I'll try 'em. 😏 I'll let you know what happens. Slainte Mhath!
Awesome. Sounds like a successful test run of the Excursions and boots! The S-Bound setup also sounds fun, but definitely both purchases add up quickly 😆 It's definitely nice to have options, but you can only run one set of skis at a time, so pace yourself 😁
And snow conditions are always a factor, obviously. That, and the fact that backcountry xc skis have much smaller glide zones compared to their groomer counterparts. So glide will always be a little less on them. But I'm glad to hear that at the steeper angle you had decent glide 👍🎿❄️
@@JaredManninen Update: Backcountry Experience had the actual BCX GT boots I demo-ed on sale for $!00 so those are bought. :) Also they have use as demos for my Spider 62s so those will trade in toward the Excursion 88s. Bit of a downside, the 88s are mounted with the Rottefella BC auto bindings but given my skill level it's far from a dealbreaker. I also have to wait a bit before I can pick up the skis, also not a dealbreaker. :)
Thanks again for your help and advice!
@@Freepowder That all sounds like a win, John! Congrats :) and I look forward to hearing about your winter xc skiing adventures :)