Today I will share my impressions of the Xcelerator Mounting Plate from Rottefella.
The platform is designed, first of all, to solve the problem of installing standard NIS bindings on skis and roller skis without a pre-installed NIS plate by the manufacturer.
The Rottefella company has discontinued the iconic R3 binding model, which was exactly what was needed for “naked” skis and roller skates. And now only NIS mounts are produced.
I was interested in this platform as someone who moves NIS mounts forward or backward depending on trail conditions. If the trail is tough, then I move the mount forward for better directional stability. If it is soft or medium hard, well prepared with a snowcat, then you can move the mount back, which will increase the speed of the skis.
So, what we have: OneWay Premio 10 skis, Xcelerator mounting plate black, Xcelerator Skate bindings.
I had R3 mounts, so I had to remove them and fill in the old holes.
For installation, we will also need a special tool: a drill with a 3.5mm stop, preferably a special one. conductor for installing these platforms. If there is no conductor, you can mark it yourself. You can snap the Xcelerator fastener onto the platform at the middle notch and mark the axis of the boot. This mark will need to be compared with the center of gravity of our skis.
Conductor. The pink platform in the center indicates the size of the boot; on the right, the heel pad is simply snapped into place fixedly.
Don't forget to fill the holes with glue. I use regular PVA glue. Any moisture resistant can be used.
The platform comes with bolts that are tightened quite tightly. It is worth mentioning separately that when not installed, the platforms are slightly curved and quite rigid. I was afraid that this was a defect and would have to be heated to straighten it. This was done on purpose. At the time of installation and tightening of the bolts, the platform fits tightly onto the ski.
SNS and NNN systems. Why only these two systems: it’s simple - they are the most common on at the moment(everything else is a thing of the past - NN 75 mm mounts (for boots with three holes, which may be gathering dust on your balconies) are already less practical and not so convenient, they do not fix the boot well relative to the plane of the ski).
Let me make a reservation right away: both fastening systems have many models that are designed for beginner skiers (amateurs) and for professionals. World-class athletes perform on both mounts, everyone chooses for themselves.
I'll start with the SNS mounting system. Developed by Salomon. Tourist (recreational) options, as a rule, come with automatic shoes (with automatic fastening, you just need to insert the boot into the mount) and are suitable for a combined style of skating - classic or skate. Flexor (elastic band) of medium hardness. Their disadvantages are that they are heavier and sometimes freeze at low temperatures.
The next step will be SNS mounts PROFIL EQUIPE (classic or skate). The only difference is in the flexors (rubber bands). For skating style of skating it is more rigid. Suitable for both amateurs and higher level athletes. These bindings will provide better control over the ski.
A level higher are the SNS PILOT EQUIPE mounts (classic or skate). Pros: better geometry, lighter weight, excellent ski control. Many professional skiers choose this model. Additionally, a WEDGE plate is installed between this binding and the ski, which raises the front of the boot by 5 millimeters, which, according to Salomon research, increases the push-off phase and rolling on the ski. There are two types: narrow and wide, your choice.
Salomon's top model ski bindings SNS PILOT CARBON RC (RC2), released in 2015. Manufacturers not only reduced weight and maintained excellent control over the ski, but also built in a wedge plate, which improves stability and rolling distance when pushing off. The cost is significantly higher than previous models, but it's worth it.
All Salomon bindings are installed on skis using screws.
Now I’ll tell you about the NNN system. Developed by ROTTEFELLA. Just like SNS, amateur, recreational (for beginner skiers) options will be automatic bindings, for example: step-in, costing about 1000 rubles. Installed on skis using screws.
The next in the NNN line are the ROTTEFELLA R3 bindings, which are also installed using screws, but in 2015 they were discontinued, hence we conclude that the entire NNN line (not including amateur ones) comes with a screwless installation system (the bindings are installed on a pre-installed ski NIS platform using a special key). There are two mount models in approximately the same price category as the R3:
Xcelerator Junior and Exercise (There are skate and classic). The first ones are perfect for athletes different levels training with a foot size of no more than 42, because The length of the guide platform will no longer allow it - it is continuous. The second is for amateur athletes with an average level of training who do not strive to achieve the highest results.
The top stage of evolution was the ROTTEFELLA XCELERATOR bindings (Skate and Classic). For athletes who are seriously interested in sports. Light weight and practicality make them the perfect addition to the NNN range. In addition to the skating version, they install the XCELERATOR SKATE SPACER platform (analogous to the WEDGE plate from Salomon), which raises the toe of the binding, thereby improving stability and repulsion. It is also attached to the NIS platform using a key and the mounts themselves are installed on top of it.
Or you can choose a mount option with an already built-in platform - ROTTEFELLA XCELERATOR SSR
Let's summarize. When choosing bindings, look at your skis; now most manufacturers already integrate the NIS platform into skis (FISCHER, MADSHUS, ROSSIGNOL). In this case, I recommend installing NNN system mounts, because They are easy to remove and install (can be used without problems on roller skis in the summer). If you have skis without a plate (for example, SALOMON, ATOMIC, YOKO, JARVINEN, SKI TRAB do not have one), then Salomon bindings are perfect, or you can install amateur Rottefella step-in ones.
I have tried both systems over many years of training. In my opinion Salomon bindings The Pilot has much better grip between the boot and the ski, due to its two axles, and, accordingly, the handling is at its best. The choice is yours. Below is a photo of the skis with and without the NIS platform.
Today I will share my impressions of the Xcelerator Mounting Plate from Rottefella.
The platform is designed, first of all, to solve the problem of installing standard NIS bindings on skis and roller skis without a pre-installed NIS plate by the manufacturer.
The Rottefella company has discontinued the iconic R3 binding model, which was exactly what was needed for “naked” skis and roller skates. And now only NIS mounts are produced.
I was interested in this platform as someone who moves NIS mounts forward or backward depending on trail conditions. If the trail is tough, then I move the mount forward for better directional stability. If it is soft or medium hard, well prepared with a snowcat, then you can move the mount back, which will increase the speed of the skis.
So, what we have: OneWay Premio 10 skis, Xcelerator mounting plate black, Xcelerator Skate bindings.
I had R3 mounts, so I had to remove them and fill in the old holes.
For installation, we will also need a special tool: a drill with a 3.5mm stop, preferably a special one. conductor for installing these platforms. If there is no conductor, you can mark it yourself. You can snap the Xcelerator fastener onto the platform at the middle notch and mark the axis of the boot. This mark will need to be compared with the center of gravity of our skis.
Conductor. The pink platform in the center indicates the size of the boot; on the right, the heel pad is simply snapped into place fixedly.
Don't forget to fill the holes with glue. I use regular PVA glue. Any moisture resistant can be used.
The platform comes with bolts that are tightened quite tightly. It is worth mentioning separately that when not installed, the platforms are slightly curved and quite rigid. I was afraid that this was a defect and would have to be heated to straighten it. This was done on purpose. At the time of installation and tightening of the bolts, the platform fits tightly onto the ski.
With the release of the new product, the Turnamic sole appeared, but the familiar Xcelerator is also compatible with the new bindings. There are no qualitative differences, the same sole in a different design.
Turnamic Race, Control and Tour bindings are available with an automatic Step-in fastening mechanism. Race Pro with fully manual mechanism only. Externally, the Step-in mechanism is indicated by arrows in the area of the boot brace.
If you turn the fasteners over, you can see a spring in the mechanism - it is responsible for automatic operation.
Previously, the Step-in mechanism was only available on amateur bindings; they were not installed on racing bindings. We have already discussed the disadvantages of automatic fastenings in the article. The tourniquets do not have this drawback; they can be unfastened without problems using a rotating mechanism, and not a button. The solution is very convenient, in our opinion. The mounts are a couple of tens of grams heavier, what will they affect? They are unlikely to worsen the result, but automatic fastening is very convenient.
Features of Turnamic:
Rotary boot release mechanism
Swivel mechanism Fischer turnamic
According to the manufacturer, this system makes it easy to open and close the mechanism even with gloves. To be honest, there were no particular difficulties with the old mounts.
Fixing the ski mount at one point
Fixation occurs using two metal pins. This was done so as not to affect the stiffness and performance of the skis. There is an opinion that skis become stiffer after installing bindings. The developers of Turnamik made a fixation at one point. When the skis “work”, the mount moves slightly on the guides without changing the elasticity of the ski. For more information about this effect, watch the video at the end of this article.
How much better is this design? In our opinion, the NIS system also did not prevent the ski from working correctly.
Fastener retainer (two metal pins)
IFP Platform
Adjustment without additional tools
The fasteners are adjustable without a special key, unlike Rottefella. But the latest products from Rottefella can also be adjusted with just a flick of the wrist. The Turnamic developers present keyless adjustment as an advantage, but in fact they only changed the shape, presenting the same mechanism in a different wrapper.
Adjustable mounts without additional tools
How to install NIS mounts on IFP?
Attempting to install Rottefella NIS on IFP guides will lead to nothing. The platforms are completely different. The NIS rails are a bit wider, so the mounts just won't physically fit, let alone snap into place.
There are currently two options:
- remove (grind, file, etc.) from the IFP ski and screw the NIS on the screws
- wait for some kind of adapter to appear (according to rumors, such an adapter should be released for the 18/19 season)
On the other hand, new skis are usually purchased with their own bindings. And there are no problems with the compatibility of boots, so there is no need to come up with various tricks. Moreover, the price of IFPs is comparable to NIS mounts.
How to install SNS on IFP (Turnamic) platform?
The SNS system can simply be drilled. Yes, yes, how they drilled into the NIS platform. Drills with screws will not create any obstacles on any platforms!
The only inconvenient moment is the gap between the front of the platform and the heel. The middle Pilot screw fits exactly into this empty space and is in a suspended state. We put a washer there (the gap is visible in the photo below). It is better to put a strip of plastic there to prevent snow from clogging. In general, there is room for imagination, but it is still possible to stage pilots.
Appeared interesting news from Salomon. The SNS-IFP plate adapter is out. The plate is placed on top of the IFP platform and any fasteners are installed on the plate. The advantage of the plate is that it makes the platform for installing the fasteners level and without gaps.
Turnamic mounts for NIS platform
Without much publicity, Fischer released Turnamic mounts that are installed on the good old NIS platform. Why they did this is not entirely clear to us. Tournamiks do not provide any advantages, except that the fastening mechanism may seem more convenient to someone. Now we will show what tournamics on nis are.
Externally they are not much different from Turnamic on IFP. Main differences:
- separately installed heel
- nis latch at the rear of the mount
- latch through adapter in front
The front part is attached in the same way as the tournamic on the IFP, only through a special adapter (pictured below).
Do not try to find this adapter separately. Turnamic ifp and turnamic nis – absolutely different mounts . Guides IFP platforms are slightly narrower than NIS. Mounts made for IFP and you will find an adapter for them, they simply will not physically fit on the NIS. Therefore, do not waste your time and energy on this. Install NIS mounts on the NIS platform, turnamic mounts on the IFP and you will be happy.
Turnamic mounts marked nis are installed very simply: a special adapter is installed on the NIS, and then everything is the same as on the Xcellerator.
Replacement flexors on Turnamic
There will be replacement flexors on sale, but they will all have the same hardness. There will be no division into Soft, Medium and Hard yet. There are only 2 hardnesses: skate and classic. It is planned to release flexors of different hardness for the next season (18/19).
What boots will fit Turnamic bindings?
WITH new system fully All boots with NNN soles are compatible. Xcellerator, Turnamic, Prolink and inexpensive NNN soles. For example, Tisa or Spine boots fit into new bindings without any problems.
IFP platform with screws
For Salomon and Atomic skis that come pre-drilled from the factory, there are screw-on IFP platforms.
Turnamic screw fastenings
There is an option with screws. In general, everything is the same, only they are mounted without an IFP platform. They are intended for roller skates, but if you wish, you can also screw them onto skis :) But screwing them on again is not so simple - instead of the usual screws for a Phillips screwdriver, they used star screws.
In 2005, Rottefella, together with global manufacturers ski Rossignol and Madhus has released an innovative system designed for NIS (or Nordic Integrated System) bindings. A special platform is mounted into the ski structure at the factory. That is why it is impossible to use this fastening fixation system without a platform. Currently, similar skis are produced Fischer company, Madshus and Rossignol.
Using the NIS Platform
The mount moves along the axes of the platform installed in the structure. After reaching the desired position, fixation occurs with a characteristic click. The main part of the fastening is wound along the guides, starting from the toe. The thrust bearing starts from the heel. The movement of the fastening between the clamps occurs using a special iron plate, which is included in the kit. Adjustment relative to the center of gravity is also provided at intervals of 5 mm.
Main advantages of NIS
- There is no need to independently determine the location of the center of gravity.
- There is no need to make holes in the ski yourself.
- The fasteners are easy and quick to install and remove.
- You can use the same binding for several different sets of skis.
- Transporting skis without bindings is much easier.
- The presence of additional adjustment gives great benefits when the weather changes.
NIS 5. Platform that is installed on racing skis(Race). Contains 5 mounting adjustment ranges with a radius of 2 cm.
NIS 3. Platform used on training (Sport) and pleasure (Touring) skis. Has 3 adjustment ranges.
NIS 1. Platform for walking and touring skis. Has 1 position for fixing.
NIS 1 junior. Platform for use on youth skis. Contains a single item for boots with small sizes.
The NIS platform gives the skier an advantage when the weather changes. If you are going to ride on a hard track, then experts recommend moving the mount forward. After this action, the stiffness of the ski will be used to a greater extent.
After fresh snow falls, you need to move the mount back. This move will reduce the pressure on the tip of the ski. However, if the snow is loose, it would be better to set the middle position to get an even weight distribution.
Proper adjustment of the binding for classics is of priority importance for ease of riding. Depending on the position, you can adjust the deflection distance at a constant mass of the rider. If you place the mount at the front, the rigidity of the ski will increase; if you pull it back, you can achieve a reduction in “recoil”.
