Gear Review: Denali XT's with Raichle Flexon Tounges and Booster Straps
Finally got out the Dremmel the other night and replaced the stock tongues on my Denali's with Raichle Flexon Race tounges. I then added a booster strap (the stiffest model) over the existing Scarpa strap.
I then took them for a test run by hiking about 2k up Bald Mountain here, skinning the groomers on my K2 Lawnchairs with Freerides. The modifications really didn't seem to effect the hiking function of the Scarpas at all. I easily skinned up the hill to a cat track where I took the skins off and went through the process of buckling, tightening and strapping down the new boots. Once I had them in "ski" position with all of the buckles ratcheted down and the booster straps really tight, I knew I was in for a treat. The forward flex felt like my Beta Races.
In short, I skied my 190 Lawnchairs like they were an alpine set up--driving the skis while keeping them on their edges on the icey hardpack. I was really surprised at how hard I could drive the toungues through the turns, given that I was on an A/T set up. I had no problems carving down the steeper hardpack on this new set up. I'd strongly recommend this set up to anyone who wants a better touring boot.
