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Touring/AT NSers...

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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627

I've been noticing lately that there are a few people on here who are into touring and earning their turns.  Where are you from, where are you touring and whatchagot for touring setups? 

I'm from mass but tour all over the EC and also when I go west for vaca (usually UT/BCC/LCC).  Mostly in VT along the green spine though while I'm home.  Right now I'm on Whitedot Redeemers quiverkilled for Plum Guides, but my 12/13 ON3P Billy Goat Tours should be on my doorstep by tomorrow- and will be my go-to touring skis for the majority of the season.  My boots are Dalbello Virus Tours with cochise top straps grafted on as well because I hated the stock top bail. 

So what's up with you, oh rando beasts of NS?   

Nov 13 2012 11:28AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Absolutely! If you're hitting up an Avi course, you're already doing great and riding with experienced people whose judgement you trust is important as well. Another important thing to do is get the best goddam transceiver you can afford and practice with it. The barryvoxes are the shit, but they still aren't foolproof. Definitely get very familiar with all your gear.

Finally there are some great videos on Avi info I will find when I get in front of a real computer again that will be helpful as well.

Stoked so many NSers are earning their turns!
Nov 13 2012 8:08PM
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SkierX
Posts: 16253 - Karma: 538
Really need to finally pull the trigger this year. I'm getting tired of the resort experience and know that I would enjoy bushwhacking around VT far more than riding lifts.
Nov 13 2012 8:15PM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,409
I wish Google Earth had a topographical map feature. If it did and I found someone to ride with, I'd gladly drive to a spot, and then tour out even to ski like 2 or 3 hundred feet of vertical here in the Canadian praries with a randonee style setup. I'd be stoked on that. I know there are some really nice short verticals just off some of the local sled pow stashes... So there has to be more out there.
Nov 13 2012 8:20PM
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MagSeven
Posts: 1000 - Karma: 412
I've got BD Megawatts with Dukes. Should've gone down the Dynafit/Plum route, but didn't have cash for that at the time.

I tour lots in the mountains in central Hokkaido. Don't tell anyone, but the snow is even better than in Niseko!
Nov 13 2012 8:21PM
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Literature
Posts: 13673 - Karma: 3,086
Been doing lots of touring this fall around northwest Montana, and planning to do that all winter with a bit of time on the PNW volcanoes this spring.

191 Wrens with Dukes, 186 Viciks (to be replaced with 186 BG tours or a prototype) with Radical FT 12s. Somthing narrower with Speed Radicals in the spring. BD Quadrant boot with a Solly Ghost top strap.
Nov 13 2012 8:25PM
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assface
Posts: 4319 - Karma: 2,031
I tour around anchorage, mostly turnagain and hatcher

Bentchetlers with salomon gaurdians
Nov 13 2012 8:29PM
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Neffer
Posts: 806 - Karma: 38
Anybody have any experience with the G3 Onyx?  I picked up a pair at a swap for cheap just because they were there, and and now trying to decide what to do with them.  I am operating on a pretty tight budget this year.
Nov 13 2012 8:35PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
I would mount them on skis. I hear that's all the rage these days.
Nov 13 2012 8:36PM
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YoungJah
Posts: 1106 - Karma: 66
5th season of this shit.

But starting to move into the direction ski mountaineering and camping now.
Nov 13 2012 8:39PM
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Neffer
Posts: 806 - Karma: 38
Wait, they're sold separately?
Nov 13 2012 8:40PM
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ShredMasterPlus
Posts: 1159 - Karma: 807
Nah man those a snow-blade touring bindings. You gotta do more research.
Nov 13 2012 8:40PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8863 - Karma: 31,577
how cheap?
Nov 13 2012 8:44PM
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bigwhite.steeze
Posts: 8227 - Karma: 1,030
suppper excited for touring this year, was on some k2 mt bakers with fritschi freerides last year

moved up in the world and blew the bank on 180 armada magic j's and atomic tracker 16's, ohhhh baby is it gonna be a good year of givener!

oh yeah and ill be touring around big white, revelstoke and nelson! boooya
Nov 13 2012 8:48PM
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Neffer
Posts: 806 - Karma: 38
$200, if not those then my other option right now is the ft12.
Nov 13 2012 8:48PM
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yourthemannowdog
Posts: 4541 - Karma: 313
I just got a pair of ARGs. Next year I will invest in some AT bindings, but I'm broke atm.
Nov 13 2012 9:30PM
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Ryno
Posts: 31125 - Karma: 336
Which touring binding is least likely to explode doing switch landings? Im a big fan of skiing switch and doing 1s and 3s in my lines. i need something that can take a bit of abuse.
Nov 13 2012 10:14PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,462
dukes/gaurdians/mfd

mfd is a lot worse going up tho
Nov 13 2012 10:24PM
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nstubler
Posts: 840 - Karma: 1,170
Western Colorado, Barons on JJs

For those looking to get into touring I'm selling a pair of Large Barons, 10/10 condition, for 225


hit me up?
Nov 13 2012 10:25PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Yes. If you're worried about them pulling out just use epoxied inserts. They will not come out.
Nov 13 2012 10:34PM
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Ryno
Posts: 31125 - Karma: 336
Thats another thing I am unfamilar with. Whats the deal with inserts?
Nov 13 2012 10:39PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Inserts are the future. Plain and simple. Allows you to swap bindings between touring like a plum & alpine like an FKS, and also bring way more skis on a trip and share the same binders between them. Also stronger bond to the ski and reusable for any future owners. In all ways it's better than just blasting screws into your core for a one time deal.
Nov 13 2012 10:44PM
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iLLbiLLy
Posts: 2865 - Karma: 2,631
jackson hole. Putting some dukes on my ak jj's this year
Nov 13 2012 10:55PM
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250r
Posts: 2274 - Karma: 1,020
not dukes, they only have one screw holding the heal in, youll fly right out of them after some switch landings. I dont know about gaurdians, maybe they would handle them better. MFDs are the best for it, but as said, not so light.
Nov 13 2012 10:58PM
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charcharbinks
Posts: 515 - Karma: 734
183 Bentchetlers and 176 Blogs with Marker Touring bindings (not sure which kind exactly). I have Garmont Touring Boots but I usually just use my Nordica Dead Moneys instead.
Nov 13 2012 11:01PM
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250r
Posts: 2274 - Karma: 1,020
yea ill finally be going the insert route this year. Quiver killers are probably the best know and most used insert, but http://bindingfreedom.com/ is owned by the original inventor of inserts that quiver killer than ripped off with an inferior product. Not that quiver killers are terrible, but binding freedoms are better built/burlier.
Nov 13 2012 11:02PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Truth. And the binding freedom inserts have screwdriver slots so you don't have to fuck with that screw/nut thingy. Quiverkillers are just easier to say.
Nov 13 2012 11:07PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
Jackson WY... I may seem like a gear hoarder but I got 160+ days last season and I use everything I own. Out of those days I only managed 39 scanned on my ski pass. I don't care how I get the pow, but I get it. And I will do what is necessary to make it happen.
ON3P C&D with Dukes are my daily drivers (this time of year read: rock skis). Though my bases are now officially shredded and I'm glad I have another pair ready to mount as soon as the snowpack is deeper.
I have new 191 Billy Goats on their way via FedEx which I will mount with Sollyfit plates (from www.bindingfreedom.com) to swap between my STH 16 and Plum guides with ease. I've been using binding freedom inserts but am switching to the plate because I ripped the Plums out of a different prototype ski... I guess I'm an official tester for this prototype shiz and am getting another set of a 113mm underfoot rockered twintip ski from them. These will also be mounted with the Sollyfit. I call them my park ski. I'll either have them as my uberlight touring setup for skiing in Grand Teton National Park or for ripping/jibbing in and around JHMR with the STH16.
I have each a pair of Salomon Quest 14 and Dalbello Virus boots at the moment. I've also got a set of Nordica Ace of Spades boots which I prefer over the Quest 14 for downhill charging but the toes got seriously chewed up possibly from touring and definitely from hiking on scree. Need to return those and see if I can score a new set. I love the three piece shell with the buckle that cinches the ankle back.
I was going to upgrade my shitty '03 SkiDoo Summit 800 this year but I just got into some trouble and no longer have a budget.
I was lucky to score a Vario ABS pack last year for about half off. I have skins for each of my three setups. My crampons only saw about 4 days last year and I was glad to have them. I have yet to ski with a harness but that might change this season. I upgraded my winter sleeping bag this fall to the Kelty Cosmic Down 0 and have an REI four-season tent, an 85% complete cabin in a rad zone, and some other assorted goods to get the winter camping scene going strong this year. Oh, and don't forget health insurance: $215/month and worth every penny.
I'm a skier.
Nov 13 2012 11:29PM
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kevin_k
Posts: 111 - Karma: 144
Threads for info. I'm super interested in this sort of stuff, but work is limiting me to Ontario and no car.
Nov 13 2012 11:30PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
There are some cool places. Don't be afraid to head into the Adirondaks or White Mountains too. I was back east a couple years ago and found good snow in all sorts of places I wished I'd visited more when I was younger.
Nov 13 2012 11:39PM
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yourthemannowdog
Posts: 4541 - Karma: 313
WHERE WERE YOU A WEEK AGO!!!

I live in southwestern CO and was in the market for bindings. Where do you ski in CO though?
Nov 14 2012 12:31AM
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AndyGreen
Posts: 827 - Karma: 61
i want to get into touring but i dont have the money for a whole setup
Nov 14 2012 12:48AM
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AB_Pow
Posts: 225 - Karma: 103
Just getting into touring. Live in Red Deer, AB so not much around but plan on skinning up my local hill mid week when they aren't open and going to the mountains on weekends. Most likely be spending most of my AT time in the mountains at Castle exploring the slackcountry and the cat skiing zone. My set up will be Pettitors with Guardians, heavy as fuck i know, but willing to sacrifice for the down hill shredability. Looking forward to what comes of this thread!
Nov 14 2012 12:51AM
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titsLOL
Posts: 7485 - Karma: 396
What about the rails holding the heel down too? It's not just one screw, I'd say it's pretty strong. I have guardians for this year though, they blow the dukes out of the water in my opinion. Burly metal claws holding the heel down, and 1 cm lower to the ski making them WAY better for hitting jumps.

In my opinion the only smart AT set ups right now, assuming you can afford whatever you want, are guardians or dynafits depending on what you want to do.
Nov 14 2012 12:54AM
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snakerton
Posts: 2434 - Karma: 1,977
im sorry. thats not true
Nov 14 2012 1:03AM
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Ryanvdonk
Posts: 12808 - Karma: 1,945
after struggling around on trekkers for the past two years (which was compounded since my alpine charger binding of choice is a 916) i took advantage of a proform and purchased a pair of guardians...will be putting them on my old 181 Wrens.

now this might sound like a heavy setup still, but compared to day wreckers with 9brickteens it will seem like a feather...and then i'll have a nice charging ski to go fast on.

and touring around colorado mostly, so rocky mountain NP, indian peaks, ten mile range, grey's and torrey's, yadda yadda yadda, shit is gonna be fun.
Nov 14 2012 1:17AM
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Holte
Posts: 10730 - Karma: 7,744
Are trekkers REALLY that bad? I break bindings like it's my job, so I prefer to ski in bomb-proof bindings. And almost all of my touring consists of little hour long jaunts to get to a jump location. I've heard nothing but bad things about trekkers, but I've also had nothing but bad experiences jumping in Dukes. I'm hoping for short treks in familiar terrain that trekkers in FKS 180s would be fine.
Nov 14 2012 1:38AM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
Trekkers aren't that bad.

Guardians/Trackers are not 10mm lower than Dukes, more like 4mm.

Onyx suck, sell them and guy Dynafits.
Nov 14 2012 3:37AM
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Ghini
Posts: 2229 - Karma: 2,883
Yes they are a bit heavy, but it also really depends on what bindings you mounted on them..
MFD's do work great, super solid and torsional stiff, very quick and easy changing between touring moden and walking mode, but also quick changing between different hights, I love that..
I have a pretty heavy but burly setup now, if I want to do some really long tours I'll get Dynafits/plums..
Nov 14 2012 5:08AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627

MFDs are about the burliest option out there if you're going gigunda-huge or future spinning off cliffs and want to have your FKS18s or greensprings with you.  Believe it or not though I really think the biggest thing that impacts your climbing comfort isn't weight, but stride.  If your toe hinge is way out front, your toe (natural stride hinge point) will be farther away from a natural movement and your body has to compensate.  On a long climb it is like an effort multiplier to use these balance and compensation muscles and that's really why dukes and such are tougher on the climb up.  Put that same extra weight on a dynafit guy's skis and he would still kill the climb, but change his hinge point and he will be impacted in a big way.  One thing I really do like about the tech bindings though that isn't often mentioned is that you dont change the flex pattern of the ski with them like you do with a rigid plate system or full AT binding rig like the dukes/guardians.  Hate that deaed underfoot feeling personally, and when you can feel the energy of the ski better you can ski better-  Especially since the metal-on-metal connections between the boot and the binding do transmit just about everything into the boot and thus your foot (for better or worse but usually for the better)  

But yes, hinge point.  I think in the coming years you'll see companies like MFD chip away at the wasted energy in having the hinge that far out front and the gap will close somewhat.  I'm not completely sold on them as of yet, but I don't go that big either so nbd. 

Nov 14 2012 8:49AM
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DockEllis
Posts: 1131 - Karma: 1,745
SW MT on Moment JagSharks and Barons. Touring is a blast, such a good change of pace from shredding the resort.
Nov 14 2012 9:48AM
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zbphoto
Posts: 7789 - Karma: 12,037
I'm moving out to Whistler in February and I've decided to get into touring. I have bakerpow's old barons, I'm pretty light so they'll be fine. Probably gonna get some 4frnt HOJI's on proform from my shop, can't find much on their pre cut skins though. Anyone tour in full tilts?

I'll take Avi 1 as soon as I get out, and then I have a bunch of friends who are also getting into it, so it should be a great season. Tremblant's my home mountain on the EC, I kind of want to start touring around there before I head out, maybe in the provincial park as well?
Nov 14 2012 10:11AM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
some seths and barons...


Nov 14 2012 10:16AM
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brizz
Posts: 1051 - Karma: 74
always have rocked BD skins but got gifted a pair of gecko skins last year. Interesting concept and design with being glue less and mohair but also had issues with them sticking to ski on really cold and storm days. Really thinking about a waxless bc ski (or hacking into a base of an old ski to texture it) for bushwacking the VT woods.
Nov 14 2012 10:49AM
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Pipe_Munky
Posts: 10887 - Karma: 2,165
i live in ontario and my parents ski chalet is right across the street from an old bankrupt ski hill so i started earning my turns on both skis and snowboard after coaching down the road at another ski club.

Skis: 2011 Obseth
Bindings: Dukes
Boots: Krypton Pro or Il Moro
Skins: K2 Trim to Fit

Snowboard: Ride Highlife
Bindings: Ride Capo
Boots: Ride Crew Focus Boa
Snowshoes: Atlas Aspect
Nov 14 2012 1:21PM
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chiefbroseph
Posts: 720 - Karma: 522
one screw? there are four screws holding the heel in, and they won't fly out when making switch landings. your statement is simply false. i would say that the all time plate with some pivots would be the best for free ski touring. they tour like shit and they are heavy but with a binding like a pivot, the ride hight is super low and its a strong setup.
Nov 14 2012 8:44PM
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Aenigma
Posts: 11256 - Karma: 424
I'll be touring quite a bit this year on my setup from last year--185 BD Justice with some Dynafits. I've never had more fun in any type of soft snow than I've had on those skis, they are incredible!

Anyways, I'll be laid off here in a week or so, and I'm hoping to be out in the snow a lot more this year than I have been in a long time. Two consecutive knee surgeries means more time touring around the backcountry than skiing hardpack with everyone else, so I'm going to be doing some exploring this winter. Right now I have two yurt skiing trips lined up by Seeley Lake:
Click for larger image

and at a new place just outside Cooke City:
Click for larger image

This winter doesn't sound too promising, but at the least I'll get out and see a bunch of really cool places.
Nov 14 2012 9:38PM
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250r
Posts: 2274 - Karma: 1,020
ok i stand corrected then i admit i havent really taken a good look at them myself as there were other things about them that i didnt like. i was just going off of what i heard. and yea mfds really arent that bad to tour with for a ski that your going to be jumping and spinning with. Its what i have on my bibbys for a resort and sidecountry ski, and i dont really ever notice the weight, as long as i keep the distances relatively short. If your going into the backcountry planning on doing a bunch of freestyle type stuff i doubt you'd be venturing all that far anyways. It wouldn't make too much sense risk getting hurt like that in a place several hours away from help.
Nov 14 2012 11:16PM
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Pancake_Fucker
Posts: 1833 - Karma: 1,880
Ill be touring on 2013 179 hellbents with barons, and Salomon spk boots and sometimes nordica boots. Ill be in Revelstoke and touring in Rogers pass. I know my setup heavy for uphill, but worth it for the downhill.
Nov 14 2012 11:41PM
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Literature
Posts: 13673 - Karma: 3,086
Shit.

We should make this a cult. Or take over one that already exists.

Anybody else interested?
Nov 15 2012 2:11AM
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Sklar
Posts: 8863 - Karma: 31,577
do it up
Nov 15 2012 2:12AM
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