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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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Ghini
Posts: 2230 - Karma: 2,883
BoaxHas its place if it functions well and is priced right. Anyone drooling over it, enjoy the wait.


I would choose the Skitrab TR2 over the Marker.. Talked to a French guide about those, he loved them and trusted them with all the crazy things he did last year. Not sponsored.

BoaxAlso last week I asked a Salomon athlete what they have coming. He said he couldn't talk about it.


Haha nice, who was it?
I loved the story on TGR about a guy who crossed paths with the Marker test team. They were not happy people saw the kingpin in the wild..
The Salomon/Atomic will be similar to the Marker. It would surprise me if it will have a release system like the TR2/Beast
Sep 1 2014 4:57PM
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
not really touring, but a couple of friends and I wanted to get some turns in and decided to try our luck skiing The Great One, in the Bridger Range today. Had a blast, very gnarly, glad everyone made it out safe. Definitely a no fall run this time of year. First time (snow) skiing in September!
Sep 1 2014 10:59PM
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ChasingFlakes
Posts: 822 - Karma: 1,544
*cgski*not really touring, but a couple of friends and I wanted to get some turns in and decided to try our luck skiing The Great One, in the Bridger Range today. Had a blast, very gnarly, glad everyone made it out safe. Definitely a no fall run this time of year. First time (snow) skiing in September!


you can't post such an exciting comment with a broken photo link. Killing me.

And just in case you havn't seen these yet. They make my dick swole.

http://marker.net/kingpin/
Sep 1 2014 11:46PM
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
ChasingFlakesyou can't post such an exciting comment with a broken photo link. Killing me.

And just in case you havn't seen these yet. They make my dick swole.

http://marker.net/kingpin/


yeah idk why i cant embed off of Facebook.

Here ya go





Sep 2 2014 12:29AM
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ChasingFlakes
Posts: 822 - Karma: 1,544
Shit chyeah! well played!
Sep 2 2014 1:20AM
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FrankerZ
Posts: 223 - Karma: 1,129
Hey guys!

So I just got the new Bent Chetler and I'm thinking about making my first touring setup out of them and I'm looking for bindings and skins for them. I will be doing fairly short hikes so I'm looking for a binding focused more on the skiing down than going up. I'll be using these skis in the Alps so I'll be skiing anything from deep pow to rotten snow and groomers. I'm a lightweight guy, 6'1, 160 pounds, so I'm looking for a lower din binding like the Marker Baron or Atomic Tracker 13.
As for the skins, I dont know much about them so some recommendations would be nice.
Sep 2 2014 8:06AM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7408 - Karma: 11,040
Interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5NfDxHa1-0#t=188
Sep 2 2014 12:34PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8863 - Karma: 31,577
more info on the kingpin
http://www.wildsnow.com%2F14363%2Fmarker-kingpin-binding-review%2F&h=0AQHbfGDB
Sep 2 2014 2:37PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
lol Marker... I can't wait to watch all the gear-happy gapers tomahawk down mogul fields with these Kingpins.

The truth is that Joey Q. Public has no idea what LT bindings are for. Just the fact that they're prone to toe pin icing and the exposed spring getting packed in causing prerelease (or not locking in at all) will mean people are gonna get fucked up. This will be made worse since because it's "DIN certified" retards will be skiing these everywhere as if it was a good idea- and getting fucked, as these are more smoke and mirrors than actual improvement of any existing design IMO... But they've been testing it for too long to not release it as is, and just slap some marketing bullshit on it to wow people who have no idea what they're looking at.


Also, above and beyond the fact that these have a forward pressure heel with a 0 elasticity toe, these have no lateral release in the toe with a lateral release heel. That is total crap, and not really even an improvement in reality. The Beast already came up with a better idea for the toe interface, and also negated a lot of the harshness of the tech toe metal on metal connection and this is just a big fat step backwards in all honesty since th Beast has been out for literally years now. I still have no idea why people are stoked on it at all. It's just a churched up joey binding. .


The Beast 14 is infinitely better of a binding and also has DIN cert release. If I was into a one-for-all tech toe binding, I would go straight for that. Fuck the Kingpin. This is a market grabber binding and nothing more IMO.
Sep 4 2014 10:15AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Hey if you have something of substance to add or something I'm missing here, say it and don't just downvote.

It's good to see big companies picking up on the LT wave but I expect more out of a company like Marker tbh.
Sep 4 2014 12:15PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7408 - Karma: 11,040
Huck_NorrisHey if you have something of substance to add or something I'm missing here, say it and don't just downvote.

It's good to see big companies picking up on the LT wave but I expect more out of a company like Marker tbh.


It wasn't me but I think you are overlooking the importance of this. Sure, it may end up being a hellacious binding and PR nightmare, but it shows that the big companies are investing R&D money into these kinds of bindings. They didn't figure out the perfect plate-touring binding in a night, hell, they still haven't. But with attempts like this, it will push Dynafit, Plum, Salomon/Atomic, Tyrolia, etc. to further their efforts as so that they do not lose marketshare. And if it is a success, it will increase that effort even more.
Sep 4 2014 12:34PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
.MASSHOLE.It wasn't me but I think you are overlooking the importance of this. Sure, it may end up being a hellacious binding and PR nightmare, but it shows that the big companies are investing R&D money into these kinds of bindings. They didn't figure out the perfect plate-touring binding in a night, hell, they still haven't. But with attempts like this, it will push Dynafit, Plum, Salomon/Atomic, Tyrolia, etc. to further their efforts as so that they do not lose marketshare. And if it is a success, it will increase that effort even more.



Yes this is exactly what I said in the quote- it's going to help drive the industry but that's really the only thing about this to get excited for IMO. The binding itself is just ok- and actually kind of deceiving by implying it's much safer than existing LT platforms. I know people will take that and run with it and it's going to create problems when people try to ski these everywhere, all the time.
Sep 4 2014 12:38PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
*cgski*yeah idk why i cant embed off of Facebook.

Here ya go









JIZZ. TASTIC.
Sep 4 2014 2:01PM
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jblaski
Posts: 5561 - Karma: 1,027
Huck_NorrisHey if you have something of substance to add or something I'm missing here, say it and don't just downvote.

It's good to see big companies picking up on the LT wave but I expect more out of a company like Marker tbh.


I'd say it's less about the binding, and more of your "I'm right and everyone else is wrong" attitude you have. You're making an awefull lot of assumptions about a binding, and the people who may use it. Especially since only a handful of people have even seen it in real life.
Sep 4 2014 2:37PM
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
Huck_NorrisHey if you have something of substance to add or something I'm missing here, say it and don't just downvote.

It's good to see big companies picking up on the LT wave but I expect more out of a company like Marker tbh.


I like that fact that they have a wide heel platform to keep the boot down rather than just two pins. It makes sense that it would be able withstand torque better than tradition AT bindings. But who knows, i have personally never skied true tech bindings. I am going to withhold any opinions on the whole setup until i hear some reviews. There first year product is always going to have some problems, but it looks as though marker put some serious effort and money into these
Sep 4 2014 2:53PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
jblaskiI'd say it's less about the binding, and more of your "I'm right and everyone else is wrong" attitude you have. You're making an awefull lot of assumptions about a binding, and the people who may use it. Especially since only a handful of people have even seen it in real life.



Trust me dude, people out there WILL think that because it's DIN certified and a Marker product that it's an everyday resort binding now and it isn't. Not even close. That fact is inescapable. Gapers gonna gape, man... And no, this binding doesn't make any sense to me so I just don't get why people are sucking mad dick all of a sudden... When the Beast is literally years ahead of this design. The ONLY thing cool about this binding is that the heel doesn't require a boot mod like the beast does. Kind of makes me want to Frankenbind Beast toes and Kingpin heels together and see how they release.


So yeah, it's a piece of the puzzle... But far from something we should be jizzing all over everything for IMO.
Sep 4 2014 3:02PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7099 - Karma: 17,043
Huck_NorrisTrust me dude, people out there WILL think that because it's DIN certified and a Marker product that it's an everyday resort binding now and it isn't. Not even close. That fact is inescapable. Gapers gonna gape, man... And no, this binding doesn't make any sense to me so I just don't get why people are sucking mad dick all of a sudden... When the Beast is literally years ahead of this design. The ONLY thing cool about this binding is that the heel doesn't require a boot mod like the beast does. Kind of makes me want to Frankenbind Beast toes and Kingpin heels together and see how they release.


So yeah, it's a piece of the puzzle... But far from something we should be jizzing all over everything for IMO.


The heel does need modding like the beast. The big thin I see is it's kind of like the cast system. You could just get the toe converted on a aine boot and convert the heel yourself. This will open up the market more as boots are more easily available. I do agree somewhat about what you say about people not really understanding this binding but I think the price will be a factor here. the price will put off a lot of people so the people you worry about will still go baron/duke. This binding is interesting I think as it's changing up the standard. Remember too as good as the beast is it did not sell. I believe this was partly due to the price but also partly to do with it being dynafit. Marker have so much more r and d none that you would hope most of the kinks hav been worked out. Personally I think this would suit someone like yourself. I remember discussin the cast system with you and these seemingly will give a similar performance but with less hassle.
Sep 4 2014 3:08PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8863 - Karma: 31,577
I think Kingpins and Lord's could make a lot of sense

Right now I have:
on3p wrens with Jesters
on3p billy goats with dukes
alpine boots and AT boots
As is, I never really ski my wrens anymore, which is a shame, its a PITA to travel (back and forth from school) with two pairs of skis and two pairs of boots

I think it would be awesome to put Kingpins on the BG's for touring and inbounds fresh days and Lord's on the wrens for leftovers and everything else.
That way I could ditch my alpine boots that I don't like that much, have a tech setup to tour on, and have a more robust binder than a dynafit (except beast) for inbounds pow days.
Sep 4 2014 3:14PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,462
Anyone have the scarpa freedom? I am in need of new boots and need a boot that is at compatible and works with my guardian. My current boot is supposed to work but doesn't. Every shop has told me it should but they do not know jack shit. I wish one boot could work with all my bindings aka downhill/tech/guardian...if There is and I just haven't seen it well
Sep 4 2014 3:45PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7099 - Karma: 17,043
BakerpowAnyone have the scarpa freedom? I am in need of new boots and need a boot that is at compatible and works with my guardian. My current boot is supposed to work but doesn't. Every shop has told me it should but they do not know jack shit. I wish one boot could work with all my bindings aka downhill/tech/guardian...if There is and I just haven't seen it well


The freedom is an amazing boot. Go for the sl rather then the standard as you get the pebax shell. They are stiff compared to most at boots. It's a true 120 flex. Fit wise them are a mid volume 100 boot. They fit me pretty well an I normally where a waymaker which is higher volume. The interchangeable soles work well and there is no limit to change like there is on some boots as like atomic scarpa use star it's in the sole rather then just screwing into plastic. they are a high level boot so new fitting well with goo custom footbeds but overall I think they are a very good boot.

Which boots are you currently wearing which don't work with guardians?
Sep 4 2014 3:58PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7099 - Karma: 17,043
BakerpowAnyone have the scarpa freedom? I am in need of new boots and need a boot that is at compatible and works with my guardian. My current boot is supposed to work but doesn't. Every shop has told me it should but they do not know jack shit. I wish one boot could work with all my bindings aka downhill/tech/guardian...if There is and I just haven't seen it well


Also there are quite a few boots around now with interchange soles whic will work with all the bindings you listed so don't just limit your self to the freedom. Cheack out the atomics, salomon maybe and maybe the k2. Dal bello have some options too but I do not have any experience with them.
Sep 4 2014 4:16PM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,141
tomPietrowskiThe heel does need modding like the beast.

You sure? Wildsnow says nothing of the sort?

I think comparing it to the beast is misguided, they're different bindings at different price points. It's more an alternative to the FT Radical than the beast - an extra 150g in exchange for a DIN certification and better lateral release, and arguably, an easier to deal with walk / tour switching mechanism. I mean, assuming it works, that is. It seems to me that the people in the market for a Beast are few, and will probably not be swayed by this, but if you were looking at a radical, or a Vipec, you might want a pair of these instead.
Sep 4 2014 4:20PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7099 - Karma: 17,043
J.D.You sure? Wildsnow says nothing of the sort?

I think comparing it to the beast is misguided, they're different bindings at different price points. It's more an alternative to the FT Radical than the beast - an extra 150g in exchange for a DIN certification and better lateral release, and arguably, an easier to deal with walk / tour switching mechanism. I mean, assuming it works, that is. It seems to me that the people in the market for a Beast are few, and will probably not be swayed by this, but if you were looking at a radical, or a Vipec, you might want a pair of these instead.


Yeah it's just a small extra plate which replaces the pin stopper on te boots. Seems to ad volume to touring heels to make them up to apline standard. I think that I the case anyway. It probably adds some durability too but I think the purpose is mainly to build up the heel.

I agree reed though that tho is not beast completion. There are so few customers for that bindin that it woul make no sense for a bran to make there first steps into tech with a beast style binding. This I radical completion and I think it will do pretty well. Be interesting to see how it does against th other new tech offerings next season.
Sep 4 2014 4:51PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
Been lurking on this thread for a long time, figured I would finally step in and post some. I have boot packed quite a bit in the past but this year I am looking to get into touring, along with taking an avy 1 class through school I am also trying to figure out gear. Right now I am looking at 190 sfb's with attack 13's and day wreckers with the G3 alpinist skin. These skis will be my daily driver inbounds and will be used for probably 10ish days of light touring, is this a decent idea for a setup? is there a cheap AT binding I should be looking at? The Marker tour 12's look just about perfect but are out of my price range. Any advice/ input would be rad!
Sep 4 2014 5:01PM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,141
Two things that are just my opinion:

1. Having your daily driver and your touring ski be the same exact setup is not ideal,

2. The relative happiness of not having to deal with day wreckers makes up for the price difference between that and decent touring clamps in one day.

If you're dead set on one pair of skis filling both roles, get a frame binding. Adrenalins or one of the Marker offerings.
Sep 4 2014 5:09PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
J.D.Two things that are just my opinion:

1. Having your daily driver and your touring ski be the same exact setup is not ideal,

2. The relative happiness of not having to deal with day wreckers makes up for the price difference between that and decent touring clamps in one day.

If you're dead set on one pair of skis filling both roles, get a frame binding. Adrenalins or one of the Marker offerings.


Yeah, makes sense, I just don't have the money right now for two pairs of new skis so I figured I would split duties.

I thought I would go day wreckers since almost all the skinning we are looking at are things we have previously boot packed. We just are looking at skinning it for more laps and to reach a little further out into the side country.

Ultimately I would get some bacons for inbounds and sick days or something similar with frame bindings for touring, as it is I don't want to compromise the 90% of skiing I will be dong inbounds, also might have an uber deal on day wreckers, my plan was to rough it out this year and to grab dedicated touring skis and bindings after this season.

I'll keep my eyes open for a deal on farm bindings though
Sep 4 2014 5:18PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7408 - Karma: 11,040
BakerpowAnyone have the scarpa freedom? I am in need of new boots and need a boot that is at compatible and works with my guardian. My current boot is supposed to work but doesn't. Every shop has told me it should but they do not know jack shit. I wish one boot could work with all my bindings aka downhill/tech/guardian...if There is and I just haven't seen it well


I tried them on, didn't fit me great. Seemed to flex extremely softly indoors which is what I believe that material does (correct me if I am wrong). But your other options are Salomon, Tecnica, Atomic, and Roxa I believe. I would check out the new Cochise and Atomics alongside the Scarpa if I were you.
Sep 4 2014 6:11PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7408 - Karma: 11,040
Huck_NorrisYes this is exactly what I said in the quote- it's going to help drive the industry but that's really the only thing about this to get excited for IMO. The binding itself is just ok- and actually kind of deceiving by implying it's much safer than existing LT platforms. I know people will take that and run with it and it's going to create problems when people try to ski these everywhere, all the time.


It is no different than any other binding in that sense then. No binding out there is perfect, not even FKS 18s or STH Steels. Every binding has its flaws be it weight, durability, retention, etc. To think that there is a perfect binding is naive.

We also cannot claim anything about this binding yet. It hasn't been released really to any members who may ski it as hard as some of us here.
Sep 4 2014 6:18PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7099 - Karma: 17,043
.MASSHOLE.I tried them on, didn't fit me great. Seemed to flex extremely softly indoors which is what I believe that material does (correct me if I am wrong). But your other options are Salomon, Tecnica, Atomic, and Roxa I believe. I would check out the new Cochise and Atomics alongside the Scarpa if I were you.


Which version did you try? If it was the standard non sl then yes it's a pu shell which will be quite a bi softer when warm. It's the sl which uses the pebax shell which gives a very good representation of flex even when warm. skiing them they are a pretty stiff and responsive boot.
Sep 4 2014 6:25PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7408 - Karma: 11,040
tomPietrowskiWhich version did you try? If it was the standard non sl then yes it's a pu shell which will be quite a bi softer when warm. It's the sl which uses the pebax shell which gives a very good representation of flex even when warm. skiing them they are a pretty stiff and responsive boot.


I tried both. The SL first. I just found both folded under me quite easily. I am no behemoth either, 5'11, anywhere between 175-185 pounds. I was coming off a plug boot so it could have been the progressive flex that threw me for a loop. Regardless, fit wasn't there anyway. I was just throwing out other boot ideas with similar swappable sole options.
Sep 4 2014 7:13PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7099 - Karma: 17,043
.MASSHOLE.I tried both. The SL first. I just found both folded under me quite easily. I am no behemoth either, 5'11, anywhere between 175-185 pounds. I was coming off a plug boot so it could have been the progressive flex that threw me for a loop. Regardless, fit wasn't there anyway. I was just throwing out other boot ideas with similar swappable sole options.


Good info man. Did you try any other boots in comparison. I would say the scarpas are some of the stiffest I tried last season. But like anything if the fit wa not there it does not really matter anyway.
Sep 4 2014 7:28PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7099 - Karma: 17,043
.MASSHOLE.I tried both. The SL first. I just found both folded under me quite easily. I am no behemoth either, 5'11, anywhere between 175-185 pounds. I was coming off a plug boot so it could have been the progressive flex that threw me for a loop. Regardless, fit wasn't there anyway. I was just throwing out other boot ideas with similar swappable sole options.


Good info man. Did you try any other boots in comparison. No at boots will be close to a plug flex as the stiffness from a plug comes from the plastic more then anything and making a at boot with a really thick shell defeats the object of the style of boot. I would say the scarpas are some of the stiffest I tried last season. But like anything if the fit wa not there it does not really matter anyway.
Sep 4 2014 7:29PM
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
BakerpowAnyone have the scarpa freedom? I am in need of new boots and need a boot that is at compatible and works with my guardian. My current boot is supposed to work but doesn't. Every shop has told me it should but they do not know jack shit. I wish one boot could work with all my bindings aka downhill/tech/guardian...if There is and I just haven't seen it well


I just got freedoms and i love them. Super awesome walk mode, crazy light and stiff enough to take on the whole mountain. They are definitely a little pricey, most i have paid for a boot, but with the moldable liners and changeable souls they will last a while i hope!
Sep 4 2014 7:48PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
.MASSHOLE.It is no different than any other binding in that sense then. No binding out there is perfect, not even FKS 18s or STH Steels. Every binding has its flaws be it weight, durability, retention, etc. To think that there is a perfect binding is naive.



Hey you better not be speaking ill of the STH/FKS haha... They're as close to perfect as man can get!

But seriously, I'm just trying to get people to realize that this isn't quite what Marker wants you to think it is. Sure it's DIN certified, but lock out those toes and that's out the window. Also they seemingly ignored a bunch of things- toe elasticity being one, lateral release in the heel and none in the toe being another.

Sorry if I came in hot, but I don't want everyone here to get sucked into the Kool-Aid whirlpool just yet haha
Sep 4 2014 7:59PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
tomPietrowskiThe heel does need modding like the beast. The big thin I see is it's kind of like the cast system. You could just get the toe converted on a aine boot and convert the heel yourself. This will open up the market more as boots are more easily available. I do agree somewhat about what you say about people not really understanding this binding but I think the price will be a factor here. the price will put off a lot of people so the people you worry about will still go baron/duke. This binding is interesting I think as it's changing up the standard. Remember too as good as the beast is it did not sell. I believe this was partly due to the price but also partly to do with it being dynafit. Marker have so much more r and d none that you would hope most of the kinks hav been worked out. Personally I think this would suit someone like yourself. I remember discussin the cast system with you and these seemingly will give a similar performance but with less hassle.



I don't agree with them being anything like the CAST system tbh, and that's why I got all jacked up- the can't do the downhill like them and it's scary that people will think they will. The first bump line and all that will vaporize. The Si&I is light years away... Although it's more work to transfer, I feel it's worth it because it truly is a DH binding in every sense. There is no way I would trust tech bindings of ANY kind while sledding a patient off the hill, not even a Beast @16. There's just too much potential for prerelease or factors that could influence your connection to the ski and that's where the real strength of the CAST system lies- when the consequences are very high they will always hold. I wouldn't bother in most cases though and a normal LT setup is fine for 99.9% of touring situations.



I guess I just felt kind of bullshitted tbh and that bothers me. This isn't a resort binding and people who want it to be are going to be super disappointed- likely on their first pow day when they're stuck thawing their toe spring or trying to get the ice out of their toe dimples instead of skiing... They may say Marker but these are totally still Dynafiddles and that will become glaringly apparent immediately to anyone who buys them.
Sep 4 2014 8:28PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7099 - Karma: 17,043
Huck_NorrisI don't agree with them being anything like the CAST system tbh, and that's why I got all jacked up- the can't do the downhill like them and it's scary that people will think they will. The first bump line and all that will vaporize. The Si&I is light years away... Although it's more work to transfer, I feel it's worth it because it truly is a DH binding in every sense. There is no way I would trust tech bindings of ANY kind while sledding a patient off the hill, not even a Beast @16. There's just too much potential for prerelease or factors that could influence your connection to the ski and that's where the real strength of the CAST system lies- when the consequences are very high they will always hold. I wouldn't bother in most cases though and a normal LT setup is fine for 99.9% of touring situations.



I guess I just felt kind of bullshitted tbh and that bothers me. This isn't a resort binding and people who want it to be are going to be super disappointed- likely on their first pow day when they're stuck thawing their toe spring or trying to get the ice out of their toe dimples instead of skiing... They may say Marker but these are totally still Dynafiddles and that will become glaringly apparent immediately to anyone who buys them.


To be honest I think we will have to wait and see. I know plenty of people who shred way harder then me in radicals. I think of those people this will be a step up. And I do think that tho is an inproent over a full pun set up. No it's not resort ready but I don't think that is what they wanted. They wanted to inprove upon the already existing pin system and I think they have done it. Most people will still buy frame bindings but this opens up a new option to full tech I think.
Sep 4 2014 8:32PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
To reiterate the most important aspect of Marker dropping their new binding; more companies are throwing more dollars to R&D newer and "better" products. This is a win for all of us. We just have to be patient and not jump every time the next newer and shinier product is released.

I have decided to wait until next season to even consider tech bindings at this point. I'll survive on my frame bindings (Guardians and Adrenalins) until something worthwhile and proven comes out. If that doesn't pan out, I'll just go with what's been proven already and pick up some Radical FT's.
Sep 5 2014 1:52AM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7408 - Karma: 11,040
tomPietrowskiGood info man. Did you try any other boots in comparison. No at boots will be close to a plug flex as the stiffness from a plug comes from the plastic more then anything and making a at boot with a really thick shell defeats the object of the style of boot. I would say the scarpas are some of the stiffest I tried last season. But like anything if the fit wa not there it does not really matter anyway.

I did. I compared them to the Cochise Lite, Cochise Pro, Waymaker, and one other boot I am forgetting. And agreed, nothing can compared in regards to the stiffness to plug boots just like nothing can compare to how cold those suckers can get. I have never skied/tried on a progressive flex boot before, so perhaps that was what felt so weird. Part of me wish I had tried the Salomon boots on because I have heard good things about the newer models.
Huck_NorrisHey you better not be speaking ill of the STH/FKS haha... They're as close to perfect as man can get!

But seriously, I'm just trying to get people to realize that this isn't quite what Marker wants you to think it is. Sure it's DIN certified, but lock out those toes and that's out the window. Also they seemingly ignored a bunch of things- toe elasticity being one, lateral release in the heel and none in the toe being another.

Sorry if I came in hot, but I don't want everyone here to get sucked into the Kool-Aid whirlpool just yet haha

They are 9.5/10 scale in regards to perfectness :). I agree they missed the sweet spot, but it is a first generation binding, perhaps with feedback they will address those issues. I wouldn't buy as a first generation binding either. Personally I would toss some money forwards the Beast if I could afford it.
Sep 5 2014 8:16AM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7099 - Karma: 17,043
.MASSHOLE.I did. I compared them to the Cochise Lite, Cochise Pro, Waymaker, and one other boot I am forgetting. And agreed, nothing can compared in regards to the stiffness to plug boots just like nothing can compare to how cold those suckers can get. I have never skied/tried on a progressive flex boot before, so perhaps that was what felt so weird. Part of me wish I had tried the Salomon boots on because I have heard good things about the newer models.

They are 9.5/10 scale in regards to perfectness :). I agree they missed the sweet spot, but it is a first generation binding, perhaps with feedback they will address those issues. I wouldn't buy as a first generation binding either. Personally I would toss some money forwards the Beast if I could afford it.


If your looking for stiffer boots th salomons may not be for you. The quest max 130 is great and the custom shell is amazing but the shell material does make it softer. Even more so when they are warm so in the shop they will feel very soft but can stiffen up 15-20% when cold so more then most boots. If I was you I would look at the waymaker and freedom. The freedom can actually be fitted pretty big if needed but the waymaker is overall higher volume. I found the freedom a littke tight whereas all I need to do with th waymaker was add footbeds and a small adjustment to the boot board. The 130 version is pretty stiff no plug boot but really having a little more give in te boot will be good for free riding. I more often then not actually slightly soften boots for pro freeriders rather then stiffen as they like a little more movement.
Sep 5 2014 1:24PM
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_CC_
Posts: 3890 - Karma: 747
Hey fellow turn earners.

So this winter I can finally ditch my hybridized/ bastardized universal setup, despite my very sad foresters pay. I like my marker barons just fine despite the weight, and my black diamond shiva boots have no problems but, I'm the market for some new sleds this year. Icelantic is making a touring version of the nomad which I'd like to consider but, if anyone has any suggestions for a Colorado girl I'll take them. Powder capability but versatile is kinda what I'm looking for. I also want a new pack if anyone has anything to say about a particularly good/ bad one.

Thanks!
Sep 5 2014 1:43PM
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Bum.Life
Posts: 507 - Karma: 2,608
caroline.Hey fellow turn earners.

So this winter I can finally ditch my hybridized/ bastardized universal setup, despite my very sad foresters pay. I like my marker barons just fine despite the weight, and my black diamond shiva boots have no problems but, I'm the market for some new sleds this year. Icelantic is making a touring version of the nomad which I'd like to consider but, if anyone has any suggestions for a Colorado girl I'll take them. Powder capability but versatile is kinda what I'm looking for. I also want a new pack if anyone has anything to say about a particularly good/ bad one.

Thanks!


Have you looked into the 4Frnt Hoji? That's my main touring ski, has been for about 3 years now. It's really light and the construction makes up for its long turn radius. Overall, super nimble and perfect for trees. Probably my favorite ski I've ridden, so I'm a little biased.
Sep 5 2014 2:55PM
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ShredMasterPlus
Posts: 1159 - Karma: 807
^^Wanna sell um? Looking to grab a pair. Renegades are my favourite ski ever so a bit smaller would be my go to touring rig
Sep 5 2014 9:24PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,462
tomPietrowskiWhich boots are you currently wearing which don't work with guardians?


iv got a some older black diamond methods with the interchangable sole, the at sole just does not go in correctly at all.
Sep 5 2014 10:43PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7099 - Karma: 17,043
Bakerpowiv got a some older black diamond methods with the interchangable sole, the at sole just does not go in correctly at all.


Oh ok yeah no they won't fit correctly. It's a bit weird guardians will work with wtr soles but not other at soles. You would need to be using the standard alpine sole.
Sep 5 2014 11:25PM
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Bum.Life
Posts: 507 - Karma: 2,608
tomPietrowskiOh ok yeah no they won't fit correctly. It's a bit weird guardians will work with wtr soles but not other at soles. You would need to be using the standard alpine sole.


Weird, my BD primes worked fine with my trackers. Aren't the guardians and the trackers the same?
Sep 6 2014 2:57AM
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geist
Posts: 493 - Karma: 984
caroline.Hey fellow turn earners.

So this winter I can finally ditch my hybridized/ bastardized universal setup, despite my very sad foresters pay. I like my marker barons just fine despite the weight, and my black diamond shiva boots have no problems but, I'm the market for some new sleds this year. Icelantic is making a touring version of the nomad which I'd like to consider but, if anyone has any suggestions for a Colorado girl I'll take them. Powder capability but versatile is kinda what I'm looking for. I also want a new pack if anyone has anything to say about a particularly good/ bad one.

Thanks!


hoji w coming out this season.

The icelantic ranger definitely looks like a nice option.

my girlfriend has just got a good deal on the volkl nunataq in a 170, very light and powder specific, or if you are happy for something a little skinnier the nanuqs.
Sep 6 2014 10:03AM
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geist
Posts: 493 - Karma: 984
I bought waymakers, tour version ready for coming season.
I have moment exit worlds unmounted.
I have marker barons from a previous heavy setup.
I am lost what to do though as to bindings.

Choices :
...Beast 14 ( way lighter and more efficient than baron)

...mount baron on exit worlds and mount radical ft on new undecided skinnier lighter skis (icelantic ranger / 4frnt raven etc)

... or radical ft 2.0 on the exit world.

Wld be smart i guess to go with option 2. but i cannot justify ft 2.0 and a new pair of sticks, so thinking cld just about stretch to beast 14s to cover all angles.

Basically im bored at work and this is my first world problem.
help.
Sep 6 2014 10:12AM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
geistI have moment exit worlds unmounted.
I have marker barons from a previous heavy setup.
I am lost what to do though as to bindings.


If cash is an issue then just put a cheaper Dynafit binding on the Exit Worlds then go and ski them. Speeds or Speed Radicals if you don't care about brakes, Vertical ST if you do.

...unless the Exit World is your only fat ski, in which case put the Barons on it and get second-hand lighter setup too.
Sep 6 2014 11:40AM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,462
Bum.LifeWeird, my BD primes worked fine with my trackers. Aren't the guardians and the trackers the same?


Yah but are you using the alpine sole block? My problem was that I couldn't use the at some block and would constantly have to switch when I used different skis
Sep 6 2014 1:06PM
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Bum.Life
Posts: 507 - Karma: 2,608
BakerpowYah but are you using the alpine sole block? My problem was that I couldn't use the at some block and would constantly have to switch when I used different skis


Nah, I didn't. I don't know, it was my first touring setup so maybe I did something wrong.
Sep 6 2014 1:55PM
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