The FIFTY - Gear Talk - Secrets, Nuances and Selecting Ski Bindings.
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- čas přidán 25. 06. 2024
- The world of ski bindings is complicated; full of obscure abbreviations, secretive codes and plenty of marketing speak. This episode cuts through the noise to explain the main differences between the categories of ski bindings on the market today to help you make a better binding selection specifically for your needs.
In this episode we break down the difference between Alpine Bindings, Frame Touring Bindings, Hybrid Bindings and Pin Touring Bindings. We cover the differences in ISO Norms between Alpine Norms and Touring Norms, the difference between Frame Bindings and Hybrid Bindings, why touring pivot points are important and much more. This is a detailed, in depth look at the world of ski bindings. Use the information here to make better decisions for yourself.
This episode brought to you by Tahoe Sports Hub in Truckee, CA
ROUTE Info:
Want to use the maps used to guide The FIFTY, here is 14 day Free Trial and 20% discount to OnX Backcountry App: www.onxmaps.com/backcountry/r...
WEATHER:
For a 60 day trial to an All-Access subscription to OpenSnow click here: bit.ly/3TTZhA5
GEAR Used Throughout The FIFTY:
Salomon QST 106: alnk.to/6bRkaUX
Salomon MTN Binding: alnk.to/dLdUm1C
Salomon Carbon S3 Poles: alnk.to/87VEXX0
Yeti Rambler 20oz: alnk.to/gzS237q
Swatch BioCeramic: bit.ly/3gQhCzo
Hyperlite Porter 5400: bit.ly/3XJVCHC
Smith Summit Helmet: alnk.to/ehYjxBD
Smith Wildcat: alnk.to/d3ySqO7
Smith Pursuit Glacier Glasses: alnk.to/7M6hfmL
Smith Squad Mag: alnk.to/hDmzW2F
LeBent Cody Pro Sock: alnk.to/cHJmtdU
LeBent Base Layer: alnk.to/58mMi9D
Arcade Capture Belt: alnk.to/4MxozAr
Mammut Carbon Probe 280: alnk.to/cHJmtfT
Mammut Alugator Pro Light: alnk.to/8iQpWSn
Mammut Barryvox S: alnk.to/2uDpzVA
Pomoca Free Pro 2.0: alnk.to/aeUKJS9
Thule Duffle: alnk.to/9IatNqU
Thule Ski Bag: alnk.to/gKMN24C
Hestra Falt Guide Glove:
Hestra Overmitt:
Hestra Merino Touchpoint Liners:
Honey Stinger Energy: bit.ly/3sPpX9g
Strainge Beast Kombucha: bit.ly/3sK6vLj
TinCup Whiskey: bit.ly/3FvbSpb - Sport
Tech bindings, the microwaved burrito of release values. "Yes, I would like a 12 DIN please!" "Best I can do is 4 and 20 at the same time depending on what you don't want."
Yeah, that analogy pretty much explains it.
@@CodyTownsend Solid and spectacular examples of knees gone wild or bad as it made my day! My belief after 3 knee surgeries, 1 hip surgery and of course 2 shoulder surgeries is simple. My tech binding need to be lightweight and functional for the up and the down. As for release values I don't expect those bindings(yes that includes the ancient Silverettas of the 80s and 90s) to ever release and over the last 4 decades of BC skiing not one has released, ever! So DIN numbers just aren't that important for now. Now could it be that I ski differently in the BC than I do in lift served skiing where a cool guy DIN to 15 matters? I'd say that is the case, knowing full well that getting down in one piece means I'll get the opportunity to suffer on the up again and again! Solid as always Cody!
I am one of the casualties of skiing tech pin bindings in the resort and suffered a spiral tib/fib as a result! (2016 at Squaw) Thank you for including this warning in your video!
Hi Josh I hope that you recovered well and can continue on your adventures into the wild white yonder. Can you tell a little the risk and the reason for skiing techs in the resort has a higher injury stat? It remains a little mysterious to me. I hope to know what are the scenarios? Why can't they release? Is it a flaw in design?
Trab TR-2 is precise model. On the skimo.com website under TR-2 comments, there's a cool story about a bc skier in Vermont who was driving with tele boots on and met Rick Howell at a Stowe VT gas station!
@@gregoryescaro7855 like Cody says in the video, they aren't held to the same release standards as alpine bindings. In my specific case, I read that the model of Kingpins I was using don't typically release with impact at the very front of the ski. Impact on the front of the ski was the exact cause of my injury.
I did a lot of reading about this after my injury and there are some release tests done on tech bindings (though not official). In short, they simply don't release in all the same scenarios a standard alpine binding will.
@@brucerorty4014 That's awesome! I just went and checked out the story. I chose Vipec Evo's which also have release values similar to the TR-2. Not sure the TR-2 was available a couple years ago when I bought them.
I also ski Knee Bindings on my alpine skis! I've been very happy with them. No issues releasing when needed and my legs are very happy :)
Same here. My fibula and tibia snapped in half while skiing the resort on pin bindings few years back. They sure are only for ski touring.
From somebody who more or less works professionally in the outdoor industry and does a lot of tutorials on CZcams: your content is excellent! I don’t care too much about the aesthetic side (although it is surely well done) but the depth of knowledge you provide and your differentiated approach to this stuff makes it a pleasure to watch your tutorials. Please consider doing more of them.
I have two cents to ante up, but first, let me say that I love all the Fifty videos, and this was a very clear, concise discussion of bindings.
I'm 65, have been using tech bindings for about 17 or 18 years now, with no injuries, no problems. Dynafits until their patent ran out, Salomon Mountain since then. I am by no means an expert skier, but I AM an expert on what I am and am not physically capable of, and I'm selective in my ski experiences. I ski only backcountry, soft snow almost exclusively (pow preferably, some corn), don't jump. When conditions are too challenging, I have a good kick turn and can traverse. 😁
So my point is that you need not be scared off from tech bindings if you are not an "expert" skier (whatever that means!). But I also want to acknowledge that even one injury of the sort many of those commenting mention is one too many! Anyone who does some "pure" backcountry and pure resort skiing, and loves skiing enough to be watching these videos, should be able to save up enough nickels to have a dedicated resort setup with alpine bindings, or perhaps hybrid bindings if in a place with backcountry access gates, and a dedicated backcountry setup.
I just used my nickels to get a second BC ski (also with Salomon Mountain), 112mm under foot, to add to my all-around 98mm skis!
Cody - add the CAST freetour to your list of hybrid bindings on the market, total of 3 for now. And the durability and ski feel of tour bindings on the market spans such a wide gamut that it's likely the tour category will be thought of as a few subcategories in the near future.
Thanks Cody! Your “The Fifty” videos are great fun, motivating and informative. Really enjoy. Thanks for the education. Going to upgrade to hybrid from frame bindings.
The FIFTY! My favourite series. Much love, Cody. I'm always on the lookout for the safest binding possible after my 3 ACL repairs.
blech...lol. Thanks for dropping science, elasticity...who knew.
Thanks for this! Getting a clear explanation of how you personally view hybrid and pin bindings is invaluable.
I assumed, over time, you would load this series with educational value. thank you. have a great winter!!!
Perfect, down to earth, no-nonsense advice. Coming from a snowboarder, I hope this says it all.
Cody this is the best and most honest boot and binding comprehension video. Cant wait for more 50 project videos to come out!
Perfect Timing! My wife and I were just discussing the benefits of Flex versus Tech bindings. We're moving up from frame bindings. And... I recognize that shop! Great people and great selection. Thanks so much Cody for all you are doing.
Yes!!! Thank you so much for talking about this! I’ve trained so many people rehabbing injuries from skiing in resort in tech bindings or doing other stuff they shouldn’t be in them.
Absolute favorite ski show ever you guys got me into mountaineering 🤙🤙🤙
Dude same here. No joke.
Got me into ski touring. Cody gets me stoked
@@alexmacbean7764 same. I hope Salomon ski, Smith, Yeti, etc compensate him well. I have spent serious $$$ on those brands to further my new obsession of volcano climbing and skiing.
You and me both $$$$
Same, but I'm blue collar and live in Iowa so it's led to a bit of an existential crisis for me. Everytime I go skiing in the Black Hills of SD or the Northern Great Lakes ranges of MN, MI, I come back to my local and find myself bored out of my mind. Literally everything that isn't groomed is roped off, patrolled, and strictly enforced as I have found out the hard way. No places to go touring really, so I can't justify getting a new setup for a 90ft hill that I got to drive half an hour to get to.
I was so hoping you would do this video!! I always learn from you!
After watching your last Gear Talk a month ago, I bought the Soloman Swich bindings for my big mountain skis. This episode just reinforced the choice. Can't wait for some snow!!!
Love this video. Cody has an effortless way of explaining everything.
Excellent detailed gear education on bindings! Helps me make my choice for touring. Thanks Cody!
Thank you a million times over for this demonstration! I’m transitioning to skiing from snowboarding and this is beyond helpful… 🤙🏽
Lord I click on these videos faster than my bindings in the morning
Appreciate the content. Wishing you the best on your exploration!!!
Can't wait for the next one. Can't wait to get out and get skis on again.
Always so good to see a video from Cody 🤙🏻
Very informative... particularly the mention of the elasticity mechanics of an alpine binding...
Wow, big shot out, thats far the best Video help to decide which binding is for me as an individual!
Thanks greate job!!
Saw you on Blister talking bindings
This is fantastic...so much people don't know
Best binding explanation video out there!
Never thought about tech bindings having no elasticity and poorer release function, but it makes sense looking at the bindings, especially those super light models.
Thank you sir for actual factual binding info, and for adressing the weirdness that is pinbindings for people who only do resort. Very educational!
Thanks Cody for this great binding talk!
Love those exsamples with the sticks!
Really love this video. I broke my ankle 3 years ago when one of my tech bindings pre-released in a no fall zone. Since I don't do many long tours I switched to the shift binding after that and I have been super happy with it. I will echo what you said here, tech bindings are lightweight but they are not as reliable in terms of safety as alpine bindings. Period. I wish I knew that before I made my choice in bindings and I hope people absorb that info when they watch this video.
Been binging this channel, love your content.
Thanks Cody. Great stuff!
Thanks for the video. I am a long time expert level downhill skier and snowshoer. I have been wanting to combine the 2 and am overwhelmed by the equipment choices.
Love this - thanks. Super helpful.
Very interesting and super informative video. Very much appreciated. Stay safe!❤
"Or if you're a doctor, or pro-skier, helicopter" that was funny and sad at the same time
You don't think doctors should be allowed to go heliskiing?
I've been heliskiing in canada bc and i'm neither.
That line was the best part of the whole thing. Had me rolling on the floor.
I wish that was at least a little bit close to be the case in my country
@@johndarby4503 heliskiing is awful for the environment, so yeah
That was one of the most helpful videos on the subject I have seen so far. Thanks!
Great to hear!
Thanks for the rundown!
I have the shift on my Head Kore 105 and love them. Great review Cody!
Right on!
Thanks Cody, I learned a lot from your video!
Incredible explainer!
Crystal-clear explanation! I got the Atomic shift on my QSTs 99 this winter but I didn't have the chance to try them due to the Covid restrictions. Tough season! Regards from Barcelona (Spain) :-)
Really good overview, as I am in the market. Thanks!
I bought the dynafit rotation with the knowledge that they had a consistent release. Literally the only reason I went with them. I'm still careful but maybe I need to look into it more.
Always good to have another ’The Fifty’ episode. I like a bit of tech content - appeals to the nerd in me!
Great video. Big fan of you going deeper into the gear you use and why. Would love a video on skis. Specifically camber, reverse camber, and everything in-between. I couldn't help notice that the skis you were holding were reverse camber. I learned in the old school and don't understand why/when you would want a reverse camber ski in the backcountry. I could see them being great for powder but how do they ski in variable conditions (powder, ice, and everything in-between)? Your thoughts on the topic would be super helpful.
The Shift has the potential to be a game changer. But it has mixed reviews at best. It clearly has retention issues in up-hill mode.
Don’t forget the CAST Freetour !!!! 🤙
Agreed. Cody has said many times and will probably say again that its way overkill unless your name is Sam Anthamatten or Jeremie Heitz and that you should just get the shift, but in my opinion there's definitely a place for it. Imo its the only touring binding that I can trust to kick the living shit out of in the resort and not worry about it breaking. I know that the shift will perform very well if adjusted correctly but clearly from the complaints a lot of people have problems getting it adjusted correctly, while the pivot is pretty foolproof to adjust with the static AFD and fairly forgiving forward pressure. It's also cheaper than the shift if you already have a pivot, and has the option for the second ski kit. I also like how minimal the tech toe is, though it can get iced up in transition. I'm pretty sure its actually lighter than the duke pt so it at least deserves a mention alongside it. Some people also just really like the pivot feeling. Imo the best touring binding for very aggressive skiers who will ski 70% in the resort (or less if you really push it in the bc), want to not worry about beating up their bindings or adjusting them, and don't get a free pair of bindings every year.
@@alexbarth1904 totally agree! I usually grab my Free tour setup over my shifts even on days with no lift access. The elasticity in much better imo particularly in the heel. less moving parts than the shift and pivot 15/18 is the best on the way down. The only downside to the free tour imo is just the possibility of forgetting your toes. But i think it’s a worthy competitor of the shift and it’s really the first binding in that category. Business aside i think they deserve more credit than they have received for such a badass system.
@@rundmc1087 haha the forgetting of the toes is real! Ive gotten close a few time so now I just keep them in my skin bag
Super helpful vid :)) thank you!!
@Cody Townsend hope all is well with you. With the snow stabilizing a bit I can't wait for some more fifty updates.
“Any questions i DIN answer” 😂
It would be great if you could explain the main types of skis and how to choose them in depth, such as why a particular 105 ski for powder vs another one
Great Video!
i like the look of them BC Navis freebirds in the background
Excellent info and thanks Cody and team for posting it! Recently rigged up QST 106's with the Warden MNC and they are a great combination. I went with the MNC thinking I may go back towards a touring sole in the future and/or better resale value with more soles on more buyers. Also - hoping your next video could be on the pros and cons of boot categories from stiff carving performance S/MAX to perhaps more comfortable S/PRO ?? Are the SHIFT AT boots every bit as good for resort days? I miss the rockered and grippy sole of my old AT boots for the long parking lot treks at the resort ;-)
I agree with everything you said here, 95%. The only part I might quibble with is the part about "elasticity and heavier heel pieces in tech bindings being useless". This might be the case for someone doing ski mountaineering. However, for the weekend warrior who does a lot of short touring with the occasional mountaineering trip I think there is a case for bindings like the Tecton as long as the elasticity and heel does add value. (I think it does)
That being said having used both some of these "mid tech" bindings and the shift I would prefer the shift unless I had a dedicated touring ski.
Tecton has been great for me, using it extensively in resort and in the backcountry, even in some "mild skimo"
Only problem I've had is durability, got 2 non critical but very annoying plastics failures
Cody, thank you for this great introduction to the various types of alpine bindings and their pros and cons. I am really interested to learn more about Salomon‘s shift binding. It is still a little heavier as the tech bindings but the features are really convincing.👍😉😎
if youre a dr or pro skier! ha love it and the video, thanks cody
Hey man looking forward to when you post some more videos!
"When your skis can't release, it can cause serious bodily harm" **cries in splitboarder**
haha.
yes I broke my ankle in the backcountry because my foot went the direction of the ski and did not release.
I think this is a great video and yeah I learned the hard way.
Sheila Vancouver BC Canada
Exact same thing happened to me 3 years ago. Wish I had watched this video before that happened!
Thanks for all these info Cody! Can we have a tech video on the ski technology too ?! :D
Woah, great video. I'm already set on a Shift, but really good to hear that pin/tech are for advanced skiers in certain conditions. Could you elaborate more on them in another video about Ski Touring? Aka Why would you choose an MTN over the Shift on particular tours? How does one ski with a Pin binding? What snow conditions are a no-go for pin bindings? I imagine that if Freeriding after a climb the Shift makes more sense, vs descending more cautiously or in softer snow with the pin binding. I have seen other skiers (and perhaps yourself) charging pretty hard in pin bindings, but it would be interesting to know what cost/benefit analysis you make before doing so?
Thanks, I'm a snowboarder trying to help my ski buddy get some gear, but he needs to be able to tour and he's worried about his skis not releasing. Ski swap tomorrow hope it works out!
I’m sure any binding can fail, I learned that on low angle slopes mid-December 2020 when the upper left rear heel block (part w the two pins) of my dynafit radicals snapped off, thus just laying in the snow. No worries, Voile ski straps to the rescue. But now when I think of skiers (not me) in no-fall zones, kinda freaks me out. Great content, thinking about some shifts now.
Might be worth mentioning in the future that are types of bindings that bridge gaps, for instance the Marker Kingpin is half way between a Hybrid and a Tech, it has a tech toe but a unique heal released like alpine bindings do. It's a great option for someone who wants to ski both resort and BC, also less expensive than something like the Shift.
Thank you for the input but that assessment is actually quite incorrect. The Kingpin is certified as a Touring Binding and does not meet the standards of a certified Alpine binding, so therefore isn't a bridge binding. So just like all tech bindings, it too should not be skied at the resort at all. The toe piece is a tech toe and therefore it has all the trappings of any tech binding. The toe is far far far more important to releasability factors according to the binding engineers I work with.
@@CodyTownsend what about the Fritschi Tecton? It has toe elasticity and DIN certification. And in my (not as good as yours) ski experience, it has released whenever I wanted and never when I didn't (with my din set as I progressed in skill and intensity).
I can speak firsthand to agree with your sentiment that durability is a concern, as I've had multiple non-critical but annoying failures with plastic components, but overall them being lighten than kingpins and with better release characteristics, I'm pretty happy having them on a ski I ride for most of my resort and backcountry days.
Great video! Have you ever seen or tried the Fritschi Vipec evo 12 or the new Fritschi Xenic? Keen to hear what you think about them since they're marketed as tech binding with higher safety standards. It also comes with a heavier heel piece, which you said you're not really looking for.. Where I'm from they're really common (I have them too) and even though lots of people used to be sceptical, I've rarely heard bad things about them.
This is funny and thank you :)
Agree with most you said, but the most important factor for me is reliability when going in te backcountry. A broken binding can get you in a lot a trouble if you have to hike back 2000ft of fresh pow.... elasticity become a little less important in soft/powder condition , as the impact are always more progressive. But I guest it’s different in steep icy chute like the fifthy project.
In the end , in 95% of my use when touring, i find that the best parts are no parts , so no brake , no fancy system that potentially ice up or break. Forward pressure help a lot with pre-released, so that’s maybe the only feature i want to keep with tech binding, that and being able to adjust boot lenght, could be very useful if i change boot
What about tele skis?? Interesting video 🤙🏼
Great content as always, thanks Cody! When is the next episode of The Fifty coming??
No idea. snowpack around the west has been incredibly dangerous with record avalanche fatalities and the border to Canada is still closed. So just having to patiently wait.
Thanks Cody! Do you know when you will be out conquering your lines of 50?
Very informative. What do you think about Tectons with regards to elasticity/releasability?
May God bless you Cody! John 3:16. Love and peace from Oakville, ON Canada.
I like the ski bum shirt tuck
He’s trying to display his Arcade belt. (His company)
Thanks for this informative video! My buddy just flew out of Tahoe today. He is guiding for a heli outfit in AK. I'd love to make a living in this world of yours but l grew up in DE (sledding maybe, definitely no skiing) and I still live hear. I have fortunately been in Tahoe. It was summer though. I spend most of my time in the East (convenience). Just visited Okemo in VT. I'm working to improve my skill and hope to someday be able to tour and backcountry ski. I do make it to Park City but I am still only a resort skier. Give me a few more years! Any tips for resort skiers being able to make the leap? Sounds like another vid idea. lol.
Thanks again for your show and tech vids.
Cody man when are you starting the 50 again they were the best they always got me going touring again thanks
Hi Cody, I am a 62 year old man who has been skiing pretty much all of my life. I plan on getting into backcountry skiing, mostly in New England. I am still a very strong skier and I guess you would call me an expert but not compared to someone like yourself or other professionals. After watching your video is seems as if the hybrid binding is the way to go. It seems to be light enough but also seems much safer than say the touring binding. I grew up skiing with binding that did not release and broke my leg. I rarely fall but I am thinking the hybrid is the way to go. Does that ask about right. I do understand the touring is lighter but I am trying it weigh out performance, lightness and safety. Thanks for such a great video.
Thanks for the video! Had a question about the shifts and elasticity and motion in the toe piece.
I find I can get a milimeter or so of lateral motion in my two pieces touring . I've got them mounted on Bibby Pros so the width of the ski definitely puts a lot of torque on the toe piece especially when side hilling in firmer conditions that could loosen the attachment to the ski. I've cranked down the screws into the ski and think they're solid and have heard from other folks that they have some motion too.
Was wondering if this was a built in feature and part of the binding elasticity or if they're designed to be rock solid when in walk mode??
I've also had pre release issues that are probably adjustment related but I did have two where the entire break/riser part of the heal piece came completely off on little airs that I did not at all expect to lose a ski on. That sketched me out.
Not too much of a hassle but if you're skiing heavy PNW snow definitely always bring a swiss army knife or something similar to get snow out of the binding or else it can be hard to keep the brake in walk mode.
Just picked up a pair of “Cody Townsend Pro Series” socks by Lé Bent from Powder House at Alta.
Cody, what do you think of the BD Frischi Tecton 12 with the pinned toe that has a lateral toe release? Seems closer to the tech side but I can say first hand that the lateral release actually works really well (ski caught sideways in a shark and the toe released saving my tibia/acl)
Could you comment more about the elasticity range. What is too much, what is too little - in your opinion? Obviously it differs based on skier type
The first breack happened to me. Knee is in recorvery for the next 2 weeks. (Already was for 4)
Another quality video while we wait for the next epic fifty line being ticked off.
A fair summary with one exception. If your a ‘normal’ skier who doesn’t have a quiver of skis what do you do? You buy tech bindings and ski them both touring and on piste. They do release and if anything the issues are more about pre release when you push hard. I would love to see more on the data on tib fib injuries and tech bindings if it’s an issue on piste it’s an issue touring and needs fixing. Keep the content coming it’s brilliant.
No, as I said, never ski tech bindings on piste at the resort. If you want a one ski quiver binding, then a hybrid binding is your call.
If you want to really ski hard in the resort on hardpack and do tours on the same ski, I would say inserts and one alpine binding, a hybrid and maybe even a lightweight tech is the best solution. Or tech plus Cast in inserts. It's the only way to get full performance and safety out of one pair of skis.
The Shift is a great binding, but it does not keep you in as a high level alpine binding on an hardpack if you really charge and push it hard. No matter how you adjust it, atleast if we don't include going up from your normal DIN. I do ski the Shift a lot inbounds, but after several incidents, I do avoid to really push it to the limit. Then it works fine.
@@CodyTownsend I really appreciate all the videos and I've watched them all. I'm very inspired. I couldn't help but notice in you bonus video "What's in the bag" around 1:45-1:55 you are skiing inbounds at squaw with you wife on what looks like your 115 tech powder setup that you show in "Gear Talk Ep 1". I guess you are more or less backcountry skiing in that shot, though it is at a resort and it looks amazing! Thanks for the warning about tech bindings. I didn't know and I got tech bindings for me and my 13 year old son for dual purpose skiing. I'll change them out next year at least for him when we are on piste.
Tahoe sports hub!
Best ski shop in Tahoe!
@@KyleRattay they really do a killer job.
"Invented the category" the cast system would like a word
Would have been cool if you talked about breaks. Why and when should you or should not use breaks on tech bindings. What about leeches? Cheers!
Hey Cody. You ever tune your own skis? Any thoughts or experience with a tuning vice that is designed for tech bindings? I have the traditional vice that pinches the toe piece but it’s unstable. Thanks for any input!
Cody, what is the jacket model at 1:00? Looks awesome!
Hey dude, while it’s obvious that you’re advertising the Salomon/Atomic products, I have to admit that I got myself the Salomon MNC in blue recently. It’s a good average if you want to ski with hard charging as well as tour. However, nothing beats my Look Pivot bindings in terms of downhill performance :-)
You NEED the CAST FreeTour Upgrade Kit. It allows you to use your pivots for touring or on the resort. Super bomber
Hey Cody, at 11:07 you mention that you think that "add ons like DIN settings" are unnecessary. can you explain why? do you mean that the female/male/heavy settings of the MTN are sufficient? and that more precise features like selecting specific DIN add weight and you don't use? curious bc I've looked at the atomic/MTN before and that lack of selectability was a factor for me
Can you make a video on Smith Shift Mag? Did not see anything online for them and will mostly be using for skinning so figure you would have great insite. Would just get wild cats but they are sold out.
To lock out or not lock out your tech bindings on the down...that is the question...
Please and thank you!!
Last weekend I was skiing on piste with pin bindings and got Weber B fib fracture. One guy hit me from behind, catching my right ski with his ski, and literally twisted my ankle. What are the learnings from this experience except that this season is over for me:
1. I would probably avoid any type of pin bindings, and go with Shift or Duke PT, since I’m not touring that much.
2. In case of whiteout, where the visibility is limited to max 4m I will give up skiing at all. This guy hasn’t seen me because of strong whiteout, and even though he tried he couldn’t avoid me.
The CAST free tour system is unbeatable as a hybrid binding.
i was skiing the MTN binding at a resort with my MTN boots on QST106 skis. i had them in ski mode. it pre released while carving a turn, i slid into a tree and I broke 5 vertebrae's, my hip, shoulder, 3 ribs, and ruptured my spleen. I now ride my sth16's with my DIn at 14. I'd rather destroy my legs than almost die again. the only time i have fallen in the past 5 years is because my ski ejected for no reason.
Just throwing it out there and will likely get some ragging for this but for someone who is 80% resort and not looking to do hardcore lines, what about alpine binding with some daymakers...I know you get high up in the ski while skinning but curious to see if you think that’s a viable solution for those who dabble but don’t want the stack height of a frame binding on the downhill?