lol.. I've enjoyed your videos..but I just realized I literally bought the t4s from you.. the workbench color gave it away.. thanks for the videos and the boots!
I really wish my feet and the T4's could get along better. They are about the right size and weight for much of the skiing I like to do. If you are stepping up from a soft boot to the T4, you will really notice how much more control the T4's offer. Hope you have a great winter season, and let me know how well they work out for you.
Thanks, I'll let you know. I've got some garmonts now that are a little too beefy to three pin around in so I hope these are better. Hope the T2s worked out better on your feet! I've never had scrapa's before but have pretty average feet so most boots fit fine.
Boots are great! Thanks so much. They don't hurt my feet at all...they are actually super comfortable and the perfect stiffness for what im using them for which is mostly easy ups and downs
Fantastic. That makes me very happy. If Scarpa ever redesigns the T4, I'll probably give the T4's one more try. They are just about the perfect stiffness and weight for many of my favorite ski routes.
Tom, great videos. Thanks for these. Have you skied any of the Rainey / 22 Designs “Hammerhead” (now Axl / Vice) bindings in comparison to the X2? It seems like the beefier more active bindings do come at the expense of weight /complexity compared to the lighter simpler Voile mechanism on their Switchbacks. Tho I can also imagine a stiffer boot like the T2 driving those bigger bindings on wider skies for powder better, perhaps?Have a great winter! Keep up the touring.
I have not skied a beefier binding or boot than the Switchback X2 / T2. I'm very happy with that combination for the type of backcountry skiing that I like. One of the beefier combinations would probably work better for resort skiing or for more challenging terrain. I have been curious about NTN and 22 designs Lynx binding. If someone comes out with a new generation NTN boot that is similar or lighter in weight as compared to the Scarpa T2, I'd love to give them a go.
Great catch. I don't think there is any harm in using the top of the heel, but I think the lever was designed for and works better in the heel groove. I've skied both ways and to me it has the same feel. I have the binding currently adjusted for the groove.
Great vid Tom. Using the T4 myself, a fantastic boot in my opinion, in combination with the 22 Designs Axl. Great combi on the slopes but since i'm a backcountry tourer mostly, i am looking for a lighter setup and thinking of exchanging the Axl for the Switchback instead. Do you have experience with the Switchback in comparison to the Switchback X2 in terms of control and weight? Thank you in advance.
I have not skied the Axl, so I don't have a point of reference as a comparison to the Switchback. Telemark skier magazines published a good article on the various bindings available in 2016. www.telemarkskier.com/picking-a-telemark-ski-binding/ Their article places the Axl and the X2 at about the same activity level, but also gives the Axl better lateral control. I rarely see hardpack or ice in my skiing and I find that the X2 works well for me. The X2 is a more active binding than the standard Switchback. Voile lists the weight of the Switchback as 3 lbs / 1362g / pair and the X2 as 3.2 lbs / 1451.5 g / pair. 22 Designs lists the large Axl at 4.1 lbs / 1860g. The standard Switchback is a great pairing with the T4 / Excursion class of boot for backcountry touring. The springs on the X2 are stronger, and the pivot point is further back, so it offers more power. I'd opt for the X2 over the standard Switchback when the purpose of the tour is for downhill turns. For all other backcountry skiing, I prefer a lighter setup, 3 pins and leathers. The X2 is a great binding, but I don't know if it would be worth swapping out your current Axl for it.
hi Tom, I just signed up to get your videos. Lived in Colorado for 20 years and Tele skied on G3 targa's, and I'm finding out that they stopped making them. I haven't skied in years and want to get back into it. Do those Switchback bindings you are using with your T2's breakaway when you crash like the old T3 Targa's did? Thanks!
The Switchbacks do not have a release mechanism. Here is a 2016 link to tele bindings. www.telemarkskier.com/picking-a-telemark-ski-binding/ You might also look into the Lynx binding by 22 Designs. It is a new binding (2019). If I were in the market for a new set of boots and bindings, it would be high on my list. They are lighter than the Switchbacks and thats never a bad thing. earnyourturns.com/35260/review-22ds-lynx-2-pin-tele-binding/
Tom, what would be your number one ski pick if you had to choose only one to do it all? I will be using the Voile Switchback with T4's. Like I said in my last comment, I live in Arizona now and don't have the luxury of trying out many skis. We only go up once or twice a year and I want a new ski that can kind of do it all. I'm 5-10 160 and currently ski on 165 old Super Stinx... thanks
@Scott Robbins That is a very tough question. Is your current setup (G3 Targa's + K2 Super Stinx) worn out or are you just looking to try something new? I don't think there is one ski that can do it all. By all, I mean efficiently cruising low angle open terrain on one end, to long downhill tight descents on steeper terrain. I've been skiing for a long time, but my ski collection is limited to a whole series of ancient skis/boots of the past, and in recent years, the Fischer brand of adventure skis (78's, 98's, 125's), two sets of Voile skis (Objective and Hyper V6), and one set of Fischer Hannibal skis. I have not skied the Super Stinx, so I don't have a point of reference for your current setup as compared to mine. My guess is that the Super Stinx is more of a downhill oriented ski. If that is your preference, you may want to stick with a downhill focused ski. My experience is limited to the backcountry, as I haven't been resort skiing this century. If I had to pair one set of skis from my current quiver to the T4's and the Switchback, I think I'd pick the Voile Objective BC when moderate downhill was the primary focus. It would take a lot of skill to ski the T4's/switchbacks on any ski in very steep/difficult terrain. Keep in mind that Voile will not warrant the Objective ski with telemark bindings. If the primary use is cruising, with an occasional downhill, then I would probably pick a Fischer Adventure Ski, either the 98 or the 112. I don't think that the Fischer Adventure line of skis are appropriate for resort use. Check out the Telemark Talk Forum www.telemarktalk.com/ for other opinions. Many of the active members are East Coast and NW residents, with very different ski conditions than we have here in the Rockies. A few regular posters have skied on dozens of different skis, some of which I have never even seen, much less skied. As a side note, I really liked the Scarpa T4's, they just didn't agree with my feet. I do miss the format for moderate terrain.
Tom M I pretty much figured your answer was going to be the one that you gave. It's hard to get any gear whatever sport it is to go in between and do it all. It's like hybrid mountain bikes. A commuter bike is a commuter bike, but it can be used on mild trails with fatter tires, but of course you suffer performance on hard trails. Anyway yes, my super stinx have been primarily for area skiing and I match them with the t2. Made a lot of Resort runs in Colorado over the years. Recently bought the T4 because I liked how much lighter it is and they still drive my super stinks okay, but not like the t2 s. My goal with the t4s is to match them with a new binding and ski. I picked up some switchbacks, which I got the idea from your videos and I want to do some small climbing on moderate hills and just relax and ski backcountry like you are doing. I'm getting too old to hit the downhill hard, LOL 63 now! I cannot believe how everything has changed in 10 years. We moved to Mesa about 10 years ago and I am feeling that I'm not done yet! Got the bug to do some more backcountry! Thanks so much for your input! Looks like you are living the life with all the different destinations you go. You must be retired??
And I forgot to add, yes they are K2 Super Stinx. The only reason I have to change bindings is my G3 Targa"s are shot as the cartridges have corroded to the cable. That's what started this whole ordeal. I just wanted to get out and ski a bit after our Arizona snow storm and discovered the cartridges shot. So now I have to look for another binding and maybe new skis. I doubt I could mount a brand new binding on my existing skis but a ski tech told me that the Switchback may fit the whole pattern of the Super Stinx. The switchback seemed the most similar to the G3 Targa and then I saw your video...
The T4's are a great choice for lighter touring if they agree with your feet. I skied 2 generations of the T4's but could never resolve a blister issue under the pointy ankle bone. I put up with it but finally had to move on to the T2 to resolve it for me. I know lots of people who have never had any issues, so it is foot specific. In regards to sizing, the foot area of the shell is similar in length and width. The liners have changed over the years and the newer versions are thermo moldable and the older versions were not. I hope this helps and be sure to post back with your experience. Thanks for tuning in and have a great winter.
Thanks for the prompt feedback. I do have pointy ankles so they are probably not for me. Have to say though that I usulally find Scarpa boots really comfortable.@@tomm9850
I've used both positions. There are some advantages and disadvantages to each position. The angle of the hardwire changes, so the engagement occurs earlier with the lever on the shelf, but you can have a similar feel when using the heel groove by increasing the spring tension. I think most people use the heel groove as the top of the lever position is spaced further away from the boot and that makes it easier to dismount with the ski pole and there is also less interference between the top of the lever and the ski/walk lever.
Scarpa describes the T4 as "A simple, reliable and comfortable boot for low-angle touring and smooth skiing performance, the T4 is the go-to choice for old-schoolers and entry-level telemarkers." Scarpa's description for the T2 is "Our most classic and versatile telemark boot that’s seen more days of touring than any other on the planet, the T2 Eco is a traditional boot with modern features for responsive performance on the up and the down." I think their description is spot on. If you mostly plan to ski off trail in rolling or moderate terrain on a narrow width Downhill ski something like the Voile Objective or a wide Cross Country ski, something like the SBound 112, then the T4 would be the right boot. If your main goal is off trail downhill skiing on wide downhill skis and maybe an occasional trip to the resort, then I'd go for the T2. If you plan to mostly lift ski at the resort, then you might as well go for the TX pro. Skiing a plastic boot with an active telemark binding is very different from skiing a soft boot with an XC binding. Plastic boots give great downhill control but at the expense of kick and glide efficiency on the flats and in rolling terrain and I would not recommend them for typical off trail cross country skiing.
lol.. I've enjoyed your videos..but I just realized I literally bought the t4s from you.. the workbench color gave it away.. thanks for the videos and the boots!
I really wish my feet and the T4's could get along better. They are about the right size and weight for much of the skiing I like to do. If you are stepping up from a soft boot to the T4, you will really notice how much more control the T4's offer. Hope you have a great winter season, and let me know how well they work out for you.
Thanks, I'll let you know. I've got some garmonts now that are a little too beefy to three pin around in so I hope these are better. Hope the T2s worked out better on your feet! I've never had scrapa's before but have pretty average feet so most boots fit fine.
Boots are great! Thanks so much. They don't hurt my feet at all...they are actually super comfortable and the perfect stiffness for what im using them for which is mostly easy ups and downs
Fantastic. That makes me very happy. If Scarpa ever redesigns the T4, I'll probably give the T4's one more try. They are just about the perfect stiffness and weight for many of my favorite ski routes.
Tom, great videos. Thanks for these. Have you skied any of the Rainey / 22 Designs “Hammerhead” (now Axl / Vice) bindings in comparison to the X2? It seems like the beefier more active bindings do come at the expense of weight /complexity compared to the lighter simpler Voile mechanism on their Switchbacks. Tho I can also imagine a stiffer boot like the T2 driving those bigger bindings on wider skies for powder better, perhaps?Have a great winter! Keep up the touring.
I have not skied a beefier binding or boot than the Switchback X2 / T2. I'm very happy with that combination for the type of backcountry skiing that I like. One of the beefier combinations would probably work better for resort skiing or for more challenging terrain. I have been curious about NTN and 22 designs Lynx binding. If someone comes out with a new generation NTN boot that is similar or lighter in weight as compared to the Scarpa T2, I'd love to give them a go.
Best looking and all-around performing tele boot out there. Any reason you're not using the notch on the heel for your cable lever?
Great catch. I don't think there is any harm in using the top of the heel, but I think the lever was designed for and works better in the heel groove. I've skied both ways and to me it has the same feel. I have the binding currently adjusted for the groove.
Great vid Tom. Using the T4 myself, a fantastic boot in my opinion, in combination with the 22 Designs Axl. Great combi on the slopes but since i'm a backcountry tourer mostly, i am looking for a lighter setup and thinking of exchanging the Axl for the Switchback instead. Do you have experience with the Switchback in comparison to the Switchback X2 in terms of control and weight? Thank you in advance.
I have not skied the Axl, so I don't have a point of reference as a comparison to the Switchback. Telemark skier magazines published a good article on the various bindings available in 2016.
www.telemarkskier.com/picking-a-telemark-ski-binding/
Their article places the Axl and the X2 at about the same activity level, but also gives the Axl better lateral control. I rarely see hardpack or ice in my skiing and I find that the X2 works well for me.
The X2 is a more active binding than the standard Switchback. Voile lists the weight of the Switchback as 3 lbs / 1362g / pair and the X2 as 3.2 lbs / 1451.5 g / pair. 22 Designs lists the large Axl at 4.1 lbs / 1860g. The standard Switchback is a great pairing with the T4 / Excursion class of boot for backcountry touring. The springs on the X2 are stronger, and the pivot point is further back, so it offers more power. I'd opt for the X2 over the standard Switchback when the purpose of the tour is for downhill turns. For all other backcountry skiing, I prefer a lighter setup, 3 pins and leathers. The X2 is a great binding, but I don't know if it would be worth swapping out your current Axl for it.
hi Tom, I just signed up to get your videos. Lived in Colorado for 20 years and Tele skied on G3 targa's, and I'm finding out that they stopped making them. I haven't skied in years and want to get back into it. Do those Switchback bindings you are using with your T2's breakaway when you crash like the old T3 Targa's did? Thanks!
The Switchbacks do not have a release mechanism. Here is a 2016 link to tele bindings. www.telemarkskier.com/picking-a-telemark-ski-binding/
You might also look into the Lynx binding by 22 Designs. It is a new binding (2019). If I were in the market for a new set of boots and bindings, it would be high on my list. They are lighter than the Switchbacks and thats never a bad thing. earnyourturns.com/35260/review-22ds-lynx-2-pin-tele-binding/
Tom, what would be your number one ski pick if you had to choose only one to do it all? I will be using the Voile Switchback with T4's. Like I said in my last comment, I live in Arizona now and don't have the luxury of trying out many skis. We only go up once or twice a year and I want a new ski that can kind of do it all. I'm 5-10 160 and currently ski on 165 old Super Stinx... thanks
@Scott Robbins That is a very tough question. Is your current setup (G3 Targa's + K2 Super Stinx) worn out or are you just looking to try something new? I don't think there is one ski that can do it all. By all, I mean efficiently cruising low angle open terrain on one end, to long downhill tight descents on steeper terrain. I've been skiing for a long time, but my ski collection is limited to a whole series of ancient skis/boots of the past, and in recent years, the Fischer brand of adventure skis (78's, 98's, 125's), two sets of Voile skis (Objective and Hyper V6), and one set of Fischer Hannibal skis. I have not skied the Super Stinx, so I don't have a point of reference for your current setup as compared to mine. My guess is that the Super Stinx is more of a downhill oriented ski. If that is your preference, you may want to stick with a downhill focused ski. My experience is limited to the backcountry, as I haven't been resort skiing this century. If I had to pair one set of skis from my current quiver to the T4's and the Switchback, I think I'd pick the Voile Objective BC when moderate downhill was the primary focus. It would take a lot of skill to ski the T4's/switchbacks on any ski in very steep/difficult terrain. Keep in mind that Voile will not warrant the Objective ski with telemark bindings. If the primary use is cruising, with an occasional downhill, then I would probably pick a Fischer Adventure Ski, either the 98 or the 112. I don't think that the Fischer Adventure line of skis are appropriate for resort use. Check out the Telemark Talk Forum www.telemarktalk.com/ for other opinions. Many of the active members are East Coast and NW residents, with very different ski conditions than we have here in the Rockies. A few regular posters have skied on dozens of different skis, some of which I have never even seen, much less skied. As a side note, I really liked the Scarpa T4's, they just didn't agree with my feet. I do miss the format for moderate terrain.
Tom M I pretty much figured your answer was going to be the one that you gave. It's hard to get any gear whatever sport it is to go in between and do it all. It's like hybrid mountain bikes. A commuter bike is a commuter bike, but it can be used on mild trails with fatter tires, but of course you suffer performance on hard trails. Anyway yes, my super stinx have been primarily for area skiing and I match them with the t2. Made a lot of Resort runs in Colorado over the years. Recently bought the T4 because I liked how much lighter it is and they still drive my super stinks okay, but not like the t2 s. My goal with the t4s is to match them with a new binding and ski. I picked up some switchbacks, which I got the idea from your videos and I want to do some small climbing on moderate hills and just relax and ski backcountry like you are doing. I'm getting too old to hit the downhill hard, LOL 63 now! I cannot believe how everything has changed in 10 years. We moved to Mesa about 10 years ago and I am feeling that I'm not done yet! Got the bug to do some more backcountry! Thanks so much for your input! Looks like you are living the life with all the different destinations you go. You must be retired??
And I forgot to add, yes they are K2 Super Stinx. The only reason I have to change bindings is my G3 Targa"s are shot as the cartridges have corroded to the cable. That's what started this whole ordeal. I just wanted to get out and ski a bit after our Arizona snow storm and discovered the cartridges shot. So now I have to look for another binding and maybe new skis. I doubt I could mount a brand new binding on my existing skis but a ski tech told me that the Switchback may fit the whole pattern of the Super Stinx. The switchback seemed the most similar to the G3 Targa and then I saw your video...
What cables lenght you have on those bindings?
The binding is a Voile Switchback X2 with the standard length rod. Voile says that the standard rod is for boots with sole length from 305-350 mm.
Hi, I have T2's. Do the T4's (if I bought to use for light touring use) fit similar to the T4's?
The T4's are a great choice for lighter touring if they agree with your feet. I skied 2 generations of the T4's but could never resolve a blister issue under the pointy ankle bone. I put up with it but finally had to move on to the T2 to resolve it for me. I know lots of people who have never had any issues, so it is foot specific. In regards to sizing, the foot area of the shell is similar in length and width. The liners have changed over the years and the newer versions are thermo moldable and the older versions were not. I hope this helps and be sure to post back with your experience. Thanks for tuning in and have a great winter.
Thanks for the prompt feedback. I do have pointy ankles so they are probably not for me. Have to say though that I usulally find Scarpa boots really comfortable.@@tomm9850
I set the heel throw in the lower groove. Am I right?
I've used both positions. There are some advantages and disadvantages to each position. The angle of the hardwire changes, so the engagement occurs earlier with the lever on the shelf, but you can have a similar feel when using the heel groove by increasing the spring tension. I think most people use the heel groove as the top of the lever position is spaced further away from the boot and that makes it easier to dismount with the ski pole and there is also less interference between the top of the lever and the ski/walk lever.
Thanks
Which boot you recommed for beginner telemark skier?
Scarpa describes the T4 as "A simple, reliable and comfortable boot for low-angle touring and smooth skiing performance, the T4 is the go-to choice for old-schoolers and entry-level telemarkers." Scarpa's description for the T2 is "Our most classic and versatile telemark boot that’s seen more days of touring than any other on the planet, the T2 Eco is a traditional boot with modern features for responsive performance on the up and the down." I think their description is spot on. If you mostly plan to ski off trail in rolling or moderate terrain on a narrow width Downhill ski something like the Voile Objective or a wide Cross Country ski, something like the SBound 112, then the T4 would be the right boot. If your main goal is off trail downhill skiing on wide downhill skis and maybe an occasional trip to the resort, then I'd go for the T2. If you plan to mostly lift ski at the resort, then you might as well go for the TX pro. Skiing a plastic boot with an active telemark binding is very different from skiing a soft boot with an XC binding. Plastic boots give great downhill control but at the expense of kick and glide efficiency on the flats and in rolling terrain and I would not recommend them for typical off trail cross country skiing.
Okey, thank you for good answer! What lenght is your foot in cm?
Full Weight on Foot, No Sock
Left L=267, W=90
Right L=266, W=95