Any thoughts on the new G3 Ascent tele binding?

I am looking for any thoughts or user feedback on the latest G3 Targa tele binding, The Ascent. Does the switch on the toe get iced up and make it difficult to work?
I have searched the web, but have not found any at less than the suggested retail of $289...any suggestions?

Thanks!

I have heard better things about the Black Diamond O1... and I would rather ski it on the downhill too... FWIW.

someone help this guy out!

he may only have 1 post, but i can vouch for 'im.... and he should have some stoke to post.

I've seen these in action. And they're documented here:

http://www.telemarktips.com/RevG3Ascent.html

as for discounts...you might be able to get a 10% discount code for backcountry.com, through the good graces of powstash.

Thanks for the link to the review....jury is still out!

I think that stuff's too new to have much feedback available. There are a few options available in free-pivoting "touring mode" tele bindings now. If you like the way the G3 skis perhaps you should try them out. You too can be a guinea pig!:biggrin:

Check out the Ttips link above. Do a search there. Plenty of opinions available--not all based on real world experience.

My opinion is that touring mode tele bindings address the least problematic of a long list of tele binding issues. I'm still waiting for them to make tele bindings that don't fucking break--
but are releaseable in a controlled way.

r. :cool:

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Originally Posted by COnative

I am looking for any thoughts or user feedback on the latest G3 Targa tele binding, The Ascent. Does the switch on the toe get iced up and make it difficult to work?
I have searched the web, but have not found any at less than the suggested retail of $289...any suggestions?

Thanks!

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For comparison:

G3 Ascent: http://www.earnyourturns.com/article...p?articleID=74

Karhu 7tm Power Tour: http://www.couloirmag.com/mfgs/dynam...p?articleID=56

BD O1: http://www.earnyourturns.com/article...p?articleID=42

Rottefella Cobra Free (production version looks a little different, but it's the same functionality): http://www.couloirmag.com/mfgs/dynam...?articleID=104

Go nuts. Edited to say, they're all brand new bindings; I doubt you'll find any deals out there.

Skied the G3s a few days last year. Will keep on skiing them. No ice up issues, but only saw use in the spring. I believe only company demos were out during the height of winter.

It did take a little while to adjust my skinning technique to the free pivot. I found myself picking up, instead of gliding. Made for some sore legs the first day, but made a couple of adjustments and wouldn't go back to non-free pivot teles for long tours.

Mounting was easy, and they look pretty durable. They also are lighter than the BDs by over a pound, and the 7TMs by a couple of pounds.

Hope this helps.

-Matt

I'll go on record by saying that I think free-pivoting tele bindings are stupid. If you want a free pivot, they already have that, it's called AT gear. Once you start screwing around with touring modes, etc., you might as well alpine.

Part of the 'joy' of telemarking is fighting to flex the boot bellows and stiff binding springs with every step uphill.;)

I agree with rippah, releasability and durability are the two things I'd like to see the industry pursue wholeheartedly.

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Originally Posted by homerjay

I agree with rippah, performance, releasability and durability are the things I'd like to see the industry pursue wholeheartedly.

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fixed.

655321

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Originally Posted by lemon boy

fixed.

655321

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R8's perform very well....until the springs explode.

edit- ....or the heel throw breaks.

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Originally Posted by GeoMatt

They also are lighter than the BDs by over a pound, and the 7TMs by a couple of pounds.

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Manufacture's weights:
Ascent 2lb 14oz
01 3lb 11oz
7tm Tour 4lb 0oz (couldn't find the weight of the power tour, but it should weight about the same..)