The 300g Touring Binding Thread

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Originally Posted by cat in january

I will take a closer look at the Salomon mountain, but have speed turn 2 I could move over and not sure how much the Salomon changes the game from them. Like to leave the turn 2 on skis on now. If they went on new skis would get the bnd top plates as my poles don’t play nice with the dynafits volcano

Saw that sale on the helio 180. I was not ready to spend then. Some folks got a good deal there

Bindings going on 90 waist ski to pair with 108 ski with the speed turn staying on my old sentimental rock skis. Hopefully a five year ski so willing to wait if there’s better tech coming up

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The advantage of the mtn is that it eliminates pre releases.
It have really strong toe springs

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Good to hear on mountain. Just from a spec sheet I like the alpinist first and zed second. What I like from reading about the alpinist is it deadens the harshness of tech toes the best in this category and has the sliding rear

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Originally Posted by cat in january

What I like from reading about the alpinist is it deadens the harshness of tech toes the best in this category and has the sliding rear

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What you won't like about it is having to rotate the heelpiece to change lifter heights, and the "high" climbing level isn't very high at all. Other than that, it's a fine binding.

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Originally Posted by cat in january

Good to hear on mountain. Just from a spec sheet I like the alpinist first and zed second. What I like from reading about the alpinist is it deadens the harshness of tech toes the best in this category and has the sliding rear

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For what it's worth, I have 50+ days on Zeds and 20+ days on Alpinists and much prefer the Zeds. The risers on the Zeds are way easier to flip up with your pole, you don't need to rotate the heel to use the second riser, and the heel piece is easy to rotate from walk to ski mode with your pole (again, this is on the Zeds). I've had both bindings on the same pair of skis and didn't notice any difference in harshness.

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Originally Posted by Jongle

The risers on the Zeds are way easier to flip up with your pole, you don't need to rotate the heel to use the second riser, and the heel piece is easy to rotate from walk to ski mode with your pole (again, this is on the Zeds).

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I've had friends complain about them rotating TOO easily (i.e. on their own) usually in high lifter position and wet conditions where the heel of the boot is pushing the spring-loaded heel unit rearward with each step . . .

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Originally Posted by gregL

I've had friends complain about them rotating TOO easily (i.e. on their own) usually in high lifter position and wet conditions where the heel of the boot is pushing the spring-loaded heel unit rearward with each step . . .

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I had issues with that on the first year ones (and found the sensation of the heel tower moving annoying). For year two they went to a stiffer spring for the length compensation (which retrofits to the older ones) which solved that issue for me. YMMV, I'm 165lb and have mostly skied them in 26.5 Hawx 130s (the older orange and black WTR sole ones).

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Originally Posted by gregL

I've had friends complain about them rotating TOO easily (i.e. on their own) usually in high lifter position and wet conditions where the heel of the boot is pushing the spring-loaded heel unit rearward with each step . . .

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Yeah, I had this issue once or twice with my 1st-gen Zeds, but G3 switched to a stiffer heel spring for year two. They sent me a pair of the stiffer springs (for free), I swapped them out with the original springs and haven’t had the heels slide rearward while using the lifters since then.

Seen some hacks in here for the stupidly low-rise Alpinist heel lifter. My buddy and I used to make heel lifters on our tele bindings out of PVC and shock cord back before heel lifters were a thing. Kinda ridiculous to have to modify like this but it works, and I like the Alpinist bindings otherwise. The PVC is a one-inch plug. Not going to win any cool-kid awards, but skinning the uphill route at my local ski area requires some steep pitches so I needed to do something that provides more additional lift than the other hacks I've seen on here. Maybe somebody else will find it useful or modify it in a way that works for them.

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Originally Posted by yeahman

Seen some hacks in here for the stupidly low-rise Alpinist heel lifter. My buddy and I used to make heel lifters on our tele bindings out of PVC and shock cord back before heel lifters were a thing. Kinda ridiculous to have to modify like this but it works, and I like the Alpinist bindings otherwise. The PVC is a one-inch plug. Not going to win any cool-kid awards, but skinning the uphill route at my local ski area requires some steep pitches so I needed to do something that provides more additional lift than the other hacks I've seen on here. Maybe somebody else will find it useful or modify it in a way that works for them.

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Hoping next year's has a larger riser or I'm going to start laying flatter skin tracks. The toe piece is burly on these things.

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Originally Posted by yeahman

Seen some hacks in here for the stupidly low-rise Alpinist heel lifter. My buddy and I used to make heel lifters on our tele bindings out of PVC and shock cord back before heel lifters were a thing. Kinda ridiculous to have to modify like this but it works, and I like the Alpinist bindings otherwise. The PVC is a one-inch plug. Not going to win any cool-kid awards, but skinning the uphill route at my local ski area requires some steep pitches so I needed to do something that provides more additional lift than the other hacks I've seen on here. Maybe somebody else will find it useful or modify it in a way that works for them.

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Ha, your telemark roots are showing!

You can put your weed in there.



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Quote:

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Originally Posted by yeahman

Seen some hacks in here for the stupidly low-rise Alpinist heel lifter. My buddy and I used to make heel lifters on our tele bindings out of PVC and shock cord back before heel lifters were a thing. Kinda ridiculous to have to modify like this but it works, and I like the Alpinist bindings otherwise. The PVC is a one-inch plug. Not going to win any cool-kid awards, but skinning the uphill route at my local ski area requires some steep pitches so I needed to do something that provides more additional lift than the other hacks I've seen on here. Maybe somebody else will find it useful or modify it in a way that works for them.

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You know you aren’t using the highest lifter in that picture eh?

Sorry, you probably know that but just being sure...


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Originally Posted by rob stokes

You know you aren’t using the highest lifter in that picture eh?

Sorry, you probably know that but just being sure...


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Yes I know. It rests better on the lower setting. And if all I need are the low setting and the pvc, I don't need to rotate the heel piece around at all.

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Originally Posted by 3PinGrin

Ha, your telemark roots are showing!

You can put your weed in there.



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Ha, yep. Here's one of the originals from 1989. We used to cut the PVC at an angle, but the way the Alpinist is designed it's not necessary. We were doing most of our skiing on Wisherd Ridge by Missoula, and we called these things Ridge Erections. Edit: Oops forgot the pic:

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Been using dynafit comforts and vertical ft12's for years. Looking at new bindings and man there is a lot of new shit out there.

Couple of questions what's the din range on the backland/ solly mtn?

I can get a deal on BD helio 350's . They only have the narrow break tho... Can these be used without the break?

Thanks tech gurus!

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Originally Posted by MTslackcountry

Couple of questions what's the din range on the backland/ solly mtn?

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They are not "DIN" certified (assume you are referring to ISO 13992). Amer won't give a defined release value for the three springs provided, but educated guesses put the "Women" at 6-8, "Men" at 8-10, and "Expert" at 10-12.

If you feel safer with a defined and published release value, or feel a need to have separate vertical/lateral release settings, this (or any "U" spring model) may not be the binding for you.

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Originally Posted by MTslackcountry

I can get a deal on BD helio 350's . They only have the narrow break tho... Can these be used without the break?

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Yes they can be used without a brake, Blister confirms it in the comments here: https://blisterreview.com/gear-revie...12-majesty-r12

If you want an aftermarket brake that would fit, you could definitely find one somewhere as the heel piece used in the Helio 350 is the same as the ATK Raider, Hagan Core, Moment Voyager, etc.

Before you buy from BD, I'd look into Spyderjon's prices for ATK. I have a Tier 1 pro deal with BD (not sure what the other levels are like) and Spyderjon's prices were similar when you factor in the tax you have to pay with BD, and he has a way better selection. I got really lucky with an industry connection to ATK but otherwise I would have bought from Spyder.

MT. Comforts and Verticals set a very high standard for reliability. I still hoard pairs. I also still have sets running 300+ days.

What is your replacement criteria?

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Originally Posted by Benneke10

Yes they can be used without a brake, Blister confirms it in the comments here: https://blisterreview.com/gear-revie...12-majesty-r12

If you want an aftermarket brake that would fit, you could definitely find one somewhere as the heel piece used in the Helio 350 is the same as the ATK Raider, Hagan Core, Moment Voyager, etc.

Before you buy from BD, I'd look into Spyderjon's prices for ATK. I have a Tier 1 pro deal with BD (not sure what the other levels are like) and Spyderjon's prices were similar when you factor in the tax you have to pay with BD, and he has a way better selection. I got really lucky with an industry connection to ATK but otherwise I would have bought from Spyder.

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Thanks man very helpful

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Originally Posted by LeeLau

MT. Comforts and Verticals set a very high standard for reliability. I still hoard pairs. I also still have sets running 300+ days.

What is your replacement criteria?

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Lee,

I have about 250-300 days on my vertical FT 12's. I run the din at 11 and never lock the toes. I have complete confidence in these bindings. My replacement requirement is something with at least 11 din, preferably lighter than what I currently have and something that is durable and reliable.

At this point im looking at G3 ION LT , and a variation of the ATK 12's.

I have considered the dynafit speed radicals or speed 2.0 but dont like that I would need to max out the DIN and still not have the retention that I currently have. The other dynafit offerings seem heavy in the 12 din

I got 2 pair of verts, as a small AZN man I can run em at 7 / 8 unlocked, they don't pre release, never break pretty bullet proof ime,

if i were you I would just keep running the Verts, maybe even look for another lightly used pair cuz if you got 2 pair you have spare, I took a spare vert heel piece with me to japan

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Originally Posted by MTslackcountry

My replacement requirement is something with at least 11 din, preferably lighter than what I currently have and something that is durable and reliable.

At this point im looking at G3 ION LT , and a variation of the ATK 12's.

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The caveat is I'm a 155lb skier light on gear.

I have 80+ days on the Salomon offering. I have 60+ on the Marker alpinist.

Both have not had reliability issues but in that timeline I feel that a binding should be reliable so that's nothing definitive

The Salomon runs to approx 12 RV. The Alpinist runs to 12.

Both have reliable brakes. Both can run without brakes

Both use Dynafit style ski crampons. The Salomon requires a little doohickey so that the crampon doesn't slide out so there's added faff factor.

The Solly lifter is higher than the Alpinist but I rarely use lifters and even the lower Alpinist lifter is fine for me

The Solly retains a heel gap. The Alpinist heel touches the boot so if the tech 2.0 variety. Presumably that Tech 2.0 helps somewhat with pre-release and heel engagement but, for me it's not perceptible

For me, the toe springs in the Solly and Marker are strong enough that I don't have to lock out the toe. That may help somewhat with mitigating avalanche hazard on the uptrack.

Lee,

Thanks for the intel on the 2 bindings you're currently running. The Marker is out for me just cant... I will put the salomon on my radar

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Originally Posted by MTslackcountry

Lee,

I have about 250-300 days on my vertical FT 12's. I run the din at 11 and never lock the toes. I have complete confidence in these bindings. My replacement requirement is something with at least 11 din, preferably lighter than what I currently have and something that is durable and reliable.

At this point im looking at G3 ION LT , and a variation of the ATK 12's.

I have considered the dynafit speed radicals or speed 2.0 but dont like that I would need to max out the DIN and still not have the retention that I currently have. The other dynafit offerings seem heavy in the 12 din

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I had the ft12 and pre released a couple of times, then i sold them.

I used Salomon mtn, and never pre released, toes unlocked.


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Lee (or anyone else)—if you choose to go with the leash option for the Alpinist, what’s your preferred leash? I’m trying to optimize for avi safety (breakable fuse somewhere in the system) and something that’ll actually attach to the Alpinist, as there isn’t an easy option. Is the B&D leash the only option?


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ATK makes a fused leash. The thing about the ATK leash is that the fuse is a small loop of 1mm cord that's tack welded into a small loop. If you bust it, then you're into a $30 replacement leash, or alternatively fabricating your own fuse. They are light, however.

I just checked the skimo site, and this year, I don't see the small loop, either branded as Helios (Black Diamond) or ATK. It might be worth a call to skimo.

... Thom

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Originally Posted by MTslackcountry

The other dynafit offerings seem heavy in the 12 din

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You can find deals on the Superlite 2.0s with a 12 DIN fixed release. They're clearing them to make room for the new Superlite 150. Check on Snowinn.com, probably $360 shipped (might be slow shipping though).
They clock in at 150 grams and have taller risers than the replacement version (not anywhere near as high as what you're though). The force of the stomping required to engage the heel piece always blows my mind. I think brakes are optional on them.

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Originally Posted by Boissal

You can find deals on the Superlite 2.0s with a 12 DIN fixed release. They're clearing them to make room for the new Superlite 150. Check on Snowinn.com, probably $360 shipped (might be slow shipping though).
They clock in at 150 grams and have taller risers than the replacement version (not anywhere near as high as what you're though). The force of the stomping required to engage the heel piece always blows my mind. I think brakes are optional on them.

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Those are my favorite bindings. They're not right for everyone, but they ski well and only weigh a bit more than a race binding. Lateral release is 6-12. Vertical is fixed 10-12 (U springs are like that). You can add or remove a brake after mounting. The "unofficial flat mode" with the heel piece rotated 90 degrees works great. They use the same toes as some older race bindings. I've seen a few pics of these toes developing cracks around the holes. But these are a very common toe piece with skimo nerds who ski a shit ton of vert, and it isn't a catastrophic failure, just something you should keep and eye on.

One of my three pairs has over a hundred days and is working great. The heel lifters wiggle side-to-side a bit when you grab them, but I can't notice it while skinning and the toe pieces are going strong. I almost sold a newer pair recently to buy some MTN's so I could reuse some holes on a pair of skis. Then I came to my senses and stuck with the lighter binding that would cost me no extra money that had performed flawlessly for me. Best binding Dynafit has ever made. Unfortunately, the new Superlite 150's only come with an 8 DIN U spring. I might stock up now that the old ones are cheap and still for sale.

Another SSL2 fan here. Great binding.

It's probably been said before, but the Salomon MTN bindings work well with Plum crampons. Although, the crampon can still come off the ski if it rotates all the way up, so it's not such a good idea to A-frame your skis on your pack without taking the crampons off first.

Anyway, I really like the MTNs. SSL 2.0s are pretty good too, but I'm worried about cracking the toes, I like brakes, and my heel adjustment plate increased the ramp too much.

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Originally Posted by rod9301

I had the ft12 and pre released a couple of times, then i sold them.

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This has just begun to happen for me (100ish days). I cannot figure out what the issue is... Anyone else have this happing on FT12?

I've almost bought the Alpinist 12 a couple times, but the heal riser isn't enough after time spent thinking about it. So much good selection now a days.

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Originally Posted by buildakicker

This has just begun to happen for me (100ish days). I cannot figure out what the issue is... Anyone else have this happing on FT12? .

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You have to clear snow from the pin holes and under the springs every single time before you step in, the one time you forget is the time you will get pre-release

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Originally Posted by XXX-er

You have to clear snow from the pin holes and under the springs every single time before you step in, the one time you forget is the time you will get pre-release

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You can also force open those toe wings with the right sort of turn on hard snow. This is exacerbated by lateral play in the heel piece which gets worse with age unless you replace the thimble bushings in the heel. Weaker toe spings + play in heel can = prerelease even if you clear the toes.

Another thing to watch for on high miles ft12 is the plastic yoke where the toe wings connect in the middle. I had a cracked one a while back that caused mystery releases with toes locked.


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And get limber enough to rip skins without taking off the ski, ensures clean sockets on boots


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Originally Posted by I've seen black diamonds!

You can also force open those toe wings with the right sort of turn on hard snow. This is exacerbated by lateral play in the heel piece which gets worse with age unless you replace the thimble bushings in the heel. Weaker toe spings + play in heel can = prerelease even if you clear the toes.

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Re thimble bushings. As well as grease it lightly every now and then simply rotate that thimble bushing. I do that once a year with my Dynafits.

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Originally Posted by I've seen black diamonds!

You can also force open those toe wings with the right sort of turn on hard snow. This is exacerbated by lateral play in the heel piece which gets worse with age unless you replace the thimble bushings in the heel. Weaker toe spings + play in heel can = prerelease even if you clear the toes.

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I don't see too many people using tech bindings on hard snow

Almost nobody clears a tech binding so just pull that lever up all the way & lock them down

or lock her up if yer a republican

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Originally Posted by XXX-er

I don't see too many people using tech bindings on hard snow

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Then you haven't been looking.

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Originally Posted by I've seen black diamonds!

Then you haven't been looking.

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Lol... I bet I ski 30% variable hardpack to variable slush a season... So true.

On my pre-releaeses, it usually happens when I'm trying to slash something or hoping down something steeper. I'm going to check the binders as LeeLau suggested above.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.





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Originally Posted by buildakicker

Lol... I bet I ski 30% variable hardpack to variable slush a season... So true.

On my pre-releaeses, it usually happens when I'm trying to slash something or hoping down something steeper. I'm going to check the binders as LeeLau suggested above.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.





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Dude, you're playing with your life on these bindings if you're skiing something steep. Sell them, get mtn and live to be as old as i am.

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Review- BD Helio 180

Solid few days smashing pillows, surfing turns and popping drops. Solid feel! No issues, I did install custom freeride spacer.

Leashes are annoying, uphill mode worked great, climbing heights adequate.

At first it was a little weird as my body was uncoordinated to use such a light set-up, but got use to it and powered through the uphills! Initial thoughts = satisfying!