ski boot quiver question. wtf?

[QuikR12]

Yeah, there's been a lot discussed on this already, but I'm special so I started my own thread.


I'm thinking I might opt for the BD Factor, but I'd be lugging a heavier/stiffer boot up climbs where I'm sure I'd could be more comfortable on that uptrack with say the Scarpa Spirit 3. That said, I'm not sure how well the spirit 3's would accomodate my skiing style on the way down. Faassst, aggressive, and semi hucky. I'm also about 210 in gear, so take that into consideration. I like long sufferfest tours, but I am doing it mostly for the descent.

I'm skiing the Dalbello Il Moro ID w/ stiff tongue on resort days, and really like the smoothness of flex, though I must say they can be a bit soft at times. Now, if I opt for the BD Factor, is there complete overlap here? Should I ditch the Dalbello's and ski the Factors on resort days too? Or keep the dalbello's opting for the cheaper and tour specific spirits?

WWMD? Please help.

[single]

What bindings are you touring on? That could be a factor here. It also depends on what skis you are driving, and how much you rely on a stiff boot vs. good form for your skiing style.

Personally, I am going with something light for touring specific missions, then my resort boot is staying relatively stiff. (Flexxon and tlt5)

For me, it works great. If I want to jump and charge sidecountry, I could ski barons/dukes with my alpine boots, but if I want to just tour, I have the tlt5 dynafit setup.

If you are going somewhere far enough to be considering the spirit 3, then I would reconsider jumping off of stuff big enough to warrant big boots unless you have a good way to get packed out of there with a broken leg/binding.

All of this said, I weigh a lot less than you, like 150# in gear.

[QuikR12]

What bindings are you touring on? That could be a factor here. It also depends on what skis you are driving, and how much you rely on a stiff boot vs. good form for your skiing style.

FFR + and Dukes, will pick up D-fits next season or if finances allow it, sooner. Ski's are all 190+ length/105mm + underfoot, and I rely on a little of both really.

For me, it works great. If I want to jump and charge sidecountry, I could ski barons/dukes with my alpine boots, but if I want to just tour, I have the tlt5 dynafit setup.

I toured in my alpines last year, and they worked decently even on longer 5k+ climbs.

If you are going somewhere far enough to be considering the spirit 3, then I would reconsider jumping off of stuff big enough to warrant big boots unless you have a good way to get packed out of there with a broken leg/binding.

Excellent point.

[bfree]

With FFR+, dukes, and big skis, you won't like the spirit 3s. Especially at your size and for the terrain you're describing, I don't think you'll like them one bit. If you don't like the idea of too much overlap with the alpine boots, perhaps consider something inbetween the spirits and factors as far as stiffness (quadrant, method, radium, skookum maybe)

[alive]

Yea, Quik, Take a look at the Quadrant. They just showed up here and are super light for the amount of boot. Can't wait to get out on them.... Great on the up and the down..

[QuikR12]

ok, you guys are right. I'm not too worried as much about boot overlap as I'm worried about about a boot that doesn't ski well... regardless of its touring capability.

edit: 2 Alive, any idea of an approx flex rating on the quadrant? Not finding anything in the flex rating thread here in TT.

[DeathVan]

edit: advice rescinded

Hate the Ducks?

I hope your feet blister early and often

[skiborsy]

edit: 2 Alive, any idea of an approx flex rating on the quadrant? Not finding anything in the flex rating thread here in TT.

The BD website says it's a 120 (to the Factor's 130). http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com...boots/quadrant

[QuikR12]

The BD website says it's a 120 (to the Factor's 130). http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com...boots/quadrant

Thanks man, checked those out and they are sweet, besides the colors ( i hate the fuggin ducks!).

So it's now the Factor vs BD quandrant & Dalbello Krypton... I like the sound of that combo.

[bean]

The Factor has been my only boot since it came out. After pulling the stock liner and putting in intuitions, the weight is on par with the Spirit 3. I'm considering getting the TLT5, but only if finances allow. If I did that I'd stick with the Factor for a few more years for resort and sidecountry use (getting a new pair of intuitions this year) and think about replacing with a dedicated alpine boot after taht.

[Miss Zula]

along these same lines is the new tecnica agent bc. (not to be confused with the at which is a soft 3 buckle boot) I just ordered a pair after a lengthy conversation with a rep. I would be interested to hear from someone who has actually skied in these though (yes i tried search...) I'll attempt to post a review once i've tried them

flex is a tecnica 120 w a lighter plastic than their race boots
102mm last
4 buckle

edit: and they have a dynafit insert which is why i was interested, I only hope it is done better than the saloman version...

[Ninjaskis]

Can anybody tell this jong if the quadrant work in ISO DIN Alpine bindings with it's vibram soles and slightly rockered toe, or is it restricted to AT bindings?

[weasel1]

Can anybody tell this jong if the quadrant work in ISO DIN Alpine bindings with it's vibram soles and slightly rockered toe, or is it restricted to AT bindings?

Uhhh..Nope.

[Ninjaskis]

Is that a

Nope, no one can tell me,
Nope, they don't work in Alpine bindings, or
Nope, they aren't restricted to AT bindings?

This is from the Backcountry.com product description, just wanted to make sure it's accurate.

"Binding Compatibility: All AT and Alpine bindings"

[Ninjaskis]

After trying to google the answer to my question and ending up back in this thread, I figured I would bump it to see if I have any better luck.

I was considering the BD Quadrant for a quiver-of-one boo. I would like to know if I will be able to use it in my Fritschis and my Salomon STH 12 alpine bindings. I have heard that, because the Vibram sole changes the release properties, shops wont mount them for liability reasons. Is this true?

Any light on this would be appreciated.

[jondrums]

AT boots don't work in alpine bindings, unless they have a swappable sole which is specifically DIN compatible. A vibram sole is not DIN compatible.

You can get AT boots to fit into many Salomon bindings (if they have adjustable toe wings - STH12 does not), but because they fit doesn't necessarily mean they work. Many people have success with this, but you'd have to judge for yourself.