Ya know, I read that torque test over on wildsnow.com and all it really tells you is how the different AT bindings compare to each other. Without knowing how the referenced Marker binding stacks up to other alpine bindings, the point of comparison is basically worthless. Are those Marker bindings good, rigid bindings or are they soft, floppy pieces o' crap, or something in between?

I'm also curious how the stack height affects things. Everyone says extra height off the ski is bad, but so far I haven't heard why that is. Having no experience with this, I can't visualize why a little extra height off the ski is a bad thing...???

The most important consideration when choosing my new boots will be fit, with performance characteristics coming in a very close second. If I can find a lightweight boot with a walk mode that is at least as good as the Nordica K7.1s I have now, then great, but if I have to sacrifice a walk mode for the right fit and performance, I won't think twice. I don't want to buy a really soft, flexy alpine boot. Might as well just buy AT boots then.

As for the bindings, I was all set to pull the trigger on some freerides but life has a way of making other plans. I took my dog to the vet today and the verdict is he needs about $600 worth of surgery on his right front paw to remove a growth. So, instead of some freerides in the $300 range it's going to be the S912tis for $50 and maybe some trekkers in the spring or a remount with freerides if the finances recover by then.

Thanks again everyone. While circumstances are forcing my hand on this choice now, I hope someone else at least finds the info in this thread useful.