Marker Duke Vs. Trekkers with Surface Live Life and Dalbello Krypton rampage boots

**casimiro** · 09-12-2007, 11:56 AM

I am 5'7" 145lbs. I have a pair of the Surface Live Life on pre-order from Jibij, I can't wait till they show up. I am in the middle of a binding debate. I have checked the TGR and Newschoolers forums and I got more conflicting info than help having to o with me specific skiing styles/weight/needs. I ski in Colorado, 60% in bounds all mountain, 30% BC booters/Steeps, and 10% half-pipe all of these aggressively. I am contemplating the Marker Duke or using my pre-existing 3 year old look pivot jibs with Alpine trekkers. I have read the Powder Magazine and Freeskier Buyers Guide and the new review in the Oct 07 Freeskier on Dukes. I like the idea of the Duke, but the weight scares me and durability for pipe riding with any other touring binding brand causes worry as well. I have had major issues with markers when I was younger, the old pre-release, not release problem. I have been exploring getting some alpine trekkers for my brief exploits into BC activity, alos because i use alpine boots, the dalbello krypton rampages. Although It seems like the trekkers have nothing but negative reviews with durability and ease of use. Also reports of them not working well with look binding heel pieces. Does any body have any ideas of other brands that will suit my quest for a 1 ski quiver to suit my skiing needs keeping in mind i do like to ski the pipe and not just touring. All help is appreciated. p.s I am sick of boot packing it everywhere for freshies off piste.

**cj001f** · 09-12-2007, 12:01 PM

Silvretta SLs or Marker RotoMats - you'll thank me later

**Cruiser** · 09-12-2007, 12:03 PM

IMO there is no such thing as a one ski quiver for someone who want to hit the pipe and skin for backcountry powder. The wreckers would probably be your best bet, but it'll be a compromise. It sounds like you want to have your cake and eat it too, as you probably already know this is not allowed.

**PowTron** · 09-12-2007, 12:21 PM

You need a set of park skis, and a set of all mountain / big mountain skis...

I am putting Dukes on Prophet 130's, and I have a pair of Fugatives for riding park and pipe. Two VERY different ballgames...

And, Trekkers SUCK

**robnow** · 09-12-2007, 12:28 PM

Just get Trekkers. Loc-Tite every screw on them once set-up and get some replacement heal throws from whatever telemark binding brand like G3s-come in a multitude of snazzy disco glitter colors.
You are light and sounds like you're young so you probably won't be too hard on the trekkers. With Looks just fiddle around with the setup of the Trekkers so that they work as best as possible. On here a lot of peoples heels hit the bindings as they are skinning but I now guys as well with pivots who don't hit.
They are a lot cheaper than Dukes and when you do decide to switch to Dukes or maybe some better competitor that will come out in the next couple seasons, you will always have a buddy that will buy them off you.

**JeffreyJim** · 09-12-2007, 12:56 PM

Trekkers get a bum wrap. I think they will work fine for you, you'll save some money and let (stupid) guys like me figure out if the Duke is what we hope it is.

Just don't plan on long tours and keep your eye on them.

Oh: Just read you are using Looks. That sucks! Great binders but they do make using trekkers FAR more difficult. Get a pair of solly 916s or something.

**casimiro** · 09-13-2007, 10:08 AM

thank you all for your help. I am going to save for a dedicated pipe/all mountain set-up and put some dukes on my live lifes, that all depends on the cash situation. I posted this on newschoolers as well but thank you all for your for your help. I am now off to the doctor to get an mri on my brain, this is a bit off subject but i have had some strange balance/vision/concentration issues lately and its time for a brain picture. lets all get stoked for the up coming season. positive vibes to you all.

**mtcham** · 09-13-2007, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by JeffreyJim

Oh: Just read you are using Looks. That sucks! Great binders but they do make using trekkers FAR more difficult. Get a pair of solly 916s or something.

We never had an issue using trekkers with Look or Rossi bindings. We did have to have the riser in the first or second position.

Drawbacks were the weight and steep sidehilling for me.