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Touring/AT NSers...

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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627

I've been noticing lately that there are a few people on here who are into touring and earning their turns.  Where are you from, where are you touring and whatchagot for touring setups? 

I'm from mass but tour all over the EC and also when I go west for vaca (usually UT/BCC/LCC).  Mostly in VT along the green spine though while I'm home.  Right now I'm on Whitedot Redeemers quiverkilled for Plum Guides, but my 12/13 ON3P Billy Goat Tours should be on my doorstep by tomorrow- and will be my go-to touring skis for the majority of the season.  My boots are Dalbello Virus Tours with cochise top straps grafted on as well because I hated the stock top bail. 

So what's up with you, oh rando beasts of NS?   

Nov 13 2012 11:28AM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,626
Come this weekend????? I'm in golden this weekend for the long one
Oct 10 2013 12:32AM
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Bagels
Posts: 1022 - Karma: 1,306
I've been using Gecko skins and adding a fat and baggy touring setup for this season.. any recommendations on skins? BD, G3, etc? Oh yeah, and Montana early season has been grrrreat!
Oct 10 2013 9:44AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
How do you like the geckos?



I've always been curious about those.
Oct 10 2013 11:06AM
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snomaster
Posts: 3346 - Karma: 5,771
Buddy bought Geckos at my suggestion to try them out. Great skinning material, but really bad clip attachment system. Tried to use BD tail but skin ripped out around the hardware. Trimmed and put back original clips but still sucked. Then sent them back to their Colo based facility and hasn't heard back from them since March.
Oct 10 2013 11:16AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Wow yeah that's not cool
Oct 10 2013 11:18AM
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Ghini
Posts: 2262 - Karma: 3,004
The new clipsystem is terrible. It only works with very narrow pointy tips and the tail strap breaks easily.
That new clip system is taking the company down as we speak.

I never used a tail strap and the older style metal tip hook even works with my Moment skis (square style tip and tails).

The skins work fine. I never had any real problems. They have some good advantages compared to traditional glue skins, but it can happen that some patches of the silicone material come loose. Why and how is uncertain. I have washed dirt of them and used them a lot without any problems, other people have had that problem even after a few trips.

Gecko says/said they have a patent pending for this gluesless silicone technique. Untill now they never got that patent and there is a Swiss company that also makes skins with this technique. 4FRNT sells rebranded skins from that company aswell. I hope to try them this season. Both have a solid looking clip system.

This is the website of that Swiss company:
http://www.novasport.ch/en/products/the-very-latest---evotec/index.php

4FRNT skins:
https://www.4frnt.com/skins

Maybe some guys on the TGR forums have used them already and have info on them.

Oct 10 2013 11:41AM
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Ghini
Posts: 2262 - Karma: 3,004
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php/254542-4FRNT-glueless-skins
Oct 10 2013 11:46AM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
I have only heard horrible things about gecko. Iv used them once and they wouldn't stick to my skis. Brand new skins that the material after two or three runs just started comin off. Maybe they have gotten better but I am never buying those.
Oct 10 2013 11:47AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Yeah same here, I just keep expecting them to make it work someday. So far no dice.
Oct 10 2013 12:01PM
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Ghini
Posts: 2262 - Karma: 3,004
Well maybe those evotec skins are better and will hold up.. Time will tell..
Oct 10 2013 12:31PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Meh, I'll just wait until someone else tells me they're as good as glued skins. UNtil then I'm sticking with Ascentions.

Oct 10 2013 1:34PM
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hemlockjibber8
Posts: 5983 - Karma: 3,602
I watched that vid on biglines. I was just getting back from a surf trip. What a spectacular season we have right now. So many options.
Oct 10 2013 3:12PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Dude you've had snow for like 10 minutes haha
Oct 10 2013 3:13PM
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Bagels
Posts: 1022 - Karma: 1,306
I had issues with a sticky residue on the ski, they started to tear underfoot, I had to replace the tail clip with a BD clip. On the plus side, they're light and glueless? I wouldn't buy them again for the non-stop maintenance and modifications I had to do to survive the season in ze Tetons.
Oct 10 2013 3:14PM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,626
Let's adventure this weekend?
Oct 10 2013 3:19PM
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hemlockjibber8
Posts: 5983 - Karma: 3,602
potentially. I don't feel like driving three hours to ski some lame glacier though. The mountain biking is primo right now.
Oct 10 2013 3:31PM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,626
Don't really know where it is.
All I know is "outside of golden".
Time will tell.
I'll bring my gear anyways
Oct 10 2013 5:15PM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,011
my friends went skiing last weekend up Farnham Glacier. Friday was pow, Saturday had a sun crust. It's been snowing above 1600M all over the West Kootenays (when there's been precip).

There was some really cool surface hoar yesterday at around 1800M - all this early snow has me nervous for depth hoar in the Koots this winter.
Oct 10 2013 6:18PM
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hemlockjibber8
Posts: 5983 - Karma: 3,602
depth hoar and something like a oct 5 rain crust. I hope it rains it all away and gets real cold then snows. The ground wasn't even close to being frozen when it snowed I'm guessing. Really it is the same as every year though
Oct 11 2013 3:33PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
hoping to get out on skis next week sometime. things are looking pretty promising right now. just a little more snow and cold temps and the ski season will be under way:)
Oct 11 2013 6:01PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
So I can get a pair of the old Dynafit Speeds for $300, the new radicals for $400, or I can buy a pair of lightly used set of demo skis (they have a ton of moments, and k2s) for around $500 and I could take the bindings and sell the skis. They would also likely come with skins if I did this... which would be a bonus, but I'm pretty sure I can bet uber cheap skins anyway.

I'm not sure what is the best option. What would you do?




Oct 11 2013 6:57PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7495 - Karma: 11,554
Well...do you have skis already? Or bindings?

If you have skis, get the bindings. If you dont have skis, get the skis. I am assuming the skis come with bindings, so thats not a bad option. Skins arent super cheap either if you want decent ones. So, its all about what you have and what you want
Oct 11 2013 8:25PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
I have an old AT set up in which nothing will be compatible with my new set up... so I'm having to repurchase everything.

I have TSTw's and Dynafit TLTs. My old set up was some 90 underfoot handmade skis with fritschi demos + skins that are now too narrow.

Anyway... My question is in regards to best deal to switching to technical bindings.
I have the option of $300 12/13 speeds, $400 13/14 speed radicles, or buying a pair of lightly used demos in the $500 range with dynafit bindings in which I would take off the bindings and sell the skis. I've only ever resold one pair of skis though and I'm not sure how much I could get for the skis. As in I think I recall seeing a Bibby Pro in there that was in amazing shape. Could I get $300 for that making the bindings only $200?

In regards to skins.. as I said, I can get them very affordably, as in $50 - $70. But the demo would come with them in which I could cut them down.

So again, what would you do?

Spend the $400 + 50/70 for skins so everything is spanking new and top quality.

Spend $300 + 50/70 for skins and have new but not quite as nice but relish in the fact that $100 were saved.

Spend $500 taking a risk that I may not be able to sell the skis for as much as I'm hoping but potentially save a lot of money.
Oct 11 2013 9:13PM
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ShredMasterPlus
Posts: 1159 - Karma: 807
Well, im super shit with gear talk but apparently the Old Tlt Speeds are pretty damn bomber and super durable and the new radicals have had some issues, apparently the toe on the Radical is nicer then the Tlt speeds though. Speed Rads are on Mec for 380 in Canada land I would imagine you could similar or cheaper in the states?

Also someone on here probably pays more attention to the gear and can chime in more on the tech shit between speed rads and tlt speeds.
Oct 11 2013 9:35PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
Yeah, when it comes to alpine bindings, I'm set... But this AT thing.... Just kinda doing it with out much knowledge of what I'm doing. Friends say follow me and I do. So much more to learn but now at least my skis won't weigh as much as I do.
Oct 11 2013 10:46PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,459
get the radical ft. you don't need the speed radicals. those are basically race bindings. I was going to put the radical ft on my Bibby Pros but didn't think the skis were light enough to make putting dynafit bindings on them worth it. its saving weight in one place and adding in another
I'm waiting til I get a lighter ski to put the dynafits on. I opted for the guardian 13 for the bibby.
Oct 11 2013 10:52PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,459
also, especially if you don't have much experience w/ skins, go for the BD Ascension skins.
Oct 11 2013 10:53PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
Thanks for the info!

I'm pretty stoked to be dropping a TON of weight. Skis are lighter, bindings will be drastically lighter... and the boots. My god! The boots! I felt like I was carrying bricks before and these boots feel like tennis shoes. Hopefully it makes the uphill part a lot more enjoyable. Also super happy cause it will make travel soooo much easier. I'm actually a little bummed I didn't get into this side of the sport sooner. Pass is turned off for 15 days over the holidays... In the past I would have been bummed out, now I'm excited.
Oct 11 2013 11:16PM
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minihef
Posts: 813 - Karma: 781
Got my first pow turns of the season in a few weeks ago.

26th Sept, dropping in on lap one:

[URL=http://s1091.photobucket.com/user/Minihef/media/IMG_0199_zpse9ddb27c.jpg.html]Click for larger image[/URL]

Lap two:

[URL=http://s1091.photobucket.com/user/Minihef/media/IMG_0203_zps44b9c8f7.jpg.html]Click for larger image[/URL]

Expected mostly rock and ice, ended up getting faceshots.

[URL=http://s1091.photobucket.com/user/Minihef/media/IMG_0205_zps3eb8ff0f.jpg.html]Click for larger image[/URL]

[URL=http://s1091.photobucket.com/user/Minihef/media/vlcsnap-2013-10-10-00h08m09s67_zpsf44e372c.png.html]Click for larger image[/URL]

[URL=http://s1091.photobucket.com/user/Minihef/media/vlcsnap-2013-10-10-00h09m06s126_zps24e199e3.png.html]Click for larger image[/URL]

And saw four of these guys on the drive as well.

[URL=http://s1091.photobucket.com/user/Minihef/media/IMG_0211_zpsec87c455.jpg.html]Click for larger image[/URL]
Oct 12 2013 12:00AM
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Loco-Deer-Slayer
Posts: 1401 - Karma: 701
Anyone have any recommendations on packs for the BC? How many liters is good for day trips?

Maybe something like this?
Oct 12 2013 3:24PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
for day trips touring i usually like at least a 30l but i usually bring my camera so that takes up a bit of space and i always pack heavier than i should in case anything happens. rope, extra layers etc. thats damn expensive and you can find a much better deal used through craigslist, tgr, or even newschoolers. iv got a avalung 32l and its perfect. but not a very stiff pack for long days.
Oct 12 2013 3:31PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,459
If you're mostly doing sidecountry and lift accessed BC that'd be fine but I have the (discontinued) Osprey Switch that is also a 26L pack. If you're going to be doing longer skins and are going to shed layers a lot, I'd go something slightly bigger like this:
http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/vertical_endeavors__snowplay/kode_32
Oct 12 2013 3:47PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
ya thats a great pack^ bought that for my dad for christmas and he loves it.
Oct 12 2013 3:49PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,459
Whoops, I meant to add there that I wish I had gotten a slightly larger one for longer tours. It's a pain in the ass on longer tours to store your helmet, jacket, and several layers, your avy gear, and food/water with a smaller pack like that.
Oct 12 2013 3:55PM
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Loco-Deer-Slayer
Posts: 1401 - Karma: 701
thanks for advice!

REI is doing a 20% on any 1 item so I was looking in their store, but I'll check around. I'll definitely be bringing my "oh shit" gear with me on trips. Never know what's going to happen.

If anyone has any links or is selling a pack PM or reply in this thread with the link. I'll hook you up with karma and maybe buy your stuff.
Oct 12 2013 5:02PM
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Ryanvdonk
Posts: 12811 - Karma: 1,971
http://www.rei.com/product/790729/osprey-kode-30-snow-pack

i have the bigger version (38) which i use when i have to carry extra gear and film stuff (actually have used it just for camping and backpacking in the summer as well) . such a comfortable carry system, great at distributing weight and highly adjustable. seems like 30 would pretty optimal for one pack to do most everything in. dont go for the 22 unless your trying to keep it light, i've noticed the smallest size doesn't fit bigger shovels.
Oct 13 2013 3:57AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,459
that's exactly my problem with the old 26L Switch that I have. I can fit my shovel and coat/jacket or lunch but not both.
Oct 13 2013 4:36AM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
Pretty stoked. Went into the mountaineering shop and they said they can do the dynafit radicals for $350 including tax and the mount since I also bought my boots there. He just told me to check in every day as there will be a 3 day 20% off sale, but they don't announce what day it starts or when it ends, only that it will be over before Nov 7th (opening day).

So considering the others would have been $300 + shipping + a $60 mount... It's actually cheaper to get the radicles! So happy.
Oct 13 2013 7:19PM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,143
Some good deals on STP today, only until midnight though so get on 'em. I want some skis off there but they won't ship them to me in Canada. If anyone can help me out on that, let me know.

I'd bug Huck_Norris again but he already did me a solid like a month ago so if anyone else with a US address can give me a hand, PM me.
Oct 13 2013 7:43PM
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MTPOW
Posts: 173 - Karma: 115
Hey can we just make a new Touring/AT thread for this season? 19 pages is a lot...
Oct 13 2013 7:52PM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,626
You going to be ready to go out this season? We should take some walks, along with Kicking Horse.


As for a new thread, nah, just stay on the top of it all. There's plenty of help in here if you have any questions, regardless if they've been asked already
Oct 13 2013 9:03PM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,143
Yeah I'm going to ease into it a bit in the early season but I should be near 100%, in theory. Feels like it's been forever. Looking forward to it big time. Brian has already been all over me to visit KH, too, we'll all go.
Oct 13 2013 9:05PM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,143
Click for larger image
Click for larger image

Bought 186 BD Drifts. This is a slight betrayal of my fundamental skiing principles because I swore I'd never ride anything but On3Ps ever again. Here's the thing: I was a bit torn coming up with a touring setup.

My ideal touring ski is obviously the Billy Goat Tour 191. I wanted to go light and put some tech binders on 'em to go with my new Cochise Pro Lights. But riding those suckers with Dynafits on them? It doesn't do the ski justice; unless I can find a set of Beasts on pro form ($620 instead of $1000 for bindings) I'd end up skiing them a bit wimpy. However, I'm just getting into touring for reals, and I don't particularly want to stick Duke EPFs on  ~10lbs of ski - the whole ski setup would be 16 pounds. Boots are another 3.5-4lbs, you're looking at hauling 20 lbs on my feet. Plus skins. Do-able? Sure, but not optimal.

So, I WILL get the Billy Goats and an alpine style binding, but that's next season's purchase. This year, I go with the Drifts, at 7 lbs 8 oz. I'll find a set of Dynafit speed radicals at 350 grams per, and with the boots, the whole setup weighs in at under 13 pounds - roughly 2/3 of what the above setup. Drifts are soft noodly suckers anyway, so they're not for charging. Just relatively low angle stuff, trees etc. So I don't have to worry too much about overdoing it on the tech bindings.

As with everything I always end up with a quiver.
Oct 13 2013 11:53PM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,011
I've been told by my girlfriend who works at Valhalla that Dynafit isn't doing pro form for the Beasts this year. Hell, there's only like 400 pairs available in Canada at all this winter from what I understand.
Oct 14 2013 12:18AM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,143
I wouldn't be surprised if you're right. I'd bet they just sell all their pairs this year. They're in limited this year, they'll release a whole bunch next year. But either way it's a lot to shell out for clamps.
Oct 14 2013 12:24AM
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snomaster
Posts: 3346 - Karma: 5,771
JD, I'm also a sworn ON3P user. Last year I got 191 BG (not tour) and slapped sollyfit plates which I use plum and STH16 with... then I have a homemade pair of sticks similar to the old 181 Wren with another pair of sollyfits to swap those same bindings. works great. And of course (2) pair of C&D with Dukes round out my quiver (have 09/10 edition for early rocks and nicer 11/12 model for the goods). binding inserts in the C&D let me swap dukes as the condition get better.
So yeah, I'm a BINDING FREEDOM supporter too. This deal is allowing me to stretch out my quiver very nicely and keep wear and tear to any one ski low than my usual.
btw, I have Solly Quest14 (with vibram) and Dalbello Virus for boots. I shred 99% pow and sweat for nearly all of it.
Oct 14 2013 1:43AM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
I settled on the Dynafit Speed Radicals...

They are going to be $352 after tax for me since my shop is doing 20% off. If you can't find them cheaper, let me know and I can pick up a second pair.

If you get a pro form.. I envy you.
Oct 14 2013 2:53AM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7495 - Karma: 11,554
^that is an awesome deal I hope someone gets on it.

My set up for the year so far is:

ON3P Viciks with Guardians for inbounds/slackcountry
K2 Sideseth +Solly Fits with Plum Guides and STH16

Tecnica Cochise Pro Light that need a lot of dialing in on the instep and toebox. Went with a race fit (1 finger behind heel..barely) so I am hoping I dont regret it.
Oct 14 2013 11:38AM
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flatland
Posts: 726 - Karma: 77
I'll be on the heaviest set up known to man again this year, Renegades with P18's and and MFD's. Going to school in Saskatchewan unfortunately, but still getting about 40 days in between Golden/Banff and Fernie. Definitely looking to get out touring more this year as it seems I never get enough in.
Oct 14 2013 2:43PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3346 - Karma: 5,771
why get the guardian when you could just get another set of sollyfit plates and swap STH and Plum on Viciks too?
Oct 14 2013 4:51PM
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