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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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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
The drill bit is the depth stop and you can get them for $10-15 or a nice shop could hook you up.

The jig just gives you your positioning and makes sure you drill straight (also very important).

Doing it yourself properly takes time and patience but isn't a big deal. Do your research, practice first, and check everything before you drill your brand new skis.
Oct 24 2013 12:48PM
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1337
Posts: 31059 - Karma: 29,329
If you're cheap or need a stop in a pinch, I took an old pen, pulled it apart, and using the outer tube cut a section off to stop me from drilling deeper than I should. I then adjusted the bit so it was the exact depth from the start of the stopper and it worked fine.

QUESTION: if I'm only going to get a few tours in this season, how bad are day-wreckers going to be? I want to have a legit binding on my ski because I'll be riding lift accessed and sidecountry for 80% of the skis use, and making a few trips.
Oct 24 2013 12:51PM
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ShredMasterPlus
Posts: 1159 - Karma: 807
Anyone on here have any good Beta on the sled access up the Logging roads around Golden. I know some are plowed was wondering how far up the Bush arm one could drive I guess.

Some mission lines I've scoped over the Summer/Last Winter

Click for larger image Click for larger imageClick for larger image


And I really want round two with this baby, Got within a couple hundred meteres of summit(right below seracs when we turned around because travel was to slow and it was getting way to hot.
Click for larger image
Click for larger image
Oct 24 2013 12:56PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
You'll be fine. They suck but they'll get you there.
Oct 24 2013 1:08PM
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1337
Posts: 31059 - Karma: 29,329
would you suggest any other method or stick with day-trekkers and FKS 15's
Oct 24 2013 1:17PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Without going to touring bindings it's either that or snowshoes realistically but I'd probably lean towards trekkers unless you're really trying to save space inside your pack which you might be given your camera gear whore level.( Snowshoes easily strap to the outside) Like I said they work they just suck compared to dedicated setups... Obviously haha


You'll do fine with them though, especially if you're just trying to get somewhere to shoot, etc. You don't need to go crazy. Trekkers' stride is better than MDFs anyways tbh. I'd say fuck it and use them until you get sick of them and want to upgrade.
Oct 24 2013 1:34PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
Yeah a cork works really well as a stop with a normal drill bit.

Trekkers: nowhere near as bad as most people make them out to be (who largely don't even have first-hand experience with them). For minimal tours per year they're still the best way to go. Set the up right and you're fine.
Oct 24 2013 1:44PM
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KittenFactory
Posts: 189 - Karma: 2,288
Trekkers are fine with some slight modifications. Put some rubber tubing around the toe bar to give it a better fit and reduce side to side slop. You can also use duct tape for a quick or "temporary" fix. This helps greatly and makes side hilling a bit less sketchy. Also, before you use them, take out the four adjustment screws and either put some thread locker in them, or take them out completely and replace the plastic spacer bars with some threaded rod, and use some nylon insert nuts on both sides of the metal bars. Also, when you purchase trekkers, you should immediately call BCA and tell them you need some replacement parts. They will send you a bag with almost everything you need to build a trekker. Throw some of the important contents of this bag in your touring pack with a screw driver for some on the go fixes.

The lowest walk mode doesn't work with FKS bindings, but if you're not taking any super long approaches, it shouldn't bother you. They are annoying sometimes, but as long as you take some precautionary measures and check the screws occasionally, they work fine. And, you will be in an FKS on the ride down which makes it worth it.
Oct 24 2013 1:51PM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,011
Your best bet would be to talk to the logging company in the area and ask where they will be actively logging and hauling over the winter. Problem with that is, they will try to tell you not to use the roads as they are hauling, yet those will be the roads they will be plowing. If you can get your hands on a radio they would be way more receptive of you using the roads while they are hauling, but they are expensive so I donno...

I've been trying to convince my boss to just give me a handheld for the winter, it's not like he's using them anyways...
Oct 24 2013 2:38PM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,011
Also - anything worth even looking at over there right now? I'm shut down for work until it rains, so I've got another week or two of down time but the snow here is just crap. Month old, hard sun fucked, shitty coverage... I assume it's the same? Maybe I'll just come by next week for some daytime drinking... try to drink it white!
Oct 24 2013 2:41PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
It does. Set them up as far forward as possible and wrap duct tap around the metal bar to force the brakes down. It's the old P12 and P14 that were problematic and needed a 5mm shim where the boot's heel sits.

Click for larger image
Oct 24 2013 3:13PM
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KittenFactory
Posts: 189 - Karma: 2,288
I can't get mine to sit all the way down. It's very close, but not quite there.

What is your bsl? Maybe some boot sizes just get lucky with the settings, being that they are not infinitely adjustable.
Oct 24 2013 3:42PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
Yeah that could be it. Those boots were 325mm and the heel cleared the dildo by only 1 or 2mm. Setting up the Trekker length slightly too big for the binding helps too so that the binding's heelpiece moves back more than it should, which also makes it unlikely to release from the binding if you fall while kickturning.
Oct 24 2013 4:00PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7495 - Karma: 11,554
These could be epic

http://www.wildsnow.com/11140/fritschi-tech-binding-diamir-vipec-review/
Oct 24 2013 10:11PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,459
Saw those when they were announced as the Zenith last Spring. VERY promising but I'd be a little weary about that adjustable toe pin.



Also, any intel on the ATK Race Raider 12? Never heard of them and just stumbled accross them.
http://www.atkrace.it/eng/raider-12.html
Oct 25 2013 2:21AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Yeah that lateral toe release mechanism is pretty freakin' nifty but I would absolutely pay extra to not have that adjustable toe pin if at all possible.



Those race raiders are just a rebranded La Sportiva RT, and is in the "lowest of the low tech" race binding category, where weight is everything. Here's a few other ultra lightweights compared if you want to see more.






Oct 25 2013 9:15AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Holy shit man, your edges are FUCKED.




Oct 25 2013 9:29AM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
Ha, yeah. Those were some old jib skis I just put the Trekkers & boot into for the photo.
Oct 25 2013 9:42AM
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jca
Posts: 4172 - Karma: 6,310
you can get a handheld VHF radio for a bit over $100, maybe cheaper off ebay, kijiji, or from a company doing upgrades.

it would be pretty worth having if you want to rip around active logging roads in the winter, those rigs dont stop too well.
Oct 25 2013 11:27AM
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rudager
Posts: 11335 - Karma: 4,626
My parents love up in the Blaeberry valley, plenty of logging access. I've seen some stuff I'd love to scope out. So Luke, we should get out one day, pretty easy to get there.

I was out on thanksgiving, nothing that fresh.
Mid November it'll be a little better.
Oct 25 2013 11:43AM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,011
Just gotta get this high pressure system to fuck off so it can start to snow again.
Oct 25 2013 11:49AM
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ShredMasterPlus
Posts: 1159 - Karma: 807
Yea, i've been playin around back there quite a bit lately mainly up the bush arm side, heading up to check out Mt Arras today apparently roads washed out 18clicks out so going to do a bike ride back there.
Good tip darryl i was thinkin about that. Yea radios are good idea just so damn expensive. Snow is shit, iso fucked. Skied 20cms of rocks/avy debries the other day. Decided its time to just wait for the next reAL snow.

Mason give me a hollar on here if you want to check out some shit. My phones useless around here so until i get another one best bet to contact me is via here. Darryl same thing fly by my house if you want to crush some day brews or want to go scoping as well.
Oct 25 2013 2:03PM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
http://www.revelstoketimesreview.com/news/229142381.html
Interesting article, pretty messed up that companies are trying to market smart phone apps as avalanche safety devices.

Full study by CAC:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/178782905/Smartphone-Avalanche-Search-Apps—A-Review
Oct 26 2013 8:48PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
Just bought some barons for this year and I'm going to mount them on my Caylors. Never done this before.. Also need some skins, what are some good quality ones that I should look into?
Oct 26 2013 8:56PM
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bigbromskier
Posts: 1175 - Karma: 330
I'm glad there's a good study on it; there's no way a phone with GPS/bluetooth can reliably compare with the consistency of a beacon. I do really like the inclinometer that comes for free with the new iPhone! probably the most useful phone 'tool' for avalanche safety.

definitely jealous of all the folks in BC and MT getting some turns. looking forward to manmade snow maybe by december down here in tahoe.........
Oct 27 2013 1:16AM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
bca, black diamond, g3
Oct 27 2013 3:29AM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
How are Gecko skins? TheClymb is having a sale on them right now
Oct 27 2013 9:20AM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
i wouldnt bother. you can get a good pair but you can also get a bad pair. iv never had a good experience with them so i am never going to buy them unless i start hearing good things.
Oct 27 2013 9:29AM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
Alright good to know. Is there anything in particular I need to be looking for when buying these? Like different features and whatnot? I never realized they were as pricey as they are..
Oct 27 2013 9:45AM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
i dont mean to tell you what to buy but this is just from my experience with them.

the material is probably the most important factor with skins. there is mohair and nylon skins. it's really all preference for this and depends the type of touring you will be doing. mohair glides better and packs smaller and lighter, so for long tours and long approaches with not much super steep skinning mohair is key. nylon is better for steep climbs and not much flat terrain. you can buy mixes 65% mohair and 35% nylon. thats what iv got from black diamond they work like a charm. i also have a pair of g3 skins as well and have used them for close to 3 seasons and they are like new still. and i dont really notice a difference between them with the type of skinning i usually do.

this year my mohair are going to be used more as i am going to be many more long approaches and long distance tours where each gram is a big deal.
Oct 27 2013 10:07AM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
You wouldn't be willing to sell your older g3 skins would you?
Oct 27 2013 10:14AM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
nope cuz theyre my skins for my caylors. iv got two pairs of skis that are drastically different sizes
Oct 27 2013 10:35AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,459
Get either the G3 Alpinist or the BD Ascensions from a local shop. Both are solid and you can't go wrong with either. Go by the closest dimmensions DOWN from both the length of your ski and the width of your tip. Unless you want to purely save weight, then go with the width of the waist of the ski.
Oct 27 2013 11:45AM
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stanrey7
Posts: 1 - Karma: 105
I ski the Salomon guardians on a pair of Quest 115 and love them. They are the most bomber touring bindings on the market and you can really charge on them! If your looking for a backountry / slack country binding that climbs well and skis like your regular binding id recommend it!
Oct 27 2013 12:45PM
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ankhou
Posts: 505 - Karma: 238
First day on the new Dynafits on October 17. I'm in love.
Oct 27 2013 2:19PM
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malonius_funk
Posts: 2249 - Karma: 1,500
can't wait to get mine mounted up! glad to hear you love them.

i'll be picking up some Dynafit Mercurys in the next few days and will be using them with some radicals on 4frnt renegades. the rens will also be drilled with inserts for P18's. Stoked!
Oct 27 2013 2:23PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7495 - Karma: 11,554
the Beast?
Oct 27 2013 11:24PM
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ankhou
Posts: 505 - Karma: 238
Haha, no, new to me. Vertical 12s. I don't go hard enough for Beasts!
Oct 28 2013 1:14PM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,411
Where would be a good place to get individual tech toes from? I know plum sells separate guide toes but I'm looking to keep the price down and I'd imagine that individual dynafit toes would be cheaper.

If there are any Canadians selling some used ones that are in a safe and working condition, I'd entertain that idea to.
Oct 28 2013 4:46PM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,143
You should find out where the guys who are doing the CAST system get the dyna toepieces that they include with their binding system. Or maybe they'll even sell you a pair.
Oct 28 2013 4:51PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Once the CAST system website is up and running you will absolutely be able to purchase JUST a set of Radical toes. I know this because I need to and I asked them specifically haha... So yeah he is in luck, he just has to be patient. No other place will sell him just the toes afaik.



BTW, it warms my heart to see how much actual knowledge there is in here as well as the general helpful demeanor just about everybody has. Warms it to the cockles I tells ya.
Oct 28 2013 5:38PM
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FigNewton
Posts: 2459 - Karma: 5,783
I have never done any touring, but I am hoping to do a little this season. I need bindings for my pow skis and am considering touring bindings, but I don't have any skins. I am not planning on doing long excursions, mostly some sidecountry and hopefully a day or two in the backcountry. I have been hiking with my skis on my backpack multiple times. Should I get touring bindings even if I don't have skins? Would there be any benefit?

+k for help
Oct 28 2013 6:39PM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,411
Without skins it would be very tough to tour. The hairs of a skin are aligned in a featherboard fashion to grip the snow on while sliding backwards, and glide over the snow while sliding forwards.

Click for larger image

The blue thing pictured is the featherboard and you can see how it would flex to let the wood through in one direction, then dig in and resist movement in the other inevitably preventing table saw kickback. Now picture that on the bottom of your skis. So, without a pair it would probably be a sloppy, switch slide fest on any terrain steeper than a few degrees.

@Huck, just as I read your post I found this:

http://www.sparkrandd.com/gear/dynafit/radical-toe-pieces/

No idea what kind of a rep they have but I'll look into it. If not I'll check around some other splitboard websites. Or just buy with The SI&I once available.
Oct 28 2013 7:08PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7495 - Karma: 11,554
Touring bindings (non dynafit) without skins are just bindings that are obnoxiously heavy and have no use. Pair them with skins, youre good to go.

If I was you, depending on weight, would look towards a Marker/Atomic/Salomon/Tyrolia binding. Ive heard great things about the Tyrolias so far, while the Marker and Atomic/Salomon options have more reviews out there.

Pretty much as long as you stay away from Fritschi (personal opinion here), youre good to go with any choice.

But if you dont get skins, theyre a worthless investment at this time. You can easily find used pairs of bindings for cheap. Skins, depends on the ski you have. Check out TGR gearswap
Oct 28 2013 7:24PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
I have a coupon code for 20% off from all full priced stuff at Mammoth Mountaineering. Literally everything. No restrictions. Only lasts a few days, PM me if you want.

Just got my dynafit bindings for $343 after tax. Happy.

http://mammothgear.com
Oct 28 2013 7:42PM
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FigNewton
Posts: 2459 - Karma: 5,783
Thanks! This may be a total noob question, but are skins ski specific or can I buy a pair of skins and use them on multiple skis?
Oct 28 2013 10:47PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7495 - Karma: 11,554
Some companies (K2, Dynafit, and some others I believe) have skins for their skis, but most dont. There are multiple companies that sell skins, but most people will recommend G3 or Black Diamond.

Short answer about using one pair of skins is no.

Skins have to be bought at specific widths then trimmed down so a bit of the edge on each side is showing for sidehilling. If somehow you have two pairs of skis that are similar in length and width, then sure. But most dont have that kind of overlap.
Oct 28 2013 11:15PM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,011
Yes and no. I've used the same pair of skins for 4 different pairs of skis. I was lucky though, they were all around the same length and width so it worked. Last year I was using the same skins for a pair of 190cm 116mm skis and 186cm 118mm. so as long as you're not super OCD about base coverage you can make it work with more than one pair. Underfoot and tail is where it counts more so than the nose, especially now that almost all skis have early rise on the nose.
Oct 28 2013 11:21PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
$180 from Spark.

http://www.sparkrandd.com/gear/dynafit/radical-toe-pieces/
Oct 29 2013 4:08AM
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yunglean2002
Posts: 89 - Karma: 80
So it's way too late to start reading this thread tonight but I decided I would make another NS account after being banned a couple years ago and ask for some opinion on what to get, since I'm lost.

I have Faction Candide 4.0s and I am looking for a good binding. I have $300 to spend and found Guardians online for $240, whether they're still there I'm not sure. I've also heard DynaFit is good too.

This is totally new to me, buying an A/T setup. My buddy got trekkers, but it's because he's on a budget (if that makes any sense?)

Thanks for any help guys
Oct 29 2013 4:37AM
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