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The CAST Pivot Freetour Thread

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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,191
Hey guys, I know there are a lot of people interested in the CAST system and everything that goes into it.
I am making this thread to show every step of the way, provide feedback/reviews, and answer your guys questions that I can.
Hopefully this thread will help.. AND if anyone who has a CAST system has anything to add, please feel free. The more people providing first-hand experience in this thread, the better.


https://casttouring.com/products/pivot-freetour -- Link to the new Pivot Freetour

CAST@CASTTOURING.COM -- This is a great way to get a hold of CAST, they are usually pretty quick to respond and provide great service. If there aren't any questions I can answer, email these guys.





















To begin, I have received my Pivot 18s today. (yay) CAST will start taking orders on the 1st of October so that is when I plan to send mine in. From the pre-order email sent out by CAST, it sounds like they will be converting bindings throughout the month of November and hopefully shipped out by the end of November.



Those are them fancy Pivots.

Right now, they are only doing Pivot 18's (or FKS 18's), because they need a full metal binding.
You can either send in your own P18s, or buy some from SEGO (located in Driggs with CAST) through the CAST pre-order. If you buy the Pre-order and get Pivots from Sego, they're like $350. Which is one of the better prices out there. The pre-order cost for the conversion is $310, so total will be ~$650, if you buy the Pivots for $350 from SEGO.

PRE ORDER ENDS OCT 1st, SO HOP ON IT IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. Pre- order is a $20 deposit, so even if you decide to not go that route, its no big deal.
Sep 26 2017 10:13PM
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Jaybrtn
Posts: 375 - Karma: 643
In. I've got the old style cast, so I'm curious to see how well the new system works
Sep 27 2017 12:34AM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,191
JaybrtnIn. I've got the old style cast, so I'm curious to see how well the new system works


Awesome. I actually have a question for you.

How is the mounting process for these? Should I be worried about my shop messing it up, or is it pretty easy to mount? That's been my biggest concern for this whole thing haha.
Sep 27 2017 1:40AM
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Jaybrtn
Posts: 375 - Karma: 643
.lenconAwesome. I actually have a question for you.

How is the mounting process for these? Should I be worried about my shop messing it up, or is it pretty easy to mount? That's been my biggest concern for this whole thing haha.


No different than having someone mount your pivots normally. Just find a reputable shop to drill your skis. They use the same hole pattern as your pivots, atleast they did with mine. New style probably does as well.

What I ended up doing down the road, since I have access to a mill and lots of fun tools, was drill out my mounting holes in a few different sets of skis, retap them, and install Binding Freedom inserts, so that I could swap the cast system around depending on conditions of the day. Might be excessive haha, but it works for me.
Sep 27 2017 1:49AM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,191
JaybrtnNo different than having someone mount your pivots normally. Just find a reputable shop to drill your skis. They use the same hole pattern as your pivots, atleast they did with mine. New style probably does as well.


That's what I figured, I was just making sure. My shop shouldn't screw that up lol.
Sep 27 2017 2:15AM
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N41v131355
Posts: 221 - Karma: 386
There is a pretty big thread for CAST at TGR. From what I learned - toe piece is using same hole pattern but probably more thicc screws, so you will have to re-drill a bit. I'm also wondering if they will sell second kit for cheap so you can use 1 binding for 2 pairs of skis, which will be perfect. I mailed them with all these questions couple of weeks ago but still no answer

Anyway, just half week left for them to release and I'm really stoked about CAST.
Sep 27 2017 4:41AM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,191
N41v131355There is a pretty big thread for CAST at TGR. From what I learned - toe piece is using same hole pattern but probably more thicc screws, so you will have to re-drill a bit. I'm also wondering if they will sell second kit for cheap so you can use 1 binding for 2 pairs of skis, which will be perfect. I mailed them with all these questions couple of weeks ago but still no answer

Anyway, just half week left for them to release and I'm really stoked about CAST.


Yeah I've followed that thread a bit.. but I wanted to make one here as well for people who don't frequent both sites.

(Also, NS is way better)

I am stoked as well!
Sep 27 2017 5:34AM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,191
The referenced post has been removed.


Honestly, I don't know. I can see why they need it for the heel piece. But all the heel pieces are metal, just the toes that vary right? Maybe there's something going on in the toe that I'm not seeing. I thought they were just modifying the plates on the toe part.
Sep 27 2017 1:51PM
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N41v131355
Posts: 221 - Karma: 386
The referenced post has been removed.


Because of the toe pedestal. P12 and P14 toes don't have a stand. I believe you can use P18 toes and P14 heels with CAST, actually

**This post was edited on Sep 27th 2017 at 2:07:42pm

**This post was edited on Sep 27th 2017 at 2:07:59pm
Sep 27 2017 2:06PM
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mikemac
Posts: 1298 - Karma: 3,711
been looking and deliberating on the Freetour all summer, finally just pulled the trigger on the pre-order, thanks for shedding some more light on the CAST system bro!
Sep 29 2017 12:11PM
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Pataguccimane
Posts: 551 - Karma: 1,199
Yoo cast peeps! Looking to put cast on two sets of skis this year and was wondering how to swap between the two skis when it comes to the heel piece. Can't seem to find a demo anywhere and was looking for a bit of clarification as I'm under the impression I will only have to get one set of bindings but was confused on whether or not swapping the heel between the two skis was going to be a process or if its on the same type of interchangeability as the toe. Thanks!
Oct 22 2017 3:24PM
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Rum_Ham
Posts: 1449 - Karma: 4,482
PataguccimaneYoo cast peeps! Looking to put cast on two sets of skis this year and was wondering how to swap between the two skis when it comes to the heel piece. Can't seem to find a demo anywhere and was looking for a bit of clarification as I'm under the impression I will only have to get one set of bindings but was confused on whether or not swapping the heel between the two skis was going to be a process or if its on the same type of interchangeability as the toe. Thanks!


I'd think you'd need inserts like quiverkillers or something.
Oct 22 2017 4:57PM
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Pataguccimane
Posts: 551 - Karma: 1,199
Saho3914I'd think you'd need inserts like quiverkillers or something.


Even for installing the second cast system on the other skis? For reference: https://casttouring.com/collections/pivot-freetour-bindings/products/freetour-upgrade-second-ski-kit
Oct 22 2017 5:00PM
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Rum_Ham
Posts: 1449 - Karma: 4,482
PataguccimaneEven for installing the second cast system on the other skis? For reference: https://casttouring.com/collections/pivot-freetour-bindings/products/freetour-upgrade-second-ski-kit


Looks like it uses the screws from the heel piece to sandwich the rear plate onto the ski.
Oct 22 2017 5:28PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,191
PataguccimaneEven for installing the second cast system on the other skis? For reference: https://casttouring.com/collections/pivot-freetour-bindings/products/freetour-upgrade-second-ski-kit


You could do that or quiver killers. I think (but I'm not sure on this) that buying a second freetour kit would be easier to change out, but I'm not sure how much easier it would be either.

Im guessing inserts for both skis or a second tour kit would probably end up being about the same in cost??




also, not sure if I mentioned this earlier but I have shipped out my binders a few weeks ago. Just patiently waiting now:)
Oct 22 2017 6:54PM
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Pataguccimane
Posts: 551 - Karma: 1,199
.lenconYou could do that or quiver killers. I think (but I'm not sure on this) that buying a second freetour kit would be easier to change out, but I'm not sure how much easier it would be either.

Im guessing inserts for both skis or a second tour kit would probably end up being about the same in cost??




also, not sure if I mentioned this earlier but I have shipped out my binders a few weeks ago. Just patiently waiting now:)


Hope I won’t have to quiver kill/BF these, also I just noticed on the page for the second ski kit that it states no extra hardware is needed so maybe there’s a way to switch out the heel that we’re not seeing or I’m straight up dumb for thinking that a second ski kit is a legit thing.
Oct 22 2017 6:58PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,191
PataguccimaneHope I won’t have to quiver kill/BF these, also I just noticed on the page for the second ski kit that it states no extra hardware is needed so maybe there’s a way to switch out the heel that we’re not seeing or I’m straight up dumb for thinking that a second ski kit is a legit thing.


No it's a legit second kit. Just the plates. So you should be able to pop off the toe like you normally would with swapping the toes out, then the heel you probably unscrew like you would with any other binder.

contact them if you have questions that aren't answered they are good. Like I said, I'm not sure the cost of quiver killers, but I think the second upgrade kit for $80 or whatever it is would be the way to go.
Oct 22 2017 7:01PM
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JohnJonsz
Posts: 317 - Karma: 871
Anyone get the freetours setup yet this season? I ordered the upgrade kit + second ski kit in december, and Silas said they expect to ship mid Jan. Can't wait.
Jan 4 2018 3:05PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,191
JohnJonszAnyone get the freetours setup yet this season? I ordered the upgrade kit + second ski kit in december, and Silas said they expect to ship mid Jan. Can't wait.


Yep. Had them preordered for a while but got moved from shipping out to November, to December, now to January. Hoping I’ll have them in a week or two.
Jan 4 2018 7:21PM
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JohnJonsz
Posts: 317 - Karma: 871
.lenconYep. Had them preordered for a while but got moved from shipping out to November, to December, now to January. Hoping I’ll have them in a week or two.

Well for their sake and of course ours and the other customers, they better deliver as promised mid January. Pls update when you get em
Jan 4 2018 7:25PM
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TheWeaz
Posts: 803 - Karma: 1,903
Was in the factory a couple weeks ago, they had most of the parts and the new set up looks really nice, way better than the old style one which I have owned two of.

Last I saw they were working on a brake holder which is dope cause you won’t have to use bands anymore.

Not sure on timing but its definitely possible they could have them out by mid jan
Jan 4 2018 7:30PM
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JohnJonsz
Posts: 317 - Karma: 871
TheWeazWas in the factory a couple weeks ago, they had most of the parts and the new set up looks really nice, way better than the old style one which I have owned two of.

Last I saw they were working on a brake holder which is dope cause you won’t have to use bands anymore.

Not sure on timing but its definitely possible they could have them out by mid jan


Cool yea I'm stoked for the hardware improvements. Looks like they solved all my major problems. With my old CAST setup I use velcro racer ski strap things to hold my brakes... pain in the ass and unreliable. Also stoked on multiple risers, instead of just flat vs high now there's a medium level. I'm curious how improved the new plate switch setup will be, as I sometimes have problems with ice/snow buildup that's tough to remove on particularly cold days.

Anyway I just heard they will begin shipping late next week with earliest preorders going out first.
Jan 17 2018 7:39PM
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TheWeaz
Posts: 803 - Karma: 1,903
I can let you guys know what’s going on tomorrow. Gonna stop by the factory again and help them out a little bit, sounds like one last shipment of parts is coming in tomorrow and then its into assembly mode.
Jan 17 2018 11:55PM
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N41v131355
Posts: 221 - Karma: 386
TheWeazI can let you guys know what’s going on tomorrow. Gonna stop by the factory again and help them out a little bit, sounds like one last shipment of parts is coming in tomorrow and then its into assembly mode.


Share some info please as last update from guys was in the beginning of december saying they will ship bindings early or mid-january. Wanna know if I can count on CAST on my BC trip late feb
Jan 18 2018 8:26AM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,191
N41v131355Share some info please as last update from guys was in the beginning of december saying they will ship bindings early or mid-january. Wanna know if I can count on CAST on my BC trip late feb


Last week I was told they’ve gone as far as they can, just waiting on that last part, and that I should stay patient for another few weeks. I think you’ll be fine for late feb, as it sounds like we will be getting these in the next 1-3 weeks hopefully..
Jan 18 2018 11:11AM
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TheWeaz
Posts: 803 - Karma: 1,903
Production of tech toes started today, They have all the parts for those I think, might be missing a few plastic bits I didn’t see.

New system is super dope, they have the brake holder a lot more dialed than the last time I saw it.
Jan 19 2018 12:57AM
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N41v131355
Posts: 221 - Karma: 386
TheWeazProduction of tech toes started today, They have all the parts for those I think, might be missing a few plastic bits I didn’t see.

New system is super dope, they have the brake holder a lot more dialed than the last time I saw it.


Thanks for the news! As I remember, toe piece is full metal, except maybe lever hit-box for poles
Jan 19 2018 3:40AM
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TheWeaz
Posts: 803 - Karma: 1,903
The lever is plastic but they have those already, Theres another plastic piece that goes between the springs in the tech toe that I think got mis manufactured so they’re waiting on replacements of those I believe.
Jan 19 2018 4:25PM
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Cheech_Sander
Posts: 338 - Karma: 1,660
SCAM ALERT- I would caution anyone against supporting these guys.

Lars and Silas seem like nice guys that bit off more than they could chew. They took my money 6 months ago, and then kept citing delays in production, which is fine for a niché thing like this. We were supposed to receive them in November, then December, then January.
It's February now and I haven't heard a word, despite attempting to contact them several times. At this point seems like I won't be able to mount my skis this winter. Great idea, horrible and unprofessional execution. Avoid.

**This post was edited on Feb 8th 2018 at 11:57:14am
Feb 8 2018 11:55AM
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gowgo
Posts: 17 - Karma: 46
Silas replied to my inquiry last week.
”The parts are ready next(this) week, it is scheduled to ship promptly.”

There is no shipping mail yet.
"next week" is over soon...
Feb 8 2018 6:35PM
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JohnJonsz
Posts: 317 - Karma: 871
I also got inpatient so last week I went over to Driggs to check things out. Mounted two pairs of skis that I’ve been dying to get on but am eventually pairing w their bindings system. Cast guys were well into the assembly process and showed me the piece they are waiting on... so my Takeaway was that while they were regrettably delayed, they are well prepped to roll things out when available
Feb 8 2018 7:46PM
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Cheech_Sander
Posts: 338 - Karma: 1,660
^thats good to know, but I would say that November-December qualifies as "regrettably delayed". February is trending into scam territory
Feb 8 2018 9:50PM
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,525
I've been told 2 week, 3 different times. Not happy at all. I want the system but never doing business with them again.
Feb 9 2018 4:14PM
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mikemac
Posts: 1298 - Karma: 3,711
snowpocalypseI've been told 2 week, 3 different times. Not happy at all. I want the system but never doing business with them again.


I also stopped by the shop in Driggs a few weeks ago. Lars was super apologetic and really stoked to show me the new setup. It looks absolutely fucking bomber and I will wait as long as it takes because there is simply no other binding on the market like this.

Dealing with foreign manufacturers of random machine parts seems like a total gamble to me, and unfortunately for them and all of us ONE peice from ONE manufacturer is what they're waiting on. Tough break.

I understand the frustration, but to me this is such an awesome long term investment I'm more than happy to wait. I already have an older dynafit setup that I was just gonna try and sell once the casts came in. Really looking forward to skiing some more aggressive lines on these next year. Rehabbing some injuries this year so I'm not really sending too hard anyways so like I said I'm more than happy to wait.

As for the accusations of it being a scam that could not be further from the truth. A scam implies intention of deceit. They got fucked over by placing orders with the wrong company, and that's trickled down to us. This is still gonna be an incredible product and they're not con artists. If you really want out at this point they will give you your money back (I had a homie back out because he just wanted to get some dynafits in January and they credited his card back almost immediately). I get that everyone is annoyed but having seen the product and gotten my hands on it it's gonna be well worth the wait.
Feb 11 2018 9:08PM
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,525
mikemacI also stopped by the shop in Driggs a few weeks ago. Lars was super apologetic and really stoked to show me the new setup. It looks absolutely fucking bomber and I will wait as long as it takes because there is simply no other binding on the market like this.

Dealing with foreign manufacturers of random machine parts seems like a total gamble to me, and unfortunately for them and all of us ONE peice from ONE manufacturer is what they're waiting on. Tough break.

I understand the frustration, but to me this is such an awesome long term investment I'm more than happy to wait. I already have an older dynafit setup that I was just gonna try and sell once the casts came in. Really looking forward to skiing some more aggressive lines on these next year. Rehabbing some injuries this year so I'm not really sending too hard anyways so like I said I'm more than happy to wait.

As for the accusations of it being a scam that could not be further from the truth. A scam implies intention of deceit. They got fucked over by placing orders with the wrong company, and that's trickled down to us. This is still gonna be an incredible product and they're not con artists. If you really want out at this point they will give you your money back (I had a homie back out because he just wanted to get some dynafits in January and they credited his card back almost immediately). I get that everyone is annoyed but having seen the product and gotten my hands on it it's gonna be well worth the wait.


Ya, I'm sure it will be an amazing set up. Thus me still waiting. For me the issue is lack of communication. Why do I have to send e-mails out every three weeks, then wait another few days to be told "don't know, maybe two more weeks?" This has happened three times now. Totaling 3 months. Just come out and say we don't know. This is what is happening, with realistic dates on their part. I'm not in the business of guessing. I still want it. I just want to know when I will see it and not just another, well maybe in a few weeks.
Feb 12 2018 10:59AM
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garrett.
Posts: 9304 - Karma: 3,670
I called them this morning and Lars answered, told me that he just got off the phone with the plastic part distributor and the last batch of parts we’re getting overnighted today, they would be going into build mode over the weekend and hopefully start shipping on Tuesday. He mentioned an email update as well so stay tuned for that.
Feb 15 2018 11:39AM
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TCSKIER66
Posts: 39 - Karma: 102
there it is gents..
Feb 15 2018 12:26PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,191
TCSKIER66
there it is gents..


YAY
Feb 15 2018 1:09PM
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Cheech_Sander
Posts: 338 - Karma: 1,660
Yeah, there it is... another email that says "coming soon". I believe that they'll fulfill my order, I don't think it's a total scam, but I really could have used those $300+ these past 4 months. Hell, if I put it on crypto it would have been worth $950 by now. They should have charged when they have the product like everyone else, not before.
Feb 16 2018 11:12AM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,191
Cheech_SanderYeah, there it is... another email that says "coming soon". I believe that they'll fulfill my order, I don't think it's a total scam, but I really could have used those $300+ these past 4 months. Hell, if I put it on crypto it would have been worth $950 by now. They should have charged when they have the product like everyone else, not before.


It technically was a pre-order for me. I’m upset, but not pissed. I can see how others aren’t to happy though.

I am just stoked to finally have a good touring set up:)
Feb 16 2018 5:18PM
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mikemac
Posts: 1298 - Karma: 3,711
No the question is what skis are y'all mounting them on? Thinking of maybe the Rossi black ops or black crows anima since I could get those on prodeal. Also really considering ON3P Kartel 115 even though I can't get a deal it just looks like a bomber ski
Feb 17 2018 11:30AM
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gowgo
Posts: 17 - Karma: 46
"Your order is on the way"

Yes!!!
Feb 18 2018 6:43PM
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TheWeaz
Posts: 803 - Karma: 1,903
Everything is boxed up and ready to ship, they might even still be in office printing labels, it’s taking awhile cause random people are showing up and getting shit mounted as well as a lot of people placed orders with incorrect addresses
Feb 18 2018 10:03PM
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garrett.
Posts: 9304 - Karma: 3,670
MY BINDINGS ARE ON THE WAY
Feb 18 2018 10:05PM
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,525
I love it. Got my shipping info last week but the package still hasn't been picked up or moved. Label has been created but not shipped......... One thing after another..... Maybe I can get them by next season.
Feb 20 2018 3:24PM
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N41v131355
Posts: 221 - Karma: 386
snowpocalypseI love it. Got my shipping info last week but the package still hasn't been picked up or moved. Label has been created but not shipped......... One thing after another..... Maybe I can get them by next season.


They said they will ship tuesday. For now they just created labels
Feb 20 2018 4:16PM
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,525
N41v131355They said they will ship tuesday. For now they just created labels


I've heard that before...........
Feb 20 2018 5:09PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,191
snowpocalypseI've heard that before...........


Mine are on the way
Feb 20 2018 8:23PM
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JohnJonsz
Posts: 317 - Karma: 871
I’m in! Skiing and skiining on em tomorrow. Thanks @RedBaron882 for the bindings.

Apparently they sent out ~200 cast packages the past few days. Let’s party

Feb 21 2018 1:02AM
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