Daymaker Opinions (HELP)

Same, but I'm also interested in cast

I've heard they work well to start out with. Skiing on frame bindings is different. Some people say the frame causes the ski to flex differently because it cant flex as well under the frame. I had one pair of frame bindings and I only toured if resort wasn't an option. I even avoided lift access backcountry if it wasn't hikeable.

I would recommend getting daymakers so you can enjoy the way down to the fullest. Then if you dig it, look into getting a pin setup like CAST, shifts, or dynafit Beasts.

Daymakers are WAY better than frame bindings. Frame bindings are awful for everything.

Cast

Here is a quick shpeal from someone who got into backcountry skiing very recently. I didn't know how much touring I wanted to do, so it was tough to decide on whether I wanted to spend the money on a touring setup, or get Daymakers/frame bindings. After reading a gross amount of reviews and hearing opinions, I went with a Shift and a Maestrale RS. I am very happy with my choice, even though I spent more than I would have on Daymakers. Here's why

1. Daymakers are great for short tours, but they lift you extremely high off of your ski and weigh a good amount. Plus, you have to shove them back in your backpack for the descent. If your skin track has any downhill pitches, they're a pain.
2. What people are saying about frame bindings is correct. They alter the flex of the ski underneath because of the long mounting zone and they're extremely heavy. They are quickly becoming a thing of the past.
3. It's tough to know whether or not touring will be something you want to do more. If you buy Daymakers and decide you want to tour more and longer, you'll be looking at a new setup. I went with the Shift and the Maestrale RS because I can tour with the setup when I want, but it's just as good inbounds at the resort.

You need to weigh your options and decide on a budget. I completely understand considering adapters. I would try touring a few times, maybe borrow a friends setup or rent a pair for a day or two and decide if it is something you want to pursue. Hope this helps

Sure, go for it, nice way to dip your toes in without getting new boots or putting more holes in your skis.

When you feel like going pins, DON'T GO DYNAFIT BEAST. Yeah, maybe you'll find a pair for cheap, don't do it. That binding doesn't exist anymore for a reason. It was a reliability nightmare, and weird and fiddly.

Cast, Shift, new Duke, or Techton are all better choices.

snowmosexualThen if you dig it, look into getting a pin setup like CAST, shifts, or dynafit Beasts.

cydwhitSure, go for it, nice way to dip your toes in without getting new boots or putting more holes in your skis.

When you feel like going pins, DON'T GO DYNAFIT BEAST. Yeah, maybe you'll find a pair for cheap, don't do it. That binding doesn't exist anymore for a reason. It was a reliability nightmare, and weird and fiddly.

Cast, Shift, new Duke, or Techton are all better choices.

I haven't heard of the Beast 14s being a reliability nightmare. I've skied them in and out of resort almost everyday for two seasons and never had any issues. I upgraded to CAST this year because the power transfer on a pin toe isn't as good, but I never had any problems with my Beasts.