 Poster: A snowHead
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Hey All, I've been thinking about tech bindings to make it easier to get to and from good off-piste for a while and it's about time I got some new boots so now seems as good a time as any.
I'm thinking of Salomon Mtn explore boots or possibly the Mtn Lab boots depending on fit, Beast 14 bindings, and some Preacher carbonlite's, my stats 64 kg, 170 cm.
I've not skied with tech bindings before, from everything I've read the beasts ski as well and are as safe as a decent alpine binding if a little fiddly to clip into, any other reasons I might not be happy with those boots and bindings as my only ones?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Boot selection (model, mfr) surely down to fit? Exp vs Lab surely down to required stiffness?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Beasts are being discontinued
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Yeah i'd noticed the Beasts are being discontinued, Jon's site shows he still has some in stock, after having a poke around on the forum the general opinion seemed to be that the Beasts are good bindings and possibly slightly better than the Kingpins, plus they're cheaper atm.
You're right about the fit of the boots, I really need to organise a day off work and an appointment at Profeet, they seem to have the best selection of tech boots, the Salomon boots are just my current favorite based off the reviews i've read.
Am I right in thinking the Scarpa boots aren't compatible with the beast bindings?
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@Daishan, The Beast 14/Radical 2 toes are a doddle to click in to - the easiest on the market.
All Scarpa boots are compatible with all of the Dynafit bindings. Scarpa are the only other boot maker allowed to use Dynafit's own inserts with the 'Quick Step' lead-in groove.
Dynafit also supply the inserts to Scott, Hagan, Movement & Fischer although they don't have the Quick Step groove.
Inserts made by Tecnica & Salomon are, from 16/17 production, made to Dynafits specification.
Black Diamond boots won't work with the Beast as their heel insert has inverted locating pins so the Beast Power Insert won't fit. And the Atomic Backland boot can't be used with the Beast as there's insufficient material within the heel to properly attach the lateral support screws for the Power Insert.
The heel on the Salomon Mtn boot is made of a pretty soft plastic so it works great with a pucka tech heel binding but gets chewed up really quickly/badly with a Kingpin heel.
The new style Master Fit heel insert in the latest Dynafit boots means that they can be used in the Beast heel without fitting the Power Insert.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Daishan, As you already know, reviews of ski boots can only really be used to determine if there any mechanical or reliability issues with the boot, and the target usage. You will also get some very rough guidance with regards to the fit, but not if they will fit. The only time you can really rely on a review for fit is when they compare the boot being reviewed to a boot you already have, or have used. Boot brands tend to stick with a similar last, so some are known to be narrow, some high instep etc.
I know exactly what you mean about favorite boots. I really wanted to get some Dynafit Beast/FT1 boots (the updated Khion), but they wouldn't fit.
I (and many others) only use tech bindings/boots for all our skiing, and as you point out the latest offer much improved release characteristics, so you shouldn't have any issues unless you are a from the "Crash Test Dummy" school of skiing.
With regards to Profeet, you need to call them, and check when they expect to have their entire range of touring type boots in stock (usually late Sep/Oct), so they will have every size of boot available. Also, if you know you have problem feet, make this clear at the time of booking.
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Thx for the info Jon.
I've sent profeet a mail to ask what they have in stock in my size atm as I'd like to take advantage of the 40% off if possible.
Do any of you know of any shops that specialise in touring boots that might have a larger selection?
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@Daishan, whilst I'm not saying it can't be done, the Preacher (carbonlite or not) is not really one of their touring skis.
Whitedot's touring skis are the Ranger 98, Ranger 108 and Ragnarok 118.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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I agree that Preachers are not Whitedot's specific touring ski - but I have been touring on hem for a few yeas - they are just so good I can't leave them at home. It's the width of the tip which is what prevent them from being a full on touring ski, but honestly it never really bothered me - but people love skinning in my tracks when they're tired!
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@BenAS, don't get me wrong I can't get enough of Preachers either... I bought a pair on Friday  every ski test they've consistently been my favourite ski, I don't need a pair in my arsenal but I firmly want them!
I just thought the OP might want to look at the 'all access' options which, particularly the 98 and 108, are more specifically aimed at touring.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@dp, you make a good point and got me thinking more about my ski choice, but I really like how the Preachers ski and for the moment at least I'm thinking about mainly easy to accesses off-piste, like 30 min away from the lifts type stuff.
It's maybe a little daft getting a touring setup for it, I'm just envious of how much easier people with touring setups can get to and from the good stuff.
I'm aiming for 4-6 weeks of sking this season so if i find myself doing longer touring i can always grab some 98's / 108's for the later weeks.
I'll probably try to test some on the PSB, though i guess that might be a little harder with touring boots.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| Daishan wrote: |
Thx for the info Jon.
I've sent profeet a mail to ask what they have in stock in my size atm as I'd like to take advantage of the 40% off if possible.
Do any of you know of any shops that specialise in touring boots that might have a larger selection? |
Hi Daishan - good to hear. Hoping you've heard back now and dropped in. All the best for this season and do let me know if you need any help setting up an appt.
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It ended up been too difficult to organise getting into the centre of London and I was driving past Bicester a couple of weeks ago anyway so ended up going to S4F.
Andy sorted me out with a pair of Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 120's unfortunately not cheap due to them been a new model but suit my skinny feet.
Very happy with the boots so far will probably need a tweak or two as the liners bed in.
Also got the last pair of last season's 169 carbonlite preachers from Jon with the Beast 14's for a good price
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You know it makes sense.
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@Daishan, went into S4F 2 weeks ago and Andy thinks I will also be good for the new Atomic Hawx touring boots (although in a 130)
I also got Preachers (albeit trad) from Jon this month
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@Daishan, The other shop to consider for touring boots as I understand is Ski Bartlett - but no idea what stock will be like at the moment.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Kamikaze Pete seeing as he's bought some I don't think he'll be too worried about stock levels... 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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What are peoples thoughts on 2nd hand/ex rental touring kit? I'd like a set up but not sure I can justify the spends right now on full new set up, thinking I might be able to pick something up in resort during the season (Val d'Isere).
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Daishan, good advice on the skis, thanks. I'd buy new boots, I have weird feet (as confirmed by CEM).
Any suggestion on ski & binding touring starter kit? (context: doing first season so planning a fair amount of touring, but won't be dropping the Bec des Rosses any time soon)
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I'm only just starting out myself so plenty of others more knowledgeable than me.
I went for the Dynafit Beast 14's they weigh a bit more than the super light bindings but feel just like alpine bindings once you're in and if you're only just starting to try touring I imagine you aren't planning on loads of skinning where every gram counts.
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@Dr John, you could pick up either a Cascade 95 or a Superguide 88 for less than £250 right now without bindings. That might not be a bad option.
Re second hand stuff, if something breaks in the middle of nowhere then you are pretty screwed. I would think carefully about the history of any second hand kit you buy.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@gorilla, Ta. Last question (for now), worth investing in pin bindings + new boots or normal touring bindings and use current alpine boots?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Dr John, really depends. If you are only interested in short walks (like 1hr or less) then alpine boots + frame bindings (marker f10 or 12) will be fine. More than that, I'd be getting pin bindings and suitable boots - especially if you are chasing fitter or more experienced people.
I didn't replace my alpine boots and went with a freeride boot with tech inserts that I use for everything. It's too heavy for multi-day touring but is more than ok for everything else. It also removes the need to fly with two pairs of boots. Buying now, that would be whichever one of the Tecnica Cochise series, Scarpa Freedom SL, Lange XT etc. fits you the best.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@gorilla, I've done a couple of 1hr jobs, aiming to ramp that up. I'll definitely be chasing fitter & more experienced people. Sounds like I'm heading towards the pin bindings. My current alpine boots are only 3 years/9 weeks old and the best fitting/performance I've ever had, also love my black crowe Orbs. Might have to take the plunge, rinse my bonus, and get the full set up. A visit to Bicester might be on the cards.
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You know it makes sense.
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@Dr John,
How does one "rinse" ones "bonus"?
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@HammondR, one takes one's annual bonus, and one spends the lot on shiny new ski kit.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Dr John, you should look at the q98s currently going in the 2nd hand section.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| HammondR wrote: |
@Dr John,
How does one "rinse" ones "bonus"? |
Most just phone me 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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FAQ
