I’ve got the Free Raider 14 on DPS Pagoda Tour 112’s, Crest 8’s on Volkl Rise above 88’s and World Cup SL’s on the Atomic UL 65’s.
If you’re in the 85-95mm cat I’d say the Crests are probably the ticket. Over 100mm maybe go raiders?
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?
thanks for the feedback @BobinCH, as we are on the topic of which bindings to get… are raiders the option for 121mm underfoot Necessary width for trip to Kyrgyzstan but will also want to retire my faction royales and use the set up as future inbounds pow day skis
thanks for the feedback @BobinCH, as we are on the topic of which bindings to get… are raiders the option for 121mm underfoot Necessary width for trip to Kyrgyzstan but will also want to retire my faction royales and use the set up as future inbounds pow day skis
The Freeraider 14 has an additional heel piece which gives better contact than just the pins so I’d say that’s the one for bigger skis. I also have shifts on some other skis but actually prefer the Free raiders (could also be influenced by the delta angle or skis). Cast system is another option if you want burlier bindings for the down
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
I really like the design of the raider and if it had been around a few years ago I'd probably have bought them over my Salomon MTNs. I'd like a little elasticity for crappy snow, which the MTN lacks. Having said that, the MTN is almost flawless IMHO and is perfectly capable on a 100mm+ ski. It's also (almost) flat - a massive plus for me. What's the delta on the ATKs?
Nice, when and where are you going? Won't be there this winter but have spent a lot of time out there, feel free to drop me a pm if you need anything.
I guess slightly related. I've been thinking about putting a long stay kyrgyzstan trip together (1-2 months). Could probably get anyone interested deal for lodge room and 2 meals per day (big breakfast and 3 course dinner) for around £350 per month. Would be in Jyrgalan village where there is excellent touring from doorstep and access to a few backcountry yurts. Downsides you are stuck with me and the lodge would expect some photos/videos for their social media (although you can stay anonymous). Too late for this winter, but anyone interested for Jan/Feb/march 2024 feel free to get in touch.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
This is a v interesting binding IMHO for the ~10 DIN Skier on pins . Elasticity, Front toe setting , great risers …oh ££££….
Front toe release looks new for this year. That is the perfect light freeride tech binding
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.
BobinCH wrote:
Timmaah wrote:
thanks for the feedback @BobinCH, as we are on the topic of which bindings to get… are raiders the option for 121mm underfoot Necessary width for trip to Kyrgyzstan but will also want to retire my faction royales and use the set up as future inbounds pow day skis
The Freeraider 14 has an additional heel piece which gives better contact than just the pins so I’d say that’s the one for bigger skis. I also have shifts on some other skis but actually prefer the Free raiders (could also be influenced by the delta angle or skis). Cast system is another option if you want burlier bindings for the down
Does the heel piece add that much to the downhill performance?
thanks for the feedback @BobinCH, as we are on the topic of which bindings to get… are raiders the option for 121mm underfoot Necessary width for trip to Kyrgyzstan but will also want to retire my faction royales and use the set up as future inbounds pow day skis
The Freeraider 14 has an additional heel piece which gives better contact than just the pins so I’d say that’s the one for bigger skis. I also have shifts on some other skis but actually prefer the Free raiders (could also be influenced by the delta angle or skis). Cast system is another option if you want burlier bindings for the down
Does the heel piece add that much to the downhill performance?
It skis really well but hard to tell how much of it is the heel piece. I guess if it made a big difference they would have put it on the new Evo model?
I am usually din 8 or 9 and have the Crest 8 on my Volkl Rise Above. I have skied them hard on DiN 8 with no pre-release so would have thought Evo 11 is more than sufficient
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.
[quote="]
Does the heel piece add that much to the downhill performance?[/quote]
It skis really well but hard to tell how much of it is the heel piece. I guess if it made a big difference they would have put it on the new Evo model?
I am usually din 8 or 9 and have the Crest 8 on my Volkl Rise Above. I have skied them hard on DiN 8 with no pre-release so would have thought Evo 11 is more than sufficient[/quote]
The free ride spacer can be added to C-Raider and Evo - but only when mountin I think or quiver killer it
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
We're in Tignes Christmas Eve to New Years Eve, with the dog, and it's going to be an intro to touring for us and the dog, so looking for easy walks to do, and this looks ideal, and not too far to pop down in the van for a walk.
We will be the proper definition of ski touring wallies.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
DB wrote:
BobinCH wrote:
Timmaah wrote:
thanks for the feedback @BobinCH, as we are on the topic of which bindings to get… are raiders the option for 121mm underfoot Necessary width for trip to Kyrgyzstan but will also want to retire my faction royales and use the set up as future inbounds pow day skis
The Freeraider 14 has an additional heel piece which gives better contact than just the pins so I’d say that’s the one for bigger skis. I also have shifts on some other skis but actually prefer the Free raiders (could also be influenced by the delta angle or skis). Cast system is another option if you want burlier bindings for the down
Does the heel piece add that much to the downhill performance?
Yes, the AL09 Freeride Spacer Kit for the Raider, C-Raider & Freeraider models makes a big difference to the power transfer, especially on wider skis. The Freeraider 16/14 models come complete with the Freeride Spacer Kit and it's available as an extra for the other Raider models.
The Raider EVO models also have their own Freeride Spacer Kit (AL13) but it's not interchangeable with the AL09. The Evo 15 is due to come c/w the AL13 but the binding has been delayed due to supply chain issues. The Evo 11 and Evo 13 are now available. The Evo 13 is the sweet spot of the range and that's what I'm stocking. And the Freeride Spacer is that important IMO that I'm only selling the Evo 13 c/w with it. And if a user is on such a low din setting to be looking at the Evo 11 then they're looking at the wrong binding and should be looking at the Crest 8 or Crest 10.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
spyderjon wrote:
And if a user is on such a low din setting to be looking at the Evo 11 then they're looking at the wrong binding and should be looking at the Crest 8 or Crest 10.
Interested in this comment. If you’re skiing DIN 8 or 9 what is the benefit of Evo 11 over 13? My experience of Crest 8 is that it’s solid and alas I am no skinny blinky.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
BobinCH wrote:
spyderjon wrote:
And if a user is on such a low din setting to be looking at the Evo 11 then they're looking at the wrong binding and should be looking at the Crest 8 or Crest 10.
Interested in this comment. If you’re skiing DIN 8 or 9 what is the benefit of Evo 11 over 13? My experience of Crest 8 is that it’s solid and alas I am no skinny blinky.
At 8/9 din then no difference.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
I‘m confused …..
Does the crest 8 or 10 come with a freeride spacer ? Do only people with high dins (11+) need/benefit from a freeride spacer?
If the freeride spacer is important but I don‘t need higher than a 9 din then the Evo 11 rather than the 13 would seem like the right choice. No?
Won‘t the Evo 11 be better as the binding din is better matched to the skier? …. or would the Evo 13 release the same for a light skier? (68 kg)
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?
DB wrote:
Won‘t the Evo 11 be better as the binding din is better matched to the skier? …. or would the Evo 13 release the same for a light skier? (68 kg)
The ATK range confusion is a classic Italian nightmare but the bindings are all pukka. For a wider ski get a Raider (EVO 11 with spacer ideal but they’re all good). Narrower ski want to save 100g get the Crest. You will hardly notice the difference. Bottom line all their bindings are beautifully made and you really can’t go wrong.
In many respects the perfect thread to post too. Most people would think you would have to be a Wallie to contemplate "ski touring" in Scotland!
For those who look at Facebook find British Backcountry and be enthralled by pages of pictures, generally from Cairngorm of untracked powder fields.
Loads of the hardcore have put the skins on and climbed up through the ski area, bizarrely not operational.
One upload was from Glenshee with, again, fabulous conditions. Well worth a look.
A Scottish chap I’ve skied with posted this yesterday!
Looking and wanting to go while I am in Edinburgh (esp given it looks like snow over Christmas/New Year so could head up to hit it relatively easily.) Unfortunately not local so suspect I really need a guide; not too expensive, as long as you have a group to split costs with
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
DB wrote:
BobinCH wrote:
Timmaah wrote:
thanks for the feedback @BobinCH, as we are on the topic of which bindings to get… are raiders the option for 121mm underfoot Necessary width for trip to Kyrgyzstan but will also want to retire my faction royales and use the set up as future inbounds pow day skis
The Freeraider 14 has an additional heel piece which gives better contact than just the pins so I’d say that’s the one for bigger skis. I also have shifts on some other skis but actually prefer the Free raiders (could also be influenced by the delta angle or skis). Cast system is another option if you want burlier bindings for the down
Does the heel piece add that much to the downhill performance?
Albeit an MTN rather than an ATK, but having support under the heel makes a big difference IMV. In the case of the MTN, the boot rests on the brake when you have them mounted vs supported by the pins only with leashes. The additional torsional resistance of the wider ATK platform will no doubt feel more supportive still...
@qwerty360, obviously I don't know if you are on Facebook. Without doubt it is a great source of information and gallery of the mountain conditions.
I think British Backcountry has been mentioned, there is also an Inverness touring club, very active participants. Failing FB perhaps a phone call to Cairngorm mountain sports (Aviemore) explain your requirement and they may just have a few contacts for you.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Yep, would definitely second British backcountry FB group. Also you’re pretty mountain savvy so pick up one of the superb books on ski touring in Scotland by Kenny Biggins and that’s your guide right there…
After all it is free
After all it is free
Quote:
there is also an Inverness touring club, very active participants
We've got mole skin tape with us. I forgot i'd picked up a blister and then took my sock off using my other big toe, and with it took the blister too...
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.
@swskier, Only if you put Duck (or duct) Tape over it.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
swskier wrote:
BobinCH wrote:
Ouch! Didn’t have any compeeds?
We've got mole skin tape with us. I forgot i'd picked up a blister and then took my sock off using my other big toe, and with it took the blister too...
Blimey that looks like a nasty one. At the first sign of a blister I stop, boot off and stick a compeed on it. Always have to do it on first long tour of the season in a similar position to your one. Seems to be ok after that.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
@BobinCH, @swskier, guys you need to read this to deal with blisters successfully.
I use to have some pretty shocking pictures on the page and Google didn't like them!!
The page was classed as containing shocking content and wasn't indexed.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
@BobinCH, I'm going to pick up some compeed in the supermarket tomorrow before we head out.
We're not doing anything even remotely major, it's more a dog walk on skis, but I'll need the cushioning of the compeed tomorrow.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Big promotion for compeed. Our favoured method is Leuker tape. Put it on, leave it on until the touring and skiing have finished.
Let it come off naturally in the bath/shower.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
A bit late for you guys but keep your boots done up enough to not let your heel move.
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?
Here's some photos of how to use the needle, technique is to go in 10mm from the actual blister bubble
And then withdraw and you can see the fluid running out but the bubble is not punctured.
And as you can see almost no sign, and then the skin bonds back almost totally in a very quick time.
@Weathercam, you’ve left them too long to get like that. On a long tour need to get the compeed on at the first hint of rubbing and then IME it’s fine. Or tape up beforehand but then skin doesn’t toughen and you end up needing to protect for longer
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
That's nothing, you can't even see the bone.
After all it is free
After all it is free
New season, new kit:
Cochise 120 flex, dynafiddle rotation 10, Blizzard zero G 95 (last year's green model).
Haven't skied in them yet; was waiting for the snow to come and the crowds to go.
Not sure about them. Never used dynafiddle before, the "42 degree range of movement" of the boots seems a bit oversold and I maybe should have gone wider and softer on the skis, but we'll see how they ski/skin.
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.
While searching YouTube for something else, I found this skitour from another ski touring group who went up Großglockner.
Some great conditions found yesterday skiing into Launen (Gstaad).
Extremely well sculpted sastrugi on the ridge showing the strength of an Easterly breeze.
Plenty of local Swiss tourers out enjoying the good conditions, snow cover pretty reasonable.
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
Necessary width for trip to Kyrgyzstan but will also want to retire my 
