21/22 gear hype thread

+1 on [tag=119683]@TheWeaz[/tag] 's post.

buddy was riding carving me on his kingpins at 50-60mph this weekend in the resort just kinda freaks me out.
 
14241661:TheWeaz said:
...obviously it works out fine for some people, just want to make sure random people reading this don’t think tech bindings are just as safe as alpine bindings...
Click to expand...

This. I was regrettably taken in by Marker's claims in the early days of the Kingpin and bought a pair thinking this was exactly they case. Marker was all about telling you how the Kingpin was DIN certified (which I don't think claim anymore) to lead you to believe they were comparable to an alpine binding.

Don't get me wrong, the Kingpins are a great touring binding. They are certainly safer and release more reliably than your standard two-pin-heel touring binding, and there's no need to lock out your toes on the descent to prevent unwanted releases. I'd honestly probably rock them again if I built another dedicated touring setup over 105mm or 110mm underfoot, but lapping chairs in-bounds...no. Not worth the risk.
 
EDIT: weird internet double-posted my previous. Mods, please delete at your convenience.

**This post was edited on Feb 11th 2021 at 12:08:57pm
 
14241717:TheWeaz said:
K2 made the reckoner series, but they kinda ski totally different from the shredditors, they are a lot lighter.
Click to expand...

right now I have 2 heavy skis so a light boingy ski sounds pretty nice right now.
 
14241717:TheWeaz said:
K2 made the reckoner series, but they kinda ski totally different from the shredditors, they are a lot lighter.
Click to expand...

my 2015 shredditors 102 have a rotten core now so I need to get some new skis. I haven't paid attention to new gear in years.

any suggestions for a wider rockered all terrain ski similar to that one ? any help appreciated
 
14241732:-emile- said:
my 2015 shredditors 102 have a rotten core now so I need to get some new skis. I haven't paid attention to new gear in years.

any suggestions for a wider rockered all terrain ski similar to that one ? any help appreciated
Click to expand...

From what I remember of those era shredditors they were pretty soft, but also heavy and damp, a super fun combo but a lot of the newer designs are way lighter and less damp, which is fine in good snow but tends to ski way worse in bad conditions.

new candide 2.0 might fit the bill, they made it heavier recently. Dynastar mfree 108 is playful and damp but a little wider, thats kinda it off the top of my head for heavier but still fun shape skis around 100 underfoot.
 
14241661:TheWeaz said:
Not to throw this thread off topic, but I highly recommend people reading this do not buy tech bindings based on this, tech binding toes do not release laterally like an alpine toe, this is significantly more dangerous for spiral fractures of the tib/fib, although the horizon heel release is technically a little safer for knee injuries (like knee bindings).

obviously it works out fine for some people, just want to make sure random people reading this don’t think tech bindings are just as safe as alpine bindings.

and yes I do know that some fristchi bindings do release laterally, which does make them safer. They still aren’t designed to be ski’d on hardpack for any significant amount of time.
Click to expand...

Oh I couldn’t agree more!! I wasn’t posting it to say it’s the end all for all bindings. The safety definitely isn’t there like a normal binding. I was just saying it to share the power and performance what a pin tech binding can do.
 
14241767:TheWeaz said:
From what I remember of those era shredditors they were pretty soft, but also heavy and damp, a super fun combo but a lot of the newer designs are way lighter and less damp, which is fine in good snow but tends to ski way worse in bad conditions.

new candide 2.0 might fit the bill, they made it heavier recently. Dynastar mfree 108 is playful and damp but a little wider, thats kinda it off the top of my head for heavier but still fun shape skis around 100 underfoot.
Click to expand...

yup they were pretty soft and that's part of why I loved them. I also liked that they were a bit heavier cause I did take them to the park quite a bit.

I hate changing skis cause I get so used to the feeling of those skis that I get decision anxiety when it comes to changing them cause I feel like it's gonna throw my whole game off.

not sure what you mean by damp though

thanks for the input.
 
Damp means stable. It absorbs the bumps. It doesn’t get kicked and thrown around everywhere in rough snow.

14241784:-emile- said:
yup they were pretty soft and that's part of why I loved them. I also liked that they were a bit heavier cause I did take them to the park quite a bit.

I hate changing skis cause I get so used to the feeling of those skis that I get decision anxiety when it comes to changing them cause I feel like it's gonna throw my whole game off.

not sure what you mean by damp though

thanks for the input.
Click to expand...
 
14241784:-emile- said:
not sure what you mean by damp though
Click to expand...

Think opposite of lively. Damp skis will have a very dead, "heavy", smooth feel. They will absorb and crush through the chowder snow. You won't get as much energy built up in the ski (not a good or bad thing, it depends on your skiing style / preferences / snow conditions).

I love damp skis, I hate skis that are snappy and energetic. I need to try the Dynastar M-Free 108.
 
I am not sure that the word I would use to describe M-Free108s is damp. Smooth - yes, in fact hell yes.

Damp, as in metal damp? Well..

ON3P type damp? Not quite either.

Splitting hairs? Well, of course.

But Dynastar has created something somewhat special with their construction imho. When you then join that with a shape/flex pattern that shouts looseness something special comes out at the other end.

So yeah, a smooth, forgiving yet rally/groomer/soft snow ready playsticks sums them up well. If the sizing agrees with you they are an easy recommend.

The only people who not get on with them imho is somebody who wants the feel of a super long effective edge traditional mount point charger.
 
14243030:kid-kapow said:
I am not sure that the word I would use to describe M-Free108s is damp. Smooth - yes, in fact hell yes.

Damp, as in metal damp? Well..

ON3P type damp? Not quite either.

Splitting hairs? Well, of course.

But Dynastar has created something somewhat special with their construction imho. When you then join that with a shape/flex pattern that shouts looseness something special comes out at the other end.

So yeah, a smooth, forgiving yet rally/groomer/soft snow ready playsticks sums them up well. If the sizing agrees with you they are an easy recommend.

The only people who not get on with them imho is somebody who wants the feel of a super long effective edge traditional mount point charger.
Click to expand...

I’m super surprised to read this because from my experience, I hated the MFree 108. I don’t know why, but I’m not a fan of damp skis to begin with. I do have a couple for days I’m just cruising and bruising, but they’re damp damp. Like hella damp. Most of the time, I like skis that are poppy and lively. The MFree to me, felt in between damp and poppy, and felt like it couldn’t do anything that well. Obviously as a one ski quiver to charge, play and whatever else, it could work for some people. For me, I don’t like when skis compromise on things, I just want them to be good at one thing. So with the MFree being a sort of jack of all trades, I didn’t vibe with it. BUT, with that being said, it is a good ski and it’s cool to see Dynastar putting more effort into freeskiing again. If you liked the Menace 98, the 108 is a great step up for sure.
 
I disagree. The MF108 does everything well. It's quick and poppy when it needs to be and smooth and calm when it needs to be. Fucking magic sticks.
 
Have tried pretty much every ski around that 105-110mm width range and agree with the statement on the MFree 108 is from [tag=255301]@kid-kapow[/tag] “If the sizing agrees with you they are an easy recommend” as sizing length options is a huge issue with that ski with many “between sizes”.

The 182cm version is super surfy and playful and an absolute blast in bumps/trees but not amazing through crud etc. The 192cm absolutely HAULS and is very stable at high speeds, rips groomers yet surfy with great float when in soft snow. Amazing playful charger and a more serious ski.

If Dynastar made a “goldilocks” length of 186-188cm with the blend of the characteristics of the 182/192cm, it would be an amazing ski and a standout in it’s width.

Own the 2021 Candide 2.0 and it’s far stiffer, heavier and more damp than the Shreditor 102 was but the new MFree 99 might be a nice replacement though. Looks like a lighter, more playful 108 which might be perfect! Reckoner 102 is even lighter but that is definitely worth a try too.
 
14241661:TheWeaz said:
Not to throw this thread off topic, but I highly recommend people reading this do not buy tech bindings based on this, tech binding toes do not release laterally like an alpine toe, this is significantly more dangerous for spiral fractures of the tib/fib, although the horizon heel release is technically a little safer for knee injuries (like knee bindings).

obviously it works out fine for some people, just want to make sure random people reading this don’t think tech bindings are just as safe as alpine bindings.

and yes I do know that some fristchi bindings do release laterally, which does make them safer. They still aren’t designed to be ski’d on hardpack for any significant amount of time.
Click to expand...

What about shift bindings to every day use? are they safe for aggressive skiing? going to buy first touring bindings
 
14243112:cobra_commander said:
I disagree. The MF108 does everything well. It's quick and poppy when it needs to be and smooth and calm when it needs to be. Fucking magic sticks.
Click to expand...

Yeah fair enough, like I said I personally don’t vibe with them but for lots of other people they’re a fantastic 1 ski quiver!
 
14243240:anders_a said:
shift just isnt for every day use at resort.
Click to expand...

I used mine all last season and didn’t have any issues but I’m well aware that there are skiers out there who ski a hell of a lot harder than me. If you want a true 50/50 option, go Duke PT. Shit is actually bombproof
 
14243235:MichaelSkier said:
What about shift bindings to every day use? are they safe for aggressive skiing? going to buy first touring bindings
Click to expand...

The shift is just as safe as an alpine binding in terms of release.

some people have durability issues with shifts and I’ve seen a lot of people who can’t stay in them, they are very sensitive to snow on your boot sole and forward pressure and afd height.

I personally don’t use them and wouldn’t use them because I like the other options better.
 
14243273:animator said:
I used mine all last season and didn’t have any issues but I’m well aware that there are skiers out there who ski a hell of a lot harder than me. If you want a true 50/50 option, go Duke PT. Shit is actually bombproof
Click to expand...

I've talked to multiple sources selling shifts, and duke PTs, lets just say one has more returns than others.

It's also not just skiiing hard, but height/weight, at 6'3 and with gear probably 260-270lbs? at times, I can generate some umph..
 
14243240:anders_a said:
shift just isnt for every day use at resort.
Click to expand...

It's funny to hear so much back and forth on the shifts being a good/bad resort binding. I picked up the Atomic shift 13's and accompanied them with the backland 107's to be an all the time lightweight ski for tours and in bounds ripping. I've skied them 30 days or so. 50/50 touring/resort charging at this point. DINS are the same as my Armada JJ's I've used for a few seasons and I have yet to have a performance issue with them in any situation. I made sure I learned how to use the binding before going out on them and everything seems to go smoothly. For a 210Ib guy that's dropping smaller cliffs and charging through bumps, it's hard to believe that this bindings sucks for so many other small boi's out there.
 
14243295:djdiggidydave said:
It's funny to hear so much back and forth on the shifts being a good/bad resort binding. I picked up the Atomic shift 13's and accompanied them with the backland 107's to be an all the time lightweight ski for tours and in bounds ripping. I've skied them 30 days or so. 50/50 touring/resort charging at this point. DINS are the same as my Armada JJ's I've used for a few seasons and I have yet to have a performance issue with them in any situation. I made sure I learned how to use the binding before going out on them and everything seems to go smoothly. For a 210Ib guy that's dropping smaller cliffs and charging through bumps, it's hard to believe that this bindings sucks for so many other small boi's out there.
Click to expand...

its different issues, and I do like it for what it is, and when released pretty revolutionary, still is, I currently have shifts on my blister pro and BC120. used to have on BC100

the backland is a light ski, but let me ask this, would you mount shifts on a mantra 102 and hit 60mph on carve on them ? then again, do most people need that or do that? noop.

Would you hit the park and land stuff switch on them? probably noop either

Trouble is some people think its a fixall doall saveall, but it doesnt replace a quality alpine resort binding.
 
14243281:anders_a said:
I've talked to multiple sources selling shifts, and duke PTs, lets just say one has more returns than others.

It's also not just skiiing hard, but height/weight, at 6'3 and with gear probably 260-270lbs? at times, I can generate some umph..
Click to expand...

The Duke pt has been available for like a week though. This is the same thing people said about the kingpin, and then the kingpin with updated toe pins and then those were still shearing. Hopefully the concept will evolve into an excellent all around binding but I'm not ready to call the new dukes the winner yet.
 
14243320:mystery3 said:
The Duke pt has been available for like a week though. This is the same thing people said about the kingpin, and then the kingpin with updated toe pins and then those were still shearing. Hopefully the concept will evolve into an excellent all around binding but I'm not ready to call the new dukes the winner yet.
Click to expand...

which is a smart, really, but when holding the kingpin next to a duke... you feel like they tried makeing it solid... maybe to solid :p

I have my kingpins on binding freedom now ;) but new toes are supposedly better.
 
14243308:anders_a said:
its different issues, and I do like it for what it is, and when released pretty revolutionary, still is, I currently have shifts on my blister pro and BC120. used to have on BC100

the backland is a light ski, but let me ask this, would you mount shifts on a mantra 102 and hit 60mph on carve on them ? then again, do most people need that or do that? noop.

Would you hit the park and land stuff switch on them? probably noop either

Trouble is some people think its a fixall doall saveall, but it doesnt replace a quality alpine resort binding.
Click to expand...

Killer rebuttal and all very valid points of concern. Would I mount them on any burly ski that is meant to charge and lay trenches out there? Nah! But I wouldn't be concerned if I had that setup and was looking to mob down some groomers. I trust the materials and performance based on what I've already done. With any freestyle oriented ski, I'd stay away from them. Landing switch or buttering would be a no go for me. The mounting space the bindings take up is fairly large which would stiffen up any ski which I'm not about. I don't believe they'd perform poorly but without knowing someone personally that's lapping the park on them, it's hard to say that they wouldn't perform well. Magnus seems to throw them on his skis which lead me to believe that they're pretty bomber.

They definitely don't check all the boxes of a resort binding like you're saying. Pivots have amazing elastic travel which I love for my park skis and with a tight mounting pattern, the skis can flex almost naturally. Another perk that dwarfs what the shifts could offer on a particular ski... The type of skiing I always ignore with these bindings would be the freestyle aspects. Why would I look to shave weight AND have a touring option on my freestyle ski? These bindings check all the boxes I wanted out of the setup they are on but would certainly not check all the inbound boxes like a dedicated resort binding would.

There's definitely a reason CAST is such a killer system tailoring to this community. Not a lot of extra weight for their freeriding skis when in bounds and honestly not that much weight on the uphill compared to the shifts when you're touring. It's a win/win for most of us on this forum to go CAST. Shifts just operate so smoothly for my desires. With the research I did and the desire to ride a directional ski in bounds and out of bounds, the choice seemed easy to me. But here's to hoping that anyone who gets a touring setup does their research and selects the binding that suits their desires in and out of bounds if they choose to use a setup for both sides of the rope.
 
14243281:anders_a said:
I've talked to multiple sources selling shifts, and duke PTs, lets just say one has more returns than others.
Click to expand...

Except that Shifts outsell Dukes by 50:1 so obviously there's going to be a few more.
 
14243500:robnow said:
Except that Shifts outsell Dukes by 50:1 so obviously there's going to be a few more.
Click to expand...

Not sure where you live but I can 100% in my area Shifts most definitely do not outsell Duke PTs 50:1, it’s more like 5:1. People who want something that’s fucking beefy, who don’t care about weight, and who don’t want a frame binding, almost always go for the PT in my experience. That said, there’s not as many people like that, as there are people who want a binding that they can tour on occasionally, and aren’t taking any risks or doing high impact things on their skis
 
FWIW after a couple of seasons on Shifts/BC 120s using them they way it sounds like most people are using them - touring a couple of times per season and spending the rest in the resort - I'm definitely leaning Cast for my next setup. It's already a beefy setup, and I'd appreciate the added security and, presumably, lifespan of the Pivots as a worthwhile tradeoff for an extra 200 grams or so. If I wanted a lighter, backcountry-only setup that still skis well I'd be fine with something like an ATK or Kingpin.

That said, I've found day-to-day resort use of the Shifts comparable to any other non-metal alpine binding aside from the finicky AFD and forward pressure setup.
 
14243500:robnow said:
Except that Shifts outsell Dukes by 50:1 so obviously there's going to be a few more.
Click to expand...

I talked with some industry people and friends, and duke has been super popular and selling WELL, I have more friends buying duke Pt 16s than shifts for 2021 gear.. by far as 0 bought the shift.

getting the duke and stock was more of a concern (as was shift though)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top