Tech vs. Traditional bindings.

[JAlps]

Hey I did a quick search about this and nothing popped up....

Anyways when I hear people talk about tech bindings I hear them say that they somehow "ski" differently or feel different to ski on. Can someone explain to me how so? Is it a drop in performance or just a different feeling? I'm looking to build my first touring setup and debating frame vs. tech. (or maybe something like the kingpins but $$$)

 

[Caucasian_Asian]

The easiest way to say it, is unless you're really committed to touring, pick up a frame-type AT binding or Trekkers.

Tech bindings require a specific insert in your boot to work. If your boots have them, great. If not, you'll need a new pair of boots.

And they're expensive.

 

[Bogs]

Both drop in performance and different feeling. How long do you plan on skinning? If you plan on very long, intense skins, go tech binding, if not, go frame.

 

[cydwhit]

This is such a can of worms.

Just go frame to start out, then, if you do make the switch later it makes touring in tech bindings even more awesome.

 

[japanada]

This is such a can of worms.

Just go frame to start out, then, if you do make the switch later it makes touring in tech bindings even more awesome.

This. If youre asking, then chances are a set of dukes/barons/guardians/adrenalins/ect will work just fine.

 

[dyer]

if your a park skier definitally reccomend traditional bindings

 

[PacificRimJob]

Tech bindings will ski different.. mostly because of the way they lock down the heel. They aren't the most solid back there as there's way less pressure pushing the boot down, so the heel tends to squish around a bit and it's not quite as solid feeling as a true alpine binding.

Going switch really shows this feeling, as your heel tends to slide around just a little bit with play and there doesn't really seem to be much elasticity in the binding whatsoever.

If you're doing tours upwards 2000' vertical or on a 5-10 mile trek in, you may want to go with a true tech binding simply because they're lightweight and still ski fine, but will be great for ascending.

If you want tech bindings, but aren't really keen on how they work for downhill, your best bet may be something like the marker kingpin. It's a true alpine heel mixed with a tech toepiece.

They aren't as light, quick, or easy to use as others out there from Dynafit, but they are at least more solid for actually skiing while not being as heavy as a plate binding. A decent compromise.

 

[SFBv420.0]

nobody ever switches back from tech to frame

and most peeps here who po po tech binders don't have any real word experience on em.

they git better and better every season

 

[tomPietrowski]

Tech bindings will ski different.. mostly because of the way they lock down the heel. They aren't the most solid back there as there's way less pressure pushing the boot down, so the heel tends to squish around a bit and it's not quite as solid feeling as a true alpine binding.

Going switch really shows this feeling, as your heel tends to slide around just a little bit with play and there doesn't really seem to be much elasticity in the binding whatsoever.

If you're doing tours upwards 2000' vertical or on a 5-10 mile trek in, you may want to go with a true tech binding simply because they're lightweight and still ski fine, but will be great for ascending.

If you want tech bindings, but aren't really keen on how they work for downhill, your best bet may be something like the marker kingpin. It's a true alpine heel mixed with a tech toepiece.

They aren't as light, quick, or easy to use as others out there from Dynafit, but they are at least more solid for actually skiing while not being as heavy as a plate binding. A decent compromise.

I would say really the kingpin is the way most people considering tech should go. The kingpin feels more or less just like an alpine binding but only weighs a fraction more then something like a radical. In terms of ease of use I would say they are easier then a full tech as the heel works in a conventional way. Really the only people I would recommend going for something like a radical would be guys who just care about the way up. If you still want to enjoy the way back down the kingpin is the best choice by far, in my opinion.