Woodserson wrote:I would go with the BC, only because of the variety of snow conditions that I often see and my penchant to ski as much as possible, wherever, no matter the snow condition. Loose granular springtime corn on top of a firm base being one of my favorites.
I can't help but lean that way also- this also leads to a waxless and a waxable...Wish I could test these skis out before I fork over all that cash!!! I would love to try the Asnes Tind as well...integrated kicker skin and all...
I love wax, but on my longer touring skis when the conditions are right. Kicker skins have their place, but can be slower than scales IMO.
Well- I think- all things being equal- kicker skins offer more grip than scales, at the expense of glide. HOWEVER- I have been doing some limited experimentation with the kicker skins of different widths and material...I think if one gets it just right- an integrated kicker skin can offer just as much glide as scales, but with better grip. The trimming of the skin length is another factor as well- especially for XC K&G.
I think the real question is, what binding? Hardwire? Voile Traverse (3pin cable with riser)?
Whoa...this is really tough for me...especially because my budget is actually REALLY tight at this point in my life...
I am so tempted to snap an NNNBC binding on a ski like the Objective...but if I end up wanting a stiffer boot than NNNBC has to offer, I am going to be kicking myself in the ASSSSSS...
So- let's assume 75mm for a moment...with T4 and Ski March boots...
I am very turned on by the 3-pin hardwire. It remains unclear to me whether the hardwire is worth it (AGAIN- I wish I could test these damn things). The hardwire is ALOT more dough than the 3-pin cable- especailly with the weak $CAN...I have a 3-pin-cable binding that I bought on clearance a few years ago for $50CAN...The 3-pin hardwire MUST offer some major step up in performance to be worth it to me...And- I wonder whether my preference for touring-oriented boots are burly enough to take advantage of the hardwires...
BUT- I MUST try and keep my perspective...NNNBC has truly replaced the 3-pin cable for me...In other words- for me- NNNBC- and some fine boots- are all I need for distance oriented XCD skiing. (If I was doing long-distance tours in truly mountainous terrain I would still be looking at the 3pin-cable/hardwire)
The desire to hold onto the 3-pin may be a legacy of the past...
SO- if this is really going to be a DEDICATED steep and deep YO-YO kit, then maybe I should really be considering something with a free-pivot mode...If the primary "objective" is to climb and turn- with frequent low vertical transitions- perhaps I should really be considering a free-pivot binding like the Switchback?
If I am truly willing to sacrifice XC performance in favor of efficient and fun climbing/turning- why not go one step further and get a full-on climbing-turning binding?
I investigated a new ridge-valley formation in the upper Nashwaak this weekend- 300+ verticals; 20-80% slopes; open hardwood and softwood glades; 2+metres of snow; 5kms from an XCD access point; at least 40 hecatres of XCD terrain to climb and play in...
I was on 205cm Fischer E-109s, with Alpina Alaska NNNBC. Ideal kit for covering distance in that terrain- and the downhills were still wicked- BUT- I was definitely reminded that the E-109 is a XCOUNTRY ski!!!!