Oh and I would get a red flexor set. Provides a nice bit more resistance than standard black flexors to help encourage telemark stance (but still a lot more tricky than pins + cables ).

I’ve done several lift-served mountain resort days on NNN-BC. You get some funny looks in lift lines. For me, and probably for most here, you automatically watch speed more closely and ski a bit more conservative with any ski that doesn’t release. I don’t think a lighter binding is any more “injury ...

I find that it can be hard to pressure NNN BC into a telemark stance at slow speeds, even with red flexors rear foot feels tippy-toed. Adding some speed and dynamics to the ski helps that. 3-pin is easier given where the boot flexes.

I’m from MN so use alpina Alaska NNN-BC as my jack of all trades light (non track race) boot. I would always recommend them. I’ve skied on lifts in mountain resorts with them to the local twin cities golf course when we get a powder snow day, to the BWCA. Very versatile. Only complaint is they are h...

This is one of the best threads in a while. Super interesting to read what you all actually ski and for what use cases! Much better than people debating stuff :) Could be some selection bias here but interesting to see so few Xplore bindings in this thread, given how often they are discussed and see...

Have similar experience other northern US folks above, for utilitarian bang for buck I love my waxable USGI Asnes 210cm skis (different than Combat NATO) with a beefy NNN-BC boot. They are great at breaking trail in deep powder. While they’re heavy and tiring to herringbone you can always extend the...

Good to hear @Capercaillie ! I’ll have to try that wax next time I’m trying to not clump on fresh wet snow.

I do love a good warm snow kickwax, really fun when you get it right. T-shirt and bomb kick is tough to beat on skinny skis!

To the OP, surprised to hear that 25 F is a tough spot. Usually 25 F is excellent on swix blue - unless the snow is wet slop that fell at 30-32 F. If the latter case you’re in the notoriously difficult area to kick wax for and what racers often use “zero” skis for. As laymen xc skiers that need to k...

Ha, while I agree with you that generally gear is overrated over ability, some of this is just not true, so wouldn’t want anyone not familiar with groomed track skiing to be fooled. “Slightly slower on the flats”. Have you ever tried skate skiing on a groomed deck on BC skis? I have regularly skied ...

MountainGoat , I thought I'd mention in reply to your original question that I started out tele skiing on Alipina Alaska NNN-BC and Asnes Falketind XC skis, similiar to what fisheater has mentioned. I did this because I was in a similar sounding situation as you, in that I had the Alpina Alaskas, h...