Which binding for the KOMS 162?

[Shirefisher]

So I own and operate a pair of 150 Koms with basic cable bindings that I use as my beater skis and they have taken a lot of abuse but I realize at my size (240lbs) I need to upgrade the binding system. I'm wanting to use these skis on woods and resort but with an attitude adjustment of turning nicely into tele style and a be nice to them program. So mostly when there is plenty of decent snow and I promise I won't abuse them in the mud/sticks/stones and make sparks and such.... My instinct tells me just get the Traverse cable with the riser... Or I could go with the hardwire... Or Do I want to put on the switchback...? I have Excursions. But I just bought VooDoos to play with since I wanted to upgrade to the T2's but they are too narrow for me. The Voodoo will be driving my G3 94 Finder XCD but I could also think of trying them with the KOMs?!.

[Lo-Fi]

I ski the Koms 162cm and my G3 Find XCD 172cm with the original non-3-pin Hardwires which I really like.

Easy in & out (no pins to line up and bail to click/release) and skied with Excursion or T3/T4 set at minimum tension, I find I get good range of motion for kick & glide (shuffling) and climbing, and still good progressive resistance and lateral/torsional support for the downs, with no need for adjustments as I go. I'm mostly on softer backcountry snow and I don't find I need any riser.

For me, the Traverse limits heel rise too much when touring, even when set at minimal tension. The 3-pin Hardwire is heavier but I think it gives better downhill performance -you mentioned you want to ski lift areas. I think these bindings come with the sloped riser.

I skied on Switchbacks for a long time, but maybe from my nordic background I prefer not using the free-pivot for k&glide so I can get that ball of the foot smearing feel when engaging the fish scales. I really don't like the free-pivot for anything other than the steepest climbing in soft deep snow with skins, which I virtually never do anyways because of the more rolling terrain that is mostly available to me, where the scaled skis are ideal. The Switchback's riser is flat and not sloped.

[Lhartley]

Voile should just bring that toe piece back and sell it as a separate part, it's pretty unattainable

[lowangle al]

^^^ That would be the perfect xcd binding if you could get them. That being said, my next choice would be the switchback, even though, like Lofi I rarely use the free pivot. The free pivot is good for k&g if you don't mind the feel.

My next choice would probably be the 3pin hard wire. Great for the downhill and you can remove the hard wires for touring.

After that I would go for the 3 pin cable, traverse. or rotti ST.

Other than that, the bindings I currently use are out of production. Rivas and Chillis are great and I had skied Targas in the past and liked the feel.

[Shirefisher]

I love lo-fis set up. That is a great way to ride some xcd boards. The only set up that seems similar is the switchback. I'm loving the simplicity of the cables but the strength and simplicity of switchback is nice. My only difference is I feel I need for the risers to save on torque on the skis.

[lowangle al]

I think you have a great setup with the Koms and Excursions and I think the Switchbacks(they have a built in riser) will be an improvement over your current binding for the up, down, and flats. As long as you don't have them adjusted too tight.

[turnfarmer]

Rivas and chili’s show up on eBay. Do a saved search and eBay will email you when they come up for sale.

[fatskinning]

A couple of weeks ago, while reading this post, I searched Facebook Marketplace for these bindings (Voile original non-3-pin Hardwires) and found a pair in good condition about 10 minutes away.

I installed them on the Altai Tao, a ski similar to the Koms.

I agree with @Lo-Fi : if you can find a pair, this is one of the best setups you can have for scaled and skinned skis.

Reliability: With no bails, levers, or soft cables, they're practically bulletproof.

Simplicity: Like the Voile 3-pin without cables, you put them on once and that's it. Skipping the hassle of attaching and detaching cables, especially in deep snow and cold conditions, is a significant advantage.

Resistance: The Hardwires offer less resistance than the Voile 3-pin with cables. When adjusted loosely, their resistance is only slightly more than the cable-less 3-pin, making them excellent for kick and glide and saving energy for the final ski out.

Uphill Performance: I disagree with @Shirefisher's point about needing angled rising plates and risers unless you have narrow skis. Without them, the extra spring energy from the boot angle allows you to better engage the skin (or scales, I imagine) in the snow, increasing traction, especially on steep sections.

Downhill Performance: They provide the most confidence and stability of all the bindings I've used. Their flex is more progressive than the Voile 3-pin with cables.

Weight: Without the rising plate and risers, they're heavier than the cable-less Voile 3-pin but similar to the cabled version, making for a light setup.

Noise: With proper cleaning and greasing, they are remarkably quiet, comparable to basic 3-pin bindings. In contrast, the Switchbacks, for example, can be quite noisy.

Current Alternatives: Current alternatives are good but not as good:

• I'd probably buy the basic Voile 3-pin with cables and keep the cables in my pack (do you really need them if you ski with a good, centered position?).

• Switchbacks are noisy and heavy, and they don't offer a true cross-country-style kick and glide that these types of skis deserve.

• I guess you could buy the latest generation, skip installing the risers, but you would still have the bails/levers.

For efficiency, comfort, and the most pleasant tours, the original non-3-pin Hardwires are hard to beat.

As @Lhartley mentions, Voile should make them available again.
It would be great for extending the life of 75mm boots that show wear at the 3-pin area.

That is, until they come out with a hardshell Xplore boot, which will probably never happen, lol.

[phoenix]

Shirefisher, while the above suggestions are quite good, I seem to recall you were posting a season or two ago about ripping bindings, being a big guy and not gentle on your gear. That brings to mind the 22Designs Vice (no pivot); 6 hole mounting pattern, and three positions for activity. Heavier, but also bomber. And keep in mind that scaled skis suck on piste around here, though it sounds like you have an option for that.