Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

I have a Alfa/xPlore/Fischer setup that I love for xcd

I am starting to shop for a tele setup that I can ski the resort with and sidecountry/easy access bc. Now when I say resort I'm mainly going out with my 8 year old on mostly blues. Not doing any crazy blacks/double blacks, icy trees, etc... I do a fare amount of deep BC/hard access with my xcd setup (not with my kid) but I mostly go out solo so I'm not going anywhere at the top end of my skill set by a long shot... Especially until I can tele ski confidently.

That being said am I going to notice a major difference between the Rottefella Super 3 pin/cable and say the AXL? The price is just shy of $300 cheaper.

My current front side setup is 9 seasons old so I'm not the type of skier that has to have the top of the line latest and greatest.

For light duty front side and medium duty bc will the Rottefella be a good binding? Telemark Down says it has "some real punch on the descents and can push a wider/fatter ski".

Or will I regret not getting the 22 Design binding?

Lastly, I want to go as light as I can. I'm tired of lugging 20+lb skis/boots into the bc. I LOVE my xcd setup because it's 10lbs. Obviously though that lightweight is why I am looking for more of a resort setup and something that can handle side country/easy access bc where I'm more likely to go full throttle....

Looking at getting the Scarpa t2 boot in case that helps...

i've seen comments here that the rotte ST binding isn't a great match with the t2 due to the duckbill height, so hopefully someone will confirm or deny that for you. Voile cable binding w/ plastic boots, rotte ST w/ leathers seems to be the general rule. That being said, i think a cable binding like that would be fine for your goals.

even better would be t2 + switchbacks. it's right in that "medium duty BC/light-med duty groomer" range, you'll appreciate the free pivot in the BC, and it's in a pretty sweet spot for weight and activity to help continue developing your technique and confidence.

fwiw, i've skied both setups referred to on exactly that spread of terrain and enjoy both, but i'd always choose the switchbacks because of the free pivot. so assuming you have the money for it, i think you'll get the most bang for your buck with the switchbacks. if you go with a fixed cable binding you'll still be well served, just make sure you get the one that's the best match for your boots.

I think before you talk about the binding you need to talk about the boot.
I really love skiing my Alaska 75 with my Rotte ST/cable, and I like my T4 with 3pin Hardwire.
Pick the boot first. Pick a ski and binding that match