Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

I have a pair of Madshus voss skis that I have used for years and I like them. However there are times when I wish I had more control on the downhill. Right now I have them paired with nnn-bc bindings.
Could I run these skis with a 3 pin binding?
Would the kick and glide suffer alot?

The reason I ask is because my nnn-bc boots are almost shot. Before I buy boots I am thinking of converting to 3 pin completely that way all my boots and skis are interchangable.
I also have a pair of annums with a 3 pin setup and would love to try them with a lighter boot(right now I only have the t4s)

So, is it crazy to have a 3 pin binding on the voss skis? I don't ski groomed trails.
Thanks.

I think they will fit 75mm 3 pins, but I haven't tried.

I can only comment on the Glittertind with a 3 pin compared to the Voss with the NNN-BC.

I don't find a lot of difference to be honest with you. I can get a better stride with the NNN, but it's not a lot - these skis don't glide enough to notice a huge difference.

I'll say the same thing about turning. I think they are difficult to control with NNN or 3 pin. 3 pin you can force them a bit more, but it's not a huge difference IMO.

These skis are kinda crossovers and so soft they don't really do anything good, or anything that bad.

To me, the boots make a difference. If you have a nice, tight fitting, stiff soled NNN boot, they kick nice. If you have a nice fitting, soft soled 3 pin boot, they kick pretty nice.

If you had some really stiff boots, they might turn better with 3 pin, but to me it seems a bit overkill. Boots that will likely work well with your Annums might feel too stiff and heavy for the Voss. Boots that work well with the Voss, might feel a bit floppy for the Annum. It's the nature of the beast.

My thought would be this:

If you want a faster gliding gliding ski that can turn and will exploit the 3 pin, I'd look at the Eon or S88/S78. As far as boots I'd probably suggest going to the Crispi Svartisen over the Alaska. It's just got a little more support.

If you want to keep the Voss, I'd say stick with the NNN-BC and invest in a good pair of boots. The Alaska is the best NNN-BC I've tried, but I haven't tried many. Keep in mind it's never going to be stellar fun down hills (in traditional lengths). It's on the skinny end for powder and the straightness and camber makes it a nightmare on packed snow (unless you want to snowplow or step turn).

Personally, my revelation has been that if you are going to use a skinny, double cambered ski, go NNN, and get one that glides nice (not much of a revelation, pretty much every XC skier knows this). Might as well have it do that well. You'll fight it a little more down hills, but I just ski it on gentler terrain. As much as I like some Madshus skis, I feel like the Voss/Glitts are just a little too numbed down for a good flat tour and little too sketchy for steeper stuff.

The other advantage of the keeping the NNN is you can skate much easier. I don't know how much you get snow conditions that allow you to skate off of groomed stuff, but it's much easier with the NNN vs pins.

Also Travis,

If you want to test out a ski, I'd be more than happy to let you take any that I have out for a burn.

I may not have the exact binding mounted that you like, but if you have both NN and NNN boots, you can try either. Not sure what size you are, but you could also try my boots if you like. They are either 43 or 44 Euro.

PM me if you are interested and we'll find a spot to meet up when the snow hits the ground.

It is not crazy at all... Just follow your first intuition. 3 pin on Voss? No problem... Like Mike is saying, you do not need the stiffest boot. I think 3 pin will make them a bit more maniable... I use my Glittertind with 3 pins; I like the set-up... I even took em with Excursion plastic boots. Overkill? Probably... Do I care? Not at all...

Thanks for the info guys.
I think I will pick up a pair of three pin bindings if it isn't going to slow down the kick too much. Then I use a softer boot with my annums as well.

I would like to stick to one system if I can get away with it.

If you don't intend to ski these on groomed trails, I doubt it matters, unless you get a really heavy 3 pin boot.

I agree with Mike. If you never ski these on groomed trails, why do you own these skis? My only pair of skis for my 1 week of skiing/year was a pair of Madshus North Capes (ancestor of the Voss), which I primarily skiied on groomed trail with Salomon SNS bindings. These skis are not great at either climbing or turning, but are reasonably fast and can handle some ice. If you only ski on non-groomed or off-trail, why not a wider ski with less camber?

I actually bought these skis years ago with no knowledge at all. I wanted the wider ski they had for sale, the lady talked me into these.
She actually was trying to sell me real thin skis.
So, now that I have these skis (which have been good to me) I would like to still use them but with the same system binding system as my annums.
Just for more options without buying more skis.

Got telekid, when he was a youngster, some floppy (NNN or SNS) type leathers and a set of skis and he enjoyed them all to hell....Got into his head and told him the girls loved Tele-markers....especially at Burke.....Not a significant disadvantage to pins but pins work a tad better in the bush and don't break!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bout as simple as they come....Far as turns we prefer pins but no big deal....TM