Altai Kom 162 vs 174

[yoyoing]

Just a quick update to let you all know that I ended up going with the 162cm Koms and a pair of Voile Cable 3-pins. They're great! Thank you all very much for the recommendations.

In case any one else is also on the fence, I will definitely confirm what others have said: the Koms are definitely proper SKIS and they have handled everything that I've thrown at them so far beautifully. For quick up/down/rip sessions they've been loads of fun - they're great for short tours and tele turns. Main difference between these and the Hoks is that I can actually edge them. The recommended binding mounting position is also spot on. They pivot and swing perfectly.

Now I'm curious if anyone has suggestions about how to properly set the binding tension? I'm totally new to cable bindings so basically just guessed.

[lowangle al]

A good place to start is to find the spot where the heel lever barely has enough tension to stay closed, then tighten it one or two turns.

[Andy M]

Al gave a good short answer, but below is the full info (minus the figures) from the instructions you can download from the Voile website. The key thing to add to Al's answer is that there should be a distinctive"snap" when you close the lever:

Sizing: Once the toepiece is mounted, size the heel pieces to the boots. The standard cables are designed to fit up to Men’s 13, they may need to be shortened for smaller sizes. Hook the Cable Assembly on to each side of the toepiece from the top. Bend the hooks slightly to contour the boot, this allows the cable to pivot freely. (SEE FIGURE 2)

Check to see that the hooks are seated properly. If the heelpiece does not pivot freely damage to hook may occur. (SEE FIGURE 3)

With the heel lever closed and located over the outside edge, the Cable Assembly should be adjusted so the heel assembly is centered on the ski. To adjust the cables remove the Cable Assembly and screw (to shorten) or unscrew (to lengthen).

Correct adjustment of the Cable Assembly provides an audible snap when the lever is engaged. Make sure there is at least 1/2 inch of each cable in heelpiece threads. (SEE FIGURE 4)

The cable length may need to be shortened. Voile recommends NO MORE THAN 1 INCH OF EXCESS SPRING stick out past the heelpiece. (SEE FIGURE 5) Use a heavy duty wire cutter or small bolt cutter. Be sure to grind or file the sharp cut edges.

Important Tip: If the lever pops open while skiing, lengthen the cable on the lever side and shorten the cable on the inside. This will increase the cam angle and keep the lever closed more tightly.

[yoyoing]

Great tips - thank you.
I had the cables way too tight based on this method!

[Woodserson]

Welcome to the KOM! Most fun ski I own. Ridiculously silly.

I keep trying to get my AT friends on a pair but they all huff&puff because the bindings are more expensive than the skis...

[raphael.corneau]

I Everybody, someone know if the kom Rockers are the same lenght of the fabulus Hok rockers?

Tele guys,
Did you install your fix on Kom with the altai's specs or BOF on CRS? (i have backoff my 3 pin on my hok on BOF on CRS position and "what a difference" on powder descent!!)

[Woodserson]

I Everybody, someone know if the kom Rockers are the same lenght of the fabulus Hok rockers?

Tele guys,
Did you install your fix on Kom with the altai's specs or BOF on CRS? (i have backoff my 3 pin on my hok on BOF on CRS position and "what a difference" on powder descent!!)

I have my 162 mounted as recommended: 162cm – 86cm straight line from the tail to the 3pin line – (not the boot centerline). and it's good. I like it a lot. I would not change it.

I have my 174 mounted as recommended: 174cm – 92.3cm straight line from the tail to the 3pin line – (not the boot centerline). and I'm thinking about moving it back 1cm, maybe 2cm, haven't decided. The rocker is about 20-22cm deep depending on how you look at it. The BOF is about 7cm or so forward of CRS. That's a lot to move it back. Not sure I would do it.

Try it recommended first.

[raphael.corneau]

Yes it's a big back move, but, it's distance that I backed my fix on Hok : 3 inches / 7.2cm

[Woodserson]

Yes it's a big back move, but, it's distance that I backed my fix on Hok : 3 inches / 7.2cm

Also something to think about is the re-enforced mounting position for the toe piece. Go too far back and you may leave the re-enforced area. As stated on their website only the toe area is re-enforced . I don't know how big this area is, but something to keep in mind.