The XC Skiing thread

[lukasz]

It's time to bump this back into the rotation!

I want to attach 3 pin bindings to my Madshus Eon skis for more downhill control. What is the difference between the $85 one and the $300 one? Voile: Telemark Bindings

It seems like a durability thing that will only matter if you're doing some really aggressive skiing. The cheaper one will be far more flimsy, like MTB pedals/shoes to some carbon soled SPD-SL?

[caleb]

Hey, we're making snow today!

[sailor]

The switchback has a free pivot mode like an AT binding to make it more efficient going uphill with plastic boots and big skis. I am assuming you are not using 3-4 buckle plastic boots with your skis to climb and descend big vertical so it would not be needed. The 3-pin cable will provide slightly more control downhill and the hardwire a lot more. If you are using soft boots go with the cable, plastic boots go with the hardwire as it may overpower a leather type boot. On either you can remove the cable when going uphill for less heel lift resistance.

It's time to bump this back into the rotation!

I want to attach 3 pin bindings to my Madshus Eon skis for more downhill control. What is the difference between the $85 one and the $300 one? Voile: Telemark Bindings

It seems like a durability thing that will only matter if you're doing some really aggressive skiing. The cheaper one will be far more flimsy, like MTB pedals/shoes to some carbon soled SPD-SL?

[lukasz]

So for going uphill and doing the ol' kick and glide you are not using the cable/wire anyway? I don't have 3 pin boots yet but I would get some intermediate ones. Not sure if they'd be plastic or leather as I've not done any research on boots yet.

[ned]

So for going uphill and doing the ol' kick and glide you are not using the cable/wire anyway? I don't have 3 pin boots yet but I would get some intermediate ones. Not sure if they'd be plastic or leather as I've not done any research on boots yet.

Just the opposite. When uphill, you don't want the spring return from the cable or wire. Arguably, the stiffness of a 3-pin/75mm/duckbill sole is more resistance than you want. The spring and rigidity of the the binding come in to play when going downhill. Like Sailor said, I'd think a tele binding with a free pivot mode would be overkill, not to mention the added weight.

[lukasz]

But.. but... isn't that what I said?

[ned]

But.. but... isn't that what I said?

Yeah, my sentence came out wrong. I'll try to redeem myself. Shopping for a new boot and binding combo, you can go 3-pin/75mm or you can go NNN. The the 3-pin will probably have better edge control, especially if you are making tele turns. The NNN are meant to be easier to get in and out of but this only applies to dry snow (they ice up something fierce in wet slop). The advantage of NNN will be on the uphill and flats since the pivot moves more freely (takes the rigidity of the sole out of the equation). Tele turns on anything less than a full on tele set up are doable but not easy. You can make pretty decent parallel turns with either NNN or 3-pin bindings and modern BC touring boots. Uphill and downhill are asking for completely opposite things out of your gear. It's all a compromise, though the technology is narrowing the gap significantly. But you still need to pick your priority.

[lukasz]

I have NNN right now, not even the NNN-BC. I figured 3 pin with some moderately flexy boots would allow for decent downhill control and decent kick and glide. If I were getting 3 pin but wanting to still enjoy xc skiing when I'm not going downhill, could I just get some appropriately constructed boots and either a cable or wire? I've been under the impression that NNN-BC stuff is kind of a half-assed middle ground between NNN and 3-pin.

[ned]

Here's what I'd do with those Eons: get the voile 3-pin hardwire and have the heel piece mounted slightly back from normal. You'll still get plenty of boot contact with the benefit of being able to snap the heel throw on to the heel piece and eliminate the spring when going uphill or flat. The wires vs cables do add a degree of lateral/edge control. A step down in control but increase in convenience would be just the simple 3-pin. For boots, look at something like the Fischer BCX 675. Anything less stiff is going to be floppy on the descent. Anything stiffer, like a Scarpa T4, might be overkill for the rest. Do you have a ski shop with boot inventory and knowledge on this stuff?

[lukasz]

Yeah I think I could find one between here and the Catskills :) Thanks for the advice! Just what I was looking for.

[TMB]

The two XC ski parks nearest to me both opened this weekend. Natural snow.

[DCT]

snow this weekend on the east coast!

who's skiing??

[jamesand]

snow this weekend on the east coast!

who's skiing??

Probably Smuggler's Notch. Maybe lower if there is enough. S-turns down the Stowe side could be tricky.

Early Season XC Snow Conditions <---- A friend's site to keep track of ....early snow!

[vandebergen]

8 mile loop on Sunday - literally out the front door. Great snow for once.

Why is it that I ALWAYS forget to take it easy the first time out for the season? So sore...those muscles that I apparently don't use for anything other than kicking and gliding.

photo-15.jpg

[DCT]

FahnestockWinterPark

christmas destination


https://twitter.com/FWPupdates

[jamesand]

Craftsbury for New Year's.

Craftsbury Nordic Center :: Touring Center :: Snow Report

Craftsbury Nordic Center :: Touring Center :: Nordic Center Home

[cny rider]

Did a beautiful 5 mile loop with a pal above Otsego Lake today.
Crisp and cold with nice powder.
It doesn't get any better than this.

[DCT]

any thoughts of which ski package to get?

think new paltz, some groomed stuff, some not so groomed

Cross-country ski packages: save on skis, bindings, boots and poles!

Cross Country Ski Packages Save up to $85 - Snow Sports Sale - Eastern Mountain Sports

[Eddie]

I know you love spending money, but as previously discussed I think your current setup is awesome for your needs. I'm torn right now between getting a trackable ski with a metal edge and going full on BC or even AT for WV.

Also, check out the ORS packages. Good peeps in Montpelier/Berlin. I get my gear there or at Ski Barn in Burlington.

[DCT]

ORS has a shitload of stuff.

Kev, I'm thinking of getting a set for the girl so we can get out a bit over the holidays. They weight limit of 120-150 would work for both of us.
This way I have another set and I don't have to rent for her. A thick sock and the boot will work.