Re: First AT setup questions-
Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2011 12:47 am
ExcitableBoy wrote:Autoxfil wrote:ExcitableBoy wrote:bdynkin wrote:And to re-iterate what Autoxfill stated in his very informative post: only Silvretta 404 and 500 series bindings can be used with climbing boots.
That is not entirely correct. Older Silveretta binders (I have 400), Ramers, and a few other binders made specifically for approaching can be used with climbing boots.
Yes, note that I said "only releasable bindings currently produced".
Apologies, that is an important distinction to make. I just read the exerpt.
I think to help clear things up for the OP:
- Silvretta Pure can be used with many climbing boots - if they have a good toe and heel lip - but they won't lateral-release climbing boots, so it's a safety issue more so than 'compatibility'. Whereas when you fall in 500 (wire toe bail) they release your boot sideways at the heel. I have used both Pure and 500 and 555 on various climbing boots. Pures are light for a traditional-style AT binding but early (red toe) models had breakage problems.
- Fritschi Diamirs fit some climbing boots, but not all. They are popular, but heavy for mainly approaches and easy skiing and have the release/safety issue as above.
- In some of these bindings the toe lip may fit but the heel may not, if the boot sole is too thick/high at the back.
- Dynafit are much lighter but you need compatible boots, that have the holes for the pins. ie. not climbing boots.
- Learning to ski anywhere off-piste is not recommended, and certainly not in climbing boots. Learn to ski, with lessons, in hired DH gear, then try hired AT gear, then decide what you want to do.