sardog1
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- Nov 8, 2003
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Some of you with very long memories and not enough to do with your time may recall a Randonee(AT) vs Telemarking? thread back in late '05. That was one of the best threads here on the subject of backcountry binding systems, IMO. It deserves a visit if you're mulling your choices.
Said thread also included a promise from me to submit a field report on my as-yet-not-arrived HammerHead bindings. Well, a mere fifteen months later the day has arrived (after two winters of mostly inadequate snow, interference from other commitments, a twisted knee, the flu, blah, blah, blah.) And the result? "I love 'em!" And what's perhaps even more surprising to some of you fellow Nordic types -- I love 'em in touring mode!
I kept the spring tension today at the lightest setting (just short of no tension) to see what they'd do to my usually-free heel. No sweat -- really didn't notice anything onerous from the cable. That's in comparison to what I feel on another, lighter pair of skis with Rottefella SuperTelemarks mounted. (I have been a three-pin guy for a very, very long time.) Boot d'jour was Asolo Extreme (OMG, leather boots dating back to the Carter Administration??? ) Skis are a mint pair of Black Diamond Boundary (another ancient relic, but they're in as-new condition.
I really didn't have the sense of the binding being heavy on the uphill. The heel lifter worked great while climbing, helping to keep the tips up above today's @#$%^&*! soft crust by moving the balance point tailward.
A couple of caveats. I do think this is an arrangement better suited to larger, perhaps stronger skiers. If you have a smaller frame than I (6', 210#), you might notice the weight more. And those familiar with the HH binding will recognize its downhill capabilities, which merits a caution. There is no release here -- keep it in mind when picking a tension level that would facilitate steep descents. I plan to spend a lot of time practicing before I risk life and limb.
Said thread also included a promise from me to submit a field report on my as-yet-not-arrived HammerHead bindings. Well, a mere fifteen months later the day has arrived (after two winters of mostly inadequate snow, interference from other commitments, a twisted knee, the flu, blah, blah, blah.) And the result? "I love 'em!" And what's perhaps even more surprising to some of you fellow Nordic types -- I love 'em in touring mode!
I kept the spring tension today at the lightest setting (just short of no tension) to see what they'd do to my usually-free heel. No sweat -- really didn't notice anything onerous from the cable. That's in comparison to what I feel on another, lighter pair of skis with Rottefella SuperTelemarks mounted. (I have been a three-pin guy for a very, very long time.) Boot d'jour was Asolo Extreme (OMG, leather boots dating back to the Carter Administration??? ) Skis are a mint pair of Black Diamond Boundary (another ancient relic, but they're in as-new condition.
I really didn't have the sense of the binding being heavy on the uphill. The heel lifter worked great while climbing, helping to keep the tips up above today's @#$%^&*! soft crust by moving the balance point tailward.
A couple of caveats. I do think this is an arrangement better suited to larger, perhaps stronger skiers. If you have a smaller frame than I (6', 210#), you might notice the weight more. And those familiar with the HH binding will recognize its downhill capabilities, which merits a caution. There is no release here -- keep it in mind when picking a tension level that would facilitate steep descents. I plan to spend a lot of time practicing before I risk life and limb.
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