I'm looking to update my touring set currently consisting of K2 Waybacks and Fritschi Eagle binding to something rather lighter, so for bindings Dynafits seem to be the thing, but seems there are quite a few models and I really not sure what to go for here - TLT Rad ST 2.0s look quite new? .! I've seen other Dynafit users sometimes struggling to clip back in via the pins in demanding (steep) conditions, so are newer models better for this or what? Any advice, experiences or comments welcome before I plump for something..
Pin bindings are the way to go certianly for going up hill. I'm assuming you just want a light weight set up for touring and not mixed use. I have the Radical ST's on Waybacks which work very well, I also use the Radical 2.0's ST's on a pair or Volkl BMT's as free ride and piste ski, these are still light but ski better than the standard Radical ST's. For really light weight I use a pair of Dynafit superlite 2.0's with no brake on Volkl VTA 88 Lite's (170's), 1180g ski and binding. I would not recommend these for all round use but great for long days. As regarding getting in to the bindinds, I would say the standard Radicals would be more striaght forward as the Radical 2.0's has a rotatable toe piece which requires a slight adjustment in technique. None of them I find difficult or worse than standard frame bindings to get into. For a good allround touring set up I would go for the Standard radicals on a 88mm plus ski. If you are big and heavy and ski hard then the Rad 2.0's with better release. Sorry if this has added to the confusion. Regards.
Thanks for your reply John, it has been helpful. I'll probably stick with (updated) Waybacks, and thinking I may go for the Rad 2.0 STs as at least they should be noticeably lighter that what i have now.. Tks.
Brian - as a relatively recent convert to Dynafit I find the little pillars on the newer models make for a speedier clip-in when it's not straightforward. Also the brakes (again, newer models only) can help to stop the blighters from skidding all over the mountain! Radical 2.0 ST have both.
As Mike says, the Radical models - provided you have the new style of toepiece on your boots, with a protruding vertical ridge - are definitely easier to get into than the traditional ones. On a windy, icy col it's likely to be tricky whatever, but leashes can help - I use short 'guide' leashes because I don't have brakes. But I find that the force required to engage the toepiece is so low that, in tricky conditions, you can simply bend down and hold the ski with your hand. I discovered that after a fall in deep steep snow where both skis and I were in awkward positions. Or would have been with Fritschis or similar - in fact it was a doddle to get the toe in and, once I'd locked the toepiece, the heel engagement was equally simple.
Mike, Andrew, many thanks for your tips, so I've just bought a new set of Waybacks with ST 2.0s so now cant wait for my Cham tours week in early Jan..
With my new ST 2.0s, I sometimes find it hard to align my boot accurately to the heel pins. (The rotating toe piece means alignment is no longer automatic). Tip: I have now chamfered the groove edges on the rubber sole of my boots, which has helped a lot. This does not affect the integrity of the heel locking mechanism. I suspect boot manufacturers will soon follow suit!