No worries at all, I realize not everyone works at home on the internet all day like I do. I contacted my brother-in-law who reached out to his friend who had demoed the Kufo's and works in a backcountry ski shop in Edwards, CO. He gave the deal his seal of approval then I just looked up what those skis and skins are selling for on sale right now and with the 3 days on the ones for sale I decided it was a go. I will probably splurge on boots and bindings this year then since I saved on skis and skins. Kingpins and Atomic Backland Carbons look like the top contenders for me despite this being the first run of the backlands. That also all depends on if the backlands are compatible with the Kingpins, which I am in the process of researching.
I've received counsel and the Vipec is a no go. So question is does $300 seem like a fair deal for skis and skins?
I have, I believe, the first or second pair of Vipecs sold by Mountain Gear. This is my third season in them. First season was problematic as the adjustable pin backed out mid tour--twice. First time was 200 yards up mt Spokane. Second time was at top of 4000 foot climb in Tetons. I found the pin when it fell in the snow and if not it would have been a long walk home.
Diamir/Black Diamond fixed the problem and replaced the toe piece with a newly designed one that eliminates the problem. Now the only problem is they can be fiddly to get into the binding. I think I've passed the learning g curve and now get in right away 90% of the time. So really no downside now.
The upside is significant, I think.
Moat important, it has elasticity in lateral release at the toe, which in theory can protect your knee more like a frame binding and also should prevent pre-release. I've never come out of them, and once skiing I don't note a difference in down hill performance from frame bindings.
The other good is you can remove your skins and transition from climb to ski mode without removing your skis. I had never done this till this week and it saved me a bunch of time on my transitions. I'm still the slowest transitioner in my group, but not because of bindings. The Vipec actually gives an advantage there.
So I wouldn't avoid the Vipec. I would buy again.
I would avoid frame bindings altogether.
I bought a pair of Salomon Guardians as my first AT setup because I wanted to hit big kickers and land switch in the backcountry. Turns out I have no appetite for doing that when I'm a long hike away from help and exhausted from lugging that setup into the woods. Would be good in short side-country though.
I used my Guardians about 4 times then took the plunge into tech bindings and would be happy to unload my Guardians because I don't see ever using them again--even though I have Quiver Killer inserts installed in my touring boards so I can switch bindings back and forth easily.
Now using Vipecs and Dynafit TLT-6 boots with Rossignol Super 7s. Love those boots. Light as can be and not much of a compromise on the down hill at all when you put the tongue inserts it. Stiff as I'll ever want them. Absolutely changes the nature of the day in the backcountry. Skis are a little heavy -- but ski beautifully. I'd probably go lighter on skis.
I have a separate full alpine setup for the resort and save my jibbing for there.
