New for 2009/10
Midway last season, I switched to the slightly lighter Dynafit TLT Speed Binding (335g).
If that wasn't enough, this year I'll be using the new Scarpa F1 Carbon boot, weighing in at 822g(!)
Total set up is now:
Bindings = 335g / 12oz
Boots = 822g / 1lb 13oz
Skis = 1095g / 2lb 7oz
Total = 2252g / 4lb 15oz
Skis
Goode Carbon 95 (Length = 172cm, Dimensions = 125mm / 95mm / 113mm, Weight 1115g)
This is my latest purchase and current set up. I wanted a ski with less side cut (see below) and obviously this is the lightest 'straight-fatty' around
Goode Carbon 82 (Length = 176cm, Dimensions = 120mm / 82mm / 108mm, Weight = 1050g)
This was my first Carbon ski. The weight saving of Carbon Fiber made a consierable difference. They are quite stiff and ride considerably better with a Dynafit binding than with a Fritschi one. My big problem with this ski, which prompted the switch to the wider one, was the amount of side cut: there was just too much. Skiing steep slopes was quite scary - the tip would grab and you would have no control under foot. I got a 1/2 degree bevel under the tip to try and deaden it, but it still was not enough. Definitely a ski for a narrow stance.
Bindings
Dynafit TLT Vertical ST (Weight = 350g per binding)
I can't understand why I used Fritschi for so long. If set up correctly (a big if) they are not any slower to put on / take off and the natural flex under the foot is clearly better for the ski. My only complaint is the low quality plastic used for the volcano at the back. After a few jabs with the ski pole, it was already starting to look worn.
Boots
Scarpa Spirit 3 (Weight = 1650g per boot)
I switched this year from the slightly heavier and stiffer 4-buckle Scarpa Denali TT. This boot was a little tricky to fit since the toe box is quite large. At the end of the day, it is a better boot going uphill than its predecessor.
Skins
Black Diamond Ascension Clipfix Skins
I prefer these to the STS skins as they keep the entire skin under tension, well if they are cut correctly, instead of just the tail / the rubbery bit that clips over the end. On the wider Goode Skis, these things have enough surface area to go up anything. The only disadvantage is that they are a little heavy and take up a lot of space in the pack.
