Thread: AT vs. Alpine Binding Dilemma

As a disclaimer I have used the search function extensively and haven't found exactly what I'm looking for.

Ok here's the story. So my new Gots from sport-conrad arrived today and now I am faced with the conundrum of what to mount them with. Originally I was thinking I would just throw some p12s on them because that's what I have on my 8800s and I am well beyond pleased with them. However, I got to thinking and I thought that perhaps I would be better off either mounting Naxo NX21s or Freerides (leaning more toward Naxos for what I will be currently using them for...primarily inbounds with alpine boots) on them.

Right now I ski exclusively lift-served inbounds terrain on my 8800s. I would currently use the AT bindings with alpine boots and ride primarily inbounds with the anticipation of venturing a little more OB. When I go to college next year, I'm hoping that I will be able to get a little more immersed into the backcountry and touring scenes. I'm planning on taking Avy classes, buying a beacon and a probe, because not doing so is down right stupid.

After all of this background, would I be better off just mounting them with p12s and getting AT binders later on or should I go ahead and throw some AT bindings on there now and use them with the alpine boots to avoid an extra set of holes?

Sounds like you're not totally jumping into the BC quite yet, and you're still using alpine boots, so I think it would be better to get a pair of alpine bindings and later on get a pair of trekkers. Yes they are heavy, but for what little immediate BC use these skis will get, it makes much more sense to put the P12s on there and pull the trekkers out the few times you need them.

get trekkers

I hear you, I am in the same exact situation and have been debating about this for a while. What's holding me back is I know I'll be pissed if I buy trekkers, mount regular bindings, use them for a year only to decide next year to buy AT binding and have to sell the trekkers and remount.

I've been trying to research if AT bindings go on discount or sale in the spring/fall when the next years model comes out.

I am familiar with your dilema as well. Answer = 916s for your goats, and completely separate touring setup. Maybe even another pair of goats. edit - seriously.

Get the Naxos. I use an Alpine boot for all my touring. AT boots are too floppy. Unless you are scrambling talus all the time, Alpine boots tour very well.

By having the Naxos, you open more options for yourself.

hmmm. After having spent this season on Naxo 21's i say get them. If you have em on yr feet you'll find a way to use them. I've been doing a bunch of small tours with mine in alpine boots and have had a great damn time. Gonna get some AT boots this spring when they go on mega sale.

Thanks for the replies guys and keep them coming.

The only real problem I could think of is possible breakage of the binding that could be caused by the extra stress of using an alpine boot. However, it doesn't seem that Bullet and others have had that problem. Maybe the mentality of "if you take care of your gear it will take care of you."

There were a couple pairs of nx21s on ebay yesterday, buy it now for $250. Pretty decent deal for a tougher AT binding.

Yea I saw those, but the guy had no feedback and Schindler said the BCA store in Utah had them on sale for $259.

Originally Posted by givebackbloom

Thanks for the replies guys and keep them coming.

The only real problem I could think of is possible breakage of the binding that could be caused by the extra stress of using an alpine boot. However, it doesn't seem that Bullet and others have had that problem. Maybe the mentality of "if you take care of your gear it will take care of you."

Your last quote is the golden rule. I have not had a durability problem with mine using my Alpine boots. I'm 250 and ski pretty hard.

As AsheanMT said, if you have them, you'll find ways to use them.

Don't worry about losing money on Trekkers if you buy them used. The market here is fairly constant, and unless you mess them up, you can generally sell them for very close to what you paid.

I have a Titanal II binding on my BD Havocs. I've skied them with both alpine and touring boots. Bindings where on other skis before and are now 7 year old (I ski only 2-3 weeks a year) This year they start to feel a bit sloppy other than that they are OK. I'm not to heavy and although I think I ski fast I suck compared to some of the guys here. A friend skis his freerides with racing boots no problems, he even called Fritschi to check if that's OK. No problem was the answer.

If you don't huck major cliffs you will be just fine on the freerides or Naxos.

Originally Posted by givebackbloom

Thanks for the replies guys and keep them coming.

The only real problem I could think of is possible breakage of the binding that could be caused by the extra stress of using an alpine boot. However, it doesn't seem that Bullet and others have had that problem. Maybe the mentality of "if you take care of your gear it will take care of you."

Your not gonna hurt the Naxo's. the 21's are bomber tough!

Wrong (at least in my case).

After only 7 days on my NX21s with no abuse, the wing of my toe unit broke off. See my post under "DPS Wailer 95s" for more on my Naxo experiences.

I have Naxos on all my skis.

I use touring boots when I'm doing long tours, and use alpine boots in them too.

I feel totally comfortable hucking and charging on Naxos, in whichever boots I have...

I've never broken any of them (3 pair) and they've each seen 15-30 days this season alone, and I've hucked 5-35 footers on them with no problems.

Trekkers may be a good short term option, but don't they suck with LOOK/Rossi. binders?

I wouldn't get trekkers, if they were going to be used with P12.

^Ditto what he said.

I'm in the same boat, and i'm going to wait until the Dukes come out, and there is more info on them.

Just pulled the trigger on some NX21s for $245 shipped w/ insurance from the guys at evogear.

You must have snagged the last pair. All they list now is Naxo NX02.

Congrats!

Call them up, its not listed on the website. If you call they have both NX11s and NX21s, of which they have 5 pairs left I believe.