Page 3 of 36 FirstFirst 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ... LastLast
Results 51 to 75 of 876
  1. #51
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Northern BC
    Posts
    2,596
    Always liked Fritshi bindings. I'll stick to my Dynafits for now but I'll be keeping an eye on the kinks as they develop and how they get worked out.

  2. #52
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    E >>> W
    Posts
    3,653
    Quote Originally Posted by splat View Post
    What's best price on them right now? I know a shop that wants to move a bunch.
    Scored some for 5 hundo but it was package deal w/new skis
    Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Natures peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn. - John Muir

    "How long can it last? For fuck sake this isn't heroin -
    suck it up princess" - XXX on getting off mj

    “This is infinity here,” he said. “It could be infinity. We don’t really don’t know. But it could be. It has to be something — but it could be infinity, right?” - Trump, on the vastness of space, man

  3. #53
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Posts
    16
    Had my first day on the Vipec/nunataq's yesterday. Conditions were shallow powder or tracked powder. Firstly - the nunataq's are amazing - I am extremely impressed. I will clearly need to ski them in more conditions.

    On the the Vipecs. I chose these for the reason of added elasticity as I have had my dynafits pre release when they hit an ice block etc. I had usually skiied with the toes locked to help this problem but this worried me.

    So, initial observstions:
    - the Vipecs are more of a hassle to get into. You have to line up the toes carefully to get in and due to the different mechanism, the toe will close when it is not in the sockets. This caught me out the first time - however, a quick inspection lets you know if this is the case; a minor issue - not a deal breaker for me.
    - the skiing "felt" solid - so different to my dyanfits which i have always give good ski control
    - I had read some comments about stack height - but did not notice anything
    - we did a short tour. Minor item - you have to step into the binding in ski mode before shifting to touring mode - this is to lock the brakes in the "up" position. As it is very easy to transition from ski mode to walk mode (you just push down the black lever at the back with you ski pole) this is no problem (just different)
    - the touring was comfortable and i can see been able to switch so easily between the two modes will be useful
    - I released when I should have in deep snow at the toe - this would have been much more impact on my knees than it otherwise would have been with dynafits.
    - i hit an ice block on the piste that I did not see. No pre release and i worry my dynafits might have done so.

    I think many of my quirks of the first day come down to thinking this is a dynafit binding with some different features. In fact, this is a very different design and has its own way of doing things.

    So far happy enough - would prefer the step in was easier - but like the other feature enough to be happy with my call.

    I will report back when I have done some more.

  4. #54
    Join Date
    May 2002
    Posts
    33,440
    Quote Originally Posted by NoPostholio View Post
    Scored some for 5 hundo but it was package deal w/new skis

    Jeezuz....I'll see what I can do.
    edit: wow. they sold out at $600...

  5. #55
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Berkeley, CA
    Posts
    265
    Quote Originally Posted by harpo-the-skier View Post
    Does anyone know a weight w/o brakes? They can be removed easier than the radicals?
    I get 496g per side, no brakes, no screws, but including the brake retainer plate which should also act as the platform for flat touring. I recall something about there being a replacement platform to run without brakes.



    A bit heavier than the 470g WildSnow quotes: http://www.wildsnow.com/11140/fritsc...-vipec-review/

  6. #56
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    E >>> W
    Posts
    3,653
    Quote Originally Posted by MrSmith View Post
    I recall something about there being a replacement platform to run without brakes.
    Just picked mine up and was kinda put off by not being able to just pull the brakes off - just read the wild snow post about the kit to run without brakes, but can't find it anywhere. Seems odd that all tech bindings other than this can support boot heel exclusively on the pins. Gonna do first tour with them tomm -
    Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Natures peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn. - John Muir

    "How long can it last? For fuck sake this isn't heroin -
    suck it up princess" - XXX on getting off mj

    “This is infinity here,” he said. “It could be infinity. We don’t really don’t know. But it could be. It has to be something — but it could be infinity, right?” - Trump, on the vastness of space, man

  7. #57
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    E >>> W
    Posts
    3,653
    Quote Originally Posted by splat View Post
    Jeezuz....I'll see what I can do.
    edit: wow. they sold out at $600...
    Happy with the price I got - not so happy to have to fork over like another 150$ to have cramps and run w/o brakes
    Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Natures peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn. - John Muir

    "How long can it last? For fuck sake this isn't heroin -
    suck it up princess" - XXX on getting off mj

    “This is infinity here,” he said. “It could be infinity. We don’t really don’t know. But it could be. It has to be something — but it could be infinity, right?” - Trump, on the vastness of space, man

  8. #58
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Berkeley, CA
    Posts
    265
    Quote Originally Posted by NoPostholio View Post
    Happy with the price I got - not so happy to have to fork over like another 150$ to have cramps and run w/o brakes
    Don't have to worry about that $150 just yet, I haven't seen any of the overpriced accessories/parts available at all yet.

    I don't see why you can't just run them with the brake retainer platform like my pic above ^^^. Not quite as elegant, maybe a couple grams heavier, but it should work, I think.

    Wild Snow shows the replacement platform here: http://www.wildsnow.com/11868/fritsc...actory-review/

    Quote Originally Posted by splat View Post
    Jeezuz....I'll see what I can do.
    edit: wow. they sold out at $600...
    I heard they only brought in 800 total to North America.

    Installed my inserts in the Vector BCs today.



    Should be ready to go once the epoxy cures. I think I can just tie my B&D leashes into the loops in the toe piece and run without brakes. All I need is enough snow in Tahoe... who knows when/if that will happen.

    First impressions from the bench:
    -It is fiddly to click into the toe, my Speed Radicals are much easier.
    -Should be pretty easy to use once the toe is in.
    -The elasticity and lateral toe release feels good.
    -I got really spot on alignment using the Fritschi paper template, and the screws used in the toe allow a good bit of play in the alignment. I'm really happy with that aspect of the install.
    -We'll see about durability, but there are a lot of nice features here.

  9. #59
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    E >>> W
    Posts
    3,653
    How was it setting up the boot? - guy in the shop went over the diff variables and it is quite a bit more complicated than setting up dynafits for sure. Had to put the bigger bump block in the toe piece so that the Vulcan toe would activate it for flip over release. He told me the heel had to sit on the brakes or the shim plate or it wouldn't release right - not sure I buy that. Let me know if you run them with neither under boot heel and it works OK.
    Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Natures peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn. - John Muir

    "How long can it last? For fuck sake this isn't heroin -
    suck it up princess" - XXX on getting off mj

    “This is infinity here,” he said. “It could be infinity. We don’t really don’t know. But it could be. It has to be something — but it could be infinity, right?” - Trump, on the vastness of space, man

  10. #60
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Montana
    Posts
    2,118
    Quote Originally Posted by NoPostholio View Post
    He told me the heel had to sit on the brakes or the shim plate or it wouldn't release right - not sure I buy that. Let me know if you run them with neither under boot heel and it works OK.
    Pretty sure the boot sits on the block anyway, and not on the brake itself. Judging by how far forward the brake goes anyway.

  11. #61
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Berkeley, CA
    Posts
    265
    Quote Originally Posted by NoPostholio View Post
    How was it setting up the boot? - guy in the shop went over the diff variables and it is quite a bit more complicated than setting up dynafits for sure. Had to put the bigger bump block in the toe piece so that the Vulcan toe would activate it for flip over release. He told me the heel had to sit on the brakes or the shim plate or it wouldn't release right - not sure I buy that. Let me know if you run them with neither under boot heel and it works OK.
    I'm sure you want one of the blocks under the heel of the boot, if only to avoid having a negative ramp. I just don't see how just using the block that comes with the binding (minus the brake) could cause a problem. The block and brake come separate in the box. As far as I can tell (pure conjecture) the replacement block is cosmetic and not functional.

    My TLT5s needed the "color clip high". I'm not as stoked on that part of the design, supposedly there's a better solution coming next season. I haven't set the toe pin on mine yet. There was a tech bulletin sent to dealers stating that the pins should be set with Loctite 2701 (if not done at the factory as will be the case going forward). I also need to figure out how to properly torque the locking nut.

  12. #62
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    E >>> W
    Posts
    3,653
    Stats for first day with Vipecs
    - 3.5k skinned
    - 1.2k walked downhill
    - 2 ruined toe pieces

    Still waiting to hear back from BD rep, so I will be as politically correct as possible. The same problem mentioned earlier in this thread - where the pin loosens up and trashes the threads on the tow wing happened to me - on both bindings. One fell out completely and when I checked the other it was halfway out and
    threads trashed on that side too. Most pissed about skis that I absolutely love (vector bc) being collateral damage if I return these. Went through entire set up with shop guy, but never touched them with any tools. Def my bad for not looking at them between laps to see it was loosening, but no way I had right stuff to fix them. If you get these, make sure you carry the wrench to check the nut periodically and see if it loosened up. If the nut is loose, the motion of skinning backs the pin right out. Just glad it popped out on the up instead of eating shit on the way down. Still love the theory of the binding mechanics, just don't think I will be part of this experiment.
    Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Natures peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn. - John Muir

    "How long can it last? For fuck sake this isn't heroin -
    suck it up princess" - XXX on getting off mj

    “This is infinity here,” he said. “It could be infinity. We don’t really don’t know. But it could be. It has to be something — but it could be infinity, right?” - Trump, on the vastness of space, man

  13. #63
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Posts
    16
    Been on my Vipecs for a week now - skinning and skiing - had no issues and the toe piece is still solid - not sure what the tech folks did for me that was different to others - but happy enough so far.

    The getting in the binding is still the main irritation - but finding ways to improve this via technique (but should not have to!) overall happy though as i have had some other moments which may have pre release with dynafits - but no problem here.

  14. #64
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    base of the Bush
    Posts
    14,870
    Quote Originally Posted by NoPostholio View Post
    Stats for first day with Vipecs
    - 3.5k skinned
    - 1.2k walked downhill
    - 2 ruined toe pieces

    Still waiting to hear back from BD rep, so I will be as politically correct as possible. The same problem mentioned earlier in this thread - where the pin loosens up and trashes the threads on the tow wing happened to me - on both bindings. One fell out completely and when I checked the other it was halfway out and
    threads trashed on that side too. Most pissed about skis that I absolutely love (vector bc) being collateral damage if I return these. Went through entire set up with shop guy, but never touched them with any tools. Def my bad for not looking at them between laps to see it was loosening, but no way I had right stuff to fix them. If you get these, make sure you carry the wrench to check the nut periodically and see if it loosened up. If the nut is loose, the motion of skinning backs the pin right out. Just glad it popped out on the up instead of eating shit on the way down. Still love the theory of the binding mechanics, just don't think I will be part of this experiment.

    This is not the review I was looking forward to, although I am not surprized by early problems.

    How did the binding work on the 3.5 of skinning and if I am reading right 2.3 of skiing. I hope BD takes care of this for you.
    www.apriliaforum.com

    "If the road You followed brought you to this,of what use was the road"?

    "I have no idea what I am talking about but would be happy to share my biased opinions as fact on the matter. "
    Ottime

  15. #65
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    E >>> W
    Posts
    3,653
    Me neither. Binding worked fine up until that point - as mentioned the toe entry is finicky, esp if use to radicals where you really force your toe in to initiate. For these the trick seems to be lining up square and hitting trigger BUT keeping boot at the same height. If you push down to ski level it closes above every time - you have to hit the lever and hover the boot. The heel elevation changes are nice though people that like a super steep skin track might find high position not high enough. Really liked the heel functions, not so much the toe. Will give them one more shot on new pair but it will take a long time to trust them and I will be checking that stupid nut on the toe pin all day. My guess is that there will be maybe three different depth fixed toe pins in the future that are spec'd for the differences in the tech boots - no way this will stay an adjustable feature that hinges on loctite as the cure.
    Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Natures peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn. - John Muir

    "How long can it last? For fuck sake this isn't heroin -
    suck it up princess" - XXX on getting off mj

    “This is infinity here,” he said. “It could be infinity. We don’t really don’t know. But it could be. It has to be something — but it could be infinity, right?” - Trump, on the vastness of space, man

  16. #66
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Posts
    1
    Not the review I was hoping for either. I haven't had a chance to test mine yet, but am thinking of going for a precautionary dab of epoxy or something around the nut just to stop me thinking about it all the time. Any reason this would be a major error?

  17. #67
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    E >>> W
    Posts
    3,653
    From what BD and shop guy explained, if it is loctite'd and torqued correctly you are good to go. I think it was major error on my part to not
    A - have that size wrench and screwdriver bit with me to tighten pin if needed
    B- not check something like that on each lap on first trip

    Although it is a pain I will do this on next trip. My guess is that if it does not loosen in first few hours of skinning then it is set in there good.

    Since the holes are already in the vector bc's for these, I am going to ride out the growing pains though will prob confine their travels to golf course riding for now.

    If you are removing the brakes you need to still have that black plate on there so that the boot is not weighting the pins leaving the heel piece free to flex away from the boot on the track. If boot fitting sat solely on pins like other tech bindings this would not work or work less efficiently.
    Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Natures peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn. - John Muir

    "How long can it last? For fuck sake this isn't heroin -
    suck it up princess" - XXX on getting off mj

    “This is infinity here,” he said. “It could be infinity. We don’t really don’t know. But it could be. It has to be something — but it could be infinity, right?” - Trump, on the vastness of space, man

  18. #68
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Berkeley, CA
    Posts
    265
    Just ordered a torque wrench and some Loctite 2701, stuff isn't cheap or easy to find. I guess our lack of snow translating to no hurry to get out on these is probably a good thing in this case.

  19. #69
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Eburg
    Posts
    13,243
    Thanks for keeping us posted. Looks like it would be easy to make a replacement pin from threaded rod + nuts that could be installed if the toe wing threads fail.

  20. #70
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    E >>> W
    Posts
    3,653
    Quote Originally Posted by Big Steve View Post
    Thanks for keeping us posted. Looks like it would be easy to make a replacement pin from threaded rod + nuts that could be installed if the toe wing threads fail.
    I think it was you that noted at another point that the threaded pin was hardened steel and the cast toe wing is something softer. The unfortunate result of anytime you skin while the pin is loose is the ruining of the toe wing and essentially the whole toe piece itself is worthless. The binding as currently designed won't allow that one threaded wing to be popped off and changed.

    Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using TGR Forums
    Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Natures peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn. - John Muir

    "How long can it last? For fuck sake this isn't heroin -
    suck it up princess" - XXX on getting off mj

    “This is infinity here,” he said. “It could be infinity. We don’t really don’t know. But it could be. It has to be something — but it could be infinity, right?” - Trump, on the vastness of space, man

  21. #71
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    North Vancouver
    Posts
    6,457
    Just for some clarification did you set, adjust and tighten the toe pins after mounting? Or did a shop set and adjust the toe pins?

    I have zero doubt that Diamir will replace the toe wings for you. We distributed them here in Canada for years and Diamir has always had a solid policy of fixing/repairing/replacing broken stuff. The only issue will be how much parts stock was brought over to BD with the initial product.

  22. #72
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Berkeley, CA
    Posts
    265
    Timely discussion over at WildSnow: http://www.wildsnow.com/12293/fritsc...#comment-58836

    Looks like Loctite 2701 isn't even distributed in the US. I'm thinking 270 should work? That's not even easy to get your hands on.

  23. #73
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    E >>> W
    Posts
    3,653
    Quote Originally Posted by shirk View Post
    Just for some clarification did you set, adjust and tighten the toe pins after mounting? Or did a shop set and adjust the toe pins?

    I have zero doubt that Diamir will replace the toe wings for you. We distributed them here in Canada for years and Diamir has always had a solid policy of fixing/repairing/replacing broken stuff. The only issue will be how much parts stock was brought over to BD with the initial product.
    I did no adjustments, just watched shop guy go through the boot set up procedure. The fact that the loctite is an evolving post production solution tells me that toe set up will have to change somehow. BD and the shop that mounted are being great, but how long will they be able to fix this problem by throwing a whole new binding at you. That could add up quickly.

    Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using TGR Forums
    Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Natures peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn. - John Muir

    "How long can it last? For fuck sake this isn't heroin -
    suck it up princess" - XXX on getting off mj

    “This is infinity here,” he said. “It could be infinity. We don’t really don’t know. But it could be. It has to be something — but it could be infinity, right?” - Trump, on the vastness of space, man

  24. #74
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    North Vancouver
    Posts
    6,457
    You may get a new set, but the old set isn't discarded.

    It will go back to the factory and they will replace the damaged parts and re-cert it and use it for future warranty replacement.

    Think of it as a core exchange.

    The first year new bindings go out for replacements, next year they'll use the refurbished ones.

  25. #75
    Hugh Conway Guest
    That sucks.

    chalk up another case for "their needs to be an actual tech fitting standard"

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •