Boots with tech fittings/AFD in same sole blocks?

[davep]

Are there any boots out there besides the K2 Pinnacles that have both tech fittings and alpine-DIN-style AFDs in the same sole blocks?

I love using the same boot for in-bounds in the morning and touring in the afternoon, but hate dicking around with an allen key and frozen fingers at lunch time...

[MagnificentUnicorn]

Salomon Quest. The WTR tech sole blocks have an AFD in the same position as Alpine DIN boots. I use mine with 914s and STH 14.

[mntlion]

I have found that the tech soles, on the cochise, release fine in a alpine binding YMMV.

[bern43]

What I've done is keep the tech heal on the Cochise and just swap out the toes. Much easier and avoids the need to grind down the toe block for bindings like the FKS.

[davep]

Salomon Quest. The WTR tech sole blocks have an AFD in the same position as Alpine DIN boots. I use mine with 914s and STH 14.

Can the WTR tech sole blocks be used on any boot in the Quest line, or just the "BC" model?
Looking at Quest Pro 100 W for my wife, Quest Max 130 for me.

[MagnificentUnicorn]

Can the WTR tech sole blocks be used on any boot in the Quest line, or just the "BC" model?
Looking at Quest Pro 100 W for my wife, Quest Max 130 for me.

There was a thread last season about this and the best answer is yes. I think some of the first generation boots won't work but my Quest Pro 120s, two or three years old work. As far as I can tell the "BC" models are just lighter and I think that's mainly the liner. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[Judo Chop!]

also Roxa X-Ride.

Kinda looks from the one pic online that the new Dalbello Lupo TI might also fit that bill.

It would be rad if all boots had the tech fitting molded into the shell instead of the sole block. Seems obvious.

[gregL]

It would be rad if all boots had the tech fitting molded into the shell instead of the sole block.

The other companies are loathe to admit K2 had a great idea and are busy trying to push their own agendas (and soles). A few weeks ago there was a flap over Look contacting shops and claiming that since K2 had not submitted samples of their tech-equipped boots to the TÜV for certification, they were unsafe to mount with Look/Rossi bindings. In fact, whether they say ISO/DIN on the sole or not, the K2 soles appear to meet the ISO 5355 shape parameters and test out fine for release. If pressed, I'm pretty sure they would recommend a Lange XT as the most appropriate substitute for those Pinnacles . . .

[onenerdykid]

It would be rad if all boots had the tech fitting molded into the shell instead of the sole block. Seems obvious.

The reason that every other brand (Scarpa, Garmont/Scott, Salomon, Atomic, Tecnica, etc) has traditionally done and continue to use a swappable norm grip pad system is because according to the ISO 5355 manufacturers cannot put any interference in the normed area. There must be a continuous, uninterrupted radius (especially in the heel) in the normed areas, so on paper a tech insert would arguably violate this. Every brand wants to avoid sticky legal situations (especially regarding binding release injuries) so many do not want to take that risk of violating the norm on paper.

[mntlion]

and cuz it would cost more, and 99% of alpine skiers will not use them, or even know what they are.

[scarlet begonias]

I have found that the tech soles, on the cochise, release fine in a alpine binding YMMV.

I am playing with my new cochises and trying to get them to work with some look Px12/14's but not having much success. What alpine binding are you using?