BC 01 Vs. G3 Ascent

[Professor Chaos]

Last year I learned how to tele on a friends setup and this year Im extending my tele and actually getting my own setup which is where my question stands. Im planning on buying some touring tele bindings and my two choices are the BD 01 and the G3 Ascent.

I have done a fair bit of research on both and have been trying to talk to people that have tried both to see how they compare. I personally like the 01 better in that I have heard and believe the locking mechanism is better and stronger than the G3. I also like how the cartridges are out of the way underneath your boot and also along those lines I like how the whole setup of the 01 is lower overall than the G3. I have also been told that the 01 because of the fact that the cartridges are underfoot are more active and engage faster than the G3. Lastly, although not around long enough, I know that the G3s have had the occasional break on the toe piece and have seen a friend (although he was 200+ pounds and was not sticking any of the hucks he was doing) break the T9s on the toe piece where the rivets are and I think the BD one piece metal toe piece will be stronger.

I know that what I just said is totally in favour of the 01 and it is biased towards it, but just the fact that Ive heard more about it is why Im leaning towards it.

Id love to hear any info, experience, anything. Thanks.

Edit: Yeah the title is misspelled. Very aware.

[Hugh Jass]

I've personally skied neither.

The only thing of marginal value I can add is that a buddy skis the G3 Ascents, and he has the following characteristics:

230 pounds
Former college nose tackle
Skis faster than most people on alpine gear
Very low style

He hasn't broken them yet, which tells me they are plenty durable.

[Free Range Lobster]

01s if you want more active. period.

[ubertele]

01's are much better IMO. They are more active and ski much better. The G3 has 40mm of riser which gets you high enough to see your buddies on AT gear off in the distance. I've skied both a ton and I've gone with the O1 on my touring rig.

[Tri-Ungulate]

If you have an "Old Skool" lower style, you might prefer the G3. Most people crossing over to tele these days prefer a higher stance with powerful boots, and the O1 provides that in spades. It's also more durable.