[DanM]

Hi all, I guess I'm forced to start a new thread since I can't search for answers to these questions I'm sure have been beat into the ground. Anyways, I'm looking into learning tele this winter and wonder what anyone would recommend for a (cheap) beginners set-up. Right now I'm thinking of getting some used older skis and bindings.
These are two cheaper set ups I'm considering:
K2 Extreme (?) with some old BD Riva binders ( just under $30)
Atomic Telemark skis with some Rainy bindings (for around $50)

Would either one of these be good to start with in learning the basics then serving as rock skis in a few years?

Also, should a begginer be ok with most newer (past 5-6 years perhaps) boots (as long as they fit well) ? I'm thinking all-plastic boots, probably from the Scarpa T-series.

Thanks for any feedback!

[Jim]

Yeah, plastic boots that fit AND that you can flex. Check around for some 4-5 year old skis with G-3 bindings. You might pay a little more $$ but you know what they say about getting what you pay for. For your first pair of skis, don't worry about going too short - maybe 5 or 10 cm shorter than your alpine set up.

Now, sit back and watch other opinions come flying in.

[DanM]

Thanks Jim, I'll look into G3 as well.

[JustinB]

The Rainey binders will force the boot bellows to break better and thus assist you in weighting the rear ski. This will make the learning curve much easier.
SuperLoop caveats:
-Don't buy them if it is the welded toe bar version. Get the riveted version. The welded ones will break.
-When adjusting the cable tension, do it so the when the boot is at rest on the ski, the springs are barely under compression. In doing this, I've gotten along well with a pair of S-Loops.
If the springs are compressed much more than 1/4 of their travel with the boot at rest, they will bottom out when the boot is flexed. This will result in the binding pulling out of the top sheet of the ski.

Hammerheads: By most accounts here, get 'em!

Rivas: I believe this to be the NA equivilant of the Rotefella. If they are the expansion spring version and you are over a size US 10 and 160lbs, walk away. If they are the compression spring version. the Riva is a good option.
I believe this to be a binding that will require you to refine your technique more and to be more concientious in weighting yuour rear foot thus making the learning curve a little longer.

Choose which one best fits your needs and desires.
Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!!
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[woodi7259]

I have the Riva's the old BD ones with the expansion springs and would have to agree that there harder to ski and definetly require better weighting then my new HH's. I wear a size 12 boot and am 190lbs but havn't had problems with the springs. I just use the long cables and don't crank the cables too tight. The raineys will probably be easier to learn on. The riva's are really light though if your going for that. I just compared them to my HH's and they were lik half the weight.

[herridge]

I have Rivas on my recently retired skis. I learned on them and in my opinion, while the learning curve is longer, they help you learn to hone your technique, rather than relying on the binding. And they have the added bonus of releasability if not set too tight, although I don't beleive this is a designed feature .

D

[langer]

i just bought some rivas and i'm about as green a beginner as you can find! i hope they work alright, the price was right for only 50 bucks canadian brand new. i'm getting them mounted tomorrow, then hopefully off to find some nice gentle slopes to start the painful practice process! i tried twice last year so it'll be my third time telemarking, and my 5th time skiing...ever....oooohhhh, scary!
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