[hikeschuss]

hey out there.......

Looking to expand my quiver and trying to decide whether to stay tele or try AT.........Current setup is Karhu Dorados/BD O-3/ Garmont Excursions and they work great as a hut to hut ski! The Dorado is strong and pretty responsive, tours great, turns pretty good (in powder) and seems to do whatever I ask from it........But I'm planning a long ski traverse in Wyoming next year and thinking I'll need a stronger package with more control on the downhills....Thinking 'bout BD Crossbows/Freerides/Denali TT or maybe Karhu Kodiaks or even Jak BC......... I keep hearing AT gear tours and climbs better, but don't know..........

Also, I'm 6', 200lbs. and normally ski with a pack instead of sled.

Thanks for the help!

[cesare]

Try the main forum. This one is for gear reviews and does not get nearly as much traffic. Lots of lively discussion out there.
_________________
that sounds like a sure-fire way to get bitch-slapped by devil's club -- dschane

[Bicmaster]

It is often said that AT climb better because of the toe articulation but if you speak with telemarkers they will tell you that the difference is not so noticeable once you are used to tele.
Some telemarkers still use AT for long rides...
My concern is more about downhill technique. If you are more at ease with tele technique, you would probably be better to keep up with it. You will also have the advantage of an interesting second hand gear market that bear no comparison in the AT world.

I gave a try to tele and it worked quite well but am so confident and used to alpine setup that I did not pursue beyond starting point.
Why re learn when all you wish is having fun with what you already builded up?

My two cents...

[Bicmaster]

By the way,
you should definitely move this topic to the general talk forum.

[climbhoser]

I know it should be in another forum, but I'll respond here anyway.

I come from an AT background and have since switched to tele. I definitely think with a neutral binding, soft bellowed boot and flexible ankles as with the Excursion that climbing with tele is just as easy as with an AT setup. I acually like the bellow resistance that tele boots give a little (not much, but a little), and I feel as though it's a more natural point for the flex instead of in front of the toe as with AT boots.

However, AT boots climb better OUT of the ski, as in hiking, front pointing, kicking steps, etc... I also like the ridgid sole on AT boots if there happens to be any alpine ice I need to front point with my crampons on. I can slap my crampons on an AT boot and I feel instantly like I'm in an ice climbing boot. I also feel like I have more stability when rock climbing in an AT boot. Then again, my tele boots are FAR more comfortable, and if you're not afraid of shaving the duckbill a bit they can be much more walkable as well. It can also save your knees in a nasty accident.

As for the setup you were thinking of...I like the Crossbow, but I think it's a little stick, and you're a big, strong guy. I would say get something with a little more spring in it, and sacrifice on weight. If you went with a squirrely lil' stick like the Crossbow you'll find yourself as instable as you would if you were on a tele setup.

Also, from the sounds of it you're looking more for getting down efficiently but not with super grand style. The Freeride is an awesome binding, but, again, if you're trying to save weight look at the Explore/Express. You'll save weight and what you sacrifice in DIN you won't even notice.

I would say look at an alpine ski, steer away from AT specific and tele skis like those offered from BD. They're just too soupy, and you'd be as good on a tele setup being familiar with it and all.

The TT is THE boot of all boots. But, again, might be a little much for you. It'll give you the most downhill performance, but if you're on a Crossbow your boot will far outweigh the ski. I like the TT just for performance, and the Freeride, and a Volkl G4 I'd rather have a super bomber downhill set-up than an ultralight uphill setup, even when all I'm doing is traversing. I also burn my lightweight skin friends on the uphill...maybe it's because I'm actually fit!