Voile Vector BC Binding Choice
Voile Vector BC Binding Choice
Picked up a pair of used, cheap Voile Vector BCs in 180 to use as yo-yo skis in powder conditions with my two-year old in the backpack this winter. Looking for binding suggestions. Leaning towards 75mm and the Voile sidethrow w/ removable heel for additional, optional, control depending on terrain choice. Typically have a rolling approach to yo-yo zones. Expert telemark skier and former competitive nordic skier.
Have and enjoy the Annum in 185 with Voile Hardwire binding and sometimes side throw heel and stripped down T2s, but the T2 is overkill whether I'm skiing with the kid backpack or solo. Looking for a pair of Alico Blaze/ Andrew Zenith/Andrew North Rim style leathers in 47 if the internet gods help out (let me know if you have such a pair to sell).
Anyone try the Vector BC with Voile sidethrow (non-cartridge) binding and leathers and care to share their experience? Minimalist old-tech seems the path to go for my desired use so long as I don't push the Vector into non-powder conditions.
Have and enjoy the Annum in 185 with Voile Hardwire binding and sometimes side throw heel and stripped down T2s, but the T2 is overkill whether I'm skiing with the kid backpack or solo. Looking for a pair of Alico Blaze/ Andrew Zenith/Andrew North Rim style leathers in 47 if the internet gods help out (let me know if you have such a pair to sell).
Anyone try the Vector BC with Voile sidethrow (non-cartridge) binding and leathers and care to share their experience? Minimalist old-tech seems the path to go for my desired use so long as I don't push the Vector into non-powder conditions.
- lowangle al
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Re: Voile Vector BC Binding Choice
The Voile 3pc isn't a bad choice but I prefer an old Riva cable binding on my vectors. An old Targa or Chili would probably be good to.
I have skied the vector with leather boots and the 3pc, only I didn't use the cable. It did work for powder turns but I could have used the cable. Since I don't like the way the 3pc tours with the cable on and I'm not a fan of transitions in rolling terrain or on short laps I switched to the Riva.
The leather boots only worked in powder with these skis, they tracked like shit on a packed trail and I went back to my T2s. I now ski them with T4s and because of the low cuff I have the same range of motion as leather boots but I get the edge control of a plastic boot. This may be something to consider as a used T4 may be easier to find than a good leather boot.
I have skied the vector with leather boots and the 3pc, only I didn't use the cable. It did work for powder turns but I could have used the cable. Since I don't like the way the 3pc tours with the cable on and I'm not a fan of transitions in rolling terrain or on short laps I switched to the Riva.
The leather boots only worked in powder with these skis, they tracked like shit on a packed trail and I went back to my T2s. I now ski them with T4s and because of the low cuff I have the same range of motion as leather boots but I get the edge control of a plastic boot. This may be something to consider as a used T4 may be easier to find than a good leather boot.
Re: Voile Vector BC Binding Choice
I'm skiing Vector BCs with Scott Excursions and Voile Switchbacks and am very happy with the setup. Last year I made the switch from Merrill Ultras to the Excursion. My guess is a leather boot like the Ultra would drive my setup ok. My Ultras were old and tired. The Excursions give me more lateral torsion.
Re: Voile Vector BC Binding Choice
My 180 Vector bcs are mounted with regular switchbacks and Excursions. I use this setup for touring for turns in the hardwoods in deep snow on short steep hills and I can't imagine a better setup. My ski buddy uses a similar setup except he uses cableless 3-pins and rips it up.
- lowangle al
- Posts: 2732
- Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 3:36 pm
- Location: Pocono Mts / Chugach Mts
- Ski style: BC with focus on downhill perfection
- Favorite Skis: powder skis
- Favorite boots: Scarpa T4
- Occupation: Retired cement mason. Current job is to take my recreation as serious as I did my past employment.
Re: Voile Vector BC Binding Choice
I have Switchbacks on a pair of vectors and like the way they tour but never had luck getting them to work with leather boots. I think a T4 or Excursion is perfect for this ski and the type of skiing the OP is planning on. Leather will work in soft snow but it is not optimal IMO.
Re: Voile Vector BC Binding Choice
Appreciate the feedback all. The internet gods provided me with a mondo 30 new-ish condition garmont excursion locally today. Total kit cost is now up to $150.lowangle al wrote: ↑Tue Oct 27, 2020 7:51 amI have Switchbacks on a pair of vectors and like the way they tour but never had luck getting them to work with leather boots. I think a T4 or Excursion is perfect for this ski and the type of skiing the OP is planning on. Leather will work in soft snow but it is not optimal IMO.
low angle al: What's your perspective on the benefit of an old Riva (never tried them) for quick transitions compared to a Voile 3pin cable? I have a spare hardwire that could be mounted flush, sans risers, with an 8mm g3 heel.
- lowangle al
- Posts: 2732
- Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 3:36 pm
- Location: Pocono Mts / Chugach Mts
- Ski style: BC with focus on downhill perfection
- Favorite Skis: powder skis
- Favorite boots: Scarpa T4
- Occupation: Retired cement mason. Current job is to take my recreation as serious as I did my past employment.
Re: Voile Vector BC Binding Choice
I don't like to tour with the cables on the 3pc. Even when adjusted with the least amount of tension required to keep the side throws from popping open I can feel the resistance from the cable springs. On the Rivas and even with switchbacks there is enough of a dead spot before the springs engage that there is no noticeable resistance for K&G. I think that over the years I've adjusted my kick to stay within this dead zone.
It sounds like you got a great set up for cheap and I think you will be happy with the excursions.
It sounds like you got a great set up for cheap and I think you will be happy with the excursions.
- lowangle al
- Posts: 2732
- Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 3:36 pm
- Location: Pocono Mts / Chugach Mts
- Ski style: BC with focus on downhill perfection
- Favorite Skis: powder skis
- Favorite boots: Scarpa T4
- Occupation: Retired cement mason. Current job is to take my recreation as serious as I did my past employment.
Re: Voile Vector BC Binding Choice
With the riva there is no transition and I'm happy with their touring and DH performance. With the 3pc there is the resistance for K&G. To be fair you may not notice the resistance after a while but it is still there.
Re: Voile Vector BC Binding Choice
Like Al's suggestion of the Riva's, the hardwires on a loose setting allow for some minimal initial resistance which is good for shuffle touring. I've found the side throw voile spring cable resists too much from the get go.
At the risk of being ridiculous, I'll quote myself here:
At the risk of being ridiculous, I'll quote myself here:
- bgregoire
- Posts: 1511
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- Ski style: Nordic backcountry touring with lots of turns
- Favorite Skis: Fisher E99 & Boundless (98), Åsnes Ingstad, K2 Wayback 88
- Favorite boots: Crispi Sydpolen, Alico Teletour & Alfa Polar
Re: Voile Vector BC Binding Choice
Great input here Al & Lo-fi. The 3-pin cable if often suggested as a binding when you are looking for a little more control than a basic 3-pin. I own several pair and agree, I cannot stand K&G with them. Actually, I rarely usie the cables, exept when I am yoyo-ing long runs. I have an old pair of RIVA on a vintage pair of Rossi Nepal. I really should put 'em on a better ski and try 'em out as you suggest.
I live for the Telemark arc....The feeeeeeel.....I ski miles to get to a place where there is guaranteed snow to do the deal....TM