I like to use the BD telemark cable leashes for a strap on my Dynafits for a light attachment. I have a set of the old sliver clips on cable and also a set of the newer spring-loaded "tongs" that I just use in my boot buckles. It is not the most bombproof system (in the buckle), but is just something to catch a ski, and if there is a lot of force I want it to come off, anyway. If one tends to fall while skiing, I would recommend ski brakes. One may also buy the small cable and joining fittings to make a cable leash with a clip.
Light is right if it works. If the weight of a ski made it deflect less, then we would attach weights to skis for skiing crud or deflecting type snow. It is the appropriate application of leverage to the ski that controls deflection for a large part. If the ski is suitably stiff both longitudinally and torsionally and vibration is controlled by materials and construction, then a skier may apply the appropriate leverage through the ski.
In my experience not too stiff or soft in a rando ski, and the other qualities such as torsional characteristics, determine the all around suitability. One's weight, intent (desired speed, use, etc.), skiing style and ability also come into play. I find that some stiff European skis (Dynastar and Hagen) that I have mounted with randonnee bindings are great for fast carving but lack versatility. I found that my wife's Atomic Tourguide light rando skis were ridiculously soft washrags and probably not usable unless one weighs closer to 70 kilos or less. My K2 skis have shown the most versatility for variable conditions and reasonable stability (not the best, but good enough) for speed or hard conditions. I have enjoyed K2s since I switched after the Mahres won their medals on K2 204 cm skis over 20 years ago.
This spring I set up some 174 cm K2 Chogori with Dynafit bindings and TLT 4 boots for spring and summer skiing. Handling and flexing the ski before buying it convinced me that it should work. The Chogori is amazing and versatile for me- I never skied anything so short until this year (Disclaimer: it seems that I make most skis that I use do what I like...). The Chogori has this wide, flexible spoon tip that sucks up irregularities and floats, but the ski is stiff enough underfoot and in the tail to carve in a predictable and stable fashion. I am anxious to test the Chogori in soft snow this winter- it may do well and offer a great winter setup that weighs several lbs. less than my Dynafit FR 10/ Comfort/ Aero setup. It will be interesting to see if the Chogori is continued in the K2 line.
