Dump alpine gear?

Well, there ya go!

But I just got my new (alpine and lighter than I expected too) long powder boards in the mail today and they'll get a pair of naxos that will come off the older fatties. I don't think I really want to ski on too much ice - even though I probably could - with them though.

Like many of the backcountry decisions, it is an evaluation of risks and benefits and is a personal decision. At areas, I like steep, deep agressive moguls that really flex the ski and cruising at high speeds (it's not that hard to pick up serious speed), so the thought of looking down at TLT comforts while doing 40 doesn't sound like a risk I want to take.

But if the speed and style of skiing match the gear, then you get to enjoy the light, comfy gear. I think it's just a matter of knowing what those gear limitations are and basing your decision on good info. I don't think succesfully skiing in the past without incident is necessarily an indication that it won't be a problem in the future - again risks vs benefits - a personal decision.

Ok, maybe comforts at 40+ mph in icy moguls or rocky chutes is a little faith-based.  But powder magazine reported in the current gear review that the new freerides were more torsionally rigid than many alpine bindings.  In all honesty, I have been thinking about dusting off my 194 dynastar 4x4 bigs ( the ones with the flames on the tips and two sheets of titanal), screwing the Look bindings back on and entering a downhill race.  So, fill the basement/ garage with the Alpine gear. You'll be ready when the urge strikes







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That's interesting about the freerides, particularly since they're designed to run with AT boots. Sounds worth checking out. I guess the other thing to consider is the directional release off of the toe-piece. Definitely worth a look.