G3 Targa Ascent Icing Problems

Another vote for the Viole Switchback -- I like the way it tours and I like the way it skis. The two height heel wire setup is nice.

The second problem I've had is snow buildup around the tall climbing wire when it is retracted -- but that has happend only when the snow conditions are very sticky -- e.g. fresh powder, but with strong sun exposure, that creates a layer of damp snow on the surface, but cold snow deeper in the snowpack that refreezes the damp bits underfoot.

Maybe a little late to put in my voice on the subject, but I have the same opinion. I love the switchbacks--haven't had any trouble when other group members have and only suffered a little with some heavy, wettish snow collecting underfoot and "reclumping." The wires are a little bit stiff to lift but I appreciate the two heights as well.

As for the Hammerheads, they have a 'touring' mode in the sense that there are five different, easily-adjustable settings which lessen or heighten the activity of the binding. In the lax or lesser mode there is essentially no tension like with the Ascent in touring-mode while in the most active setting, you flex a little and the ski turns. The metal is made of one-piece and stamped so breakage seems to be very unlikely. As for the weight comparison, I looked it up and the Hammerheads with the heel risers are actually 1.4 oz. lighter than the Ascent.

FWIW, I forgot to add that my previous setups were Hammerheads followed by 3-Pin Hardwires. Both were great bindings but the free-pivot of the Switchback trumps their "tour" modes by leaps and bounds. There just is no comparison. Also, the Switchback has a similar one piece toe-box design. The HammerHeel was a pretty slick lifter though.

Also, while they are certainly bomber, Hammerheads are not immune to breakage. There have been quite a few cases of the plastic riser breaking at the cable guides and also the cable guides can shatter. Older models seem to be less prone to this ... I had zero issues in 5 seasons of use.

Re: the Switchback issue where snow clumps on the forward facing tall climbing wire...
I have had the same problem occasionally. However, I have also found that I very rarely use that wire because it ends up creating a track much steeper than any of my partners can handle (it is taller than the highest Fritschi and Dynafit settings, and much taller than the tallest Silvretta and Naxo settings). So, I am tempted to just take it off.