G3 Targa Ascent Icing Problems

The cursing and damnation is probably what does the trick though.

Any particular curses?
Does swearing in a foreign language help?
How about invoking the names of Norse gods in vain?

But Hammer heads don't have a tour mode do they?

Thanks

Steve

I wouldn't want to offend any Norse gods (or goddesses), but cursing in as many languages as possible is the key.

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.

I haven't had any problems with the regular G3 bindings, but have been less than impressed with the Ascents. They have suffered from the icing you mentioned, the breakage I brought up, they are heavier though only slightly, and when I have wanted to adjust the spring tension for different types of snow, have found the spring unadjustable because it was either iced-up or rusted.

Anyway, I'm not a rep for Twenty Two Designs or anything, but have been very happy with the Hammerheads and very disappointed with the Ascents. It takes a few outings to decide on which of the five settings your personal descent style prefers, but after that they get the job done and do it well both backcountry and on the lift-served.

I've encountered similar problems with my ascents and now I ALWAYS carry a tool to clean out the snowed up/iced up areas before switching to ski mode.  It is definitely a design flaw to have the locking mechanisms exposed to snow build up, should be in a housing.  I love the pivotless touring though so I stick with them and learn to deal.

I've been on a set of Switchbacks for ~1/2 the season and wouldn't hesitate to buy them again. The only issue I've had is, when breaking trail in warm snow, I occasionally get some snow balling underfoot (stomping down hard seems to work). Also -- and this is subjective -- I wish the heel throws went up a bit easier (but I'm used to Televates, which were really easy to lift). Me and Mr. Dremel are going to fix this.

I've also got some mileage on Cobra Frees. I like the Switchbacks better (lighter, easier to use), but the Frees might be nice if you do a lot of resort skiing and mainly slackcountry. Both bindings ski about the same to me.

Having seen others struggle with G3 icing, I wouldn't go near 'em.

0.02

Televates ARE so quick..no hassle (I might try Mr. Drem also...good idea..)

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 only problems I've had are occasionally a little bit of ice build up on the back of the binding that requires a stomp or two to clear when switching from tour mode to ski mode.

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.