Dynafit fo Dummies II

Actually they are 100% leather including all of the lining. Inside lining is light tan. They have served me well and continue to do so. Just add a metal "eyebrow" to reinforce the pinholes that I got so long ago I don't remember why. As I have gotten longer in tooth, I have developed a mild case of CRS. (Can't Remember S**t)

Sounds like a Merrell Ultra (all leather, black outside, tan inside, stiffener in cuff between layers, not excessively tall); my wife is still skiing hers after 20+ years; this year I used some shoe goo to glue the front of the boot to the sole as it had separated; she'll be devastated if they don't work. she started skiing them with Toute Neiges and still skis them with Madshus Voss, Karhu Catamounts, and Fischer Rebounds.

Sounds like a Merrell Ultra (all leather, black outside, tan inside, stiffener in cuff between layers, not excessively tall)...

I have a pair of Asolo boots similar to the Ultra that you describe. They came as laceups, but I took them to Dave Page and had him add two buckles, which vastly improved them. As I have said in the past, they were the best boot I have ever had. I could hike for miles in them, very comfortable, and yet they had enough control for Tua Heliums and Toute Neiges. Did the long approach hike to Ruth Mtn. in them and had a great descent as well.

The nostalgia is almost making me wish I was free heeling again. Almost....

In any case, I am sure a good cobbler could save your boots.

Alan

As a matter of fact, I bought a pair of Karhu Hardbody's mounted with the white Voile 3 pi bindings for $20 off craigslist last week and for $10 more the guy threw in a pair of Merrells  with a black fabric cuff that fit my wife to a tee. She has some ankle issues and I'd been looking for something more stable to  keep her trips with me more enjoyable. I swapped out the bindings with my Voile 3 pins with cables that I had mounted on some 1st year issue XCD's and use mostly for eastern hardwoods bushwacking.

So, my plan is to take the newly mounted Shuksans and the Hardbody's to the slopes tomorrow and have a ball testing them out. I have tele'd the XCD's there before on the black diamond there ( equal to a Snoqualmie blue) when the snow was soft and my legs were 10 years younger. It'll be interesting to see the difference in the skis and me.

Sounds like you might be interested in joining the back country ski club I want to start when I move out west in a year. Thinking of calling it the "No sweat-Low Adrenaline Ski Club" Our motto will be " If you cant stop for a view and a brew on the way up, why go? You know, a little bit more laid back european style. Cheese, wine, snow... Kind of the opposite of the guys I've skied with in my trips to the Cascades. The ones with the $200 carbon fiber shoelaces ,$600 magnesium buckle upgrade and the $150 performance fabric (we used to call it polyester and wear it to the disco) undershirt. The ones who can't enjoy a ski unless it's a life threatening experience.

If you want to say Hi, take a look at some of my posts with pictures of my son and I.

www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboardi...ex.php?topic=12397.0

www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboardi...51.msg51691#msg51691

Dynafits near Rochester, I never knew that was allowed!

But seriously, everything looks great so far. And if you want to hook up for some post-operational-season skinning at Greek Peak (yeah, long drive for you), let me know, since I'll be there around mid-April for my father's 80th birthday. (He taught me and my brother how to ski, although he doesn't quite understand this skiing w/o lifts thing.)

Mid April you say? hmmmm. So happens my wife will be in Seattle then with the kids, leaving me free to to be free. Not sure there will be snow but we shall see. PM me before you head east.

Just got back from my maiden voyage at Bristol Mountain with the Dynafit/Shuksan combo. Awesome!! Conditions were great. 20 deg in the am hitting 35 at noon and lots of sun. Surface was North East powder. Sort of like what you would find on and NHL rink just before they bring out the Zamboni. No problems at all with the bindings and the skis just rocked on ice. We created quite a stir with the Orange Scarpas and the "what the hell IS that?" bindings. Lots of great conversations on the lift. The Karhu Hardbody/leather Merrell setup was not so good. Uncontrollable on the firm snow/ice. Couldn't gain an edge. Good adrenaline rush knowing they might spit me off at any time. A real thigh/ankle burner. I'm sure that all they need is some real snow to work.

I really want to thank all of you who guided me through this. Could not have done it without your tips and encouragement. The mounting came off without a hitch. The holes all lined up perfectly. Having a drill press in the basement helps a lot. After I had them mounted up, to my eye they didn't look properly located fore and aft on the ski. A quick call to Pro Guide Service in Seattle calmed my fears. Thanks Adam.

PS - I hope you high tech skiers with the expensive gear did not take offense at my previous comment. I love you guys. Please keep buying the best and the latest. I'll be looking for your cast offs to turn up on TAY or Craigslist. Without you leading the way I'd be toast.

We created quite a stir with the Orange Scarpas and the "what the hell IS that?" bindings. Lots of great conversations on the lift.

That's funny Wooley. I was loading Ch 2 at Alpy the other day and the liftie said "what are those?" pointing to my Dynafits. I quickly said that it's a touring binding and he replied, "You can ski on those???" I didn't have time for a witty answer so I said yes and thanks for the chair and went on my merry way.

Hope to see you next time you're out West. I'll make sure your "young friend" doesn't take us out over our heads.