Dynafit Vertical vs Dynafit Speed....Help??

So here's a question for you dynafit experts.
Has anybody developed a technique for getting the dynafits clicked in on a steep icy slope where you can't dig a bench for the skis or get your tails in.( Imagine  a really steep boot pack on an icy slope)

When trying the same with my dynafits, I am always worried that the ski is going to get away from me and leave me stranded and it feels way more sketch. I have brakes and a guess a leash would help but anybody developed a routine for this situation?????

Scotty, I have used leashes on my Dynafits and you describe one of the scenarios where the leashes are helpful. I usually kick a small trench with my boot then hold the leash of the ski while I step into the binding. It's worked for years. I saw a bad incident on the Haute Route that convinced me that a leash would be helpful for me.

If you put your thumb on the little side tab on the Speed/Classic lever, though, and twist your wrist, I think you generate about the same force.

That is a good tip.
I have been doing the pole and thumb twist simultaneously. But it can still be a pain, literally.

Here's a summary I put together of the different models:
picasaweb.google.com/jshefftz/Dynafit#5322701043264971890

Thanks for the nice summary Jonathan!

Which brings me to this...

The shimming ideas discussed in this thread seemed pretty sensible to me. I'm curious how much effect ramp angle has on things.

I thought of shimming the binding. But want to layout all my options first.
One of the problems for me is that the ramp angle already seems adequate, if not better than my Classics, so that may not be the issue. Also, the FT has an integrated pseudo-carbon plate system that envelopes the heel piece. So if I shimmed it would raise the toe/heel plate off the ski only to get crap stuck in between the ski topsheet and the FT integrated plate design. In this plate design the toe is also nestled in to make it difficult to Dyna-franken.

So here's a question for you dynafit experts.
Has anybody developed a technique for getting the dynafits clicked in on a steep icy slope where you can't dig a bench for the skis or get your tails in.( Imagine a really steep boot pack on an icy slope)

Oh that's right you have those big fat skis and it makes it even more difficult.
Start by puckering your cheeks.
If it is THAT icy you should have an ice ax or Whippet to work on making a shelf to put your ski on.
Always work conscientiously and in the moment.
As Zap mentioned while I was typing.
If you can kick steps booting up it you should be able to kick in a horizontal shelf with one foot and switch to the other foot and make a ramp of some sort.
If the snow is soft enough to drive the tails of your skis in to have something to hold on to for stability.
Fritschis are easy.
Dynafit, Getting the 1st ski on IS the tricky part, getting the ski runaway strap on your leg or boot is the first big deal. It depends on the angle and situation, sometime the uphill leg/ski is easier to put on first and then other times the downhill leg/ski is easier to get the ski on.
And sometimes all you need is enough shelf/ramp for the boot/binding area.
At any rate get that ski on, click-in locked mode and start making a deeper platform with that ski to get the other ski on.

Whew...

Getting into skis on steep slopes:
As long as you can get good purchase somehow with one foot, you can click into a ski with the ski pointing straight up the fall line and the base flat on the slope. Lock it, then make that your downhill ski and repeat with the other ski. No platform needed. I've done this many times when getting into my Dynafits on a steep slope that doesn't want to let me make a nice platform easily.

Well thanks for the replies.
Agree with your whippet or ice-axe comment Joedabaker but I was specifically talking about a steep icy slope that you could only front point up and not easily kick or dig a trench.

Zap, I think this is a situation where a leash is a good idea although I hate skiing with one. I'm thinking of using a sling with a clip on it that I can temporarily attach to my binding while trying to get my ski one so that a dropped ski is never an issue. I would remove the sling once clicked and locked in ( assume it's clipped to my waist belt of my pack )and then repeat on the other. I kinda like that idea as dropping a ski is one of my worst case scenarios.

Skykilo, thanks for the input. Your certainly have the experience. Never thought of putting the ski up the fall line. I assume you need to have brakes  to do that and how steep  a slope have you used that technique on?

Good stuff! Like the temp leash idea though!

Fritschis are easy.

I find that Dynafits are even easier for this.
Put the binding in tour mode, with no heel elevator.
Align boot heel with binding heel, then click into toe, which requires almost zero force (hence the ease of entry).
Now put toe lever in tour mode, rotate heel, step down, and put toe lever back in ski mode.
This does take a few extra seconds, but once you're used it, very easy.

Plus, with comforts (and speeds?) you can use you pole to leverage yourself out of "instant ski mode" while touring.  You know - when the heal piece rotates and you clip in, basically hobling yourself.   With speeds you have to unclip from the toe, then the heal, spin the heal piece, reclip in -  bla bla bla.... Usually while on a 40 deg slope that  scratching your edges into just to get purchase  > .

Good thread with many DynaTips. Climberdave - with Speeds as long as you don't have ski brakes, you can release your heel without getting out of the toe piece. Just use your ski pole to slightly rotate the heel, while lifting up the heel of your boot. You'll pop right out (without damage to boots, bindings or pole).