Ready for the Dynafit Plunge

GregL et al.-Thanks for all the detailed info. It's really helped in making my decision. I'm going to pull the trigger on the Speed Radicals after Christmas, unless a good deal on something used pops up.

I just spoke to Salawa about an unfilled order for Radical Speeds that I placed over 5 weeks ago. I was told that the binding is undergoing further testing and new bindings will not be shipped again until Jan. 9.

Read this earlier today:

www.tetonat.com/2011/12/21/plum-guide-an...l-tech-binding-woes/

Looks like GregL is already on it.

After much consternation, I'm going with the TLT speed classic.  In the end I think there are too many unknowns with the Speed Radicals.  There have been many reports detailing the breakage of the brass pin in the heel, which can result in damage to the housing.  Going without the pin leads to the binding snapping back into ski mode while touring.  Dynafit has recommended a pin replacement, but I'm just not sure if it's a long-term fix.

www.wildsnow.com/6442/dynafit-radical-recall-repair/

It's too bad because I really liked  the improved climbing risers and the adjustability of the Radicals.

I have some old TLTs, a set of TriSteps both of which I bought used and a set of Radicals ST which I bought new.

If you are going to buy new, I think some model of Radicals are very much worth considering -- the heel elevators on the Radical heel piece is significantly easier to use -- no more farting around trying to rotate the heelpiece the exact amount.

As for the problems with the brass bushing in the new heel piece -- Dynafit has a good reputation for standing behind their products -- and has already issued a recall asking customers to bring their Radicals in for a free inspection and repair and/or replacement. Fields reports are that less that 1% of units are effected by this problem.

I've used "Binding Freedom" inserts on my skis and have added two additional inserts to accept the Radical toepiece -- moving bindings between skis takes less than 10 minutes. If you are handy around a wood working shop -- consider selling the Fritchis and installing Dynafit patterned inserts in both sets of skis.

I didn't want a leash anchoring me in the snow in the event of a slide and went with the TLT Vertical ST. I agree with Randy however that the the heel elevators on the Radical heel piece is easier to use. I wonder if I can fit those to my Verticals? Back in the day when leashes were common I chased my share of dropped ski's.  They are like toast, they always hit the ground on the wrong side!  On the other hand I have times when a ski came off and submarined in the pow and I wished I had a leash

Enjoy!