Help me choose a new waxless backcountry ski

So what did you end up with?

I am pondering BC125 with Voile X2 switchback (supposedly heavier duty... more boot toe wrap and heavier spring than standard switchback) with T4 boot (already have so don't want to change for a few years).

I know Andy recommended the A.T. boots and bindings, but it's out of the budget for now.

Yes, lets hear, and also about the test drive..

FWIW, patonbike, I put the X2 on my Vector BCs and don't like them (the binding). I feel the rearward positioning of the hardwire has created a very noticeable hingepoint, especially on a soft shoe like the T4 (Excursion in my case). Less noticeable with the T1 but still not smooth. I'm about to replace the spring cartridges with the red ones from the standard Switchback, but I still think the old standard is a better bet, especially with a softer shoe.

Thanks for asking David and Patonbike.  I sure appreciated all the help I got from all of you TAY'ers who gave me advice.  I'm certainly haven't had much experience in the backcountry downhill department, but definitely would like to do more as my skills improve.

I was down in Klamath Falls visiting the in laws and got the opportunity to try out the Fischers up at Crater Lake.  The weather had been fairly harsh while I was there, so I put off going until the last possible day.  I ended driving up in near whiteout conditions.  The road to the rim was closed due to drifting snow, so I parked down on the highway and skied the PCT. 

Conditions were fantastic down below with 8-12" of fresh snow.  (The wind seemed to be limited to the East side and the rim.)  I noticed right away the increased flotation of the 112's compared to my old Fischer Outtabounds.  Breaking trail was much less effort - a fantastic improvement over the skinnier skis.  I was also impressed by the traction afforded by the patterned base.  I was able to directly climb slopes that would have had me herringboning or side stepping with the Outtabounds.  It was an impressive improvement over my old skis, yet I didn't notice any increased drag from the longer kick pattern. 

I didn't really get the opportunity to do many turns.  My plan was to ski north to Dutton Creek and then up to the rim.  When I got to Dutton Creek, the water had cut a fairly wide gap across the snow and I didn't find any easy places to cross.  I decided to wander a bit and then head back.

The skis felt very stable on the few hills I was on, but they were short hills - 3 turns maybe.  It'd be hard for me to say how well they turn, but they felt much more substantial than what I was using before.  I didn't notice any issues from the camber - they flattened out nicely and felt solid. 

I'm happy I bought the Fischers, they're going to be great touring skis.  I'm hoping I can get out next weekend and find a good area to practice some turns.

Thanks again for all of your great advice TAYer's!

Am finding that just about any waxless metal-edged ski, as long as it is a widebody like the Karhu Guide - or wider, is a darn good ski to have in the quiver, regardless of brand or model.

As with any ski, matching it with the right boot and binding is important too. With these wider skis I like to at least have a pair of Excursions or T2s underfoot. Actually, I'd rather use a T3, but they don't make them anymore and those who have 'em are probably holding on to 'em.

Paired with that I'm rather partial to the Switchback . These fatter boards with plastic teleboots don't require more than a 3-pin binding, but I just love how the Switchback improves turning and touring performance over a 3-pin, so why not?

Others mentioned some of these, but I didn't see a link my review of Voile's Vector BC. It's here .

And here's the link to a review of Fischer's S-Bound 112 .

And an appropriate boot, Fischer's BCX 875 .

If I had a more in-depth review of the Karhu Guide/Madshus Annum I'd point you there.  I will say that there is little discernable difference between the Annum and the S-Bound 112. The S-Bound has a little better glide, thanks to more camber. And I suppose the Guide turns a bit easier for the same reason. But these are not dramatic differences.

There is a noticeable difference between these and the Vector BC. The Vector floats better, and is more enjoyable when breaking trail in deep snow. It also climbs better. Does it turn better? Better includes the feel of the turn so I'll defer and say it isn't necessarily a better turning ski, but it does turn easier and faster.

I agree -- the new fat fish scaled skis are great. I skied Muir* yesterday with my brother. He skied with Rossignol 125's on Telemark gear, while I skied Alpina Lite Terrain's on NNN BC boots. My boots are somewhat floppy, but I have foot issues, so its the firmest I've found so far (that doesn't hurt my feet). I turn fairly well with them, but I can't go too fast or I get high speed wobbles. So anyway, that had me searching for, and finding, the easiest way down. Often that is the most fun anyway, but the main thing is, it often ends in a low spot. No problem with the fish scales. Just glide right back up again. I know I could try and maintain my speed better, or skate, but why bother? After skiing down, down, down, it is kind of refreshing to mix it up and kick and glide my way back up a little section. We managed to find good snow in Pebble Creek, as well as some fresh snow east of the main route. Even when the fish scales aren't needed, it is nice to know that you have them. In other words, I could take a route that maybe put me a bit too low, knowing that at worse, I just did a little kick and glide to back on track.

* We didn't actually make it to Muir, but went most of the way.

As with any ski, matching it with the right boot and binding is important too. With these wider skis I like to at least have a pair of Excursions or T2s underfoot. Actually, I'd rather use a T3, but they don't make them anymore and those who have 'em are probably holding on to 'em.

These fatter boards with plastic teleboots don't require more than a 3-pin binding, but I just love how the Switchback improves turning and touring performance over a 3-pin, so why not?

There is a noticeable difference between these and the Vector BC. The Vector floats better, and is more enjoyable when breaking trail in deep snow. It also climbs better. Does it turn better? Better includes the feel of the turn so I'll defer and say it isn't necessarily a better turning ski, but it does turn easier and faster.

Agreed the boot and binding system make a difference. My boots are older T4's. Looking at the newer T4's, I'd say mine are taller and stiffer - especially due the the length of the liner and "Power Strap"

I noticed there's a bit of play in my three-pin bindings. I'm not sure if this is due to wear and tear or the way they're made. I found some old Riva bindings with a Voile Releasable kit at a thrift shop and mounted those on my Outtabounds. There's no play at all in the Riva Bindings. I'm beginning to think I should replace my three pins. I have some G3 Targa's on a set of skis I haven't used in awhile. I could mount those on my Voile releasable kit.

After taking my Fischer 112's out a few more times, I'd say they do seem to take some time to turn. I'd expect the Vector does turn faster. I'll have to get in more practice before I'll really know what the Fischers can and can't do well.

I'm not sure about the Vectors climbing better. Compared to my older Outtabounds, the 112's climb fantastic. I can't say they climb as well the Vectors, but they're a huge improvement over the old design.

I'm sure the Vectors are a better ski - I hope to someday have a bit more money at my disposal so I can find out for myself.