Mounting Points

So I'm getting ready to mount a pair of 12-13' Black Diamond Zealots 182s with a pair of Speeds.  I head over to the BD website to get the mounting specs and I read this:

"If you’re interested in the playfulness of the AMPerage, but want the dampness and power of a metal laminate GS ski at times, shift the mounting point of the 182 cm Zealot forward between 1.5 cm to 2 cm, max."

I'm obviously aware that people mount their bindings forward.  Hell, TGR has pages of discussion, but I never pay attention because I am an old guy and thought forward mounting was too "New School."  However, the BD description above has me seriously considering a forward mount for the first time. Mainly because I considered buying the AMPerage, but wound up with the Zealot because I love the previous model and and got a good deal on them.

I am seriously ignorant in this area and welcome any and all feed back.  I'm obviously want the best ride, but I'm wondering if a forward mount affects the up hill (e.g kick turning, etc.) I figured TAY would be a little more constructive than TGR and really didn't want to get side tracked on a whole "Jong" discussion.  Thanks for the help.

Not an expert on forward mounting but I doubt 2 cm would affect your kick turns too much.

I'll give you the same constructive advice I'd give you on TGR, which is to go with the "recommended" mount position unless you've skied the Zealot and have a good idea you'd like it more forward. I'd also advise you not to pay too much attention to advice on mount position from a bunch of strangers on an internet forum.

FWIW, I've only skied a few runs on the Zealot in my life, but the were mounted at "recommended" (or whatever BD calls it) for a 26.5 boot (which I have) and I thought they skied great. I never toured on them.

I agree with Greg, mount them on the line, especially if you have a more forward ski stance. I mounted a pair of K2 Obsethed skis (granted totally different ski) 2cm forward a few years ago and it did inhibit kick turns. Mounting them forward also took some getting used to, they were a little more "playful", but also less stable at the same time, it often felt like I was going to go over the bars at times if I really leaned into turns. So, unless you don't care too much about kick turns, and you like to ski switch and jump off stuff with an upright stance, mount on the line.

Thanks for the discussion. I'll stick with the recommended mount.

I skied the crap out of some 11/12' (blue) 182 Zelots with ST's on them. I went for Center mount and never regretted it. Plenty playful enough to ski NW trees and enough power and stability to give confidence on the rowdier lines. A+ for durability also. They are retired now but surprisingly still have some life in them after much abuse.