The FEEEL between rod/cartridge and compression springs.

[mainer]

So the SBs worked on one ski but not another for you. Are the coombacks bigger than the Gs? If so I still think it's possible the 180s are too big for Woods.

The G3s are 182s, and the Coombacks, even though labeled as 188cm, were really closer to 192cm as K2s tend to be a little longer per a given length than other companies.

I guess my thought is that my big skis were too big for the binding, not that the skis were too big for me and that resulted in me not liking the binding. To me, I guess, a binding should be paired with the ski and the skier should be able to adapt (within reason). Doesn't seem like ski length should be much of a deciding factor in liking a binding or not. That is all on the binding.

For me, the pairing of SB and Vector seems reasonable. But, different strokes for different folks.

[lowangle al]

f you can ski 3 pins just fine and switch easily between those and the 02s and Cobras, something is weird here.

That's why I don't think it's the binding alone, I can't imagine that woods can't ski the SB. If he is only on T4s I can see having a problem getting that inside ski on edge. If you can't get it on edge, you can't put weight on it, and if you can't put weight on it you can't bend the bellows. If another binding helped get the ski on edge he may get the skis to work.

To prove my theory woods has to put the SBs on a different ski that he likes or try the 170 vectors with the SBs. Both of which I think will work for him.

[lowangle al]

Doesn't seem like ski length should be much of a deciding factor in liking a binding or not. That is all on the binding.

For me, the pairing of SB and Vector seems reasonable. But, different strokes for different folks.

A ski can be too big and if that's the case no binding will work. Also Voile skis get wider as they get longer so the next size down will be a couple mm more narrow.

The SB and vector is a good pairing, and possibly the most common one. I have the SBs on vectors and HWs on vector BCs and don't notice a difference in dh performance or feel.

[dorthman]

Try some different bindings maybe?? if ya have got another 4hole standard binding you wouldn't have to drill new holes...

[Woodserson]

HAHA

I am getting there. The active bindings BD-02 are definitely easier and smoother and I can drive the rear ski with less effort, I see it as a lazy-man binding and I like it, because I'm pretty lazy. The SB's require more mental math and physical correctness-- less laziness and accurate technique. I need to drop down, drive the cuff, bend the bellows, squat, and go. Everything was much better today with 12" of pow and switching between BD02's and the SB's. I found my technical limitation on steeper windblown stuff that was scoured to hardpack with the SB's, I needed to apply more force more accurately onto the edge and did not have the required skill set or energy level to do it.

Does the above sound like I'm moving in the right direction?

I doubt you'll notice much of a difference. The biggest difference between the SB and the SBX2 is what lowangle al noted -- the pivot is farther back by a little over an inch. The black springs are 25% stiffer.

If you can ski 3 pins just fine and switch easily between those and the 02s and Cobras, something is weird here.

I understand this, agreed.

And I ski my pins with my leathers, not my plastics.

[dnt_upton]

Does the above sound like I'm moving in the right direction?

I don't think it's a question of right vs wrong. It's about preference.

The original Switchbacks are very neutral. Opinions may vary, but I think it's great to ski them to work on technique and balance. It may be that that's the only binding you ever need. But increasing the activity to BD02s, Axl, or SB X2s isn't cheating. For some, it opens up more technical terrain, lets you ski faster, lets you ski more aggressively. For others, it's too restrictive.

[Woodserson]

I meant in comprehension of the difference between an active vs neutral binding, but your explanation hits the mark for what I'm grasping at. Thanks!

[dnt_upton]

I meant in comprehension of the difference between an active vs neutral binding, but your explanation hits the mark for what I'm grasping at. Thanks!

D'oh. Yes, you're on the right track. Activity and how it works has been debated to death, so I'll just say that, to me, the sensation is greater resistance has you drop into each turn. More activity makes it easier to keep your knees tight and your arse tucked in, esp. when skiing bumps and crud. But, too much activity for someone who prefers only a little to medium isn't very rewarding and makes it harder to make tele turns.

[Woodserson]

D'oh. Yes, you're on the right track. Activity and how it works has been debated to death, so I'll just say that, to me, the sensation is greater resistance has you drop into each turn. More activity makes it easier to keep your knees tight and your arse tucked in, esp. when skiing bumps and crud. But, too much activity for someone who prefers only a little to medium isn't very rewarding and makes it harder to make tele turns.

Totally get it. Great! Yes! It's tough, without a clan I am fingering this all out on my own and anonymous internet help. Thank you!

I also just had this moment in the shower (get all those positive ions flowing), the reason the Chili's work so well for me is that they are on a 74mm waisted ski, despite being a neutral binding with the cables mounted about the same spot relative to the boot as the SB. But I'm working 22mm extra with the SB's and the neutrality makes itself more apparent demanding more focus on technique and less forgiving of sloppiness.

Things are coming together! Exciting!

[Woodserson]

OOOOOOOOOoooooooohhh SNAP

Tried a pair of X2's in the parking lot today, they flex just what I want for the Vectors, will be swapping bindings shortly!

Need some new snow now...