Another Kom Binding Question

[JVSki]

Hey folks,

I know there's several older threads on this, but thought it'd be better to start a new one than resurrect one for a few years ago.

So here's the question, I'm looking to order a set of Koms to fill the more downhill-oriented BC niche between my S-Bound 112s and my alpine setup for the ski area, and am curious what folks are running these days for bindings. For context, I'm in Boise Idaho and looking mainly to ski lower angle terrain but want to be able to use our local lifts to access the local side and backcountry, hence the desire for a bit more power and control to traverse the groomers when needed.

Given that, I'm interested in a stouter setup than the 3-pin cable I have on the Fischers, but I'm torn between the 3-pin hardwire or looking at a TTS setup for better edge control, though know boot options for TTS in a similar class to the T4s are super limited...anyone have any advice or insight to share?

Thanks!

[comradeporcupine]

I tried TTS on my Koms, but with the boot selections out there's it's a big mismatch. Unless you have access to original F1s with bellows, it's a no go. I have 3pins on them now. I actually had a pair of F1s but I couldn't get them to fit my feet, hurt like mad.

[connyro]

3- pin hardwire would by my choice. Leave hardwires on for dh oriented skiing and take them off or clip them to the heel piece for flats and climbing.

[JVSki]

Thanks folks, helpful insights! I'm leaning towards the hardwire...wondered if anyone had a thought about mounting them flat (the way Altai mounts the 3-pin cable) vs with the risers? Having not seen the hardwires in person I was wondering if the cartridges were fat enough to interfere with the ski or edge without them being elevated.

[connyro]

Thanks folks, helpful insights! I'm leaning towards the hardwire...wondered if anyone had a thought about mounting them flat (the way Altai mounts the 3-pin cable) vs with the risers? Having not seen the hardwires in person I was wondering if the cartridges were fat enough to interfere with the ski or edge without them being elevated.

The 3-pin hardwires have built in risers so you won't need any additional risers when you mount them.

[jalp]

Thanks folks, helpful insights! I'm leaning towards the hardwire...wondered if anyone had a thought about mounting them flat (the way Altai mounts the 3-pin cable) vs with the risers? Having not seen the hardwires in person I was wondering if the cartridges were fat enough to interfere with the ski or edge without them being elevated.

Hey JV,

They could definitely be mounted without the riser if desired although the angle of the Voile riser if used, will help compensate for boot rocker. The other benefit of the riser is that the hard wire tucks out of the way nicely behind and below the heel when not being used. The riser heel also gives the option of 2 different height climbing wires.

Further thoughts:

I have a pair of Kom 162cm and think that you are on the right track with the 3 Pin Hardwires. I had mine mounted with the original No-Pin Hardwires for a season. They offered plenty of control downhill but I really wanted to be able to drop the heel wire for better K&G. The following season, I mounted them with the 3 Pin Hardwire. I found that the 3 pin version toured much easier since I could now leave the heel wire off. The 3 Pin Hardwire is also a more active binding than the original Hardwire and I felt that I had a little more control turning because of that.

Another binding to consider is the Switchback. I picked up another pair of SB X2 over the summer and have just mounted them on my Koms so, no opinion on the pairing yet. Pretty sure that I know what to expect though having the the X2 also on my V6s. It only took a few trips to get used to touring on free pivot bindings. Free pivot would not be my first choice for longer rolling tours, I probably would be on a different setup for that kind of day anyway. Free pivot has major advantages with steep climbing though. I've been using the Koms mostly for short yoyo laps lately rather than longer tours and prefer free pivot bindings in that use case.

Hope that helps!

[JVSki]

@jalp Super helpful, thanks!

I'm leaning towards the Hardwires since I'm sure these will see more long rolling days in the national forest than up and down yo-yo laps in the skin track, but part of that is probably because I've never used a free pivot binding and I'm afraid of change! I hadn't considered the Switchback but good to know folks are thinking of this combo, I'll have to noodle on it...looking forward to hearing how they work out for you.

Cheers!

[Woodserson]

All good suggestions above, it's tough to go wrong.

My 162cm: Voile Traverse (3pin + cable w/ 10mm riser)
174cm: Voile Switchback X2

Happy with both! I am going to remount my 174's 2cm back from recommended, however. The tail is so wide and they are more downhill oriented, it'll help balance the ski in powder, from my experience.

[JVSki]

Thanks for the advice folks! I went back and forth a bit but after talking to the crew at FreeHeel Life, ended up going with the Switchbacks. The skis arrived yesterday and hopefully the bindings will show up this weekend...conditions are improving! Took the old Fischers out for a quick sunset lap after work with my wife yesterday, and the stoke is high!

[InTeleVeritas]

All good suggestions above, it's tough to go wrong.

My 162cm: Voile Traverse (3pin + cable w/ 10mm riser)
174cm: Voile Switchback X2

Happy with both! I am going to remount my 174's 2cm back from recommended, however. The tail is so wide and they are more downhill oriented, it'll help balance the ski in powder, from my experience.

Hi Woodserson,
I’m considering the Kom 174 and I was wondering about the mounting recommendations that don’t seem to care about boot centerline. I have 8.5/42 Excursion boots and was wondering if I needed to mount the bindings back a little like you are suggesting. I’d install voile traverse and use them for powder mostly.

I’d appreciate your thoughts