Question about binding for Miuntain Race 48 Skis

[Jinto02]

So looking into this more would it be beneficial to get an NIS base plate?

[Stephen]

@Jinto02, here is a link to a great write-up on those skis and talk about boot choices — definitely worth a read:
https://altabackcountry.com/2019/04/17/ ... ntry-skis/

[mca80]

I second the manual binding vs auto as recommended by @GrimSurfer if going nnn regular. Unless you can't bend over to unlatch bindings at the beginning and end of your ski, in which case maybe skiing isn't the best pursuit.

P.S. if they're the waxable, non-skin, model in 180 or 190 and you ever want to sell them, let me know, haha!

[GrimSurfer]

here is a link to a great write-up on those skis and talk about boot choices — definitely worth a read:
https://altabackcountry.com/2019/04/17/ ... ntry-skis/

Nicely written piece, good find @Stephen . One quote stands out:

“To truly enjoy backcountry nordic skiing, I believe a willingness to delve into wax is essential. Yet it seems the concept of waxing has paralyzed most U.S. recreational nordic skiers to utter fear.”

This is something to keep in mind as you embark on your new sport, @Jinto02. It’s one part of a “hands on” approach to skiing that will serve you really well.

Wax your own skis, sharpen your own edges, repair your own bases… and in time (not for the newcomer) mount your own bindings. This will bring you closer to your gear and help you achieve a tailored-for-you skiing experience.

[GrimSurfer]

So looking into this more would it be beneficial to get an NIS base plate?

As you have likely discovered, NIS plates are only for bindings designed to accept them. They provide a certain advantage but can sometimes lead a novice skier to get caught in a circle of confusion (is it my wax, maybe I need to move the binding, maybe it’s my boots etc.).

Truth is, you have a really good pair of skis.

When staring out, whatever problems you encounter are likely to be 99% you. The fewer things distracting you from focusing on form and movement, the better. Options just confuse the deal.

So you don’t need them. If you get them, set them and forget them for at least a year.

[Jinto02]

here is a link to a great write-up on those skis and talk about boot choices — definitely worth a read:
https://altabackcountry.com/2019/04/17/ ... ntry-skis/

Nicely written piece, good find @Stephen . One quote stands out:

“To truly enjoy backcountry nordic skiing, I believe a willingness to delve into wax is essential. Yet it seems the concept of waxing has paralyzed most U.S. recreational nordic skiers to utter fear.”

This is something to keep in mind as you embark on your new sport, @Jinto02. It’s one part of a “hands on” approach to skiing that will serve you really well.

Wax your own skis, sharpen your own edges, repair your own bases… and in time (not for the newcomer) mount your own bindings. This will bring you closer to your gear and help you achieve a tailored-for-you skiing experience.

I will keep this in mind and thanks @Stephen for finding the article.

[Jinto02]

I second the manual binding vs auto as recommended by @GrimSurfer if going nnn regular. Unless you can't bend over to unlatch bindings at the beginning and end of your ski, in which case maybe skiing isn't the best pursuit.

P.S. if they're the waxable, non-skin, model in 180 or 190 and you ever want to sell them, let me know, haha!

Lol no I can bend over lol and their the 200cm was able version.

[beeeweee]

If you’re mostly skiing in track, I highly recommend the Rottefella Mounting Plate, second from top under [1]: https://rottefella.com/media/sparsh/pr ... e_MOVE.pdf

The plate will support the MOVE Switch binding which allows you to shift the bindings forward and backward to adjust kick/glide. I have these mounted on my MR48 Skin. This is more important for SKIN skis since you can’t adjust the wax pocket like you can with a waxable ski.

Also, regarding skate vs classic bindings, if you’re buying NNN bindings, the only difference between a skate and classic bindings is the rubber flexor. Both NNN classic and NNN skate boots can fit NNN bindings.

However, this is not the same for SNS Profil and SNS Pilot where the two standards are not cross compatible. I’d take the opportunity to ditch the SNS Pilot bindings simply due to the fact that no one makes boots for them anymore and it’s more important to find a good fitting boot that works for your feet.

Whether you choose NNN or NNN BC or Xplore should really depend on how much time you plan to spend in track vs out of track and in challenging hard pack or spring conditions. I find NNN is perfectly suited for in track and soft snow skiing but if you are skiing on hard packed trails that’s icy or has been heavily transformed by freeze/thaw, NNN BC or Xplore would be preferable to give you better edge hold. The trade off is that NNN boots and bindings are a bit heavier compared to NNN classic boots and bindings.

[riel]

So looking into this more would it be beneficial to get an NIS base plate?

It depends on which Mountain Race 48 you have (waxable vs skin), and what kind of skiing you intend to do.

If you have the skin version, getting a movable NNN binding (like Rottefella Move) can be beneficial, since that will allow you to tune the ski between best glide and best grip, adjusting for conditions and terrain.

If you have the waxable version, simply mounting NNN or NNN-BC bindings 1cm ahead of the balance point will give you better turning, and glide/grip can be adjusted by simply changing where you apply kick wax to the ski, and how much.

No need to overthink things.

[Woodserson]

I keep NNN on my Mountain Race.

Except for the very basic and cheap NNN Basic Auto Binding, which I would avoid, I believe all NNN bindings now need a railed plate, sometimes sold with the binding and sometimes without. Be sure to verify. Some plates have 1 positions and others can have many. I use a 3 position Xclerator plate (https://www.akers-ski.com/product/30NXP.html) and use the NIS Auto Tour which I found to be a little more beefy and with a tighter fit on the bar than the basic manual NNN option (the NIS Performance). I also have the Fischer Turnamic on my skin-skis, which are manuals and good but very lightweight, and best reserved for dedicated track skiing. I mount the Xclerator plate it 1cm Fwd so that in the rearmost position I am on the BP of the ski, and it allows me to have 2 spots forward of BP if I need it. (I do ski the MR48 +1cm for best grip and glide, 160lbs on the 200cm... I found that on BP was just a bit too far back)

I only use manuals on my NNN-BC's but I find the NIS Auto Tours are just fine.