Moving from G3 Targa Ascent to => ?

[JoF]

Hi,

I would like some advice.....

I have skied for years on Targa Ascents, my last skis are Scott Santiago's 192 with scarpa T2.

I like touring, but go on groomed too.

It works fine for me, I get about through anything I want confidently (not doing heavy stuff like very very steep) but I got some new skis (2nd hand Scotty Bobs 188) and am wondering if after 15 yrs I'd move to something new.

Is it really worth moving to NTN? Maybe even Meidjo V3? Also in the consideration, I'm 1m92 (6.3) and wheigh 93 kg (200 pounds).

Oh and a last consideration, I have a 47-48 shoe size (12,5-13). I remember trying to find boots that size was hard back then.

What would you do?

Thanks

Jonathan

[fisheater]

Hello Jonathan,
I am dipping my toe into the tech toe binding water, but I’m doing it with the new Voile Transit TTS. I am going TTS for 3 reasons.
Reason number one is the boot. My old stock new F-1 have more range of movement than a guy that only knows Telemark boots can imagine. To get an idea of that range of movement, check out a pair of AT boots. The difference is going to be significant.
Reason two for TTS over NTN is snow packing. I can deal with snow packing on 75 mm, but I do get caught unprepared, and I then have to deal with snow packing. TTS will be similar in regards to snow packing. NTN will be more complicated, and absolutely will require preventative maintenance.
The third reason for trying TTS is to try the tech toe binding. Guys say the connection is more solid, and hence a more responsive connection. Plus it is a light free pivot connection.
Did you know the rumor is that Scarpa is supposed to bring their new light weight, high range of movement, NTN boot next year. Yes I know this has been said before, but people seem convinced it’s really happening next year. If it were me, and I was going to plunge into NTN for backcountry skiing, I would wait until next year.
Just my input, I hope there was something of value in there,
Bob

[JoF]

Thanks Bob,

Hadn't heard of the Voile Transit, looks neat, cheaper compared to a Meidjo

Do you think the lateral stiffness/more power talk of NTN overrated?

Jonathan

[Stephen]

@JoF, might depend on the mix of tour vs resort.
NTN is going to probably give you a better resort experience, although some might not agree.
For me, about similar dimensions (except 175#), I’m on 29.5 TX Pro (size 47 Alfa Guard NNN BC Boot, for reference), Meidjo 3 for resort, and I guess what’s called side country (looking for untracked, end up at the base of the lift).
I like it, but again, there is a wide range of what different people like.
Would definitely be a $$ investment in new equipment.

EDIT:

Do you think the lateral stiffness/more power talk of NTN overrated?

I would say not overrated.

[JoF]

Stephen & Bob,

I like the simplicity of voile transit & would give me more ROm thanks to tech toe.

Would NTN give better control (thinking crud and difficult conditions) or would the change of boot be the biggest factor ( would go from t2 to something like the txpro)

Thanks

[fisheater]

Jon,
I can’t answer your question. The Voile Transit is my first downhill binding that is not 75 mm. I will be skiing it with a much lighter boot than the Scarpa TXP.
Why don’t you ask your question over here:
https://www.backcountrytalk.com/forum/b ... -bar-grill

I enjoy both forums, but post more over here. The BC Talk guys discussions are more in line with your questions.

[wabene]

The winter ISPO Summit in Munich is in 16 days, November 28-30. If the new Scarpa boot is really coming soon, it will be announced then. Not too long to wait.

[Montana St Alum]

Stephen & Bob,

I like the simplicity of voile transit & would give me more ROm thanks to tech toe.

Would NTN give better control (thinking crud and difficult conditions) or would the change of boot be the biggest factor ( would go from t2 to something like the txpro)

Thanks

NTN comes with tech toes (Meidjo, Lynx), or without tech toes (Outlaw X, Freedom, Freeride). The tech toe varieties should give you the tour RoM like the Transit. I'd avoid the Freedom or Freeride completely. I've found that the tech toe bindings engage quickly and have good lateral stiffness. Compared to 75mm, I think the tech toe stabilizes more than differentials in boots. The Tx Pro and comp both soften up at the bellows after a dozen or so days, so the differential in stiffness decreases though it doesn't go away. With the knee down, the raised heel may have more precision with the duck butt engaged compared to the hardwires on the Transit. For the front ski, heel down, probably pretty similar. I'm on the Meidjo, but the Lynx with Tx Pro seems like a real sweet spot. The Outlaw X with Tx Comp might be just a little more burley, skiing. I have a large friend who lves his, but he's resort only on it.

Going Transit or Lynx, you'd be on a Tx Pro anyway, so you can factor out transiting to a burlier boot regardless of binding.

[JoF]

The winter ISPO Summit in Munich is in 16 days, November 28-30. If the new Scarpa boot is really coming soon, it will be announced then. Not too long to wait.

Good! I was only planning to get my gear after Christmas!

[JoF]

The winter ISPO Summit in Munich is in 16 days, November 28-30. If the new Scarpa boot is really coming soon, it will be announced then. Not too long to wait.

Thanks for the info
That’s good news as I was planning to get my gear after Christmas!