Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

Hey Free-heelers!

First I'd like say I've been out of the mix for some time. I used to be a member long ago, but couldn't remember my credentials so this is a new account.

As times (and jobs) have changed, I find I have more time now to get out into the BC. As such, I'm looking to update my old K2 Heli Stinx from 75 to something wider. I'd really like to try on the BD Carbon Helio 95's but am reading that BD doesn't "recommend" tele bindings, meaning they wouldn't warranty them I assume. Some folks are saying they're fine if you use inserts. Wondering if anyone here has these skis?

Mike

I don't have the Helio 95 skis, but I think I have some useful comments. I have heard of others that have mounted the Helio carbon skis with tele bindings and have been problem-free, but it depends on your tele style and perhaps which binding you are using.

If you are more of a finesse skier and have never broken a tele binding or ripped one out of a ski, then you are probably OK with trying out a tele mount on a Helio 95. Also, the more screws the front half of the binding has, the better off you are -- e.g., 22 Designs bindings toe pieces all mount with six screws vs. four screws for many other tele bindings.

But why are you focused on the Helio Carbon 95? There are other similar skis with no binding restrictions. For example, the non-carbon Helio Recon 95 (descendant of the Route 95) has identical dimensions to the carbon version and is not that much heavier, and it has no binding restrictions. Others that come to mind are the K2 Wayback 96 and the Voile Ultravector. Note that Voile does not recommend using inserts on the Ultravector.

P.S. The Heli Stinx were great skis in their day.

Andy M wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 07, 2019 11:50 pm

But why are you focused on the Helio Carbon 95? There are other similar skis with no binding restrictions. For example, the non-carbon Helio Recon 95 (descendant of the Route 95) has identical dimensions to the carbon version and is not that much heavier, and it has no binding restrictions. Others that come to mind are the K2 Wayback 96 and the Voile Ultravector. Note that Voile does not recommend using inserts on the Ultravector.

P.S. The Heli Stinx were great skis in their day.

Thanks Andy - The Recons are about 1/2 lb heavier per ski. I was interested in that weight savings for the up. That said, I did order the Recons. Maybe the added stability from the poplar will make my descents more pleasurable, plus I won't be wondering if I'm going to pop my binding off during a big descent. I'm putting on the Voile Switchback X2s.

Definitely love those K2s!!

Mike

For the switchback, it's good you went with the Helio Recons. That ski has a metal binding plate in it so will hold a binding better. I think 22d, Bishop and Meidjo are ok without that but the 4 hole skis, it's good to have.

Helio Recon/Route is softer flexing than the Helio Carbon. Some/most prefer that for telemark since you can get the tail to flex easier and carve in soft snow. It's also going to be more durable than the Helio Carbon and more damp due to more fiberglass and less carbon.

Helio Carbon seems better for skiing fast, heavier skiers and counting grams for mountaineering.