Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

Hi all! Looking for advice on a new setup. I was a longtime snowboarder with almost no alpine experience who switched to telemark in the last two years for some joy in my life. I have a pair of older Fischers (not sure the model) with G3's that I got from my brother-in-law which I use for resort skiing, using T2 ecos. Skill level is okay for a beginner, was skiing blue squares at Targhee this year while able to do most blacks here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Most of my skiing is out my backdoor though where we are talking mostly 100 feet vertical hills through trees. I started out with a pair of 179 S-bound 112s using T4s with a Voile 3pin cable then came across a deal I jumped on for 165 Rossi's 125 with X2 bindings that I use my T2s with (T2s honestly feel more comfortable than my T4s). I've been toying with the idea of the selling the Rossi's & T4s as my wife and I still will ski some groomed so the S-bounds seem smart to keep and the T2s are so comfy/versatile. We also have nordic setups but haven't touched them in four years now.

I was looking at the Voile V6 BC as a replacement for the Rossi's thinking that the rocker would keep me more on top of the snow while giving me a ski that I could improve upon. I see myself skiing mount bohemia here which is 900 feet vert and ungroomed (averages 300" per winter) more and more as I get better as well as an out west trip every year or two where we would be doing some touring/resort skiing. My brother-in-law recommended the Altai Hoks but I see it as a more lateral move from the Rossi's while I see the V6's (or similar) being something that I can progress into and keep in the quiver as I get old and grey. If I start doing more inbounds skiing I would snag a pair of the T1s as I don't see myself going NTN.

I know that the most frugal option would be to keep what I have and maybe my gear is just fine. But if there is better gear out there I have no problems with picking up a couple extra shifts to make my playtime more enjoyable. Again, I come from a snowboard background so ski length, width, rocker, etc can be challenging to translate. I'm 5'7" (170cm) and 165 lbs (75kg). Thanks everyone!

V6 is such a fantastic ski! One of my all-time favorites. Full of special sauce.

You will love, especially in soft snow. It is schmeary and floatable and it drives on mental magic. I think, "I want to go left" and it goes left. The trick is the narrower tail by proportion to the shovel and the softer flex in the tail. It's super forgiving but not a weak ass noodle. This ski is the shit.

It's not great on hardpack groomers, etc. It's just not. It'll do just fine, but there are more enjoyable skis out there for this. If you want a do-it-all soft snow ski, V6.

For some reference:
-6'2" 160lbs and I ski the 178 but have 183 for going out west. 178 is perfect east coast. Check out the weight suggestions Voile posts for different sizes.
-Mounted with X2's. This is important, I think, to drive the ski to get the most out of it.
-Great success with both T4 and T2. I would not get rid of the T4. It drives the V6 pretty goo with the X2. I use the T2 when I'm tackling bigger mountains and bigger days, and more technical stuff.
-I mounted -2cm back from recommended, I have big foot. I did not like the recommended mounting position.

LOVE this ski.

Altai wise, the HOK would be a backwards move. I'd recommend the KOM if you went in this direction, it's a real ski. It also schralps in tight corners and areas and is a ton of fun and squiggles with the best of them, the big tall tip saves my ass when I make a mistake. It's a bit short though, and doesn't float as much as the V6. If you're going west, V6.

You can't go wrong with either ski. If you want a SKI that responds well with big and small boots and can do both big mountain and small, and stand-up to some serious skiing-- V6.

V6 FTW

Thank you! I actually meant to say KOM, you'd think for only three letters I would get it right.

What Woodserson says, plus the Kom's would also be a fine contender in the V6 category; a bit more stout for variable conditions, but still quite tourable. While I've been on T2's and T1's for a couple decades, the T4 just doesn't work for me fit/flex wise; I could see dropping the 125's and T4's if you grab some Kom's or V6's. Just ski the T2's in walk mode, loose on the top buckle & power strap. Fit and comfort trump rule when it comes to boots.

I would have recommended the ultra vector, but if you don't have a dedicated powder board the V6 may be for you. Your future "ecstaticness" may depend on it.

I agree with Woods don't sell your T4s, with a few more years experience they may be all the boot you need for what you do. In the mean time take advantage of the extra stability you get from the T2s.

Not much to add to the advice above. I'm in the UP and ski Vector BCs for skiing similar to what you describe. IMO, use the T2s for Bohemia and more challenging terrain but also keep the T4s for longer tours and less demanding terrain.