Question about binding for Miuntain Race 48 Skis

[Jinto02]

So new to the forums but also new to XC in general. So my wife after visiting me though she would surprise me with some XC Skis (she knows nothing of XC as well) from a second hand store for a Christmas gift as I expressed interest in the sport but wasn’t sure if I wanted to fully commit, and bought the Mountain Race 48 in the right length, but my biggest worry is the bindings on the skis are Salomon Pilot Carbon RS which from all the research I have been looking is a skate binding and the MR48 are not a skate ski?!?!? So am I looking at having to buy new bindings for these skis to go with new boots or are these binding ok and just need to buy boots? I plan on mostly just ski on groomed trails to get my feet wet so to speak. Any info would be much appreciated as I cannot find almost anything about these skis.

[GrimSurfer]

There are three basic binding choices:

NN 3 pin 75mm
NNN BC
Xplore

Of these Xplore is the best. It’s also the most expensive. It’s a new binding, so boot choices are limited (and usually in the higher end of the price range). This is the binding I would choose, but I’ve been skiing for 30 years or so (a few years of heavier backcountry under my belt). I would not feel compelled, as a new skier, to go down this route.

NNN BC and NN are way more affordable. Greater boot selection in NN. Still lots in NNN BC boots though. The best thing is that you can find boots that suit mild to advanced skiing. Right now, you’d likely benefit the most from a lower cut, flexible boot for the skiing you’re planning to do.

When it’s time to move up in a few years, the boots will likely be worn out anyway.

[mca80]

There are three basic binding choices:

NN 3 pin 75mm
NNN BC
Xplore

As well as NNN and Solomon SNS Profil and SNS Pilot, all of which will be fine for groomed track skiing. Not sure on the Solomon binding on them already but internet says they're for skating, though I know nothing about that.

I would approach this with an eye to what you eventually want to do with the skis as well as what you are doing in the immediate future, and, what kind of boot you want. For anything in deeper snow and off track XC the NNNBC would probably be best choice and allows for warmer, sturdier boots. If flexible boots for track skiing is all you want, NNN is probably best. Downhill turns you may look at 3pin and Xplore, but those systems will be less than ideal for pure XC skiing and not good for a groomed track. When I first took up XC I knew I wanted to go through the woods and on gentle hiking trails, as well as some track skiing, and got NNNBC and, thanks to reco from someone here, Crispi Nordland boot from telemarkdown which is a great boot for this purpose. The boots are sturdy enough for moderate backcountry but flexible enough for good kick and glide, warm enough for me unless it's super cold, and supportive enough to handle moderate turns when I encounter them, and also quite affordable.

[spopepro]

Hi jinto! Welcome to the club! This is the spot for all things asnes… at least in the English speaking parts of the internet. It is a lovely and thoughtful gift from your wife.

I am unashamed in my love for the mountain race 48 and have taken mine on adventures big and small. Are yours the skin version or the wax version? (Skin version will say “skin” on the graphics)

You are correct that those bindings are intended for skate skiing and while it’s both possible to skate the MR48 and to stride with SNS (that binding standard) neither is a choice many of us would make.

Personally I would suggest getting new bindings for those skis. I have them mounted with NNN-BC manual, but it wouldn’t be inappropriate to use non backcountry NNN either.

In your dreams, how do you want to ski? Do you want to wander through forests, do fast laps at a local groomed trail, or start taking on big remote adventures? What gets you excited about skiing? That may help inform a recommendation on which way to go.

[エイダン.シダル]

Hi jinto! Welcome to the club! This is the spot for all things asnes… at least in the English speaking parts of the internet. It is a lovely and thoughtful gift from your wife.

I am unashamed in my love for the mountain race 48 and have taken mine on adventures big and small. Are yours the skin version or the wax version? (Skin version will say “skin” on the graphics)

You are correct that those bindings are intended for skate skiing and while it’s both possible to skate the MR48 and to stride with SNS (that binding standard) neither is a choice many of us would make.

Personally I would suggest getting new bindings for those skis. I have them mounted with NNN-BC manual, but it wouldn’t be inappropriate to use non backcountry NNN either.

In your dreams, how do you want to ski? Do you want to wander through forests, do fast laps at a local groomed trail, or start taking on big remote adventures? What gets you excited about skiing? That may help inform a recommendation on which way to go.

This is the answer, Jinto02. Don't get distracted by people listing every kind of binding that's ever existed. NNN BC if you'll spend more time out of groomed tracks; NNN if you'll spend more time in them. Myself, I'd get NNN with a boot that has better than average support, for NNN.

I'm very envious you got those skis, and found them cheaper than retail. That's a score!

[GrimSurfer]

Its tough choice with a ski like the MR 48. Dimensionally, it slots right in the middle between a racing ski and a full blown backcountry ski.

Something like a 44-43-44 (Salomon RC7, a track ski) would definitely be SNS… maybe NNN.

Something like a 98-69-88 (Fischer Sbound 98, a backcountry ski) would definitely require BC, 75mm or Xplore.

The MR is 60-48-53. Lots of side cut, so some turn potential down the road. Quite suitable for track skiing. Pretty much the narrowest ski for a backcountry binding.

I’d agree with @mca80 on a NNN type set up. Whether that ends up being NNN or NNN BC depends on where you want to take things.

What I’d strongly suggest, however, is a manual release on any NNN type binding.

Ski shops love pushing the automatic bindings. They’re OK, but not as durable or reliable as a manual release. I’ve watched too many track skiers messing around with auto bindings to be convinced otherwise.

[エイダン.シダル]

Another important consideration is that replacing the NNN skate bindings with NNN classic bindings uses the same holes. I believe that NNN BC uses the same toe pattern, and a different heel, but you'd need to confirm that.

I have switched bindings and filled old holes, but there's really no good reason to use another standard here: NNN, or NNN BC, suits this ski best.

[エイダン.シダル]

Now if you're very clever: switch for NNN classic, get NNN combi boots for ankle support, use the NNN skate bindings you took off on Nordic tour skates.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tour_skating

[Transplantskier]

Definitely consider combi boots like the Madshus Race Speed Combi. Light and really surprisingly supportive. I'd also strongly suggest some kind of moveable binding with an NIS plate or something similar.

[Jinto02]

Thank you all for the info I think the best course of action is to switch to a nnn binding for now as most stated. Thank you all for the fast responses