Questions on Meidjos Setup

[Chick Maldonado]

Hi,
I'm new here. I switched to telemark in 1988 after spending a few winters in Yellowstone/Cooke City. I'm happy with my old gear - Atomic Telemarks with Riva Cables for soft turns and easy days and Black Diamond Mystics with Viola CRBs at the resort. I like my 75mm Scarpa T2s. I'm 5'7", 165 lbs. I guess I'd rank myself as an advanced skier the first 5 runs of the day. After that, at 56 and few extra pounds, my skill drops to high intermediate... then drop... Ha. Trying to keep up with my 16 year old telemarking twin boys is now impossible. I'm ready to spend the big dollars on Meidjos. I hate spending the money but from what I see and read - they're the future. I like the super lightweight, the far superior edge control (never skied anything but 75mm), and I really like the fact I can lock the heel when necessary. I can parallel fine on my current gear but when it gets icy or big moguls (Midwest skier - yearly trips to Mt Bohemia and sometimes Red Lodge, Copper Mt) I want the heel locked in. The bindings are stupid expensive. What decent, economical ski and boot would you suggest? I'm fine buying using gear.
Thanks -

[Ricky]

I'm also an old guy, and last yearI switched to Meidjo's from 75mm, and I paired them with Scarpa TX Pros and Elan Ripstick 96. I absolutely loved the setup. I seem to recall seeing the TxPros on sale at various places earlier, but don't recall seeing the Ripsticks on sale. I liked the Meidjo's so much I'm even getting another pair to put on some powder skis. You can get Meidjo 2.1s on sale now (3.0 is coming out this Fall), which could also save you some money. I didn't get the alpine heel, but never felt the need for it. If you really want the alpine heel, I think the only boot that will work is Crispi.

[Johnny]

The bindings are stupid expensive.

And so are NTN boots and everything nice...

Your best bet for boots would be the one you can find used in your size... No matter the model or maker...
If you go for new boots, Scarpas are far superior for many reasons...

[Chick Maldonado]

I'm also an old guy...

Hey Thanks!
I did some quick research on the Elans - they're exactly what I'm looking for - an all around ski and it's been in production for a few years so I can probably get a pair at a reasonable price. I'm still interested in the fixed heel option - appears only Crispi makes new boots that will work. But I guess pre 2016 Scarpas have the heel insert - whatever that is. Need to do some more research. Rene Martin has Crispis - say he like them - there a utube review of the 2.0, Pretty old. Really appreciate the advice - Take care - Muns

[Chick Maldonado]

And so are NTN boots and everything nice...

Thanks - yes I've have great performance from all the Scarpas I've bought over the years for me and my kids - never bought anything else - I started off on a pair of Fibonaccis (or whatever they were called... the leathers with the buckle over the laces). What's your take on Crispi - lower quality - poor fit? Have no idea about what to look for in new boots - especially NTN. Well it's not rocket science.
Thanks for your advice - take care - Muns

[Chick Maldonado]

I'm also an old guy, and last yearI switched to Meidjo's from 75mm, and I paired them with Scarpa TX Pros and Elan Ripstick 96. I absolutely loved the setup. I seem to recall seeing the TxPros on sale at various places earlier, but don't recall seeing the Ripsticks on sale. I liked the Meidjo's so much I'm even getting another pair to put on some powder skis. You can get Meidjo 2.1s on sale now (3.0 is coming out this Fall), which could also save you some money. I didn't get the alpine heel, but never felt the need for it. If you really want the alpine heel, I think the only boot that will work is Crispi.

I've found a deal on 2020 Elan Ripstick 96 Skis on ebay - seems like a fair price - $454.99

I'm not clear on rear inserts - I understand Scarpa quit using them in 2016 so I have to buy older (pre 2016) Scarpas but Crispi still uses them.
I found these on ebay:
Crispi Evo Shiver NTN with Inserts Dynafit https://ebay.us/liZGcs

These don't look like they have inserts in the heel - but the description says they're have Dynafit Inserts - can you shed any light?
Thanks - Chick M

[Johnny]

I have owned all NTN boots... Garmont Prophets, Scarpa Terminators, Pros, Comps, Crispi Shiver, Evo, World Cup, Scott Voodoos etc... Scarpa boots really have the finest, most natural telemark flex. Rigid flex in the cuff and upper body, but with a nice flexing bellow. Nothing wrong with Crispi... Only they are quite the opposite: A softer upper flex with a super-stiff bellow... A lot of people appreciate that... Personally, I find the Crispi cuff/bellow flex combination has nothing to do with telemark... Also, I never found the perfect size with Crispi... Even half points are even way too big or way too small for me. And I had some problems with their clips on 2-3 pairs too... But that's only me... Now if the TX Comps had tech toes, I am not sure Crispi would still be around...

These don't look like they have inserts in the heel - but the description says they're have Dynafit Inserts - can you shed any light?

Dynafit inserts = the proper name for front inserts. Also, keep in mind those Shivers, while being very nice, are a low cuff, 3-buckle type boot... They do not have the full power of a regular boot... (Not sure if this older model had rear inserts...)

[Chick Maldonado]

I have owned all NTN boots...

Thanks a lot! I'm sticking with Scarpa then - I've only skied leathers and Scarpa and the transition was easy - the toe bellows flexed very similar to doubles.
Just found a possible demo deal on a pair of Voile V6s mounted with Meidjos - I've got a question in as to what model Meidjo - don't want 2.0s - and a picture of the setup. Keeping my fingers crossed the skis are in good shape and bindings are 2.1. If it works out i might be able to get setup for about a grand (if I can find some pre-2016 Scarpas - doubtful) and go without the Alpine Heel. Thanks Again!

[Ricky]

Make sure you're able to try on the boots, because Scarpa and Crispi fit very differently. It would take an awful lot of serious work by a boot fitter for me to wear Crispi's comfortably. I wanted to get a pair of their orange boots, but the fit wasn't right. I wouldn't consider buying a boot that didn't fit well, just for the alpine heel. I find the control with a Meidjo is so good I never feel the need to lock the heels down. I agree with the above--I sure wish Scarpa would make the TX Comp with front inserts.

[Chick Maldonado]

Make sure you're able to try on the boots....

Thanks! I'm stoked! I just bought a pair of 2019 demo Voile V6 mounted with Meidjo 2.1s with just a few demo days on them. They're shipping them today. Can't believe my luck - got them at 50% off - $600.
Now onto the boots. I'm gonna forget about the Alpine heel. I can parallel fine on my Riva old cable bindings (in most conditions). I just wanted the option (getting old and it'd be fun to try a locked heel again after 32 years). Being that I hear and read a fair amount of negative stuff about Crispi, I'm sticking with Scarpas.

Edit - also, just came to mind - the shop I'm buying them in California said Telemark is making a big come back out there - I found that hard to believe and actually thought it was a sales pitch - but the guy reiterated they've seen a big uptick in interest in the last year. Seems odd - but maybe the Meidjo is driving some new interest.