First I am a big G3 fan they are a very stand- up company, great customer service! The G3 Ascent Bindings are a revolution in Tele Touring. I didn't know how hard I'd been working until those first few steps in the new binding. Perhaps 30% less effort. Trail breaking in pow is a new experience, no more submarine tip they simply float to the top with each step without that thigh pull up. And then there is that little AT kick back and turn ankle turn for the switchbacks!!! Initially there was some sticking when changing modes, I found a good squirt of "White Lightning" Chain Lubemade the whole thing work like a swiss watch. Descending is pretty good too. In the Pow and tight trees I didn't noticemuch difference with the 40mm rise and "wedge". I haven't tried the BD binding. For anyone who "earns their turns" this is well worth the money! If you are always way ahead of your friends on the uptrack disregard this review.

The G3 Targa Ascent binding is not compatible with the predrilled holes on K2 skis without drilling 2 additional holes per ski (under the release part of the binding) and require special K2 Ascent screws (which are not the same K2 screws that come with your skis).

I got these bindings and mounted them on a pair of fat Seth Pistols - they've been great. As far as touring, the free pivot is definitely rad - I've toured in regular G3 Roxy bindings with no pivot, and these are definitely a huge improvement. Also, the entire heel really does easily flip up to become a climbing bar - I'm not sure if that will cause more wear than if it were just a climbing wire, but I do know that trying to get the wires up and down on my old Roxy bindings while touring was really hard, took forever, and ended up being a real pain in the arse. So, big improvement there as well. I didn't get any snow build-up under the foot yet. Very secure when locked down.