Backcountry Access Cobra R8 Telemark Ski Binding

I'm a 99% resort skier, and I have these on several pairs of skis. They give you a ton of lateral control and make you feel much more confident than you probably should be. They're pretty painful for ascends, as there is no easy way to unlock the cartridges -- but they're clearly not advertised as touring bindings. The heel lift broke off on both of my pairs after 10-20 days of downhilll use -- oh well, I don't miss it, I won't be using these for ascends. These are so good that I gave away a pair of BD O2s on a freebie pair of skis I got and paid money for the R8s. I haven't had any of the problems other reviewers described -- keeping my fingers crossed.

I'm a 99% resort skier, and I have these on several pairs of skis. They give you a ton of lateral control and make you feel much more confident than you probably should be. They're pretty painful for ascends, as there is no easy way to unlock the cartridges -- but they're clearly not advertised as touring bindings. The heel lift broke off on both of my pairs after 10-20 days of downhilll use -- oh well, I don't miss it, I won't be using these for ascends. These are so good that I gave away a pair of BD O2s on a freebie pair of skis I got and paid money for the R8s. I haven't had any of the problems other reviewers described -- keeping my fingers crossed.

Three times the back wire of the binding came out of the plastic host, and could not go back. The host part was stripped. Ordinarily these bindings are GREAT, and this is a second set, but these seem to be defectively made.

I have owned 3 separate pairs of this binding and would absolutely NOT recommend them. I have had many problems with them including the hardwire bending, the cartridges slipping out of position, ice buildup on toe plate, climbing pins coming up with out warning, and most importantly this binding will come undone without warning. It is affectionately known as the "Death Binding". I will attribute an MCL tear in my knee to the death binding 100%. Pick something else!!!!!!!!!!!

Ordered two pairs, for adult sons for Christmas. These guys had this binding for several years and loved it. The new bindings however, well one was defective and the heel came out while skiing. This store accommodated and overnight shipped a replacement. Two weeks later same happened w/replacement. These guys, again were to the rescue with an overnight replacement. But why did it happen? Just a fluke ... but made me wonder why. Generally, these bindings are terrific.

I love these bindings, especially for the increased lateral/edge control they offer. I have them mounted on some G3 Siren skis and the bindings only improve the skis' performance -- in the bumps, trees, steeps, and powder. I've never had a maintenance issue with these bindings and in fact, I just bought another pair for my new skis. I highly recommend them.

These bindings performed very well for the first season I used them. They provided very good ski control for any condition. About half way through the second season, the tension on the cartridges began to slip making it difficult to find a good balance point in my turns. Then the hardwire snapped in half where it connects to the toe piece. I replaced the hardwire and they have since snapped 2 more times. The replacement pieces are expensive and hard to find. This is not a good feature in the backcountry, or when you spend $85 for a lift ticket and then can't ski.