Jack Wizo

I've got 193 Patrons with Duke's, and they ski great. The Patrons are the same as the Unleashed Hell, but a different core, and about 20% heavier. I use them mostly in bounds, lift served terrain, but have done some walking on them, too. They are a bit heavy for long tours and day long missions in the backcountry, but the duke and the Unleashed Hell were designed for side country, not as a light-weight touring ski.
I'm getting a pair of 193 Helldorado's which I'll mount with Pivot binders for my inbounds only ski, but the Patron is great for an every day ski, and I've been told the Unleashed Hell is pretty much the same ski, but lighter weight. Hope they treat you well!

I've got the 192 mounted with Hammerheads. I love them. The New Life is my resort/powder specific ski. While I ride my JJ's or EHP's with Axl's in the backcountry, I feel like the New Life is still a fairly light rig, and could skin as well as any other fatty.
The New Life really pops in powder, holds an incredible edge when you need it, and is as nimble in tight spots as you could need. What I like most about them, though, is their stomping prowess. They are big, super stiff, and stomp the hell out of anything you huck.
I have mine mounted 3cm behind center. Tele skiing a symmetrical ski is interesting, and takes some getting used to, but I think a full center mount is not the best way to go when freeing your heel. I like the widest point of my boot (right behind the bellows) to be at the center, rather than the mid sole.
These are wide, stiff, light, nimble landing gear, for the discriminating free-heeler.

I tour on the JJ 185 with Axl telemark bindings. They are an excellent touring setup for those missions that take you to high consequence terrain, where you want a stable ski, that won't wear you out on the skin up. They come in at 9.5 lbs per pair.

Since the Piton isn't that wide of a ski, the X2 should run them no problem. Voile builds a terrific binding, and backs it up with an excellent warranty. I would choose the X2 over the 01 any day. For skis over 110 underfoot, though, I'd choose nothing but the 22 Designs Axl, especially if you like to charge hard and jump off of things.

I wear a Medium Higgins, and an XL in the Quantum and Iceman. I'm also 6' and 150 lbs. The Higgins fits me really well, with enough room for a mid-weight puffy layer underneath. The Quantum is my baggy jacket and covers my butt. The Large is pretty big, and it would probably have been a better fit, but I like the baggy style in my shell. The Iceman Medium did not fit me, either, so I decided to go with the XL. Again, I probably could have fit better in the Large, but steez prevails, again. As far as pants go, I wear a Large in the Stash pant, and the Chemical. I like the fit better when I'm tele skiing, since it doesn't catch on my knees or boots. The XL pants sure would look nice, though.

01's do not compare to Axls. Most tip dive issues are not a result of equipment, but rather technique. I ski with my Axl's mounted center, or a few cm behind. A taller, stronger stance will help alleviate your tip dive problems.

I'd try the standard rod. It'd be better to have the rods screwed in farther, than have the threads sticking out too far, and creating a weak flex point in the rod. There's a little leeway with the sizing, but sizing up would definitely be the better way to go.
Enjoy!

It's possible, but without the 3 pins in the front to redundantly secure the boot, there is a chance that the boot will bend more than the cable (or rods) and flex right out of the toe bail. If I were to use leather boots, I'd use the 3 pin hardwire, or the 3 pin cable binding, instead. Or Rainy Superloops if I could find a pair.

Yeah, the short rods will work for you.

Mens size 8 is 26 mondo, right? That would put you in the short rod group. Good luck!

Yes, they have the same "standard four hole mounting position."

Probably the T1.

Answers:
1. The Axl offers the same downhill performance as the HH, but only offers three points of action adjustment (how strongly the binding pulls your heel back to the ski) whereas the HH has five.
2. The free-pivot TOURING system allows the Axl binding to pivot at the front, free of resistance, for use when skinning uphill, taking away a lot of the effort it would take with the heel assemblage pulling your heel back down.
3. Yes. Also, you can get stiffer springs for either the Axl or the HH.
Enjoy!

The 22 Designs Hammerhead, Axl, and Bombshell all use the same six hole mounting pattern. Black Diamond, Voile, and G3 all use a four hole mounting pattern. Mounting 22 Designs bindings on a ski formerly mounted with G3's will not be an issue. If you do put the Hammerheads on your skis, I would recommend mounting them a few centimeters forward of your previous mounting position, because the Hammerheads are much more active and responsive, and you'll probably feel like the carpet is being pulled out from under you if you don't have enough tail. I prefer my 22's mounted with the bellows of the boot at the boot center marking of the ski, or a few cm forward of that.
Enjoy. Hammerheads are the bees knees.

159: 3.2 lbs. 169: 3.8 lbs. 175: 4.2 lbs.
Kuku 170 is 4.6 lbs, I believe.

Sno-seal them, and they're really waterproof, and really solid. Good choice, and pretty cheap, too.

I think the JJ is a better ski, for sure. It's a tad stiffer, and I think they're bullet proof. You're right along with me on size, maybe a bit heavier, and I debated to go for the 195 AKJJ, but I'm really happy with the 185. I've been using it for patrol work and have put it through the ringer. It transitions seamlessly from wind-buff, to powder, to groomer, to machine-made, packed ice, and kills it. Ditto what Ian Provo says: They truly are the best skis ever made.

182 if east of the rockies, 189 otherwise.

I'd say neither, and go for the 196. That'll be plenty big for you. 184 will be way too small, and a 190 probably will be, too.
Also, @dvt: what?

The 192 shouldn't be a problem for you. The Armada AK JJ might be a little better, though, as it is stiffer, and a bit longer.

They will hold an edge on about anything except glare ice. They are chattery at high speeds when the runs aren't soft, but when you have them on edge, they'll grab.

189 would be a good choice for you. I'm the same height and weight as you, and I'd prefer the longer ski since there is such dramatic early rise and such a short running length with these. You'll appreciate the extra length in the powder, and it won't be noticed on any hard pack you may encounter. If it were getting into the 193+ range, then I'd give it a second guess, but a 179 would seem pretty short for you or me.

I'm really considering a pair of DH for tele. I'll mount 'em with Axl's, probably, since they're not too big (right?) for touring. If I don't get these, I'll be getting something similar, but I still want something huge for deep days. Maybe the genome.
My thoughts for alpine skis as telemark skis are this: Skis are skis. Modern boots and bindings have closed the gap now, and with telemark skiers entering alpine comps, that's all the proof you need, really. It's all a style preference, now. If the flex feels good, and you like the shape, go for 'em.
Good luck, pal. Enjoy!

I'd either go 176, or 182. If you like to go fast, stomp big airs, and will be skiing steep and deep, or are a heavier guy, I'd go for the 182. The "mini rocker" will make it ski a little shorter than you'd think, but you don't need to size up a big amount like you would for a full reverse camber or early rise ski. I guess I'd push the longer ski, but if you like to make lots of tight turns and farm your runs, a shorter ski would be better.
If you like to go big, then go big. Enjoy!

Yeah, send it back to bc.com, and get a new set of Axl's. It's a far better binding, and cheaper, too. It's too bad that your binding busted on the first turn. Really. I hate to hear that kind of thing. Those kinds of failures are just the nature of the BD 01, along with binding pull-out, cartridge loosening and breaks, etc. Do yourself the biggest favor you can in the telemark world, and get some Axl's. Read the reviews. Axl's are the best.
If you are set on keeping them, (and us tele skiers can be quite bull-headed, I know) then send the bindings back to BD, and they'll warrantee them. Backcountry.com's warranty is really better, though. They'll take anything you got from them, and give you back exactly what you paid, no questions asked.
Also, if you want to keep them, go ahead and get the backcountry repair kit and extra cartridges, too. They WILL break again. Guaranteed.
Sorry, again for your missed powder day. Major bummer. Hope the beer was tasty and cold in the bar.
Good luck!

01's on the Guide?! Talk about overkill! Waaaaaaaayyyyy heavy binding for such a light ski. I'd get some Voile Switchbacks for those, or even just some 3 Pin Hardwires. The Voile's would be far lighter and far cheaper while giving you all the support and rigidity you'd need for those waxless Karhu Guides. Yeah, I'd say that either of those Voile's would be perfect for those sticks.

02's would be a be the best option of the two for intermediate skiing. 03's are more of a beginner binding- they don't offer very much activity or stiffness. Really, though, I've skied every tele binding out there, and the only bindings I'll ride are 22 Designs. The Axl and the Hammerhead are the best there is.

quiroz- you're supposed to mold the liners with the boots fastened "snug," not tight, and definitely not the point of pain. All that does is pack the liners out. What you should have done is put a toe cap on, and then loosened the top buckles to half the tightness you prefer when skiing, then for the the first half of the mold time, stand in the boots with a 2x4 under the toes of the boots. This helps with heel retention as well as keeping the top of the foot from being squished.
Seriously examine your boot liners to make sure they are not too packed out, since that will decrease their life. If it's all good, then congrats. Good enough.
Paul- that's not the ONLY option, nor is it a very good one.

Man up! Position 1 will be fine for you, but the Axl gives more power, and you are big enough to drive them. The Axl is the best tele binding on the market. Try skiing your HH's in Position 3, and get used to a more active flex. It will vastly improve your skiing, since you are a big guy. You've got an inch and forty-five pounds on me, and I ride stiff springs and position 3 (or HH 5). I'm not super strong or anything, but the active flex keeps my style tight and powerful, which is why I ride the HH and Axl. Just try it, and be more aggressive, and I'll bet you'll learn to love them!
Enjoy!

Take your liners into to get remolded, and make sure the heel cup is in a good position on your foot. Yes, it does take more force to flex forward, but that is what you want. Stop trying to put your knee down so much, and stay tall. It will improve your form, and give you room to absorb impact.
If you're a lightweight skier, then you'll want to use those forward pin positions, but if you're bigger, and stronger, then you probably just need to adjust your technique. Be more aggressive, and the Axl will deliver all the power you need, right back to you.
Enjoy!

The new Obsethed is the perfect dimension and rocker profile for the type of skiing you're describing. The new 'bents are a bit too cartoony shaped for the day to day ski in backcountry and typical terrain that a normal, aggressive, daily skier would encounter. If you're not going to be spinning and landing switch a lot, then there's not much reason to have the 'bents. Obsethed will be your go to ski, if you choose it.
Good luck, and happy turns!

If you get the 185 you'll be able to go faster, and stomp bigger. Go for a ski that's taller than you. You're tall enough to go for the 185, and your weight will not be that much of a factor.
I really don't think 185 will be too long at all, and will keep you more centered and stable in choppy conditions.
175 may feel a little short, due to the large amount of tip and tail early-rise.
It'll be easy for you to get used to a longer ski, but if you're on something too short, you're going to feel like you're wheeling out and not have that stability of a longer running length that is necessary for fast speeds, big drops, or railing big turns on steeps.
If you're going to be in tight trees more than anywhere else, a 175 might be better for you, but the 185 will still make snappy turns and be responsive enough to make those emergency snap-turns you need to avoid those thick maples.
Enjoy!

175 cm JJ is going to make you a hero. Early rise tip and tail will make it ski shorter, so you'll be fine going for a longer ski than you'd normally consider.
For powder skiing, and any type of skiing for that matter, if you charge hard and like to go fast, it's best to have a ski that is taller than you.
If you really think it's too much, you could also look into the 4FRNT CRJ at 172cm.
The SFB or Hellbent is a very different ski than the JJ or CRJ. Early rise and early taper in the JJ and CRJ make for great crud busting, and no chance of catching an edge. The 'bents and Bacons have a traditional sidecut, and will give you a more "hooky" feeling coming into a turn. This will allow for a more playful feel in powder.
I feel that the early taper combined with a little camber underfoot offers the best combination of hardpack and powder performance.
The JJ or the CRJ would be the best choice if you want one ski that will make you a hero in any type of snow.

Axls if you'll be doing any sort of backcountry riding. Hammerheads are the only other binder I'd consider for these skis. If you're considering getting this ski, you are probably a fairly aggressive skier, and for that, you want an aggressive, responsive, and active binding. 22 Designs Axl and Hammerheads are truly the best out there if you've got 75mm boots. If you're into the NTN thing, they would be a fine set to throw on the JJ.
I opted for the Bluehouse Maestro instead of the JJ, because they're made right here in Utah, and have much better customer service. The 189cm Maestro is a better size for me, at 6' 150 lbs, and I love how they ski in crud, powder, or groomers. One ski quiver. I have Bomber Bishop bindings on mine, but I think Hammerheads would be just as good. Maestro's come in a 178 length, too, so they're a great ski for anyone, except real short people.
Early rise, early taper tip and tail, flat camber. 134/118/131.
Check them out: http://www.factorydirectskis.com/discount-skis/skis-name/skis-maestro.html
Only $400, and they have the best customer service and warranty I've ever seen.
Enjoy, whatever ski you may choose. Happy turns!

The Chetler's are awesome, but not much for park riding. Chris uses them for everything, but I could not justify paying $700 for a ski that I'd be thrashing around. For only $400, you can get the Bluehouse Maestro, with the same materials, and more attention to detail. Handmade in SLC, UT, Bluehouse skis kill the competition, in price, quality, and customer service/warranty.
178cm or 189cm, 134/118/131, flat camber underfoot, early rise, early taper tip and tail. Floats everything, smooths crud, trenches groomers.
Check it out: http://www.factorydirectskis.com/discount-skis/skis-name/skis-maestro.html
With the $300 you save, you can buy a whole lot of beer, nachos or other gear.

Sorry, but nope. The Push is a 75mm telemark specific boot. Some NTN boots are set up to be dynafit compatable, but that's the closest to a crossover there is.
Good luck.

Go for the 173. It will be a good length for you because you're kind of tall, but like to make shorter turns. The Shogun has a tight turn radius and a sof,t rockered nose that will allow you to make quick, snappy turns, and blast through beat up crud-snow. The 164 would definitely be too short, but if you liked to go faster, and straighter, the 182 would suit you well.
The 173 will be best, though.
Good luck.

They are a great Tele ski. If you are going to be riding more soft, deep snow, I would choose the Czar. They both have a fairly tight turn radius, and are great mounted with an aggressive binding like the Hammerhead. Lighter bindings like the Switchback or the BD 02/01 can still drive them, though. They have a soft, forgiving tip shape, that is great for telemarking, because it doesn't hook you into your turns too much. The slight tip rocker adds to the forgiveness and makes soft snow easier to ski, while keeping a buttery nose for parks and switch stomps.

Yeah, it'll carry your fatties. Pollard and his crew use 'em no problem.

If you bought the Ascents from backcountry.com, you should return 'em for a full refund, and get some
Axls (for touring) or Hammerheads (resort mostly.) You will not regret it.

Unless you would like to have a free-pivot touring option, then you should get the 22 Designs Axl. If you are going to be doing mostly front side runs, with an occasional foray into the slack country, quick rolling ascents, then the Hammerhead is your choice for power and reliability. I'll never my first day on my Hammerheads at Alta, after ditching my Targa Ascents: Beautiful. Skied lines with grace and power I never knew I had. 22 Designs make the best bindings out there.
Enjoy!

Go for the 179, since K2s tend to run a bit long. If you like to stomp big shit, go fast, and can handle big boards, the 189 will be good. The 179 would be slightly lighter for BC runs, but, it's really up to you. If it were me, I'd go for the 189, but that's just because I think big skis are the best.

The Atlas is pretty heavy for touring. If you want a good deal, check out Bluehouseskis.com. They have incredible skis, for about half the price of anything else. The Maestro is comparable to the 4frnt CRJ, Armada JJ, or BentChetler, and the Shoots are a lot like the Atlas. They have two new skis this year: A narrower version of the Shoots, called the Tight Shoots, and a narrowed down version of the Maestro, called the Monarch. If you're doing school in Utah, you can feel good about supporting a local business. If you're at the UofU, you can go down to their shop in the basement, just down the hill from the Pi Pizzaria.
I love my Maestros, and can't say enough good about them. The District is another great ski from Bluehouse, too.
Also look into Surface skis- the Live Life and One Life are great skis.
Good luck!

Second that. If you are able to find an '09/'10 model, you should get it. I'm pretty sure that any shop that carried them, sold out completely. Buy from Backcountry.com, though, and you'll have a lifetime satisfaction guarantee and can return them for a complete refund anytime- even if it's years later. Happy turns!

The JJ is the best one ski quiver for a freeskier you can find. Light, nimble, perfect flex, and perfect shape. With the early rise/early taper, you glide over the powder until you want to sink in, then with the normal camber under-foot, you pop out and off of anything. JJ is the ski you want, and the 185 would be perfect for you. You will be happy.
Happy turns.

185, for sure. It'll give you better float, and let you go lots faster, too.

Ah, you need 75mm duck billed Telemark boots to run these bindings. Other than that, these are a great choice, and you'll never need to upgrade. Best tele binding around.

Weak sauce. This binding has too much weakness in the sauce to throw those Hellbents around the way they need to be pushed. I would only suggest going with 22 Designs Axl (for touring/resort) or Hammerhead (for primarily resort.) 22 Designs bindings offer more control than any other binding on the market. They're affordable, reliable, and made in Teton Valley, USA. Great customer service, and great bindings.
If you're looking for a releasable binding, you should look into the NTN from Rottefella.
Voile bindings are ingeniously designed, lightweight, and also USA made with great customer service, however, I've never seen anyone or been able to myself, throw down and kill it. You're pretty much right, though, that these binders pretty much are bought by the "easy skiers."
I can't say enough good about 22 Designs bindings. The hardest charging guys out there use them. 6 hole mount is better than 4. Fewer parts, means fewer parts to fail. Unchanged design means that it's perfect.
PS: There was a guy in Mammoth making universal release kits for tele bindings...I'll see if I can find a link for that.
Anyway, go for the Axl or Hammerhead.

Definitely overkill. Go for the 22 Designs Lite Dogs. The Dogs still have wide wings for more control, but weigh a lot less, and are pretty much ideal for meadow skipping and touring. If you're not going to be throwing down hard lines and stomping big, the dogs are the answer. Get a pair of Axls on some wider, more downhill oriented skis, and you'll have a perfect quiver. Hope that helps.
Other binders to consider would be the Voile Switchback, which is a lighter weight, not as aggro, free pivot binding, or the 3 Pin Hardwire, which is lighter weight, still, and just locks into the three pin holes of your 75mm boot. The T1 might seem like overkill on those skinny touring skis, but it's not going to hurt performance at all- they're just a little heavy.
Good luck, and happy turns!

The Zealot is not a playful ski at all. Try something with a lot of flex, a lot of width, and early rise or reverse camber. There's a lot out there, but playful is pretty much synonymous with reverse camber these days, so look at the K2 ObSethed, the Armada JJ, the Surface Live Life, or something like that. The Verdict and the El Hombre are more traditional skis for linking up quick, snappy turns, and laying out pretty conservative lines. Rocker is what you want. For backcountry, you'd be happy with some Voile Drifters.
Good luck.

You need to go for the width closest to the widest part of the ski. So, 140 is pretty close to 140, so I would go with 140. Yeah. Remember to trim your skins so that the edge of the ski is still exposed to grip when you're side-stepping. Check out BD's skin trimming video for help and FAQ. Good luck, and happy turns!

Just get the Axls or Hammerheads. They are the two best bindings on the market. Axl for touring, HH for downhill.

That tends to happen when you press p-bex into steel repeatedly. Won't affect anything, but hey, you might as well get some Hammerheads or Axls, just 'cause they're better and might not leave imprints in the toe. Or get NTN's.
I wouldn't worry about it, though. That's just how it is.

Bent Chetlers are almost a cm wider, and are a bit heavier. Either ski is amazing and will be awesome if you like playful lines, charging, spins, whatever. The CRJ from 4FRNT is incredible, too, as well as the Bluehouse Maestro, or Moment Night Train. I went with the Maestro, 'cause they were half the price, and have the best warranty/service, plus they're local (SLC.) The JJ and BC have camber under foot, and a shorter turn radius than the Maestro or CRJ. All have similar early taper, early rise. They will skim the surface of everything, and never hook tips.
Good luck with your decision.

The "tour throw" is a gimmick. Crank 'em down tighter, and if that doesn't work, you'll SOL. Sorry, but maybe it's time to invest in some Axls.

Cables will give you better performance, by far, especially if you're using hard boots.

Size large is for 25.5 and above. Mondo sizing is all three numbers added together so, 25.5 is 2 + 5 +.5 = 7.5. You'll want large, but a half point. There's more room to go smaller than larger. Hope that helps,
enjoy!

I definitely wouldn't recommend the Super S7 unless you're over 200lbs and 6'3" and ski hard. The Gotama is very different from the S7 in a lot of respects, and to best determine the ski for you, you should really demo them. Your question is way too vague to give a simple answer. Unless we know your dimensions, style, geography, and ability, no one can tell what to recommend.

Yes. BD and G3, along with Voile and Rottefella (cobras) all work on the same "standard four hole mounting pattern." Do yourself a favor, though, and go for some Hammerheads. Different mounting pattern, but such a better binding! 02's will be an improvement over your Targas, though. Enjoy!

179 for sure. You could go for the 189, even. I'm 6' 160, and I I don't ride anything under a 185 now.

For your weight I would go for the 182. At 5'9" you could be short enough for a 173. I would go for the 182, though, since you'll be enjoying deep powder with these sticks, and longer will be better. The rocker tip will also make the ski feel slightly shorter- most pronounced on hardpack. Rocker allows you to go for a longer ski, so I would choose 182. It definitely won't be too long for you, but you might find that the 173 sinks tips too much. However, if you don't think you'll be skiing huge pow, and like lots of tight turns and tree runs, the 173 would be good. Enjoy.

I'm not sure on the 09 model having tip rocker, but tip rocker is definitely worth having. Early rise tips make for a much better ski in soft and variable snow. It is much more forgiving and plows over chunky, cut up snow. Think about it: A cambered ski adds pressure to the forward and back points of the ski, so when the tip encounters bumps, it works actively against the chop by pressing into it. With an early rise tip, your ski tip planes over the bumps, smoothing the ride. It's amazing that this is just getting recognition by "normal" skiers. Early rise will make you a better skier. Enjoy!

Go for the Turbo. Even a minimal amount of rocker will increase your performance in soft snow and crud. The early rise will also make your transitions smoother, and lend to a more forgiving feel. You will definitely want to with the 182's. The 175's would be easier to turn, but once you get more comfortable on your skis, you'll want something longer to let you float better, go faster, and stomp bigger drops. The Turbo will not sacrifice anything on the groomers, but will help you ski smoother in chopped snow and fresh powder. I can't say enough how much better rocker is than traditional camber. You'll love them. Enjoy!

Save yourself twenty bucks and go for the 125mm. The tip width is 130 on those 94's, so when you trim off the 2mm edge portion, you'll be down to 125mm anyway.

How old are your Scratch BC's? The candyland ones are the same ski as the S6. You binders will work fine on them.

T Race all the way. Generally, in the alpine skiing world, the recommendation is to go for softer boots, but telemark boots already have the forward flex built in that you need for shock absorption and avoiding shin-bang. The T Race will give you the closest to alpine boot performance in the park and pipe. There's really no contest with telemark park boots. The T Race is the absolute best.
If you'll be doing little tricks and just hitting rails or rollers, you'd probably be able to get away with the Push or T2. Really, though, if you'll be killing it in the park, you'll want the T Races, for sure.

T1's for sure. Size up to a 27, if that's what you need. In my opinion, the T1 is the best boot for aggressive skiers who prefer backcountry, and resort skiing. Year after year, the T1 has proven to be the superior boot for hard charging tele skiers. With over 200 days on my four buckle T1's, they barely show it, and I'm sure I'll get at least that much more out of them. Enjoy!

Check with BD and see if they'll do something about it. It's early enough in the production of these boots, that BD is probably looking for as much feedback as they can get, so they can improve and address problems. Good luck.

Get a pair of rockered or early rise skis. Camber blows for powder skiing. Check out bluehouseskis.com and look at the Maestro or Maven. They only come in 189, but they are awesome skis, and the are under $400 new. If you want something shorter, look at the Rossignol S7, the 4FRNT CRJ, the K2 ObSethed or Hellbent, or the Armada JJ.

Usually new gear comes out in October. Nick, Noah, and the likes get stuff early, obviously, but I honestly can't answer that one precisely. I did a little checking and can't pin anything down for sure. I'd suggest contacting Scarpa via email, or Brian the Scarpa guy probably has better info. Remember, you can always buy the T Races now, and return them if you like the new one's more when they come out. Good luck, and happy turns!

Agreed! Wrap around is way better. One of the main reasons I don't like Garmont boots is because of the tongued liner.

Definitely go long. 182 will be great. With rockered skis, you can go longer. Dynafits run true, and aren't going to be longer than you think. Go for long skis. Early rise and rocker mean that you can finally get the sticks you need to land big drops and float the deep snow. Longer is better.

Next years Seths seem really cool. I'm not a big fan of K2 skis, but the 117 waist is just about perfect for anything, and really great for powder with more early rise. If you're looking for a powder specific ski for jibbing the backcountry, then the Hellbents will kill it. The '11 ObSethed will be great at that, too, but also shred groomers, chop, and straight line tight runs and AK terrain. It's Seth's new model, and that dude has only gotten better at skiing. His skis have progressed likewise. The Seth will definitely be more versatile, but if you'll just be flopping your carcass down the hill like Andy and Pep, then the new 'Bents will probably be even better.

I've got about 200+ days on mine, and have no issues. The liners are fine, and the boots are totally solid. I've never heard about a 150 day life span- there are folks who've put three times that use into their T1's. I don't know why your boots would break down. DId you have the liners heat molded?
I don't see why you would have to buy a new pair of boots, unless yours are totally hammered. Scarpas are not iPods- they aren't built to break down after a certain life time. Your T1's should be fine. If you could describe the problems you're having in greater detail, I might be able to help you more. I'm sure there is a solution, other than buying a new pair. Did you buy them from backcountry.com?

The waist is 107, so 110 will be perfect. Enjoy!

The Bacon would be a better choice for a quiver of one. The EP Pro is a powder specific ski, and is very soft. If you will never be skiing anything but powder, the EP is a good choice. If you'll be skiing variable snow, then I would suggest the Bacon and Barons as your new setup.

I'll second John's vote for the 179. K2 skis run a few cm longer than others, so a 179 is going to be more like a 183. The rocker will shorten the effective edge of the ski, which will be noticeable only on firm snow. Also, you may want to wait for next years model- it's getting even wider, although the graphics won't be as cool. Also, next years Seth's will be 117 underfoot, so, they'll be much better for powder. Happy turns!

Glad I could help, but sorry, Stefan, I think you have me confused with someone else. Hope this season ends on a high note, and next season is even better! Enjoy!

If you're going to be skiing playful lines and landing switch a lot, then the 'Bents would be the best choice. If you tend to backseat powder lines and ski gracefully or technically, the Pontoons would be a better option. The Hellbents would most likely require more effort to ski them, but the Pontoons aren't exactly a novice level ski, either. It sounds like with a crummy knee, you'll not be taking huge drops or switch landings. I'd vote Pontoon.

If your rear ski tip is diving, you need to adjust your stance. Bring your feet together and stand up taller and straighter. Stiff, active bindings give the best control, so I rock the most active position. This action won't push your ski tip down in deep snow. If your having tip dive, or crossing your rear ski, you simply need to tighten your stance. Don't let your knee get behind your ankle. Also, rockered, or early rise skis will eliminate tip dive, and keep you much happier in soft snow. Really, I think you just need to get used to a more active binding, and once you are, your skiing will seriously improve. Enjoy!

Try the new T1's or T Races. The 'notorious' narrow fit is not necessarily a given with the new Scarpas. The thermal liner is great, and will allow you to custom fit your foot in there for unmatched comfort. I have a narrow heel, and a very wide ball of foot, but my T1's are great. I hear the BD boots have a nice heel cup and a unique liner system, but the reliability and quality of my Scarpas have withstood the test of time and use. I am hard on my gear. When I bought my T1's, I knew that I would use different skis, change bindings, upgrade year after year, but I knew that my T1's would stick with me and offer comfort and reliability, unsurpassed by Garmont, Crispi, or BD. I know a lot of people say Garmonts are for wide, 'hobbit footed' folks, but I wear skate shoes, and Birkenstocks, and found the EnerG's to be way too floppy and roomy. Scarpas all the way! The new ('10/'11) T Races will have a walk mode, too by the way, and they'll be red again next year, too!

I'm pretty sure they will, but if you get the wires from Voile, they are cheaper. If you choose G3, make sure you get the 8mm base.

The X Terrains are not a ski meant for great downhill performance. They go both up the hill and down fairly well, but are what I would consider to be a "utility ski." This means, you can go up the hill on them, cut down a Xmas tree, and haul it down. Or, for cutting wood around the yurt/cabin. Meadow skipping, golf courses, pastures, and parks are good terrain for this ski. Since you won't be cranking huge, fast turns, a cable binding is not the best option. Chances are, you're not going to get those X Terrains up to enough speed to have them eject. The step-in ease of the Lite Dogz will make your ski easier to use, and will still offer enough action to allow you to make good turns when you want. As far as changes in the CRB, they say it's easier to get back into after ejecting, but I don't have any beta to back that up. I personally feel that the Lite Dogz would be a much better option for the skis you're talking about. The new heel attachment on the telebulldog makes the dogs even better. Check out http://www.burntmtn.com/main.html Hope that helps. Good luck!

125 would be the absolute minimum width I would suggest using on these. 140mm skins will give you the best coverage. Voile makes skins that are the same material, but come in 140mm, and BD makes split skins that are wider, too. If you have edge showing, you will tend to slip when traversing. 125mm would do the job, but you'll have far less issues if you go wider.

172. 180 will be a lot for you unless you're really throwing down. You will love this ski, though. Enjoy!

DON'T GET 02'S!!! The ONLY binder that will drive those boards to their full potential is the Hammerhead! I ski on Bluehouse Maestros and wouldn't even dream (a nightmare, really) of putting anything other than Hammerheads or Bombers on them. 02's suck. If you want floppy heels and rocker launch, then the 02's will suit you. If you want the most out of those 'bents, though, you need Hammerheads. Anyone who has HONESTLY skied both and compared, as I have, would never say that the 02 is comparable to the Hammerhead. There is NO comparison. Hammerheads are king!
Also, next years Hellbents are getting fatter, and so is the ObSethed, which at 117 (next year) would be about the perfect tele ski for Utah bc and inbounds shredding in any condition.
There are plenty of folks tele skiing on 'bents, but I'd consider checking out the Bluehouse Maven or Maestro, seeing as you're in Utah. Wider, longer, cheaper, early rise, early taper, killer construction, awesome graphics, great community, and the best warranty in the biz. They have a basement, shop right behind Gandolfos, down from the PI, below the UofU. Enjoy!

If you want a one ski quiver, you should look into something a bit fatter, and definitely a lot longer. You should be on a 185 or longer. Look into the Verdict or Zealot for something to progress your abilities. Also, the Scott P4, or the Rossignol S3, S5 or S6 would be good choices. Early rise tips are the best thing to happen to ski design since shape and metal edges. Regular cambered skis are pretty boring to me now. I highly recommend looking into a ski with at least a little rocker/de-camber.
As far as boots go, get Scarpa T2 Ecos or T1's. Hammerheads are the BEST binding you can find. Don't get G3's, BD's or Voiles because they break.
When the snow is rain crust or boiler plate, the Havoc or the Kilowatt is a great choice, but they leave a lot to be desired on powder days. Anyway, your question is very broad, and I am merely offering my opinion. It really sounds like you need to try some new equipment as see what feels good. Good luck!

You should get a rockered or early rise ski. Crud performance is unparalleled, (tele humor) and powder performance is unbelievable. Also, wood core is the only way to go if you'll be skiing tracked conditions and want a lasting ski. Check out the Atomic Bentchetler, 4FRNT CRJ or the Armada JJ. Early rise tips make crud into smooth skiing. Seriously.

Much better construction than the Chronic. Pretty similar feel, but the TNK is a little damper and has less torsional flex. Great base material, edges are strong, but the top sheets chip a lot. I also like the Antics or Mr. from Bluehouse skis, or the Nine Life from Surface. Bluehouse is a great grassroots ski company with excellent warranties and unbelievable prices. The Antics are like $275 new. Check 'em out. Good luck.

You'll need to 'tap' the holes, and use a 5/32" bit. If the metal layer dimples, it can cause problems.

For a light ski like the X Terrain, a CRB Three Pin Hardwire would be the best bet. It's the same as the Hardwire CRB, but it has the option of releasing the heel assembly and attaching the boot by the toes,
giving similar touring performance to that of a free pivot binding. 22 Designs Lite Dogs would be another excellent choice, and are much simpler to use. Enjoy.

A 125 would do it, but a 140mm would be best. You should get decent performance with a 125, though.