I've taken these skis out in all sorts of conditions from early season pow in Jackson Hole to mid-season crud in Aspen to late Spring slush at Snowbird, and the IQ system doesn't collect any more snow than any other bindings I've skied in. In fact, the topsheet is nice and glossy enough to prevent any snow from sticking to the skis anyway. As to the performance of the bindings, the FR16s are indeed Dukes with Blizzard branding, so they are just like any other pair of Dukes out there. Shedd mentioned that there is only one level for the heel riser, but the riser can be moved from it's locked back position for skiing to a tall hiking level, and then forward to the low/medium heel level. That makes three climbing/walking positions, and I've definitely used them all on many occasions.

not sure about the IQ system picking up snow. I looked at an early release demo of these skis last year and they looked great. the IQ system allows the ski to be mounted with just one screw, allowing full flex of the ski. There are only two set screw positions as I recall, so it does limit your mounting options. I had no complaints about the manufacturer recommended point. It does make somewhat of a recessed channel down the middle of the ski. Could potentially pick up snow. As for the FR 16 binding, it is a Blizzard labeled Marker Duke binding, modified to fit the IQ system. So it hikes like the Duke. The only complaint I've heard is that the heel riser only has one level and it is too low for aggressive climbing. I did not hike with it. But downhill, it performs very well. Stiff and fat. Big fast fun and stable at speed. Yahoo!