"G3 Loyalist switching to Black Diamond 01" - Review of G3 Targa Ascent Telemark Binding
This pains me to say this, but after 40+ days on this binding, I will officially be switching from G3 to Black Diamond 01. I have always been a G3 fan, and still love the way this binding skis- it is classic G3. However, the walk feature, while efficient, has too many problems to work out. First, the snow jamming is a problem- not all the time, but enough to make you question the design. Second, and most importantly, after several days on the binding, the climbing wire/heel-lifter design is supported by a little rubber band that begins to loosen slightly after much use. As the band loosens, the heel-lifter will fall down with the regular movement of a steep climb as the binding is in walk mode. In fact, my heel-lifter now drops down approx. every 15-30 ft on a typical ascent. This is annoying, and will cause anyone to explode on a long day. In order to keep the plate from falling, I have had to resort to wrapping the base of the lifter with a strong rubber band. This works, but is problematic during rolling sections of a climb when you want to lift and lower the heel plate. Another solution is to find a heel plate that is a similar height with a standard climbing wire. Until the bugs of this binding are worked out, I am switching to the BD 01. I hope G3 figures it out- as I still prefer the way G3 skis over the BD.
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View Details: G3 Targa Ascent Telemark Binding >

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