The FIFTY - Gear Talk - Secrets, Nuances and Selecting Ski Bindings.

[@ruffrydazz2032]

Tech bindings, the microwaved burrito of release values. "Yes, I would like a 12 DIN please!" "Best I can do is 4 and 20 at the same time depending on what you don't want."

[@CodyTownsend]

Yeah, that analogy pretty much explains it.

[@picardmadeoff1068]

@@CodyTownsend Solid and spectacular examples of knees gone wild or bad as it made my day! My belief after 3 knee surgeries, 1 hip surgery and of course 2 shoulder surgeries is simple. My tech binding need to be lightweight and functional for the up and the down. As for release values I don't expect those bindings(yes that includes the ancient Silverettas of the 80s and 90s) to ever release and over the last 4 decades of BC skiing not one has released, ever! So DIN numbers just aren't that important for now. Now could it be that I ski differently in the BC than I do in lift served skiing where a cool guy DIN to 15 matters? I'd say that is the case, knowing full well that getting down in one piece means I'll get the opportunity to suffer on the up again and again! Solid as always Cody!

[@jmvldz]

I am one of the casualties of skiing tech pin bindings in the resort and suffered a spiral tib/fib as a result! (2016 at Squaw) Thank you for including this warning in your video!

[@gregoryescaro7855]

Hi Josh I hope that you recovered well and can continue on your adventures into the wild white yonder. Can you tell a little the risk and the reason for skiing techs in the resort has a higher injury stat? It remains a little mysterious to me. I hope to know what are the scenarios? Why can't they release? Is it a flaw in design?

[@brucerorty4014]

Trab TR-2 is precise model. On the skimo.com website under TR-2 comments, there's a cool story about a bc skier in Vermont who was driving with tele boots on and met Rick Howell at a Stowe VT gas station!

[@jmvldz]

@@gregoryescaro7855 like Cody says in the video, they aren't held to the same release standards as alpine bindings. In my specific case, I read that the model of Kingpins I was using don't typically release with impact at the very front of the ski. Impact on the front of the ski was the exact cause of my injury. I did a lot of reading about this after my injury and there are some release tests done on tech bindings (though not official). In short, they simply don't release in all the same scenarios a standard alpine binding will.

[@jmvldz]

@@brucerorty4014 That's awesome! I just went and checked out the story. I chose Vipec Evo's which also have release values similar to the TR-2. Not sure the TR-2 was available a couple years ago when I bought them. I also ski Knee Bindings on my alpine skis! I've been very happy with them. No issues releasing when needed and my legs are very happy :)

[@eliaskoliphotography]

Same here. My fibula and tibia snapped in half while skiing the resort on pin bindings few years back. They sure are only for ski touring.

[@watermanOIT]

I have two cents to ante up, but first, let me say that I love all the Fifty videos, and this was a very clear, concise discussion of bindings. I'm 65, have been using tech bindings for about 17 or 18 years now, with no injuries, no problems. Dynafits until their patent ran out, Salomon Mountain since then. I am by no means an expert skier, but I AM an expert on what I am and am not physically capable of, and I'm selective in my ski experiences. I ski only backcountry, soft snow almost exclusively (pow preferably, some corn), don't jump. When conditions are too challenging, I have a good kick turn and can traverse. 😁 So my point is that you need not be scared off from tech bindings if you are not an "expert" skier (whatever that means!). But I also want to acknowledge that even one injury of the sort many of those commenting mention is one too many! Anyone who does some "pure" backcountry and pure resort skiing, and loves skiing enough to be watching these videos, should be able to save up enough nickels to have a dedicated resort setup with alpine bindings, or perhaps hybrid bindings if in a place with backcountry access gates, and a dedicated backcountry setup. I just used my nickels to get a second BC ski (also with Salomon Mountain), 112mm under foot, to add to my all-around 98mm skis!

[@jacksonhoran2695]

Absolute favorite ski show ever you guys got me into mountaineering 🤙🤙🤙

[@erikseymour1]

Dude same here. No joke.

[@alexmacbean7764]

Got me into ski touring. Cody gets me stoked

[@erikseymour1]

@@alexmacbean7764 same. I hope Salomon ski, Smith, Yeti, etc compensate him well. I have spent serious $$$ on those brands to further my new obsession of volcano climbing and skiing.

[@alexmacbean7764]

You and me both $$$$

[@jwj8201]

Same, but I'm blue collar and live in Iowa so it's led to a bit of an existential crisis for me. Everytime I go skiing in the Black Hills of SD or the Northern Great Lakes ranges of MN, MI, I come back to my local and find myself bored out of my mind. Literally everything that isn't groomed is roped off, patrolled, and strictly enforced as I have found out the hard way. No places to go touring really, so I can't justify getting a new setup for a 90ft hill that I got to drive half an hour to get to.

[@thesevenrider]

Cody - add the CAST freetour to your list of hybrid bindings on the market, total of 3 for now. And the durability and ski feel of tour bindings on the market spans such a wide gamut that it's likely the tour category will be thought of as a few subcategories in the near future.

[@MenandMountain]

From somebody who more or less works professionally in the outdoor industry and does a lot of tutorials on KZbin: your content is excellent! I don’t care too much about the aesthetic side (although it is surely well done) but the depth of knowledge you provide and your differentiated approach to this stuff makes it a pleasure to watch your tutorials. Please consider doing more of them.

[@ScottHillson]

Love this video. Cody has an effortless way of explaining everything.

[@abandonshipproductions]

Really love this video. I broke my ankle 3 years ago when one of my tech bindings pre-released in a no fall zone. Since I don't do many long tours I switched to the shift binding after that and I have been super happy with it. I will echo what you said here, tech bindings are lightweight but they are not as reliable in terms of safety as alpine bindings. Period. I wish I knew that before I made my choice in bindings and I hope people absorb that info when they watch this video.

[@davidvigneux6929]

Perfect, down to earth, no-nonsense advice. Coming from a snowboarder, I hope this says it all.

[@ablackshedd]

The FIFTY! My favourite series. Much love, Cody. I'm always on the lookout for the safest binding possible after my 3 ACL repairs. blech...lol. Thanks for dropping science, elasticity...who knew.

[@markleblanc291]

I was so hoping you would do this video!! I always learn from you!

[@Bonanno13]

After watching your last Gear Talk a month ago, I bought the Soloman Swich bindings for my big mountain skis. This episode just reinforced the choice. Can't wait for some snow!!!

[@jon8979]

Cody this is the best and most honest boot and binding comprehension video. Cant wait for more 50 project videos to come out!

[@seanharrison2898]

That was one of the most helpful videos on the subject I have seen so far. Thanks!

[@CodyTownsend]

Great to hear!

[@c3ecl1]

The Shift has the potential to be a game changer. But it has mixed reviews at best. It clearly has retention issues in up-hill mode.

[@roostergrizz3725]

Thanks Cody! Your “The Fifty” videos are great fun, motivating and informative. Really enjoy. Thanks for the education. Going to upgrade to hybrid from frame bindings.

[@grizzkid795]

Never thought about tech bindings having no elasticity and poorer release function, but it makes sense looking at the bindings, especially those super light models.

[@llo70422]

yes I broke my ankle in the backcountry because my foot went the direction of the ski and did not release. I think this is a great video and yeah I learned the hard way. Sheila Vancouver BC Canada

[@abandonshipproductions]

Exact same thing happened to me 3 years ago. Wish I had watched this video before that happened!

[@benlzicar7628]

Might be worth mentioning in the future that are types of bindings that bridge gaps, for instance the Marker Kingpin is half way between a Hybrid and a Tech, it has a tech toe but a unique heal released like alpine bindings do. It's a great option for someone who wants to ski both resort and BC, also less expensive than something like the Shift.

[@CodyTownsend]

Thank you for the input but that assessment is actually quite incorrect. The Kingpin is certified as a Touring Binding and does not meet the standards of a certified Alpine binding, so therefore isn't a bridge binding. So just like all tech bindings, it too should not be skied at the resort at all. The toe piece is a tech toe and therefore it has all the trappings of any tech binding. The toe is far far far more important to releasability factors according to the binding engineers I work with.

[@tarfeef101]

@@CodyTownsend what about the Fritschi Tecton? It has toe elasticity and DIN certification. And in my (not as good as yours) ski experience, it has released whenever I wanted and never when I didn't (with my din set as I progressed in skill and intensity). I can speak firsthand to agree with your sentiment that durability is a concern, as I've had multiple non-critical but annoying failures with plastic components, but overall them being lighten than kingpins and with better release characteristics, I'm pretty happy having them on a ski I ride for most of my resort and backcountry days.

[@NNPerfection]

Appreciate the content. Wishing you the best on your exploration!!!

[@kevinchow5609]

Excellent detailed gear education on bindings! Helps me make my choice for touring. Thanks Cody!

[@Titanfinger]

Wow, big shot out, thats far the best Video help to decide which binding is for me as an individual! Thanks greate job!!

[@mancat10]

Can't wait for the next one. Can't wait to get out and get skis on again.

[@utopia.exploring]

Saw you on Blister talking bindings This is fantastic...so much people don't know

[@gregknipe8772]

I assumed, over time, you would load this series with educational value. thank you. have a great winter!!!

[@SoftyWalterGames]

"Or if you're a doctor, or pro-skier, helicopter" that was funny and sad at the same time

[@johndarby4503]

You don't think doctors should be allowed to go heliskiing?

[@donalddarko3676]

I've been heliskiing in canada bc and i'm neither.

[@neillapping9614]

That line was the best part of the whole thing. Had me rolling on the floor.

[@АлексейБезбородов-л5ы]

I wish that was at least a little bit close to be the case in my country

[@LeDore38]

@@johndarby4503 heliskiing is awful for the environment, so yeah

[@HikingwithGus]

Thanks for the video. I am a long time expert level downhill skier and snowshoer. I have been wanting to combine the 2 and am overwhelmed by the equipment choices.

[@estebana.miralles3619]

Very interesting and super informative video. Very much appreciated. Stay safe!❤

[@ethancrisp3491]

I bought the dynafit rotation with the knowledge that they had a consistent release. Literally the only reason I went with them. I'm still careful but maybe I need to look into it more.

[@briansavery]

I agree with everything you said here, 95%. The only part I might quibble with is the part about "elasticity and heavier heel pieces in tech bindings being useless". This might be the case for someone doing ski mountaineering. However, for the weekend warrior who does a lot of short touring with the occasional mountaineering trip I think there is a case for bindings like the Tecton as long as the elasticity and heel does add value. (I think it does) That being said having used both some of these "mid tech" bindings and the shift I would prefer the shift unless I had a dedicated touring ski.

[@tarfeef101]

Tecton has been great for me, using it extensively in resort and in the backcountry, even in some "mild skimo" Only problem I've had is durability, got 2 non critical but very annoying plastics failures

[@johndee1855]

Very informative... particularly the mention of the elasticity mechanics of an alpine binding...

[@StuartNelson]

Thanks for this! Getting a clear explanation of how you personally view hybrid and pin bindings is invaluable.

[@Stormsurf001]

Perfect Timing! My wife and I were just discussing the benefits of Flex versus Tech bindings. We're moving up from frame bindings. And... I recognize that shop! Great people and great selection. Thanks so much Cody for all you are doing.

[@pewpewpew8390]

Thank you sir for actual factual binding info, and for adressing the weirdness that is pinbindings for people who only do resort. Very educational!

[@konbou1]

Best binding explanation video out there!

[@ER_aka_RAM]

Thank you a million times over for this demonstration! I’m transitioning to skiing from snowboarding and this is beyond helpful… 🤙🏽

[@alexmacdonald258]

thanks Cody; this is the best I've seen! It answers my specific questions on maybe choosing a tech binding, and I've decided against it. I already have Salomon S/Lab shifts on my Waybacks, and at 76 years old, don't need anything to break! Soooo....maybe a new pair of Scarpas, yes?😁

[@lucasbs3267]

Crystal-clear explanation! I got the Atomic shift on my QSTs 99 this winter but I didn't have the chance to try them due to the Covid restrictions. Tough season! Regards from Barcelona (Spain) :-)

[@Muadiii]

Always so good to see a video from Cody 🤙🏻

[@ZebraKatzWhereItsAt]

Hey man looking forward to when you post some more videos!

[@sdenhof11]

I have the shift on my Head Kore 105 and love them. Great review Cody!

[@CodyTownsend]

Right on!

[@LovisaRosengren]

Thanks Cody for this great binding talk!

[@ajyang6276]

Lord I click on these videos faster than my bindings in the morning

[@georgehirsch9152]

Really good overview, as I am in the market. Thanks!

[@rundmc1087]

Don’t forget the CAST Freetour !!!! 🤙

[@alexbarth1904]

Agreed. Cody has said many times and will probably say again that its way overkill unless your name is Sam Anthamatten or Jeremie Heitz and that you should just get the shift, but in my opinion there's definitely a place for it. Imo its the only touring binding that I can trust to kick the living shit out of in the resort and not worry about it breaking. I know that the shift will perform very well if adjusted correctly but clearly from the complaints a lot of people have problems getting it adjusted correctly, while the pivot is pretty foolproof to adjust with the static AFD and fairly forgiving forward pressure. It's also cheaper than the shift if you already have a pivot, and has the option for the second ski kit. I also like how minimal the tech toe is, though it can get iced up in transition. I'm pretty sure its actually lighter than the duke pt so it at least deserves a mention alongside it. Some people also just really like the pivot feeling. Imo the best touring binding for very aggressive skiers who will ski 70% in the resort (or less if you really push it in the bc), want to not worry about beating up their bindings or adjusting them, and don't get a free pair of bindings every year.

[@rundmc1087]

@@alexbarth1904 totally agree! I usually grab my Free tour setup over my shifts even on days with no lift access. The elasticity in much better imo particularly in the heel. less moving parts than the shift and pivot 15/18 is the best on the way down. The only downside to the free tour imo is just the possibility of forgetting your toes. But i think it’s a worthy competitor of the shift and it’s really the first binding in that category. Business aside i think they deserve more credit than they have received for such a badass system.

[@henryduler2311]

@@rundmc1087 haha the forgetting of the toes is real! Ive gotten close a few time so now I just keep them in my skin bag

[@laurihilander1294]

Love those exsamples with the sticks!

[@connormack4373]

Been binging this channel, love your content.

[@dmiroy]

Thanks Cody. Great stuff!

[@leopoldocarbone]

It would be great if you could explain the main types of skis and how to choose them in depth, such as why a particular 105 ski for powder vs another one

[@kevinmchugh1780]

Another quality video while we wait for the next epic fifty line being ticked off. A fair summary with one exception. If your a ‘normal’ skier who doesn’t have a quiver of skis what do you do? You buy tech bindings and ski them both touring and on piste. They do release and if anything the issues are more about pre release when you push hard. I would love to see more on the data on tib fib injuries and tech bindings if it’s an issue on piste it’s an issue touring and needs fixing. Keep the content coming it’s brilliant.

[@CodyTownsend]

No, as I said, never ski tech bindings on piste at the resort. If you want a one ski quiver binding, then a hybrid binding is your call.

[@martinottosson6583]

If you want to really ski hard in the resort on hardpack and do tours on the same ski, I would say inserts and one alpine binding, a hybrid and maybe even a lightweight tech is the best solution. Or tech plus Cast in inserts. It's the only way to get full performance and safety out of one pair of skis. The Shift is a great binding, but it does not keep you in as a high level alpine binding on an hardpack if you really charge and push it hard. No matter how you adjust it, atleast if we don't include going up from your normal DIN. I do ski the Shift a lot inbounds, but after several incidents, I do avoid to really push it to the limit. Then it works fine.

[@akrumelkhazin1163]

@@CodyTownsend I really appreciate all the videos and I've watched them all. I'm very inspired. I couldn't help but notice in you bonus video "What's in the bag" around 1:45-1:55 you are skiing inbounds at squaw with you wife on what looks like your 115 tech powder setup that you show in "Gear Talk Ep 1". I guess you are more or less backcountry skiing in that shot, though it is at a resort and it looks amazing! Thanks for the warning about tech bindings. I didn't know and I got tech bindings for me and my 13 year old son for dual purpose skiing. I'll change them out next year at least for him when we are on piste.

[@Dizzlaeus]

@Cody Townsend hope all is well with you. With the snow stabilizing a bit I can't wait for some more fifty updates.

[@jabbaughfc]

Great video. Big fan of you going deeper into the gear you use and why. Would love a video on skis. Specifically camber, reverse camber, and everything in-between. I couldn't help notice that the skis you were holding were reverse camber. I learned in the old school and don't understand why/when you would want a reverse camber ski in the backcountry. I could see them being great for powder but how do they ski in variable conditions (powder, ice, and everything in-between)? Your thoughts on the topic would be super helpful.

[@paperboy7364]

Always good to have another ’The Fifty’ episode. I like a bit of tech content - appeals to the nerd in me!

[@andresamson8859]

Agree with most you said, but the most important factor for me is reliability when going in te backcountry. A broken binding can get you in a lot a trouble if you have to hike back 2000ft of fresh pow.... elasticity become a little less important in soft/powder condition , as the impact are always more progressive. But I guest it’s different in steep icy chute like the fifthy project. In the end , in 95% of my use when touring, i find that the best parts are no parts , so no brake , no fancy system that potentially ice up or break. Forward pressure help a lot with pre-released, so that’s maybe the only feature i want to keep with tech binding, that and being able to adjust boot lenght, could be very useful if i change boot

[@russclewley6945]

Thanks for the rundown!

[@danielcross1043]

Great video and info ...THANKS!

[@jegjeg4530]

Cody, thank you for this great introduction to the various types of alpine bindings and their pros and cons. I am really interested to learn more about Salomon‘s shift binding. It is still a little heavier as the tech bindings but the features are really convincing.👍😉😎

[@eugenearchibald7375]

Thanks, I'm a snowboarder trying to help my ski buddy get some gear, but he needs to be able to tour and he's worried about his skis not releasing. Ski swap tomorrow hope it works out!

[@stevemehne]

What are your thoughts on bindings like the fritschi techton or vipec that have elasticity and front release?

[@Wutaskier]

They are way better than the junk his sponsor make. Apk fr14 ftw

[@joelandersson5978]

Interesting question... just remember this is guy is representing Salomon.

[@nathanlazarus9413]

The Ski Trab Titan Vario.2 looks really cool too; I haven’t had the chance to test it out.

[@stevemehne]

@@Wutaskier I'm not gonna hate on a guy for making money doing what he loves. This is his job and it is his responsibility as an employee to represent the companies he is sponsored by as well as he can. I think he does that well while also balancing his personal opinions and providing informative content in a balanced manner. At the end of the day he is being paid by some of these companies to represent them but I'm just curious what his thoughts are on a binding that has elasticity and front release, which isn't represented here. Still doesn't tick his boxes of simplicity and reliablity due to the many moving parts but for me it is a great 90/10 binding 90% back country 10% resort.

[@antoinelavigne2371]

What's your take on the tecton 12 from Fritschi? Pin binding with elasticity release and DIN norm.

[@CodyTownsend]

It's one of the few bindings I have yet to test that I really want to test. It still falls under touring norm certification, so is different than alpine norm.

[@wanlogan]

I've heard of some pretty bad reliability issues, I've largely stayed away because of how much plastic was in the construction.

[@joffeloff]

@@CodyTownsend You should try the Skitrab Titan Vario, the design of the toepiece allows for both elasticity and the avoidance of pre-release. Only tech toe that releases gradually instead of holding on until it suddenly opens completely.

[@JakkeJakobsen]

Should be very similar to Marker KingPin 10 and 13, but from what I've read it's more prone to ice up, and it isn't any better or worse usage-wise either. I'd go Marker KingPin, but that's me. If you really wanna charge, Shift or Duke PT for sure. Still riding Shifts on my Katanas and Alpinists on my BMT90s tho.

[@antoinelavigne2371]

@@CodyTownsend I've been using it for 2 years now and on the downhill i've been feeling really confident in it. From groomers to moguls to steeps. Because of the wanted elasticity of the toe piece, i find that on the uphill there's some unwanted movement pivoting from the toes. Not super efficient yet still reliable. Hope you can follow up on your review of the binding! Cheers!

[@YourVideosWhistler]

Thanks Cody, I learned a lot from your video!

[@plexer09]

Love this - thanks. Super helpful.

[@mtadams2009]

Hi Cody, I am a 62 year old man who has been skiing pretty much all of my life. I plan on getting into backcountry skiing, mostly in New England. I am still a very strong skier and I guess you would call me an expert but not compared to someone like yourself or other professionals. After watching your video is seems as if the hybrid binding is the way to go. It seems to be light enough but also seems much safer than say the touring binding. I grew up skiing with binding that did not release and broke my leg. I rarely fall but I am thinking the hybrid is the way to go. Does that ask about right. I do understand the touring is lighter but I am trying it weigh out performance, lightness and safety. Thanks for such a great video.

[@dee.other.artist8091]

Hey dude, while it’s obvious that you’re advertising the Salomon/Atomic products, I have to admit that I got myself the Salomon MNC in blue recently. It’s a good average if you want to ski with hard charging as well as tour. However, nothing beats my Look Pivot bindings in terms of downhill performance :-)

[@Maclay1988]

You NEED the CAST FreeTour Upgrade Kit. It allows you to use your pivots for touring or on the resort. Super bomber

[@TheJeffDing]

"When your skis can't release, it can cause serious bodily harm" **cries in splitboarder**

[@CodyTownsend]

haha.

[@PerfDayToday]

I’m sure any binding can fail, I learned that on low angle slopes mid-December 2020 when the upper left rear heel block (part w the two pins) of my dynafit radicals snapped off, thus just laying in the snow. No worries, Voile ski straps to the rescue. But now when I think of skiers (not me) in no-fall zones, kinda freaks me out. Great content, thinking about some shifts now.

[@jarmelnelson]

Thanks for the video, very well done. Recently i toured with some friends who were using Shift bindings and they had issue in Tour mode staying in the toe pins, on some off camber uphill sections of track the pins would release their boots obviously this was unwanted. We stopped and tried cleaning out the boot inserts and the Shift toe, but still had issues. Any comment on this issue or plans to resolve?

[@Hawk100Clemens]

Just picked up a pair of “Cody Townsend Pro Series” socks by Lé Bent from Powder House at Alta.

[@seankuusinen3499]

Incredible explainer!

[@DerHerrLatz]

Great information! Two things went through my mind watching this: - The Shift is great allround binding and I love using it. But the connection to the ski in ascent mode is not as solid as in a true tech binding. I lost my ski several times in icy conditions. For climbing steep and exposed terrain this is a clear and possibly dangerous disadvantage compared to a true tech binding. - The field of tech bindings is really broad and I wouldn't hesitate to bang out laps in the resort on something like a Beast. An entry level alpine binding is way scarier.

[@akjdhfkqwrhetkjanfvkkkresae]

Yeah I've has issues with the shift climbing lock releasing even on super mellow skin tracks. And yes I lock it all the way out.

[@DerHerrLatz]

@Wes It happended to me several times in the most locked out position (out of the three)

[@akjdhfkqwrhetkjanfvkkkresae]

@Wes Yup I've told people the same thing! I promise! I absolutely yank the nuts off the lever and it reaches the second dot.

[@tarponmonkey39]

Good point - just yesterday I was touring in icy conditions with a friend who had Shift bindings. During transition one of the skis shot down the hill. Fortunately it only made it about 200m before it was snagged in a tree and we were able to retrieve it.

[@wartsandfarts]

@@akjdhfkqwrhetkjanfvkkkresae Happened to a buddy of mine as well, turned out to be a faulty binding. Salomon replaced it for him.

[@mauricebischof2222]

Great video! Have you ever seen or tried the Fritschi Vipec evo 12 or the new Fritschi Xenic? Keen to hear what you think about them since they're marketed as tech binding with higher safety standards. It also comes with a heavier heel piece, which you said you're not really looking for.. Where I'm from they're really common (I have them too) and even though lots of people used to be sceptical, I've rarely heard bad things about them.

[@jamiemerkler6825]

i like the look of them BC Navis freebirds in the background

[@bix12593]

if youre a dr or pro skier! ha love it and the video, thanks cody

[@martalaszczewski2723]

May God bless you Cody! John 3:16. Love and peace from Oakville, ON Canada.

[@cbfritschi]

Tahoe sports hub!

[@KyleRattay]

Best ski shop in Tahoe!

[@cbfritschi]

@@KyleRattay they really do a killer job.

[@tyresmoke]

Woah, great video. I'm already set on a Shift, but really good to hear that pin/tech are for advanced skiers in certain conditions. Could you elaborate more on them in another video about Ski Touring? Aka Why would you choose an MTN over the Shift on particular tours? How does one ski with a Pin binding? What snow conditions are a no-go for pin bindings? I imagine that if Freeriding after a climb the Shift makes more sense, vs descending more cautiously or in softer snow with the pin binding. I have seen other skiers (and perhaps yourself) charging pretty hard in pin bindings, but it would be interesting to know what cost/benefit analysis you make before doing so?

[@lucasn2718]

Thanks for all these info Cody! Can we have a tech video on the ski technology too ?! :D

[@JS-yj7ow]

Gotta put in a plug for tele bindings... I still haven’t locked the heel. And ooh, that popsicle stick demo was cringeworthy.

[@donkingdonkey4764]

Great Video!

[@robinovering3928]

Cody, what do you think of the BD Frischi Tecton 12 with the pinned toe that has a lateral toe release? Seems closer to the tech side but I can say first hand that the lateral release actually works really well (ski caught sideways in a shark and the toe released saving my tibia/acl)

[@thomasbennett451]

Excellent info and thanks Cody and team for posting it! Recently rigged up QST 106's with the Warden MNC and they are a great combination. I went with the MNC thinking I may go back towards a touring sole in the future and/or better resale value with more soles on more buyers. Also - hoping your next video could be on the pros and cons of boot categories from stiff carving performance S/MAX to perhaps more comfortable S/PRO ?? Are the SHIFT AT boots every bit as good for resort days? I miss the rockered and grippy sole of my old AT boots for the long parking lot treks at the resort ;-)

[@JLucRob]

Would have been cool if you talked about breaks. Why and when should you or should not use breaks on tech bindings. What about leeches? Cheers!

[@booger5514]

Could you comment more about the elasticity range. What is too much, what is too little - in your opinion? Obviously it differs based on skier type

[@boe9917]

The CAST free tour system is unbeatable as a hybrid binding.

[@patrickrochford466]

Cody man when are you starting the 50 again they were the best they always got me going touring again thanks

[@andyelliott3]

i was skiing the MTN binding at a resort with my MTN boots on QST106 skis. i had them in ski mode. it pre released while carving a turn, i slid into a tree and I broke 5 vertebrae's, my hip, shoulder, 3 ribs, and ruptured my spleen. I now ride my sth16's with my DIn at 14. I'd rather destroy my legs than almost die again. the only time i have fallen in the past 5 years is because my ski ejected for no reason.

[@neiljones8010]

Great content as always, thanks Cody! When is the next episode of The Fifty coming??

[@CodyTownsend]

No idea. snowpack around the west has been incredibly dangerous with record avalanche fatalities and the border to Canada is still closed. So just having to patiently wait.

[@miloschjovanovic]

Last weekend I was skiing on piste with pin bindings and got Weber B fib fracture. One guy hit me from behind, catching my right ski with his ski, and literally twisted my ankle. What are the learnings from this experience except that this season is over for me: 1. I would probably avoid any type of pin bindings, and go with Shift or Duke PT, since I’m not touring that much. 2. In case of whiteout, where the visibility is limited to max 4m I will give up skiing at all. This guy hasn’t seen me because of strong whiteout, and even though he tried he couldn’t avoid me.

[@mattiik]

Super helpful vid :)) thank you!!

[@xiao-yuehan7114]

Very informative. What do you think about Tectons with regards to elasticity/releasability?

[@sahilshabir5057]

Is 30 mm elastic travel enough... As is the case with warden 13 or should I return and get the new strive 14

[@danielazbell6416]

"Invented the category" the cast system would like a word

[@reganappleton]

Just having my first season on pin bindings and I popped a ligament in my knee when it failed to release in the backcountry. Ended up laying in the snow with my foot stuck 180 the opposite direction. Friend had to release my boot for me. Not good! Perhaps I was unlucky but I assumed their release would be in line with my alpine bindings. Be careful.

[@tjb8841]

That brings up a point Cody didn’t really call out: alpine bindings are really good at protecting the lower leg from fractures. Protecting the knees? Not so much. Would an alpine binding have protected you better in this case? Maybe. But maybe a different tech binding would have done better also. Or a different adjustment or the binding you were using.

[@NickTheKid266]

For someone who wants to go skiing backcountry/freeski in really steep terrain and go fast what kind of bindings to use?

[@jaytierney]

Probably CAST.

[@MrTCFIRE]

To lock out or not lock out your tech bindings on the down...that is the question...

[@njfreeskier]

I can't believe you were able to talk about bindings and binding release for over 13 minutes without mentioning Markering out! I would've bet change for a nickel it couldn't be done!

[@CodyTownsend]

Mag topics are for mag boards only! Ha.

[@njfreeskier]

@@CodyTownsend just curious if you have a set parameter of when you go shift vs full tech in terms of total vert, hours out, multi-day, terrain, etc? Thanks!

[@jordanlynch2673]

Hey Cody. You ever tune your own skis? Any thoughts or experience with a tuning vice that is designed for tech bindings? I have the traditional vice that pinches the toe piece but it’s unstable. Thanks for any input!

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks Cody! Do you know when you will be out conquering your lines of 50?

[@thomaswills7290]

@codytownsend do you notice a big difference on the uphill between the QST range and the MTN range? i notice you usually ski on the QST range is that because its significantly better on the downhill its worth the extra weight? thanks

[@GoldenAppleGamers]

What about tele skis?? Interesting video 🤙🏼