STUFF YOU NEED
DYNAFIT RADICAL ST SKI-TOURING BINDINGS IF YOU’RE a backcountry skier, you’ll probably have a set of tech bindings, or you’ll be thinking about buying some. I’ve used step-ins for all of my touring until this year when I finally switched to a set of Dynafit Radical ST bindings. While tech bindings have surged in popularity in the last few years, the concept is actually over 20 years old—the first frameless binding system was patented in 1984. But the reason this design is now readily available to you and me is largely thanks to European company Dynafit, which produces a variety of tech binding models. Dynafit makes bindings to suit skiers looking for super-lightweight options for mega-tours and racing, through to those after a system that can be thrashed off the lifts and in the side-country. I went for the middleof-the-road option—and what is by far the most popular model—the Radical ST. The other brand of tech bindings available in New Zealand is Plum. These are apparently good, strong, reliable bindings—they’re a little cheaper than Dynafits, but note they don’t come with brakes. The Radical ST weighs 531g per binding, without brakes. That doesn’t sound particularly light until you consider that my previous touring bindings (Fritschi Freeride Pluses) weighed over a kilogram each. This kind of weight reduction is the main reason for buying this type of binding. I’m already dragging fat skis and downhill boots up every hill I skin up (not to mention a bit of extra pie-and-beer ‘winter insulation’). So I need all the weight-savings help I can get. Dropping an entire kilo from the weight on your feet makes a huge difference for lengthy uphills! To be honest, I’m not that keen on lengthy uphills. I chose this medium-weight model because I’m your average skier who mostly just wants to do day-trips from a hut or home, looking for good snow. I’m not going to go in a race against Grant Guise or try to follow Erik Bradshaw across the entire length of the Alps, or huck 100-foot cliffs. But I might do the Symphony on Skis with these one day, and huck a one-foot cliff.
For any tech binding to be compatible with your boots, you’ll need tech inserts in the soles. Most ski touring boots will come with the inserts, and some freeride boots do as well these days. If you’re planning to switch sole blocks on the one pair of boots, to use with both alpine and tech bindings, be aware that touring soles will have more rocker, so the toe-piece might sit too high for your alpine bindings, meaning they won’t release properly, and apparently the binding can break when you click in. So take the time to change ‘em out when necessary. Dynafits release differently to most alpine bindings—the lateral release is at the heel, not the toe. From what I have read (which corresponds with personal experience), the two systems are equally safe. One thing to pay very close attention to with Dynafit bindings is clicking your toe in properly. This can be a bit tricky at first—it helps to mark a spot on your boots next to the inserts so you can see where they are easily from above. Ice, snow or dirt can build up in your boot inserts or the toe-piece, and as a result the bindings can close and grab your boots even if the pins aren’t actually in the inserts correctly. So it’s important to double-check that your bindings have engaged properly every time you click in, or you risk inevitable pre-release. I don’t count this as a downside to the binding, because it’s easy to do—you just have to remember to do it! I haven’t had my Radical STs long enough to comment on their durability, but my regular ski-touring partner has been on a pair for a couple of seasons, and they have stood up well. For an every day, all-round binding for 99 per cent of skiers who want to go beyond the ropes, the Radical STs are the best tech binding option available. Dynafit Radical ST bindings. RRP $799. HHHHH –Kester Brown
FITWELL SIRIUS WINTER BOOTS CLASSIC ALL-PURPOSE general mountaineering boots are like All Black first-fives—the more options available in New Zealand, the better. Thanks to Christchurch company SplitN2, the Fitwell Sirius Winter is now added to the stable of boot choices available to purchase here. Fitwell is a small Italian company famous for producing the innovative and super-popular Backcountry snowboard mountaineering boots. The company have been making climbing boots for 20 years or so, and notably, they manufacture all of their products in Italy. The construction of the Sirius Winters is exceptional; the upper is made from leather and kevlar, with Primaloft insulation and waterproof, breathable eVent membrane. The sole is Vibram with toe and heel welts to take automatic crampons. Although they are marketed as a winter boot, these are suitable as a year-round boot for New Zealand mountaineering; good for summer alpine climbing and winter ice climbing. I might choose something warmer for multi-day alpine routes in the middle of winter, but for everything else—including hut-based winter alpine climbing on shorter routes—these boots fit the bill. A comparable model popular in New Zealand is the La Sportiva Nepal Evo, if you’re looking at
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THE CLIMBER ISSUE 88, WINTER 2014
a pair of Nepal Evos, I recommend checking out the Sirius Winter as a significantly cheaper and slightly lighter option. (Nepal Evos RRP is $999 and they weigh 1012g per boot. The Sirius Winters weigh 940g per boot). The sizing runs similar to La Sportiva models. The upper feels quite soft, it doesn’t have the same ankle support as some other winter mountaineering boots, but the compromise is increased ankle flexibility, which is great for steep climbing. They are a perfect ice climbing boot: warm, with a solid, supportive sole, light enough and flexible. The fit is reasonably narrow, with a roomy toe-box. Although they fit me very well and I don’t have particlarly narrow feet, I suspect people with wide feet will find these too narrow. All-in-all, these boots are awesomely comfortable, well-made and come at an agreeable price-point—definitely check them out when looking for your next pair of alpine climbing boots. Fitwell Sirius Winter boots. RRP $595. HHHHH Available from Splitn2.com. –Kester Brown