How hard to switch modes with Dynafit?

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_ I'm thinking about a light AT setup on waxless skis[1].
I have one pair of these kinds of skis already and frankly
they are blast. On that pair I used Silvretta 505's since
I wanted to be able to use them with mountaineering boots.
One thing I discovered is that this kind of setup is
really nice for general touring if you can switch modes
rapidly. One pole click and you're ready for action.

_ I have since picked up a pair of DynaFit boots and
am contemplating a beefier version of the above setup.
Dropping nearly a pound from the binding would allow
me to use a beefier ski w/o extra weight. But, if the
mode switch is difficult, I would rather pay a slight
weight penalty and use the Silvretta Pure. So my
question is

Can you easily switch modes with Dynafits
with just a ski pole? If so how much practice/technique
does it take? Would you enjoy a ski where you had to
switch modes every 15 minutes?

_ From what I can gleam on the web, it seems like it's
possible, but perhaps not simple.

_ Booker C. Bense


[1]- I'll probably end up cutting my own no-wax base on
something relatively light.

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tour turn = easy; just press down hard with the heel and you're in
(assuming the heel is already aligned w/ the ski, i.e., not rotated
into its heel elevator position

turn tour = hard; the standard move is to exit the binding and then
re-enter (which is no big deal if you're already removing skins; it's
*possible* to go into tour mode directly from turn mode, but
difficult, and I've never seen it done in person.

Here's Lou's take on it:
http://www.wildsnow.com/articles/dyn...afit_faq1.html
"TRICK: If you don't use brakes with your Dynafits, it may be possible
to pull your heel up out of the binding while in alpine mode, thus
going to touring mode WITHOUT removing boot from binding. To do this,
first lock the toe into touring mode, then pull up your boot heel
while twisting the binding heel piece to the side with your ski pole,
as if you were changing heel lift mode. Works for some
people...doesn't work for others. Do not try this if you have brakes
installed, as doing so places too much stress on the binding."

Hi,

_ I'm thinking about a light AT setup on waxless skis[1].

Good idea in rolling terrain with lots of steepish ups/downs. If the
DHs are not all that steep go for light metal edged nordic skis and
leather boots.


Can you easily switch modes with Dynafits
with just a ski pole? If so how much practice/technique
does it take? Would you enjoy a ski where you had to
switch modes every 15 minutes?


I tried this very same thing and as far as my experience goes, the
Dynafit binding can be switched from DH to FH and back to DH without
having to take the skis off, but it is a pain and far from easy - I
often get back cramps from the contortions required.

Cheers
Craig

_ From what I can gleam on the web, it seems like it's
possible, but perhaps not simple.

Spot on! The Dynafit binding is very light, but to get there a lot of
compromises had to be made. It is my binding of choice on long
moderate ascents or when I have to portage these skis on my pack for
long hauls, but otherwise I still prefer my trusty old Ramers
(modified). The Silvretta Pures should be OK as the seem very light.
Another problem with the Dynafit in such applications is that it has
no return spring, which means that every time the ski is lifted off
the snow the tail falls away, the very oopposite to what one wants in
FH. I modified mine with shock cords, but it is another pain. For what
you seem to want, do consider getting an old pair of Ramer "S" as
these bindings were excellent for such applications, but I must warn
you that they were like a mecano set and not user friendly for
non-mechanics.

[1]- I'll probably end up cutting my own no-wax base on
something relatively light.

I did that with all my dedicated AT skis and never looked back. The
trick is to get a real light AT racing ski. If going waxless, as
opposed to skinning, the rig better be very light as the ski has to be
lifted off the snow quite a lot and that can be very tiring with a
heavy setup.

Cheers
Craig

Hi,
I have been using dynafit lowtech for quite some time.
It is very easy to switch from uphill position to downhill. You just
have to turn the rear part of the binding in the correct position and
that's it.
But the other way is not easy. you have remove your shoes for the
bindings and put them on again. So I certainly disadvice you to use
these bindings if you plan to switch mode every 15 minutes or so.
Anyway, I think these bindings are terrific in alpine terrain (european
alps mainly for me). very light. very safe. Many people pratice steep
skiing with them.
I hopes it helps!

Vincent


Booker C. Bense wrote:
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_ I'm thinking about a light AT setup on waxless skis[1].
I have one pair of these kinds of skis already and frankly
they are blast. On that pair I used Silvretta 505's since
I wanted to be able to use them with mountaineering boots.
One thing I discovered is that this kind of setup is
really nice for general touring if you can switch modes
rapidly. One pole click and you're ready for action.

_ I have since picked up a pair of DynaFit boots and
am contemplating a beefier version of the above setup.
Dropping nearly a pound from the binding would allow
me to use a beefier ski w/o extra weight. But, if the
mode switch is difficult, I would rather pay a slight
weight penalty and use the Silvretta Pure. So my
question is

Can you easily switch modes with Dynafits
with just a ski pole? If so how much practice/technique
does it take? Would you enjoy a ski where you had to
switch modes every 15 minutes?

_ From what I can gleam on the web, it seems like it's
possible, but perhaps not simple.

_ Booker C. Bense


[1]- I'll probably end up cutting my own no-wax base on
something relatively light.

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