>>2345778>backcountry experience >avy controlled double blacks in the resort boundariesUnfortunately skiing well and moving around safely and efficiently are separate skill sets. I had the same mindset as well going into it.
>120 bent chetlers I hope you’re strong for the uphill.
>shiftsI’ve heard from a couple different sources about issues with the brakes and the toe pre-releasing/releasing in walk mode. Enough for me to ask a couple people I’ve seen with shift bindings what they think. Probably 1 out of 3 don’t recommend getting them, so I won’t ever get a pair. I use a pair G3 ions and love them, as has anyone I’ve asked about their ions. The gold standard these days are Dynafit and ATK bindings tho. Anyway you slice it a pin binding setup on a purpose build backcountry ski (read: light) is the way to go. Diving right into a full setup will be more expensive but if you get some super heavy stuff you hate then you will probably not use it again.
>touring gear performance affecting skiThe binding feels and preforms the exact same downhill. The big difference between alpine and touring bindings is the method and reliability of release. The best quote I’ve heard on touring binding releases is “there is a DIN option of 4 or 20 depending on what you don’t want”. The boot can be wildly different if you go ultralight. Really light boots tend to feel kind of “loose” with a lot of flex IMO. Coupled with a light ski and you could have a pretty bumpy ride. Still way better than hauling 6lbs per foot 8 miles up 5000’ vert. My advice is take your setup out at the resort first and ski around on it to get used to it. I don’t have any trouble dropping steep chutes, cliffs, or navigating old frozen avy debris on my light skis. I know people who have a heavy set up for gnarly terrain and they just deal with it.
