Feb 02 2011

OR W11: Voile introduces Switchback X2

At the recent Outdoor Retailer Winter trade show Voile introduced a new version of their Switchback, the Switchback X2, with enough power to drive big skis with big boots. One can say that the existing Switchback does the same, but few will argue it is easier with more horsepower under the hood. The Switchback X2 uses the same basic ingredients of a unitary, stainless steel, wrap-around toe piece but with longer sidewalls and a cable attachment over an inch further back.

Comparing the cable pivot locations for
Switchback (above) and Switchback X2 (below).
click to enlarge.

A few years back I tested a modified SX2 binding with the cable attachment moved back about a quarter inch. The difference was noticeable, but not dramatic. With the Switchback X2 it looks like Voile recognized a little bit more power is good, but some people want a lot more.

 

Besides moving the pivot point back 1.125” (28.6mm) the Switchback X2 will also use a different set of spring cartridges that, according to Mark Christopherson, Voile’s production manager, are 25% to 30% stiffer. Due to thicker coils on these beefier springs the cartridges may be a bit longer to allow for enough compression without bottoming out.
Keep making backcountry turns

Feb 01 2011

Stoke: Wasatch Jan. 23, 2011

Tyler Cohen skinning up in the Wasatch, 23jan11.


For the first time ever I managed to get out and make a few turns while at the annual Outdoor Retailer Trade show. Actually, as an ambassador for Brooks-Range I had to. It was a media tour, only this time I was on the other side, as a manufacturing representative. Quite weird for me, but it was cool to meet some of the new pens in the industry.

 

Tyler Cohen, associate editor with Backcountry Magazine, admires the sight of turns to come. This slope is classic heli-terrain. Although it looks like it’s been heli-trashed, all those turns were earned. It was a Sunday, a designated no-fly day for this slope off the back of Mt. Superior. You may notice a few specs on the skin track, two near the bottom, two near the top. All those tracks were made by only four backcountry skiers. Nice work boys!

Jan 27 2011

OR W11: And then there were three (NTN)

For those wondering if NTN will survive, the odds are improving. It is no secret I’m impressed with the promises of a new telemark norm, but not the product. At least not Rottefella’s Freeride binding, not so far.

NTN gets a B&W paint job for 2011.
Click to enlarge.

Rottefella’s NTN rocks in downhill. It’s the Duke of Tele, no doubt. It is better than any non-pivoting binding on the uphill, but noticeably inferior to anything free-pivoting 75mm bindings offer. As a result, it has not been a big hit with those who emphasize the earn as much or more than the turn.

I’m on record that NTN won’t catch fire until there are some more binding choices. Ones that offer respectable touring AND all the other features that make NTN compelling. Things like step in convenience, releaseability, superior torsional control, and a powerful tele-resistance.
Keep making backcountry turns

Jan 25 2011

OR Winter 2011 – renewed interest in Tele Lite

Tourminator 4 returns. MSRP: $279.
Click to enlarge.

The annual Outdoor Retailer Winter trade show has come and gone again. The most encouraging news to report is the return of Scarpa’s T4 and a resurgence of interest in light telemark gear.

According to some manufacturers, it accounts for as much as 25% of the market for telemark gear. T4 isn’t the only sign of new products for tele light. Lest you think the demise of Karhu was the result of chasing a misguided dream with their XCD Guide, do not be fooled. That was merely an accounting decision to save the cost of licensing the brand.

The Madshus Annum

It’s not like K2 or Madshus couldn’t sell more skis without Karhu in the way, right? So the core of the Guide lives on as the Madshus Annum with new graphics.
Keep making backcountry turns

Jan 17 2011

Bear Valley Telefest = Slackcountry Fun

A lot of folks have been taking issue with the label “slackcountry” recently for its derogatory connotation. If you’re guilty as charged, get over it.

Paul Oelerich enjoys mid-season corn on Mt. Reba at the Bear Valley Telefest. Click to enlarge.

Keep in mind I say that with a full measure of self-deprecation. There’s no point in lying, it’s my favorite kind of tour. Usually. I still love revving the meter full tilt when the tilt is at the edge of reason, but not all the time, and admittedly, not at the same RPM as 20 years ago.

You too? Thought so.

Taken to the extreme, my friend Gary Bard calls ‘em picnic tours. Start with a bottle of wine in your pack, add a dash of romance, and take the woman you tango with on a ski tour to the backside of beyond. ‘Nough said.
Keep making backcountry turns

Jan 14 2011

Beacon Preview: Pieps Vector includes GPS

There are a number of new avalanche transceivers that will be unveiled to outdoor retailers and the privileged public next week. None of them will be available until next fall, but this is the time when we learn about what is coming.

The one I’m most excited to see is the new Pieps Vector. If you just read their brochure you may not grasp completely what is going on. I don’t. Some are obvious like the use of a rechargeable, Lithium Ion battery. The most exciting feature is the Vector’s ability to integrate the detection of GPS signals.

With GPS detection the Pieps Vector can be used to track your tour like any other GPS device. When you get back home, download the coordinates to your computer and share where you were.

From the brochure it sounds like a map view of where you’re at is possible to. I’ll have to confirm that since I doubt the screen has the resolution of a dedicated GPS device.

Those are obvious benefits to including GPS in an avalanche beacon. The net effect is the Vector is the first avy beacon to provide some daily functionality beyond catastrophe insurance. However, it has benefits in the event of an avalanche burial too.
Keep making backcountry turns

Jan 10 2011

PSA: BCA offers Tracker 2 upgrade (v4)

One of the problems that the old school beacon manufacturers made a big deal of back in the day was the potential for trouble with avalanche transceivers if they were dependent upon software to operate. The reason was simple. If the workings of the device are software dependent, and we all know how difficult it is to create programs without any bugs, what happens to the reliability of a life saving device when the operating system fails?

In short, its ability to save a life is (potentially) nullified. It may take more brains to operate an old fashioned analog beacon, but the simplicity of how the signal is generated and received tends to make it more reliable. Of course, that is tempered with the unreliability of the operator to actually know how to use it in a real emergency.

You may recall that Backcountry Access took longer than expected to deliver their 3-antenna version of their revolutionary Tracker DTS avalanche transceiver. Among other reasons was the goal to make a beacon that didn’t need to be constantly updated with new software to repair inherent flaws in the software. BCA took at least an extra year to try to flush out any potential problems before pronouncing Tracker 2 ready for release.

Alas, even the best laid plans can come undone when software is one of the foundations. BCA recently learned of a potentially fatal flaw in their beacons and has announced the release of the 4th version of firmware for Tracker 2. If you own one, I’d keep a watchful eye on it and do you best to upgrade as soon as you can.

The gory details of what failed with Tracker 2 version 3 here.