dalius

What's in it for those that "Bottom Out", besides a trip to Harborview of course?

Attached is the MAP.

Dru You're one sick dog

I just talked to BD and here's the scoop... A) All BD O2 bindings have been recalled, as stated above. The reason is something to do with weaknesses in the plastic in the toe plate. I guess a secondary reason for this recall is that the springs have been going "mush" over time. B) Even though the original Skye O2 bindings are technically NOT on recall, BD is covering all warranties on them. This means that if you have any problems with them whatsoever, BD is willing to accept them in trade for a BD credit line. Unfortunately, they CANNOT issue any new parts for any old Skye O2 bindings because of the current BD recall. All parts are "frozen" until they clear up the problem with their manufacturing. You can only trade them in for BD credit or bring them back to the retailer you bought them from for store credit, cash, or whatever you can arrange with the retailer. This is both bad and good for Skye O2 owners. It's good because if you have problems with these bindings, you can get them off your hands and go with something more reliable. It's bad because if you really like these bindings and something simple goes wrong with them, you CANNOT get them fixed due to the freeze on all parts. That's the word.

I guess that this post should maybe be in GEAR CRITIC. Woops.

I have the original Skye O2 bindings from about a year ago (before BD bought them out). They're exactly the same as the new bindings sold today. Unfortunately, they're developing a problem and I was wondering if anyone else had the same experience with these bindings? The Problem? The rear cable, the one that attaches the heel bail, is starting to fray at the point where it attaches to the bar that goes under your foot. I met someone else today that had the same problem and their cable snapped on them in the backcountry. It seems like my cable is destined to the same fate at some point. Totally sucks. Has anyone else had this problem with this binding? It seems the problem is that the cable is forced to turn a 90 degree angle upon attaching to that bar under your foot. How they figured this cable would withstand the test of time, I don't know. There have to be others out there with this problem. Anyone? If enough people have this problem, then I guess they would maybe be recalled again, which would make them look like total fools with 2 recalls on the same binding. I think this binding has many great design aspects to it, the super solid toe bar for one, the placing of the springs underneath the boot for second. It's just this damn cable that I know is going to break. I'm thinking of calling BD to see what they have to say. I'll share any news if I do... In the meantime, let's hear if anyone else has had this sort of problem, or any other for that matter.

I wholeheartedly agree that the plasic boot is much easier, but leather is fun, in some really sick way. The leathers definitely force you to have better style. You can't "fake it" in the leathers. You almost feel like there is nothing between you and the snow, a very weird feeling. Plastics afterwards will seem muted, dampened, numb, etc. That being said, I only stick to my plastics because they *are* easier, I *can* get away with bad form, I can parallel in them easier when it gets really hairy, and I can ski stuff in plastics that I would never go down in leathers. But if you're just hitting up mellower slopes and want to learn some good form and have fun and laugh and see what it's all about, go for it. In the end it's just skiing, and it's all about having a good time. Plus, leather + 3pin is a much cheaper way to try out tele than going and purchasing a plastic/beefy binding combo. just my $0.02

definitely not for the weak stomached...

Battery powered pressure washer.

HONEY DAME SWEET THANG FEMME BEEATCH & SLUTE BAGGE (said affectionatly, of course)

WARNING: extremely graphic image... ARM vs. MEAT GRINDER

I've only found one person in Seattle who owns a pair of these boots. Got the beta I need. Thanks.

Oh really! Would you like to share your newfound secrets with the class, catbird?

sounds like he was trying to recreate the infamous "Firefalls" of the 60s, but on the wrong side of the valley and about 40 years too late.

Hardcore man. Sorry to hear you went all that way just to get shut down. Guess it was good exercise though.

That's interesting that you think they're great for people with narrow feet. I say this because I have very wide feet and I tried them on a couple days ago and they felt great. I only walked around the store for about 15 minutes though, so I have no idea how they would feel after a several mile approach on snow. I have a pair of Scarpa T2s and they fit me like a charm, so I figure that maybe their mountaineering boots would fit great as well. Isn't La Sportiva suited better for people with narrower feet? Has actually hiked and climbed in the Cumbres?

It's not funny, it's not strange, but fuck was it cool... I was at around 13,000+ on Rainier, Kautz route, at the point where you hit the final slope to the summit. My buddy and I pause to take a breather just as the sun is starting to rise. We look over to the west and what do we see? A freakin' lunar eclipse!! The moon was way down low in the horizon in the west, the sun was way down low in the horizon in the east, and Mt. Rainier was right in the middle of the two, perfectly in line. You know how the shadows of the volcanoes stretch way out across the lansdscape at sunrise/sundown? Well, the moon actually DISAPPEARED directly into the shadow Mt. Rainier was casting, and then slowly creeped back out. It was definitely the most spectacular natural phenomena I've ever seen, and to see it from such an insane location with all the weird ice formations and such was a trip. I usually bring my camera along on every trip, but decided it wasn't worth the weight that day. Man, am I kicking myself for that one. I guess memories are better than pics though. I'll never forget that.

Sorry to go so off topic, but here's Al on the summit anyway. It's lookin' pretty nasty up there...

You sure that big al attempted the Kautz? Figger 8 said he say him at camp muir. Doesn't make much sense. Was it the D.C. maybe? Anybody know if the old bastard made it?

Did he end up slogging all the way up there? I wish I was there to see the spectacle. Did the Secret Service make it up?

Now that's awesome.

I'm thinking about buying a pair, though am interested in hearing from some current users. Anybody try these out? Love em'? Hate 'em? Are they too heavy? Warm enough? Dry enough? Thanks.