Randone Gear

[BelaySlave]

The reason I asked is that I can get them for $169 right now. Seemed like a good price but should I go for the 400's or 505's silverettas if I don't plan on buying rando boots.

[nobody]

Belay Slave:

I distincly remember reading the Diamar product information (three years ago when I was getting my set up). It stated that the Diamar was not recommended for mountaineering boots.

[gregm]

belay slave - silveretta 500's are $155 plus shipping at http://www.telemark-pyrenees.com/e_index.htm

get those now and buy a pair of real rando boots later.

yeeeesh.

[hakioawa]

Dont try putting climbing boots in Diamir's.

And I'll second the vote for TP. I bought my whole setup there. Good Service. Cheap prices. Quick shipping. And no you don't have to speak french.

[brukb]

The Diamirs are NOT intended to be used with rocker-bottom boots, i.e. climbing boots. My partner and I both had Diamirs on Denali, broke all four bindings in the same place. We were seriously pissed off limping all the way back to Kahiltna base with mickey-mouse wired, broken bindings. The Diamirs have since been modified, but are still not supposed to be used with climbing boots. We had tested them with our Invernos several times before heading to Alaska, but they waited to fail when we really needed them. That said, the Diamirs rock with an AT boot! Light, strong, and easy to get into.

I switched to an old, bomber pair of Silveretta's while my partner splurged for the Dynafit pin bindings. We both also bought Dynafit AT boots. He got a pair of the lightest, most flexible boots, which were great for mild mild climbing (built more for travelling w/o skis than most AT boots), but hard to shred in due to lack of stability. I use a moderatly stiffer pair of Dynafit boots that work very well all around. And I'm on the lookout for a used pair of Dynafit pin bindings, they perform well and soooo light!

On outings that focus on hard climbing I'll wear clmbing boots (hard to ski in, i.e. "survival skiing"), and outings that focus on skiing I'll use Dynafit boots and bindings.

Best to rent different setups and see what works well for your skill level and intended use. Call the local shops to see who rents them, I heard REI Seattle does not rent AT gear anymore, but Pro Ski in Seattle does, and has always given me great service.

Bruk