marylou Posted March 15, 2004 Share Posted March 15, 2004 In my never-ending quest to keep my feet happy, I am wondering about using my AT boots (Scarpa Laser) with my downhill ski/binding setup. The Lasers are the most comfortable ski boot I've ever owned. Trying this at home on the carpet, it's a little weird to get the boots to lock into the binding. Not sure if this setup is a bad idea or not. Thoughts? Experiences? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b-rock Posted March 15, 2004 Share Posted March 15, 2004 I've heard the rubber sole doesn't work as well with a downhill binding, affecting how it releases. Never tried myself though. Some new AT boots coming out even have a swappable vibram and plastic sole for this reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cj001f Posted March 15, 2004 Share Posted March 15, 2004 Don't do it. You'll die. On a serious note. You can use AT boots with Downhill binders, especially those that have an adjustable height toe. AT boots won't release as well because of increased resistance with the vibram sole. That said I know of a number of ski patrollers who use AT boots in downhill binders, and hell they release better than any tele ski! The boot B-Rock mentioned is probably the Garmont Adrenalin, which isn't out yet. Aren't you the gear editor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scot'teryx Posted March 15, 2004 Share Posted March 15, 2004 I would think the extra weight that the downhills weigh might have an effect on how the boots handle? Have you tried your entire AT setup at the ski areas? That's all I use these days........... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshK Posted March 15, 2004 Share Posted March 15, 2004 Have you tried your entire AT setup at the ski areas? That's all I use these days........... That's cause you are a hardass guide and shit dood. The rest of us wankers can't ski that tough resort shit in AT gear! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scot'teryx Posted March 15, 2004 Share Posted March 15, 2004 I am not plabby skier, but I do like wearing the bright orange boots. This makes it easier for sverdina to find me amongst the other puppets at the resort Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scot'teryx Posted March 15, 2004 Share Posted March 15, 2004 Aren't you the gear editor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wh2oscott Posted March 15, 2004 Share Posted March 15, 2004 Toe height can be adjusted, Beware of the Heel lockdown, AT's are much thicker and the heel release can cause problems. The Heel of the boot also will not push the brakes down and in the proper way on some models. I have done it w/ my Scarpa Denali XT,s. But after evaluations I will never do it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snoboy Posted March 16, 2004 Share Posted March 16, 2004 "They" specifically say that AT boots are not to be used in Downhill bindings for the reason that b-rock mentioned. scot'teryx - Why would the weight of the ski matter? I know lots of people who use "alpine skis" with AT bindings, and various combos like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cj001f Posted March 16, 2004 Share Posted March 16, 2004 "They" specifically say that AT boots are not to be used in Downhill bindings for the reason that b-rock mentioned. The question of course begs, how reliably do AT boots release in AT binders? (I know they do, mine have - but is it regular?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iain Posted March 16, 2004 Share Posted March 16, 2004 Do people really want their bindings releasing in backcountry conditions? I crank my bindings way high. Losing a ski would be lame on steep areas or in powder (man would that suck). They still release when I crash and burn at high speed, usually. It's generally the slower speed wipeouts where they don't release and I can torque my leg. It seems like people make too big a deal about this. As for the argument that they would still release better than tele bindings, I would say you are more likely to injure your leg in a crash on AT gear than tele gear, so the release is much more important on AT gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
top_op Posted March 16, 2004 Share Posted March 16, 2004 I use this set-up when I am working and skiing on the hill and the one thing I have noticed is a decrease in performance . AT boots just do not give the support that a pair of good fitting downhill boots have and I cannot edge and control my skis when wearing AT boots. I like the setup for comfort but not for aggressive skiing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marylou Posted March 16, 2004 Author Share Posted March 16, 2004 I'm not as concerned with high performance as I am with comfort at this point. I simply don't and can't ski as aggressively as I used to. Just looking for a more comfortable option for the inbounds stuff. What I'm seeing in this discussion makes me think it might not be all that safe. I do use my full AT setup inbounds sometimes, but it's a little too noodly if there is any ice at all. And yes, I do do the gear thing, but it's not ski gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cj001f Posted March 16, 2004 Share Posted March 16, 2004 AT boots just do not give the support that a pair of good fitting downhill boots have and I cannot edge and control my skis when wearing AT boots. What are you skiing with that you can't edge your skis Lo-cut hiking boots? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbw1966 Posted March 16, 2004 Share Posted March 16, 2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cracked Posted March 16, 2004 Share Posted March 16, 2004 Do people really want their bindings releasing in backcountry conditions? I crank my bindings way high. Losing a ski would be lame on steep areas or in powder (man would that suck). They still release when I crash and burn at high speed, usually. It's generally the slower speed wipeouts where they don't release and I can torque my leg. It seems like people make too big a deal about this. As for the argument that they would still release better than tele bindings, I would say you are more likely to injure your leg in a crash on AT gear than tele gear, so the release is much more important on AT gear. I have my bindings set pretty low...6.5 I think? I release pretty often, but I use leashes so it's not a problem. I haven't prereleased since the first day I used them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iain Posted March 16, 2004 Share Posted March 16, 2004 6.5??? That's a guaranteed release everytime your ski leaves the ground on anything over 30° Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cracked Posted March 16, 2004 Share Posted March 16, 2004 I haven't prereleased! Seems to work fine even inbounds. If/when I get better and start prereleasing, I'll crank them up. I guess I'm just not as cool as you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iain Posted March 16, 2004 Share Posted March 16, 2004 din settings do not correlate well with coolness. pain, perhaps. If you don't prerelease, don't crank them up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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