Telemondo Here We Come!

[Rider.Steve]

With advice from Seeker and her TT cohorts (and after some rapid back-sliding and soul-searching) I picked up the first part of my telemark setup for next season: 2003 K2 World Piste 188's.



Despite confidence that the WP's are technically the right length, I must say that they seem so very long. I'm tempted just to go out, get a pair of HH bindings and T1's (I have low-volume feet) at off-season prices, and start researching who to take lessons with. Would that be wrong?

Steve

[Skilasnow]

Ahh, a two planker to be. :D

No, it's not wrong, it may not lead to the ideal set-up, though. 188s for a guy your size seems pretty right to me, you wouldn't want to learn on sissy skis, right? ;) Seriously, though, I'm no afficionado, but that does seem about right. You may have a quicker learning curve on something a little shorter, but I suspect you'll do well enough on those. I learned on a pair of Super Stinx, pretty similar, and they were a bit short, but when I then got onto my current Karhus, 183s I was set to go!

Let's get together when the flakes fall and do some knee drops together.

[PWDR8S]

.......

Let's get together when the flakes fall and do some knee drops together.

I'm not gonna say it! Not gonna say it! Oh the agony of holding back a really bad joke! http://www.timefortuckerman.com/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

Well, well, well! Your dark side, Seeker is tempting you? http://timefortuckerman.com/photopost/data/774/1659yada.gif

Good job Seeker! http://timefortuckerman.com/photopost/data/774/1659applause.gif http://www.timefortuckerman.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif Just kidding.... So Rider.Steve may have to change your monikor to Slider.Steve? http://www.timefortuckerman.com/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif

All sillyness aside, I agree with the wisdom Skilas has shared.... Likewise, I think you'll pick it up quickly. Just think of it! Those long dreaded approaches will be a breeze now! http://www.timefortuckerman.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif You'll see the world! http://www.timefortuckerman.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif http://www.timefortuckerman.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Justin]

With advice from Seeker and her TT cohorts (and after some rapid back-sliding and soul-searching) I picked up the first part of my telemark setup for next season: 2003 K2 World Piste 188's.



Despite confidence that the WP's are technically the right length, I must say that they seem so very long. I'm tempted just to go out, get a pair of HH bindings and T1's (I have low-volume feet) at off-season prices, and start researching who to take lessons with. Would that be wrong?

Steve


Steve, from what i've seen in pictures you look like a "strapping lad"... Somewhere around 200lbs? It's my opinion, that a bigger,more active binder would better suit you. The HH is a great choice, I love mine. I also like the Cobra R8 Hardwires, which provide a similar feel.

[el-bagr]

I'm tempted just to go out, get a pair of HH bindings and T1's (I have low-volume feet) at off-season prices

Do it.

[Bannick]

With advice from Seeker and her TT cohorts (and after some rapid back-sliding and soul-searching) I picked up the first part of my telemark setup for next season: 2003 K2 World Piste 188's.



Despite confidence that the WP's are technically the right length, I must say that they seem so very long. I'm tempted just to go out, get a pair of HH bindings and T1's (I have low-volume feet) at off-season prices, and start researching who to take lessons with. Would that be wrong?

Steve

excellent....hell is freezing over so looks like a good winter! :)

[PWDR8S]

excellent....hell is freezing over so looks like a good winter! :)http://timefortuckerman.com/photopost/data/774/16591rof1.gif

[RR]

excellent....hell is freezing over so looks like a good winter! :)Amen to that...friggen palm trees in the picture with The Cup! :badwords: :badwords: :badwords:

http://timefortuckerman.com/photopost/data/774/16591rof1.gifNot funny :cry:

[Justin]

excellent....hell is freezing over so looks like a good winter! :)
You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Bannick again.

[mainwaring]

wow, leave the board for the season and all hell breaks loose!?!

steve,

seems to me you don't even need tele skis...just rip off the skins and go tele-split. its like driving without brakes or steering...i.e. fun.

given your height and weight, 188 seems pretty reasonable. skis should be fine as a starter set. HH's and T1's would be a pretty serious resorty setup...as long as that's what you're looking for (rather than a touring oriented option) why not go for it?

for the record...i've only tele'd a handful...and am pretty useless at it, at that.

[Justin]

wow, leave the board for the season and all hell breaks loose!?!

steve,

seems to me you don't even need tele skis...just rip off the skins and go tele-split. its like driving without brakes or steering...i.e. fun.

given your height and weight, 188 seems pretty reasonable. skis should be fine as a starter set. HH's and T1's would be a pretty serious resorty setup...as long as that's what you're looking for (rather than a touring oriented option) why not go for it?

for the record...i've only tele'd a handful...and am pretty useless at it, at that.


FWIW. I tour in my Traces and I know a smaller T4T member who tours in his T1's. <cough... el-bagr ...cough...>

they are not IDEAL but if you out looking for turns it's the only way to go in my opinion...

[jdw]

FWIW. I tour in my Traces and I know a smaller T4T member who tours in his T1's. <cough... el-bagr ...cough...>

they are not IDEAL but if you out looking for turns it's the only way to go in my opinion...

I, too, tour in T1's and am not a big man at all (5'8",140lb). No problem at all. Nice support on the steep stuff w/ crampons, too.

Hey - if you find cheap off-season-priced HH's let us know?!

[Justin]

Toured ~6 miles out to this Spot (http://www.justinwhall.com/~Pix/J&Kskiing.AVI) for some turns. Don't mind Caron's narration :rolleyes:

[Rider.Steve]

Good job Seeker! .... So Rider.Steve may have to change your monikor to Slider.Steve? ]

Although I vowed to take up telemark next season to celebrate my 10th year on a snowboard, Seeker did quash any residual reticence on my part (quite the telemarketer indeed). Now according to Warren Miller's latest definition of skiing and boarding as "snowriding", I will still be a "rider" (albeit on two planks), so I can rightly keep ahold of my current Handle.

Those long dreaded approaches will be a breeze now!

That o.k. - as long as I don't have to be approachable. "Don't piss me off bud, cause I'm gonna be a cranky skier now, o.k.?" ;)

Steve

[Seeker]

Well, well, looky here. How'd I miss this fun thread!! :D

RS didn't mention how CHEAP the WPs were--~$150. Otherwise I might have suggested a slightly shorter ski (185ish would probably have been ideal IMO, depending upon the ski).

I have also recommended trying on boots before buying, but you know how some folks get all itchy and want to buy gear NOW! I think T1s or T2X (or another manufacturer equivalent) would be fine--I see Telewhackers in big boots all the time in the BC and the thermo liners have made them so light it's negligible.

As for binders, I own releasables and won't go back. I wouldn't recommend 7TMs for a newbie--an active binder can really help shorten the learning curve, IMO. (Yes, I know that 7TM now has the power version. I've skied 'em. 'Nough said.) I was gonna recommend the Hardwire CRBs (Froogle them and you'll find some on sale) instead of the HHs. But lots of folks love the HH, so...

Of course, this is probably more info than you all really need...

[Rider.Steve]

seems to me you don't even need tele skis...just rip off the skins and go tele-split. its like driving without brakes or steering...i.e. fun.

Sounds to me like Nordic, on the *downhill* parts of a run........that's scary, not fun. Me likes edges - two or more please.

[Seeker]

Actually, on a BC trip this winter on a mountain-which-shall-not-be-named in VT, a few of us met some folks on telemark "skis" made from snowboards. They took old snowboards, cut them in half and with the edges facing in, mounted Voile 3-pins on them. The guys said they were a blast in deep powder (which we actually had that day). But you wouldn't want them on anything "edgeable."

Seems like a fine use of a snowboard, IMO. :p ;)

[Rider.Steve]

Actually, on a BC trip this winter on a mountain-which-shall-not-be-named in VT, a few of us met some folks on telemark "skis" made from snowboards. They took old snowboards, cut them in half .....Seems like a fine use of a snowboard, IMO. :p ;)

You're pretty good-looking for a Troller-type. :troll:

I'm thinking about cutting my new skis in half - I can mount one pair of splits on my hands and one on my feet and skin up with four planks: "Splitsville" baby!

[RR]

I love my CRB and I have the three-pin cable version on two sets of skis both are equipped with brakes...

good turns and once you get the release setting to the right level they are very reliable.

[Seeker]

heh, heh...

http://timefortuckerman.com/photopost/data/500/2337skitroll-thumb.jpg

[Rider.Steve]

Now *there's* a two-plank Troll that I could go for....

I wish the corporations would get there sh*t together and issue the "Standard" binding/boot interface soon that they've been talking about. I'd love to hike in the boots with semi-auto crampons on my pack.....(dream, dream).

[RR]

be careful what you wish for...

[Seeker]

be careful what you wish for...

Funny, I almost posted this very same comment.


You're reading P8's and my mind.

Starwberries and tequila, yum...

[PWDR8S]

Now *there's* a two-plank Troll that I could go for....

I wish the corporations would get there sh*t together and issue the "Standard" binding/boot interface soon that they've been talking about. I'd love to hike in the boots with semi-auto crampons on my pack.....(dream, dream).Aren't those illegal in some states? Must be the full auto's I'm thinking of. http://www.timefortuckerman.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Rider.Steve]

I'm thinking of Otto, but the snow is all gone - I'm into the semi-automatic "weeping" season of the year.

[PWDR8S]

I'm thinking of Otto, but the snow is all gone - I'm into the semi-automatic "weeping" season of the year.Not all gone.... Snow update:
Took a couple runs on the east snowfield today in sneakers. Fun, you can pretty much haul ass and turn if you have stiff soles on the sneaks. And its a lot easier to hike up. As of right now its in remarkably good shape but much thinner than before. There are a couple bottlenecks near the top and bottom that have 1-2 feet of snowpack. These willl probably last the weekend but not any longer. Length is almost the same. It hasen't lost any more than 50 feet of vert from a week ago. Still around 300 (narrower) fand slightly rocky vertical vert. I still believe there is more vert to be had on the east snowfield but that wont last long, it will break up soon.

I just realized you all probably mean the tucks zoom from the wildcat cam. I believe I can change this and will have a go at it tomorrow.

whans: im pretty sure the tuckerman ravine trail is open now. there isent much snow left in the bowl. But I'm not positive. :confused:


Thanks for all the kind words all. :happyhiker:

[surf88]

I'm thinking about cutting my new skis in half - I can mount one pair of splits on my hands and one on my feet and skin up with four planks: "Splitsville" baby!
I have been pioneering a new style of snowboarding that involves ski poles. :rolleyes:

The method involves yelling to my skier friends to let me borrow one to push myself through the long flats.

[Affix Snow]

I go away for a week and Steve goes NUTS. ;)

Glad you taking the plunge. I did it a few years ago and love tele.

As far as gear, T1's and R8's or HH are dope. Do it. As far as touring in T1's....i tour in my T1's on my XC-skis w/3-pins.....awesome!
http://timefortuckerman.com/photopost/data/500/1904wf2-med.jpg

[Seeker]

As far as touring in T1's....i tour in my T1's on my XC-skis w/3-pins.....awesome!

Hmmm...sounds like a good way to pull your binders out! :D

[M@]

We hired a guide in Utah last season, and for the first run he did splitboard and didn't unsplit it - he was fine in the powder, but on the return on the groomers he was kinda all over. This guy was a VERY good slider - but split board in split mode out of the powder didn't work for him. He went to the car and switched to tele after one run.

M@

[RR]

I have been pioneering a new style of snowboarding that involves ski poles. :rolleyes:

The method involves yelling to my skier friends to let me borrow one to push myself through the long flats.you might enjoy some of this snowboarder's double poling (watch his shadow on the descents):
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7388188639077229206

[Affix Snow]

Hmmm...sounds like a good way to pull your binders out! :D

Nope. Not worried at all. :)

Good training! I had T3's and liked the T1's better....so i got rid of them.

[Rider.Steve]

Update:

I tried on Scarpa T2X and Garmont Synergy at Wilderness House. The Scarpas felt very comfortable indeed on my narrow foot. Still on the fence about the T2X vs. the T1, but I figure at this point it won't matter too much, as I will have a lot of ground to cover before being able to perceive a serious distinction. Probably will go with the T2X, but I have not yet found them new for under four bills (ouch).

Now a curiousity. The K2 WP arrived, and the center-chord marking on topsheet of the two skis is different by about 8 cm! I emailed K2 and they sent me the spec for that model/year (one of the skies is correct, according to the spec.).

Steve

[Rider.Steve]

http://www.telemarkski.com/

T1's for $299 seems like a deal worth jumping on.

[Justin]

http://www.telemarkski.com/

T1's for $299 seems like a deal worth jumping on.
whoa, Yer check book best be out if you know what's good for you ;)

[Rider.Steve]

whoa, Yer check book best be out if you know what's good for you ;)

Oh yeah, I jumped on that one like Jack-be-nimble! T1's in the bag! :D

[Justin]

Oh yeah, I jumped on that one like Jack-be-nimble! T1's in the bag! :D
Awesome! They're a good choice...

[Rider.Steve]

With the current excellent discounts, I couldn't resist completing the gear-up: Voile Hardwire 3 pin CRB's and full-carpet Ascension 110mm STS skins from MammothGear completed the package. I'm out $656 and am ready to rumble come the snow.

Recap:

K2 2003 WP 188
Scarpa T1 thermo
Voile Hardwire 3 pin CRB
BD/Ascension 110 mm STS skins

Thanks to all for encouragement and sage advice. I'm looking forward to finding an excellent instructor and getting on it!

[Seeker]

He goes from being a Split Boarder to a Split Personality:

Rider.Steve/Tele.Steve

:D

Awesome!

[Telemark]

Where did you pick up the Hardwires? I need a pair of them to complete my new skis. :)

-dave-

[Seeker]

Where did you pick up the Hardwires? I need a pair of them to complete my new skis. :)

-dave-

You want the 3-pin version? I wouldn't have thought so, but then what do I know.

[Telemark]

The Hardwire CRBs don't have pins? Do they?

-dave-

[Rider.Steve]

I ordered the Hardwire 3-pin CRB for $105 at MammothGear.com:

http://www.mammothgear.com/productlist.html?mgiToken=6609C3GH374FBCCA2&type=Winter%20Activities:Bindings%20and%20Parts:Te lemark%20Binding&back=Winter%20Activities:Bindings%20and%20Parts*

The pinless Hardwire CRB is still at $175 list price there (as it appears to be everywhere else I checked - must be a hot binding), but I thought I'd give the 3-pin version a try anyway, because it is supposedly is a little more active, I like the idea of leaving the wire off in uphill mode, and RR's satisfaction with this particular product has influence.

Steve

[RR]

...I thought I'd give the 3-pin version a try anyway, because it is supposedly is a little more active, I like the idea of leaving the wire off in uphill mode, and RR's satisfaction with this particular product has influence....Thanks. Those binders will satisfy for 90% of your skiing as shipped. I'm assuming you will like it and get pretty good at it. Then there is the hard charging 10% that will be too much for them...a competition spring is available and should cover that.

[Rider.Steve]

Thanks. Those binders will satisfy for 90% of your skiing as shipped. I'm assuming you will like it and get pretty good at it. Then there is the hard charging 10% that will be too much for them...a competition spring is available and should cover that.

Good to know about the comp. spring - I hope to need it some day.

From everything I've read, having a turny ski, stiff boots, and fairly-active/fully-releasable bindings will speed up the learning curve and reduce the risks.

If someday I outgrow parts of the setup and need to make adjustments in the future, that would be a problem created by success (I'm hoping to have that problem as soon as possible).

My teenage son views this new adventure dimly - "going to the dark side are we?" Younger son thinks it's cool and wants to try.

5 +/- months til snow....dum-de-dow.

Steve

[ski&ride]

Just saw this thread... Steve, I don't know what to say! ;) Jumping over the fence, eh?! Good score on the gear sale! :cool:

ski&ride