Tom, please make this video an annual tradition. It's great having a look at what a serious cross country skiier such as yourself uses and switches to as the years progress. I got quite excited when you showed the Fischer twin skin Pro, I bought myself a pair this summer and it's kind fun to think I'm matching you. I think we have the exact same bindings too. Hope you get some snow soon, very much looking forward to the videos.
The short-term forecast is not looking too good at the moment. I think winter is going to be a bit late this year in my area. I'm looking forward to skiing the twin skin track skis. Thanks for tuning in and have a great weekend.
Here in the Sierra, kick waxing is just more hassle than I want to deal with. I've been using Fischer Twin skins for the last 4 seasons and while they aren't as fast as a kick waxed skis, they are much faster than any scaled base skis. If I skied somewhere where I could use Extra Blue most days, I'd definitely have some waxable track skis. You can get glide wax for the skins, that's really handy in icing conditions.
I'm sure there will be times when they are faster and times when they will be slower. We often get a 25-degree swing in temps over the course of a few hours so even the best waxed ski will go from great to acceptable to tolerable. It is much easier to wax for skating with the big temp swings. Julie track skies more than I do so I'll be curious as to what she thinks of them as well. They may be a bit too long for her weight so she may find that they are not grippy enough. Thanks for posting your experience in the Sierra. Take care and have a great ski season.
Super information and a great concise, easy to digest overview, as usual Tom, thank you! Have you ever experimented with the Altai Kom skis? I watched your video with your buddy skiing the Altai Hoks but I hear very good things about the Kom as a lightweight, versatile downhill focused ski. I'm currently skiing the Snowbound 98's with Voile hardwires and T4s as my very first foray into XCD here in the northeast. As I get more competent I keep looking at the Kom as a possible next step for me.
I've not had any experience with the Kom skis. The 98's are a cross-country ski at heart and from the description, the Koms are a very different animal and would probably make a great addition. The T4's would be a great pairing so you are halfway there. :) If you do go that route, post back with your experience. As always, thanks for subscribing to the channel and have fun this winter.
I have a pair of twinskins myself, but initially didn't care for them as they felt grabby on glide, and switched to my Madshus speed skins instead. So, the jury's still out on the fischers. Hopefully my right knee will hold together this year for in-track, but I'm having great difficulty with my tele stance. Tele may have to wait until after I get it replaced. That said, it looks like Scarpa does still make a limited amount of the T2s, but I'm also very interested to hear what you think about the NTN gear on your Voile Hypervectors, how they feel in the skin track. We'll have a World Telemark weekend at Mission Ridge near Wenatchee, WA this January, and although I won't take them up on the runs, I can slide around on the flats and see how they feel, maybe try their ropetow for a light turn or two, if the knee can hold together. If the NTN stuff is acceptable for longer skin-ins, maybe I'll bite the bullet and get a set which, in all probability at 77, will be my final set. Hard to think about that, but there it is. I've been on skis for 75, not missed a single season, even in the Navy, where I could go on R&R for a few days to Hokkaido and ski there. It's been a long, wonderful run!!
Hi Alex. It was fun to read a bit of your history. Knees are the weak point for tele, especially with stiff plastic boots, so be very careful and wear knee braces. This getting older is not a lot of fun. I didn't mention it in the video, but one of the reasons for the twin skin traditional skis is that I've been struggling with arthritis in my shoulder and elbow joints for the past few years, and it has been getting more and more difficult to skate ski, so I'm going to change it up a bit and do more traditional skiing as opposed to skate skiing. In my limited testing so far, they seem to have plenty of glide, and I think that Fischer has them pretty well dialed in. Mine are 202 cm, medium stiff, and at my weight, I don't think they will drag too much but I can always take an electric shaver and carefully tone them down a bit if needed. I spent a couple of weeks skiing on Hokkaido in the late 70's, some amazing terrain for sure. Thanks for tuning in and take care of yourself.
Hi Tom, I am really looking forward to your inspirational videos this coming winter 😊 I have gear question, not about skis but clothing. I noticed last year you have been using that blue jacket alot... I guess it is a Black Daimond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell jacket? If it is I am wondering if you would recommend it for alpine skiing? I am looking for a allround shell that I can use for alpine, ski mountineering and off-trail cross-country skiing. I am concerned about those black ventilation panels making it too cold for the alpine ski lift discipline... what is your experience on that? I would be very thankful for your advice/opinion on that matter 😊👍 Best regards from Sweden! //Hampus
You are correct, I've been wearing the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell for a couple of seasons, and it is great for backcountry skiing. The black panels help to transmit moisture and the underarm zips and front dual zipper with mesh work great to keep me cool on the uphill. I actually bought the coat because of the skin pockets on the front, but I noticed that Black Diamond does not sell a shell with that feature, and it looks like they have dropped this coat from their lineup. I did make one modification to the coat. It came with thumbhole cuffs and while that is an interesting feature, they would get in the way when I wanted to check my watch, so I cut them out. I don't lift ski very often, but I have used it at the resort in combination with an under coat for warmth. The skin pockets are very handy for carrying all kinds of stuff but when they are stuffed, it's not the most flattering look. Thats not important in the back country but might be of consideration at the resort. Its always a shock to see how much the Black Diamond coats cost. Mine is holding up well but I only use it during the ski season. I don't know if it is the best option out there, I don't really shop around for clothing much as once I get something that works well for me, I tend to keep it forever. Thanks for tuning in and I hope you have a great ski season. We are off to a slow start in my area but I have my fingers crossed for the next frontal system.
@@tomm9850 Thank you Tom for your answer, I will take your experience into consideration when choosing my jacket. Haha yeah I do the same I have had me current jacket for around 15 years (Bergans, a Norwegian brand) it have gone through some modeifications and repairs during the years, sadly I am forced to replace it due to that I have been gaining weight an it doesn't fit me anymore, always sad to see good relaiable gear go... I tend to form a emotional tie with things I care for. Anyway, really thank you for your response. I wish you a great snowy season and look forward to follow you here on RUclips from Stockholm Sweden 🙂Hopefully I will get the chance to practice my freeheeling skills this winter as well! //Hampus
I usually wait until we have 18 inches of snow before I hit the slopes. It is possible to XC ski the East side loop trail and the access road up to the radio tower , as well as the short section of dirt track on the West side with less snow. The road up to the tower is mostly dirt with only a few rocks and faces North so it is a good bet with marginal snow. I haven't been down there yet, I'm waiting for the next storm, and the long-range forecast is not looking too good. I suspect the South aspect slopes have little if any snow and lots of exposed brush, based on what I can see on the highway dept webcam www.wyoroad.info/highway/webcameras/view?site=US89SaltPass
Hi Tom, From your previous videos I learned that firstly you used Alpina Alaska boots for your Xplore bindings, but because they were narrow you changed them to Alfa Vista. How would you compare the size of these boots? I bought Alpina, but they are terribly narrow for my foot, but I have no possibility to try on Alfa boots in my country and I will order them online, hence I am looking for information on size comparison :) thank you in advance for your help and I wish you all the best :)
For me, the sizing on the Alaska XP and the Alfa Vista are very different. The sizing chart on REI's website worked well for my foot and I think it will work for those accustomed to US boot sizing. REI no longer sells the Vista, but if you go to this link and scroll down, they still have it posted www.rei.com/product/203279/alfa-vista-advance-gtx-cross-country-ski-boots. REI's chart will put you into a smaller boot than what Alfa suggests. I ski my Alfa boots with one medium weight sock, but if you tend to ski with a liner sock and a heavy weight sock combo, then you should probably go with Alfa's recommendation (which will put you in a larger boot). In my instance, my barefoot fully weighted measurements in mm are Left L=267, W=90 Right L=266, W=95 and I'm skiing the Vista in size 42. It is a good fit for me. With a foot length of 267 mm, Alfa recommends a size 43. As a reference point, I skied the Alaska XP in two different sizes, 43 and 44 but did not keep either boot as I found the toe box a bit too narrow for my wider foot. The Vista is a great boot, but I wish you had the opportunity to try on a couple of different sizes (they have both a men's and women's version). Keep in mind that the Alfa full grain leather boots will take some time to break in, so pay attention to your feet and keep the distances down at first. My Alfa Free boots are size 42 as well.
Hi Tom! I'm trying to decide between buying a S-bound 98 in 189 size and an Objective BC in 179 size for my all around ski. I'll be skiing it with an xplore binding and Alpina Pioneer XP boot. I'm 6' and 185 pounds and do a bit of everything in the Colorado front range with telemark turns. I have a dedicated AT setup for steeper and deeper stuff. I want a setup that will excel on rolling terrain, as well as mellow uphills and relatively mellow downhills, mostly outside of an avalanche terrain. Which ski do you think would be better for me? I notice that the two skis in these two different sizes would weigh about the same. So I guess I'm wondering if I could still kick and glide with the Objective BC? Thanks!
The Objectives and the SBound 98's are very different skis. The 98's are cross country skis at heart and the Objectives are touring downhill skis. There is a huge price differential, and Voile doesn't recommend telemark bindings on the Objectives. I like them both. I'll ski the 98's if the focus is more of an off trail cross country outing. I'll take the Objectives if the focus is touring for turns. The 98's turn very well in soft fresh snow as they have a fairly soft camber and decent side cut. The Objects were born to turn but won't be as energetic on the kick and glide as a cross country ski. They have very little camber and do not have a center groove. If you are mostly breaking trail or moving at a leisurely pace in the backcountry, the XC characteristics are less important than if you like to clip along on a packed trail or ski with others at a jogging pace. Last year I put together a video where I skied every ski in my quiver and discussed my use case for the 98's and the Objectives. Maybe this will help you in your decision. ruclips.net/video/FvjmAcu5uhs/видео.html
@@tomm9850 Thanks, Tom! This is very helpful. It sounds like for my purposes right now, the 98's are the way to go. I really appreciate it! I still want the Objectives someday, but that will have to wait! I did notice that the new Endeavor skis that are set to (maybe?) replace the Objectives, are significantly heavier
Hi Tom Thank you for the post - I really appreciate your time & effort in sharing your experience. One question though! How are the Voile Objective BC skis holding up with the Xplore bindings (no issues from mounting telemark bindings)?
The Objectives are holding up very well. I added them to my quiver in 2019 and they were mounted with the Voile Traverse 3 pin binding. In 2022, I remounted them with the Xplore binding. As you noted, Voile does not recommend mounting any of their hyper class of skis with telemark bindings and doing so will void their warranty. My Objectives and Hyper V6's were purchased before Voile changed their policy. The HyperVectors were added to my quiver in 2023, and I skied them for 2 seasons with an Xplore binding. This fall I remounted the Hypervector with the Lynx binding, and I remounted the Hyper V6's with the Voile HD Mountaineer 3-Pin. I used slow cure epoxy on all of my remounts and carefully hand tightened the mounting screws. All of the screws seemed to find ample substrate, knock on wood. I don't know if the current version of the Objective is constructed any differently than my 2019 version, but I'm confident in its Xplore epoxy mount given the soft nature of my boots, my weight and ski style. I really do like this ski. It is not all that much heavier than my Sbound 98. Voile's Endeavor ski is of similar design, but a beefier ski, weighing 681 grams more than the Objectives at 178 cm and "telemark binding compatible". It also comes in a 184 cm length which might be a better fit for taller, heavier skiers. If you go with the lighter option, there is more risk of pullout so buyer beware.
@@tomm9850 Thank you for such a comprehensive reply. I'm located in Australia and have been a telemark skier from the early 70's and have gone through a host (at least 12 + pairs) of early Fisher/Kazama/Black Diamond/and Fisher S Bound pattern based skis all mounted with 3 pin bindings. Eight years ago I switched to wider Black Diamond Currents with Switchbacks and Garmont boots for a month long ski mountaineering trip on the Antarctica Peninsula for sturdier downhill work. While the Currents are still good mainly for resort work I missed my lightweight gear and recently added a set of Asnes Ingstad BC skis mounted with Xplore bindings and have Alfa leather boots for light backcountry trips. Was toying with the idea of setting up a set of Objectives with Xplore bindings and using my Alfa boots for heavy pack long distance touring but, after contacting you, I revisited your site and took onboard your comments that the Objectives were not great for straight line tracking. Unfortunately for the trips I've planned Downunder, we need to travel some distances before getting to the steep stuff and I'm now in two minds as to whether the proposed Objective set-up would be suitable for 9 day trips (and also for resort skiing). Again many thanks for your valuable comments and posts over the years. Have a great season (our season this year was very poor like many others in recent times and I think climate change is now kicking in - our snow is generally wetter & ice prevalent rather than powder).
@WilliamInabinet It sounds like you have had some amazing time on skis. Take my comments on the Objectives in regard to straight line skiing with a grain of salt. They are a downhill ski in design with minimal camber and no center groove so they won't kick and glide or track straight like a typical wide XC ski, but they can be used for long distance touring. I'm not that familiar with the Black Diamond Current ski, but I did look them up on the web and I suspect that they would have a similar straight like tracking feel. Much of the time I find myself breaking trail or skiing in a skier packed trench and in those circumstances, they are fine, especially for shuffling along. Where I do notice it is when skiing a hard packed trail, wider than the skis but I think that would be the case with any downhill specific ski. Again, thanks for posting and have a great Spring and Summer.
@@tomm9850 Thanks once again for your comments. From a realistic perspective I agree that, if you’re shuffling along with a heavy pack, kick and glide is not that relevant but more control on downhill sections would be welcome. I was looking at the Endeavor BC skis but like the idea of lighter skis so that made Objectives with telemark bindings a more attractive proposition. Now at age 78 I’m not an extreme skier so that the Objectives with Xplore bindings seem feasible particularly given your experience.
I’m interested in a ski between the 80mm and 100mm range. Mostly for forest roads, but maybe with some occasional slopes and turns. Any comments on the whether your 78s or 98s are better for this type of terrain? I’ll be using Xplore bindings and boots.
The Traverse 78 and the SBound 98 ski are both great skis. I do like traction patterned skis for the type of skiing I do, and Fischer's easy skin is top notch, but if you want to go with a wax only option, check into the Asnes line of skis. The Traverse 78 is faster and lighter on the flats and on rolling terrain as it has a slightly stiffer camber. The 98's have more float and are easier to turn in soft snow and fresh snow conditions due to their softer camber and sidecut. My 78's are a 2022 version and my 98's are the 2021 version. I have not had the opportunity to examine this year's ski, so my comments are based on the one's I own. If I were mostly XC skiing hard windblown snow or packed trails, I'd pick the 78's over the 98's. If you mostly ski soft deep snow, often breaking trail, and envision moderate downhill runs in powder, then the 98 is the right choice. My wife skis the Excursion 88, which falls right in between the 78 and 98 in performance and use case. I do like the Xplore binding and boots. I have not had any issues or problems with mine, but others have reported excessive boot wear and stuck pins. At this point, I don't think the Xplore system is any more problematic than NNNBC or 3 Pin options. It is a tough decision between the two skis, as each has advantages over the other depending on the tour, but I predict you will have fun with either ski setup. Thanks for tuning in and for posting and best of luck.
@@tomm9850 thanks for the thoughtful feedback and for all the helpful videos. I’m starting to think 78s or 88s might be a better fit for my use case after having just tried some 100 mm width Rossignols. I could see the weight and the efficiency penalties of the wider skis outweighing the better deep snow and downhill performance for me. Thanks again and happy skiing!
@ Tom: Pro/Con of Alpina Alaska Boot with Xplore on OT ski (narrow) for Groomed Trails? My quiver split 50/50 NNN/Xplore…. I’d like to simplify it. Thanks
I haven't skied the OT 60, but generally it's OK to ski groomed tracks with a ski that is less than 70 mm at its widest point. There are lots of people who use a narrow combo ski for skiing groomed tracks and for off trail not-for-turns touring. I think the Alpina Alaska XP would be a good pairing as it offers good recreational kick and glide flex and is sturdy enough for off trail use. You won't be racing the Lycra clad athletes on the track, but you will be able to clip along at a recreational pace and have good support and control for step turns and plow turns off trail. The Xplore binding will just fit into a freshly groomed track; it's not really much wider than the widest part of the typical ski boot so I think you will be fine. ruclips.net/video/JdMNPPQyIbI/видео.html
Have you considered TTS instead of the Lynx? to me it seems like a lighter and more efficent system. I atleast dont feel the need for the NTN rigidity when skiing soft snow.
I had 3 bindings in consideration to use with the new TX pro, the Lynx, Medijo and Transit and I don't have any previous on-ski experience with any of them, although I have skied with people that use the Medijo. Of the three, the Meidjo is the lightest at 880 grams, the Transit 1100 and the Lynx 1044. People who have skied both the Lynx and the Transit have advised me that the Transit feels very similar to the Switchback X2 on the downhill and I'm very familiar with that feel. In my mind, the big advantage of the Lynx over the Transit is that it is the easiest NTN binding to go from walk to ski mode and back to walk mode, and you don't have to bend over for the transition. ruclips.net/video/UMW-kiUi-Hw/видео.html That is what I love the most about the Switchback X2. While it is not as easy to make the switch on the Lynx, it can be done without removing the boot from the binding, simply using the ski pole to manipulate the claw. I've paired this binding with a set of Voile BC skis that have a traction pattern and there are many times and conditions when I don't use skins in the backcountry. 22 Designs is a local company, and the binding has been designed and tested for the same type of snow and terrain that I ski (NW Wyoming). I was a bit worried that some have commented that the Lynx was too active for their liking and a bit fiddley and problematic. I have mine currently set with the pin in the forward position and in my carpet / back yard testing it feels pretty good, and I think that I can quickly adjust to it. I will just have to wait and see how problematic it is. The new TX Pro is much stiffer than my previous plastic telemark boots, so that in combination with the new binding system will take some technique adjustment. If I find it too active, then I'll purchase the soft plate and give that a go. In the end, I think the main reason why I went with the Lynx over the Medijo and Transit is that it seems less complicated than the Medijo, and it offers a different experience to my Switchback X2's (under foot retention vs spring attached to the heel). Having 22 Designs just "over the hill" gives them the local advantage as well. I don't think there is any right or wrong choice here, they are all great bindings, each with their own merits. I'm confident that the Lynx will work out just fine for me and I'm looking forward to some on snow time this season.
@@tomm9850 Thanks for a informative reply as always. Looking forward to see a review if you happen to try TTS. I am attracted to the very low weight it gives with cables removed. I have a pair of old F1s which have a great walk mode and low weight. Just need a binding now, however i am to cheap to spend over 400 dollars on a tech toe and cables.
Would I be correct in saying the madshus m68 has less camber then a s bound 98 and is easier to turn but slower in a straight line? Would that be the main difference ?
I've not skied a modern version of the Madshus m68, but I think the skis would have similar characteristics to my 98's . The traction pattern and easy skin on the 98's work very well for xcd style laps in soft snow. The m68's might be a little easier to turn, but I'm betting most people would put them in a similar class
Hi Tom, I really enjoy your content. Do your Objectives have patterned bases? And would you recommend patterned versus smooth bases for the Ojective (now the Endeavor)? They seem pretty wide. I have a pair of Traverse 78 and Rotefella Xplore bindings, which work fine for backcountry XC.
Yes, my Objectives are the BC version with the traction pattern. The traction pattern on the Objectives work very well under most of the snow conditions we have here in NW Wyoming. They are amazing on warm spring snow, but like all traction patterned skis, they don't grip on hard ice. I do have a set of skins that I use when it is icy or if I'm on an uphill ascent to the top of a mountain where I want to take a steeper angle of attack. I ski mine entirely in the backcountry, but if you think you will spend more time skiing them at a resort, then you should probably go with smooth bases, as the traction pattern does add some additional drag on the downhill. It isn't all that noticeable in the backcountry on moderate slopes but a smooth base skier will zoom past you on very low angle grades. ruclips.net/p/PLSbEbRoGC_hohHa7wmv_4IYbFNC1UpHlH
It helps some with the range of motion and I find it more comfortable. Reducing the height of the plastic boot shell, removing the power strap, and eliminating the walk/ski mechanism is counterproductive for those seeking a powerful downhill boot that can be driven by the shin, but it works well for me as I spend much of my time skiing softer XCD systems. I was able shave off 290 grams from the pair, and now my T2 Eco's in size 27.5 weigh 3266 grams. I wouldn't recommend this mod for most skiers; it would just be simpler to ski with a T4 or a vintage T3. I have a long history skiing the T4, but moved on to the T2 Eco about 6 years ago because of T4 / foot issues. I did ski this modded T2 Eco last year with my Hyper V6 / Switchback X2 setup and I was very happy with it. Now that I've added the new TX Pro to my quiver, I'm only going to ski the modded T2 with the 3 pin Hyper V6.
It's an addiction, that's for sure! I do make it a point to ski every ski in my quiver, but I'm very fortunate to live in an area with a reasonably long winter and to have the time to ski several times a week. Here is a video from last year on this very subject. ruclips.net/video/FvjmAcu5uhs/видео.html
Tom, please make this video an annual tradition. It's great having a look at what a serious cross country skiier such as yourself uses and switches to as the years progress. I got quite excited when you showed the Fischer twin skin Pro, I bought myself a pair this summer and it's kind fun to think I'm matching you. I think we have the exact same bindings too. Hope you get some snow soon, very much looking forward to the videos.
The short-term forecast is not looking too good at the moment. I think winter is going to be a bit late this year in my area. I'm looking forward to skiing the twin skin track skis. Thanks for tuning in and have a great weekend.
Another Tom video! Always good to see you posting for the season
I'm off to a slow start due to snow, but I hope things will turn around. Take care and have a great week.
Hope you’re doing well Tom.. look forward to your adventures this winter.
New Brunswick Canada 🇨🇦
Thanks for tuning in and I'm looking forward to this winter as well.
How did I just discover this channel now? Good stuff!
I'm glad you found the channel. Thanks for tuning in and posting.
I have always been glad to see your reports over the last many years..My old stomping grounds in JH and Salt River Pass. Keep them coming!
Thanks for tuning in Curt. It is an amazing area. Take care and have a great week.
Here in the Sierra, kick waxing is just more hassle than I want to deal with. I've been using Fischer Twin skins for the last 4 seasons and while they aren't as fast as a kick waxed skis, they are much faster than any scaled base skis. If I skied somewhere where I could use Extra Blue most days, I'd definitely have some waxable track skis. You can get glide wax for the skins, that's really handy in icing conditions.
I'm sure there will be times when they are faster and times when they will be slower. We often get a 25-degree swing in temps over the course of a few hours so even the best waxed ski will go from great to acceptable to tolerable. It is much easier to wax for skating with the big temp swings. Julie track skies more than I do so I'll be curious as to what she thinks of them as well. They may be a bit too long for her weight so she may find that they are not grippy enough. Thanks for posting your experience in the Sierra. Take care and have a great ski season.
Looking to expand with quiver with more cross country set up and you've really helped me narrow the field!
Thanks for watching and I'm glad you found it useful.
Some solid choices there! Make sure you give them all lots of love so they don't get jealous!
Send some of that Alaskan snow our way! Thanks for tuning in and have a great week.
Great stuff… can’t wait for the season to start!!!
Thanks for tuning in and have a great season
Beautiful.
Thanks for tuning in Matt. Have a great season.
Super information and a great concise, easy to digest overview, as usual Tom, thank you! Have you ever experimented with the Altai Kom skis? I watched your video with your buddy skiing the Altai Hoks but I hear very good things about the Kom as a lightweight, versatile downhill focused ski. I'm currently skiing the Snowbound 98's with Voile hardwires and T4s as my very first foray into XCD here in the northeast. As I get more competent I keep looking at the Kom as a possible next step for me.
I've not had any experience with the Kom skis. The 98's are a cross-country ski at heart and from the description, the Koms are a very different animal and would probably make a great addition. The T4's would be a great pairing so you are halfway there. :) If you do go that route, post back with your experience. As always, thanks for subscribing to the channel and have fun this winter.
I have a pair of twinskins myself, but initially didn't care for them as they felt grabby on glide, and switched to my Madshus speed skins instead. So, the jury's still out on the fischers. Hopefully my right knee will hold together this year for in-track, but I'm having great difficulty with my tele stance. Tele may have to wait until after I get it replaced. That said, it looks like Scarpa does still make a limited amount of the T2s, but I'm also very interested to hear what you think about the NTN gear on your Voile Hypervectors, how they feel in the skin track. We'll have a World Telemark weekend at Mission Ridge near Wenatchee, WA this January, and although I won't take them up on the runs, I can slide around on the flats and see how they feel, maybe try their ropetow for a light turn or two, if the knee can hold together. If the NTN stuff is acceptable for longer skin-ins, maybe I'll bite the bullet and get a set which, in all probability at 77, will be my final set. Hard to think about that, but there it is. I've been on skis for 75, not missed a single season, even in the Navy, where I could go on R&R for a few days to Hokkaido and ski there. It's been a long, wonderful run!!
Hi Alex. It was fun to read a bit of your history. Knees are the weak point for tele, especially with stiff plastic boots, so be very careful and wear knee braces. This getting older is not a lot of fun. I didn't mention it in the video, but one of the reasons for the twin skin traditional skis is that I've been struggling with arthritis in my shoulder and elbow joints for the past few years, and it has been getting more and more difficult to skate ski, so I'm going to change it up a bit and do more traditional skiing as opposed to skate skiing. In my limited testing so far, they seem to have plenty of glide, and I think that Fischer has them pretty well dialed in. Mine are 202 cm, medium stiff, and at my weight, I don't think they will drag too much but I can always take an electric shaver and carefully tone them down a bit if needed. I spent a couple of weeks skiing on Hokkaido in the late 70's, some amazing terrain for sure. Thanks for tuning in and take care of yourself.
Hi Tom, I am really looking forward to your inspirational videos this coming winter 😊 I have gear question, not about skis but clothing. I noticed last year you have been using that blue jacket alot... I guess it is a Black Daimond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell jacket? If it is I am wondering if you would recommend it for alpine skiing? I am looking for a allround shell that I can use for alpine, ski mountineering and off-trail cross-country skiing. I am concerned about those black ventilation panels making it too cold for the alpine ski lift discipline... what is your experience on that? I would be very thankful for your advice/opinion on that matter 😊👍 Best regards from Sweden! //Hampus
You are correct, I've been wearing the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell for a couple of seasons, and it is great for backcountry skiing. The black panels help to transmit moisture and the underarm zips and front dual zipper with mesh work great to keep me cool on the uphill. I actually bought the coat because of the skin pockets on the front, but I noticed that Black Diamond does not sell a shell with that feature, and it looks like they have dropped this coat from their lineup. I did make one modification to the coat. It came with thumbhole cuffs and while that is an interesting feature, they would get in the way when I wanted to check my watch, so I cut them out. I don't lift ski very often, but I have used it at the resort in combination with an under coat for warmth. The skin pockets are very handy for carrying all kinds of stuff but when they are stuffed, it's not the most flattering look. Thats not important in the back country but might be of consideration at the resort. Its always a shock to see how much the Black Diamond coats cost. Mine is holding up well but I only use it during the ski season. I don't know if it is the best option out there, I don't really shop around for clothing much as once I get something that works well for me, I tend to keep it forever. Thanks for tuning in and I hope you have a great ski season. We are off to a slow start in my area but I have my fingers crossed for the next frontal system.
@@tomm9850 Thank you Tom for your answer, I will take your experience into consideration when choosing my jacket. Haha yeah I do the same I have had me current jacket for around 15 years (Bergans, a Norwegian brand) it have gone through some modeifications and repairs during the years, sadly I am forced to replace it due to that I have been gaining weight an it doesn't fit me anymore, always sad to see good relaiable gear go... I tend to form a emotional tie with things I care for. Anyway, really thank you for your response. I wish you a great snowy season and look forward to follow you here on RUclips from Stockholm Sweden 🙂Hopefully I will get the chance to practice my freeheeling skills this winter as well! //Hampus
Tom I always really enjoy your videos!!! Question: How much snow at salt river pass snotel is necessary to ski your spot?
I usually wait until we have 18 inches of snow before I hit the slopes. It is possible to XC ski the East side loop trail and the access road up to the radio tower , as well as the short section of dirt track on the West side with less snow. The road up to the tower is mostly dirt with only a few rocks and faces North so it is a good bet with marginal snow. I haven't been down there yet, I'm waiting for the next storm, and the long-range forecast is not looking too good. I suspect the South aspect slopes have little if any snow and lots of exposed brush, based on what I can see on the highway dept webcam www.wyoroad.info/highway/webcameras/view?site=US89SaltPass
Thank you. I’ll keep my fingers crossed!
How would you compare traverse 78 and outback 68? Will either fit into machine track?
Hi Tom,
From your previous videos I learned that firstly you used Alpina Alaska boots for your Xplore bindings, but because they were narrow you changed them to Alfa Vista. How would you compare the size of these boots? I bought Alpina, but they are terribly narrow for my foot, but I have no possibility to try on Alfa boots in my country and I will order them online, hence I am looking for information on size comparison :) thank you in advance for your help and I wish you all the best :)
For me, the sizing on the Alaska XP and the Alfa Vista are very different. The sizing chart on REI's website worked well for my foot and I think it will work for those accustomed to US boot sizing. REI no longer sells the Vista, but if you go to this link and scroll down, they still have it posted www.rei.com/product/203279/alfa-vista-advance-gtx-cross-country-ski-boots. REI's chart will put you into a smaller boot than what Alfa suggests. I ski my Alfa boots with one medium weight sock, but if you tend to ski with a liner sock and a heavy weight sock combo, then you should probably go with Alfa's recommendation (which will put you in a larger boot). In my instance, my barefoot fully weighted measurements in mm are Left L=267, W=90 Right L=266, W=95 and I'm skiing the Vista in size 42. It is a good fit for me. With a foot length of 267 mm, Alfa recommends a size 43. As a reference point, I skied the Alaska XP in two different sizes, 43 and 44 but did not keep either boot as I found the toe box a bit too narrow for my wider foot. The Vista is a great boot, but I wish you had the opportunity to try on a couple of different sizes (they have both a men's and women's version). Keep in mind that the Alfa full grain leather boots will take some time to break in, so pay attention to your feet and keep the distances down at first. My Alfa Free boots are size 42 as well.
Hi Tom! I'm trying to decide between buying a S-bound 98 in 189 size and an Objective BC in 179 size for my all around ski. I'll be skiing it with an xplore binding and Alpina Pioneer XP boot. I'm 6' and 185 pounds and do a bit of everything in the Colorado front range with telemark turns. I have a dedicated AT setup for steeper and deeper stuff. I want a setup that will excel on rolling terrain, as well as mellow uphills and relatively mellow downhills, mostly outside of an avalanche terrain. Which ski do you think would be better for me? I notice that the two skis in these two different sizes would weigh about the same. So I guess I'm wondering if I could still kick and glide with the Objective BC? Thanks!
The Objectives and the SBound 98's are very different skis. The 98's are cross country skis at heart and the Objectives are touring downhill skis. There is a huge price differential, and Voile doesn't recommend telemark bindings on the Objectives. I like them both. I'll ski the 98's if the focus is more of an off trail cross country outing. I'll take the Objectives if the focus is touring for turns. The 98's turn very well in soft fresh snow as they have a fairly soft camber and decent side cut. The Objects were born to turn but won't be as energetic on the kick and glide as a cross country ski. They have very little camber and do not have a center groove. If you are mostly breaking trail or moving at a leisurely pace in the backcountry, the XC characteristics are less important than if you like to clip along on a packed trail or ski with others at a jogging pace. Last year I put together a video where I skied every ski in my quiver and discussed my use case for the 98's and the Objectives. Maybe this will help you in your decision. ruclips.net/video/FvjmAcu5uhs/видео.html
@@tomm9850 Thanks, Tom! This is very helpful. It sounds like for my purposes right now, the 98's are the way to go. I really appreciate it! I still want the Objectives someday, but that will have to wait! I did notice that the new Endeavor skis that are set to (maybe?) replace the Objectives, are significantly heavier
Hi Tom Thank you for the post - I really appreciate your time & effort in sharing your experience. One question though! How are the Voile Objective BC skis holding up with the Xplore bindings (no issues from mounting telemark bindings)?
The Objectives are holding up very well. I added them to my quiver in 2019 and they were mounted with the Voile Traverse 3 pin binding. In 2022, I remounted them with the Xplore binding. As you noted, Voile does not recommend mounting any of their hyper class of skis with telemark bindings and doing so will void their warranty. My Objectives and Hyper V6's were purchased before Voile changed their policy. The HyperVectors were added to my quiver in 2023, and I skied them for 2 seasons with an Xplore binding. This fall I remounted the Hypervector with the Lynx binding, and I remounted the Hyper V6's with the Voile HD Mountaineer 3-Pin. I used slow cure epoxy on all of my remounts and carefully hand tightened the mounting screws. All of the screws seemed to find ample substrate, knock on wood. I don't know if the current version of the Objective is constructed any differently than my 2019 version, but I'm confident in its Xplore epoxy mount given the soft nature of my boots, my weight and ski style. I really do like this ski. It is not all that much heavier than my Sbound 98. Voile's Endeavor ski is of similar design, but a beefier ski, weighing 681 grams more than the Objectives at 178 cm and "telemark binding compatible". It also comes in a 184 cm length which might be a better fit for taller, heavier skiers. If you go with the lighter option, there is more risk of pullout so buyer beware.
@@tomm9850 Thank you for such a comprehensive reply. I'm located in Australia and have been a telemark skier from the early 70's and have gone through a host (at least 12 + pairs) of early Fisher/Kazama/Black Diamond/and Fisher S Bound pattern based skis all mounted with 3 pin bindings. Eight years ago I switched to wider Black Diamond Currents with Switchbacks and Garmont boots for a month long ski mountaineering trip on the Antarctica Peninsula for sturdier downhill work. While the Currents are still good mainly for resort work I missed my lightweight gear and recently added a set of Asnes Ingstad BC skis mounted with Xplore bindings and have Alfa leather boots for light backcountry trips. Was toying with the idea of setting up a set of Objectives with Xplore bindings and using my Alfa boots for heavy pack long distance touring but, after contacting you, I revisited your site and took onboard your comments that the Objectives were not great for straight line tracking. Unfortunately for the trips I've planned Downunder, we need to travel some distances before getting to the steep stuff and I'm now in two minds as to whether the proposed Objective set-up would be suitable for 9 day trips (and also for resort skiing). Again many thanks for your valuable comments and posts over the years. Have a great season (our season this year was very poor like many others in recent times and I think climate change is now kicking in - our snow is generally wetter & ice prevalent rather than powder).
@WilliamInabinet It sounds like you have had some amazing time on skis. Take my comments on the Objectives in regard to straight line skiing with a grain of salt. They are a downhill ski in design with minimal camber and no center groove so they won't kick and glide or track straight like a typical wide XC ski, but they can be used for long distance touring. I'm not that familiar with the Black Diamond Current ski, but I did look them up on the web and I suspect that they would have a similar straight like tracking feel. Much of the time I find myself breaking trail or skiing in a skier packed trench and in those circumstances, they are fine, especially for shuffling along. Where I do notice it is when skiing a hard packed trail, wider than the skis but I think that would be the case with any downhill specific ski. Again, thanks for posting and have a great Spring and Summer.
@@tomm9850 Thanks once again for your comments. From a realistic perspective I agree that, if you’re shuffling along with a heavy pack, kick and glide is not that relevant but more control on downhill sections would be welcome. I was looking at the Endeavor BC skis but like the idea of lighter skis so that made Objectives with telemark bindings a more attractive proposition. Now at age 78 I’m not an extreme skier so that the Objectives with Xplore bindings seem feasible particularly given your experience.
I’m interested in a ski between the 80mm and 100mm range. Mostly for forest roads, but maybe with some occasional slopes and turns. Any comments on the whether your 78s or 98s are better for this type of terrain? I’ll be using Xplore bindings and boots.
The Traverse 78 and the SBound 98 ski are both great skis. I do like traction patterned skis for the type of skiing I do, and Fischer's easy skin is top notch, but if you want to go with a wax only option, check into the Asnes line of skis. The Traverse 78 is faster and lighter on the flats and on rolling terrain as it has a slightly stiffer camber. The 98's have more float and are easier to turn in soft snow and fresh snow conditions due to their softer camber and sidecut. My 78's are a 2022 version and my 98's are the 2021 version. I have not had the opportunity to examine this year's ski, so my comments are based on the one's I own. If I were mostly XC skiing hard windblown snow or packed trails, I'd pick the 78's over the 98's. If you mostly ski soft deep snow, often breaking trail, and envision moderate downhill runs in powder, then the 98 is the right choice. My wife skis the Excursion 88, which falls right in between the 78 and 98 in performance and use case. I do like the Xplore binding and boots. I have not had any issues or problems with mine, but others have reported excessive boot wear and stuck pins. At this point, I don't think the Xplore system is any more problematic than NNNBC or 3 Pin options. It is a tough decision between the two skis, as each has advantages over the other depending on the tour, but I predict you will have fun with either ski setup. Thanks for tuning in and for posting and best of luck.
@@tomm9850 thanks for the thoughtful feedback and for all the helpful videos. I’m starting to think 78s or 88s might be a better fit for my use case after having just tried some 100 mm width Rossignols. I could see the weight and the efficiency penalties of the wider skis outweighing the better deep snow and downhill performance for me. Thanks again and happy skiing!
@ Tom: Pro/Con of Alpina Alaska Boot with Xplore on OT ski (narrow) for Groomed Trails? My quiver split 50/50 NNN/Xplore…. I’d like to simplify it. Thanks
I haven't skied the OT 60, but generally it's OK to ski groomed tracks with a ski that is less than 70 mm at its widest point. There are lots of people who use a narrow combo ski for skiing groomed tracks and for off trail not-for-turns touring. I think the Alpina Alaska XP would be a good pairing as it offers good recreational kick and glide flex and is sturdy enough for off trail use. You won't be racing the Lycra clad athletes on the track, but you will be able to clip along at a recreational pace and have good support and control for step turns and plow turns off trail. The Xplore binding will just fit into a freshly groomed track; it's not really much wider than the widest part of the typical ski boot so I think you will be fine.
ruclips.net/video/JdMNPPQyIbI/видео.html
Have you considered TTS instead of the Lynx? to me it seems like a lighter and more efficent system. I atleast dont feel the need for the NTN rigidity when skiing soft snow.
I had 3 bindings in consideration to use with the new TX pro, the Lynx, Medijo and Transit and I don't have any previous on-ski experience with any of them, although I have skied with people that use the Medijo. Of the three, the Meidjo is the lightest at 880 grams, the Transit 1100 and the Lynx 1044. People who have skied both the Lynx and the Transit have advised me that the Transit feels very similar to the Switchback X2 on the downhill and I'm very familiar with that feel. In my mind, the big advantage of the Lynx over the Transit is that it is the easiest NTN binding to go from walk to ski mode and back to walk mode, and you don't have to bend over for the transition. ruclips.net/video/UMW-kiUi-Hw/видео.html That is what I love the most about the Switchback X2. While it is not as easy to make the switch on the Lynx, it can be done without removing the boot from the binding, simply using the ski pole to manipulate the claw. I've paired this binding with a set of Voile BC skis that have a traction pattern and there are many times and conditions when I don't use skins in the backcountry. 22 Designs is a local company, and the binding has been designed and tested for the same type of snow and terrain that I ski (NW Wyoming). I was a bit worried that some have commented that the Lynx was too active for their liking and a bit fiddley and problematic. I have mine currently set with the pin in the forward position and in my carpet / back yard testing it feels pretty good, and I think that I can quickly adjust to it. I will just have to wait and see how problematic it is. The new TX Pro is much stiffer than my previous plastic telemark boots, so that in combination with the new binding system will take some technique adjustment. If I find it too active, then I'll purchase the soft plate and give that a go. In the end, I think the main reason why I went with the Lynx over the Medijo and Transit is that it seems less complicated than the Medijo, and it offers a different experience to my Switchback X2's (under foot retention vs spring attached to the heel). Having 22 Designs just "over the hill" gives them the local advantage as well. I don't think there is any right or wrong choice here, they are all great bindings, each with their own merits. I'm confident that the Lynx will work out just fine for me and I'm looking forward to some on snow time this season.
@@tomm9850 Thanks for a informative reply as always. Looking forward to see a review if you happen to try TTS. I am attracted to the very low weight it gives with cables removed. I have a pair of old F1s which have a great walk mode and low weight. Just need a binding now, however i am to cheap to spend over 400 dollars on a tech toe and cables.
Would I be correct in saying the madshus m68 has less camber then a s bound 98 and is easier to turn but slower in a straight line? Would that be the main difference ?
I've not skied a modern version of the Madshus m68, but I think the skis would have similar characteristics to my 98's . The traction pattern and easy skin on the 98's work very well for xcd style laps in soft snow. The m68's might be a little easier to turn, but I'm betting most people would put them in a similar class
Hi Tom, I really enjoy your content. Do your Objectives have patterned bases? And would you recommend patterned versus smooth bases for the Ojective (now the Endeavor)? They seem pretty wide.
I have a pair of Traverse 78 and Rotefella Xplore bindings, which work fine for backcountry XC.
Yes, my Objectives are the BC version with the traction pattern. The traction pattern on the Objectives work very well under most of the snow conditions we have here in NW Wyoming. They are amazing on warm spring snow, but like all traction patterned skis, they don't grip on hard ice. I do have a set of skins that I use when it is icy or if I'm on an uphill ascent to the top of a mountain where I want to take a steeper angle of attack. I ski mine entirely in the backcountry, but if you think you will spend more time skiing them at a resort, then you should probably go with smooth bases, as the traction pattern does add some additional drag on the downhill. It isn't all that noticeable in the backcountry on moderate slopes but a smooth base skier will zoom past you on very low angle grades. ruclips.net/p/PLSbEbRoGC_hohHa7wmv_4IYbFNC1UpHlH
@@tomm9850 Thank you. Very helpful.
Where are your alpina Discovery 80?
The Discovery 80 / Xplore combo is a great setup but they have found a new home and are off on a new adventure.
Do the modifications to your T2 increase it's range of motion?
It helps some with the range of motion and I find it more comfortable. Reducing the height of the plastic boot shell, removing the power strap, and eliminating the walk/ski mechanism is counterproductive for those seeking a powerful downhill boot that can be driven by the shin, but it works well for me as I spend much of my time skiing softer XCD systems. I was able shave off 290 grams from the pair, and now my T2 Eco's in size 27.5 weigh 3266 grams. I wouldn't recommend this mod for most skiers; it would just be simpler to ski with a T4 or a vintage T3. I have a long history skiing the T4, but moved on to the T2 Eco about 6 years ago because of T4 / foot issues. I did ski this modded T2 Eco last year with my Hyper V6 / Switchback X2 setup and I was very happy with it. Now that I've added the new TX Pro to my quiver, I'm only going to ski the modded T2 with the 3 pin Hyper V6.
too many choices.
It's an addiction, that's for sure! I do make it a point to ski every ski in my quiver, but I'm very fortunate to live in an area with a reasonably long winter and to have the time to ski several times a week. Here is a video from last year on this very subject. ruclips.net/video/FvjmAcu5uhs/видео.html