Great series. I'm down in Laramie and ski mostly the Snowy Range and Rawahs. I just picked up a set of T2s just like yours. I too had the T4s and just could not get the boots to work for my feet and had blisters on my inner ankle bone and shin pain. The higher cuff of the T2 really helps power for turns and breaking trail is easier on the flats and going up. I don't really notice the weight over my T4s. On sizing, the 29s felt a bit too big for my 10.5/11 foot so I went with a 28. Very happy with the smaller boot. At first I could barely slide my foot into the liner. After heat molding they feel great. For adjustments, I ended up moving the latch in a bit more for my skinny calf. So far my only concerns with the boot is the liner. My feet are drenched with sweat and even on cold days. My feet stay very warm however and I dont have any problems being in them for 5+ hours. I've tried super thin wool socks and 2 different brands of socks. Never had this issue before with other boots. On days where trails are packed, I leave the T2s and Hyper Vector BCs at home.
I'm liking my T2's as well. I have about 30 miles in them and no blisters, so I'm a happy camper. It's the tallest and beefiest tele boot I've ever skied in, so I was somewhat surprised how comfortable they are on the approach and climb. We must think alike. I picked up a pair of Voile Hyper V6 BC's for Christmas. I moved the Switchback X2's from my S-Bound 125's to the V6's. The power of the T2's and the easy turn-ability of the V6's is a new experience for me. I remounted the S-Bound 125's with a 3 pin binding. I will use the softer Fischer BCX 675 boots with the S-Bound 98's and 125's, and use the T2's with the V6's, depending on the conditions. With my T4's, I had to change socks about half way through a long day of skiing. Having dry feet helped to reduce blistering for me. The T2's are so much harder to get on and off, I'm not sure I could easily change socks in the field. I'm hoping that I won't need to do this with the T2's, but time will tell. By the way, I have some good memories of skiing in the Snowy Range many eons ago. Hope you have a great winter and thanks for watching.
Looking forward to your V6 review. I was in between the V6 and Vector series. I ended up going with the Vector because it seemed like it had a bit more camber. I'm surprised how grippy the scales are and kick/glide performance on flats for such a wide ski. I have yet to use my skins and the skis feel extremely light breaking trail. Glad to hear you skied the Snowys. Our season started in early November, deepest snow I've seen in years.
How do you like the Vector BC? I am close to pulling the trigger on either the V6 BC or Vector BC. Most of my tours consist of a 2-3 mile flat to rolling approach, followed by another 2-3 miles of uphill. Any idea if anyone is skiing AT bindings on scaled skis? Or do you lose the kick and glide efficiency and add transition time as opposed to tele?
@@dominant159 I really like my hypervectors bcs. I went with the Vectors because they have a bit more camber then the v6 and are slightly softer for hardpack conditions. The scales work extremely well for up/down terrain. I have yet to use my skins. Kick and glide is great for such a wide ski. My only dislike is the top sheet. It seems durable out the box, but in the real world I already have some nicks on it.
@@dominant159 Ive never skied AT boots. Ive only done NNN BC and Tele. Im the only one in my group of friends that skis with telemark bindings. One thing I have noticed is I never see my At friends lock their heel. They only do it on very steep terrian. So whats the point. I have the Voile Hardwire bindings. They are a very stiff binding when buckled in. You can even do powerful parallel turns with them when terrian doesnt allow for a tele turn.
@@tomm9850 I'm a wax guy, always have been, but waxless can't be beat when temps are around the freezing point. You almost have me sold on those Fischers, esp. with that half skin: that is genius.
Hi Tom. Thanks for posting your videos. A lot of knowledge from your side. I am planning to combine a pair of S bound 112 with voile bindings and T4 boots for some downhill terrain and also to follow my little princess in the red slopes around the house. My idea is that i can practice the tele turns while my daughter is enjoying the ride. What do you think about this setup?
The T4 is a great boot and a good match for the S-Bound 112's and other wide metal edge skis. It offers a lot of support with it's primary focus on downhill control. I've found that softer leather boots, like Alpina's Alaska and Fischer's BCX-675 are more comfortable on the flats and the uphills. Which Voile binding are you considering? I don't know if you have access to an REI store (Recreational Equipment Incorporated). They have a great return policy if you have problems with the fit on the T4's.
Radu, it has been two years since you posted your comment. Can you write back and tell us how your S bound 112/voile bindings[which model?]/T4s worked out for you? I have been considering the same setup. Thanks.
I used the boot center method recommendation from Voile. It has been many years since I mounted the Sbound 125's shown in this video, but I'm pretty sure the pin line ended up being just a little forward of the ski balance point. I later moved the X2 bindings from these Sbound 125's to a set of Voile V6's. Voile has specific boot center recommendations for their skis, and that placed the X2 pin line even further forward of the balance point. The V6's ski very well and I'm happy with their recommendation.
Hi Tom. Can you do kick turns with the voile Switchback binding? I am trying to decide between that binding and the TTS binding but I have to do steep climbs so the kick turn is a real advantage for me. I am doing more than just rolling terrain.
Yes, when in the free pivot mode. The switchback X2 is a great binding for 75 mm boots. I have not skied Voile's TTS binding. ruclips.net/video/4KMjRhWi_9c/видео.html
@@tomm9850 Don't you find that with the hard boot there isn't enough flex in the sole of boot? I find soft back country boots to be easier for rolling terrain, but when conditions get tough, the binding doesn't work because you need to be attached at more than just the toe to do a turn properly. Just curious what you think.
The lever locks down the toe of the telemark boot for the downhill mode. Check out Voile's quick video which showcases this binding. ruclips.net/video/4KMjRhWi_9c/видео.html Also, here is a recent complete review of the binding. www.telemarkskier.com/review-voile-switchback-switchbackx2/
Tom, I ski in the Adirondack mountains in Northern New York. I'm currently skiing the Madshus Annum 195, Rotafella Cobra R8 binding, and Garmont Excursion boot. I find this setup to be great for rolling terrain and have logged many miles in the last 3 years on them. However, the past two years I have been eyeing a more downhill oriented ski with scales, and the switchback/T2 combo. I am really curious to see how you make out with the Voile V6 BC setup as well. I too am stuck between the Vector and V6 BC, as most the skiing I do has 2-3 miles of rolling terrain before climbing. I have also been researching AT bindings with a scaled ski but haven't seen too many reviews on that.
I've used the V6 BC setup on two trips this winter. I plan to do an update video after a few more trips. All of my friends ski AT gear and they are always ribbing me about my "antiquated" setup. I was able to give AT skiing a try last season with a set of Fischer Hannibal skis, Dynafit Tech Bindings, and Atomic Backland Boots. There is no doubt that AT skiers get all the new high tech stuff and that Telemark is stuck in time. I prefer Telemark, but I have to admit, it was much easier to ski with the AT gear. One thing that I learned from this experience is that AT style skiing just doesn't make me as happy, even if it is easier, and that I wanted to try telemarking on a softer flex ski with its focus on the downhill end of things, for those times when I ski steeper terrain with my AT buddies. I was not willing to give up the "scales" as I don't go on too many outings where I don't have a few ups on the way back to the car. Voile is one of the few ski companies who make a true backcountry downhill ski with scales, so that is why I got a pair of V6's. I've never skied on the Vector, so I can't really give you a comparison. My Hyper V6 BC / Switchback X2 / Scarpa T2 setup is a big change from the S-Bound 125 setup I was using last year, and I already like them a lot. I mounted a standard 3 pin binding on the S-Bound 125's and have been using them with a soft boot this week in deep powder on rolling, less challenging terrain. When the avalanche conditions moderate, I'll pull out the V6 BC's again for some more testing.
Thank you! Tom
I'm glad you found the video useful. Thanks for tuning in and I hope you are having a great ski season.
@Tom M, It was me that asked about turning with mini skins. Thanks for posting this!
Thanks Tom. What part of the country do you live?
I live in Northwest Wyoming. This video was recorded in Eastern Idaho in the Caribou National Forest.
Great series. I'm down in Laramie and ski mostly the Snowy Range and Rawahs. I just picked up a set of T2s just like yours. I too had the T4s and just could not get the boots to work for my feet and had blisters on my inner ankle bone and shin pain. The higher cuff of the T2 really helps power for turns and breaking trail is easier on the flats and going up. I don't really notice the weight over my T4s.
On sizing, the 29s felt a bit too big for my 10.5/11 foot so I went with a 28. Very happy with the smaller boot. At first I could barely slide my foot into the liner. After heat molding they feel great. For adjustments, I ended up moving the latch in a bit more for my skinny calf.
So far my only concerns with the boot is the liner. My feet are drenched with sweat and even on cold days. My feet stay very warm however and I dont have any problems being in them for 5+ hours. I've tried super thin wool socks and 2 different brands of socks. Never had this issue before with other boots.
On days where trails are packed, I leave the T2s and Hyper Vector BCs at home.
I'm liking my T2's as well. I have about 30 miles in them and no blisters, so I'm a happy camper. It's the tallest and beefiest tele boot I've ever skied in, so I was somewhat surprised how comfortable they are on the approach and climb. We must think alike. I picked up a pair of Voile Hyper V6 BC's for Christmas. I moved the Switchback X2's from my S-Bound 125's to the V6's. The power of the T2's and the easy turn-ability of the V6's is a new experience for me. I remounted the S-Bound 125's with a 3 pin binding. I will use the softer Fischer BCX 675 boots with the S-Bound 98's and 125's, and use the T2's with the V6's, depending on the conditions. With my T4's, I had to change socks about half way through a long day of skiing. Having dry feet helped to reduce blistering for me. The T2's are so much harder to get on and off, I'm not sure I could easily change socks in the field. I'm hoping that I won't need to do this with the T2's, but time will tell. By the way, I have some good memories of skiing in the Snowy Range many eons ago. Hope you have a great winter and thanks for watching.
Looking forward to your V6 review. I was in between the V6 and Vector series. I ended up going with the Vector because it seemed like it had a bit more camber. I'm surprised how grippy the scales are and kick/glide performance on flats for such a wide ski. I have yet to use my skins and the skis feel extremely light breaking trail.
Glad to hear you skied the Snowys. Our season started in early November, deepest snow I've seen in years.
How do you like the Vector BC? I am close to pulling the trigger on either the V6 BC or Vector BC. Most of my tours consist of a 2-3 mile flat to rolling approach, followed by another 2-3 miles of uphill. Any idea if anyone is skiing AT bindings on scaled skis? Or do you lose the kick and glide efficiency and add transition time as opposed to tele?
@@dominant159 I really like my hypervectors bcs. I went with the Vectors because they have a bit more camber then the v6 and are slightly softer for hardpack conditions. The scales work extremely well for up/down terrain. I have yet to use my skins. Kick and glide is great for such a wide ski. My only dislike is the top sheet. It seems durable out the box, but in the real world I already have some nicks on it.
@@dominant159 Ive never skied AT boots. Ive only done NNN BC and Tele. Im the only one in my group of friends that skis with telemark bindings. One thing I have noticed is I never see my At friends lock their heel. They only do it on very steep terrian. So whats the point. I have the Voile Hardwire bindings. They are a very stiff binding when buckled in. You can even do powerful parallel turns with them when terrian doesnt allow for a tele turn.
I can hear the fish scales buzzing on the downhills.
Yes, the fish scales can be annoying at times, but they are amazing, especially this time of year when the temps are reaching 40 F (5 C)
@@tomm9850 I'm a wax guy, but around the freezing point, waxless skis can't be beat.
@@tomm9850 I'm a wax guy, always have been, but waxless can't be beat when temps are around the freezing point. You almost have me sold on those Fischers, esp. with that half skin: that is genius.
Keep enjoying life, sir. I'm probably half your age and you look twice as happy!
Thanks. Hope you have a great ski season.
Hi Tom. Thanks for posting your videos. A lot of knowledge from your side. I am planning to combine a pair of S bound 112 with voile bindings and T4 boots for some downhill terrain and also to follow my little princess in the red slopes around the house. My idea is that i can practice the tele turns while my daughter is enjoying the ride. What do you think about this setup?
The T4 is a great boot and a good match for the S-Bound 112's and other wide metal edge skis. It offers a lot of support with it's primary focus on downhill control. I've found that softer leather boots, like Alpina's Alaska and Fischer's BCX-675 are more comfortable on the flats and the uphills. Which Voile binding are you considering? I don't know if you have access to an REI store (Recreational Equipment Incorporated). They have a great return policy if you have problems with the fit on the T4's.
Radu, it has been two years since you posted your comment. Can you write back and tell us how your S bound 112/voile bindings[which model?]/T4s worked out for you? I have been considering the same setup. Thanks.
Tom, where did you mount your X2s? Pinline+3cm? Boot Center, ... ? Thanks in advance, XCD Master Kenobi!
I used the boot center method recommendation from Voile. It has been many years since I mounted the Sbound 125's shown in this video, but I'm pretty sure the pin line ended up being just a little forward of the ski balance point. I later moved the X2 bindings from these Sbound 125's to a set of Voile V6's. Voile has specific boot center recommendations for their skis, and that placed the X2 pin line even further forward of the balance point. The V6's ski very well and I'm happy with their recommendation.
Hi Tom. Can you do kick turns with the voile Switchback binding? I am trying to decide between that binding and the TTS binding but I have to do steep climbs so the kick turn is a real advantage for me. I am doing more than just rolling terrain.
Yes, when in the free pivot mode. The switchback X2 is a great binding for 75 mm boots. I have not skied Voile's TTS binding. ruclips.net/video/4KMjRhWi_9c/видео.html
@@tomm9850 Don't you find that with the hard boot there isn't enough flex in the sole of boot? I find soft back country boots to be easier for rolling terrain, but when conditions get tough, the binding doesn't work because you need to be attached at more than just the toe to do a turn properly. Just curious what you think.
what do you mean by "put the binding in the downhill mode"?
The lever locks down the toe of the telemark boot for the downhill mode. Check out Voile's quick video which showcases this binding. ruclips.net/video/4KMjRhWi_9c/видео.html
Also, here is a recent complete review of the binding. www.telemarkskier.com/review-voile-switchback-switchbackx2/
Tom, I ski in the Adirondack mountains in Northern New York. I'm currently skiing the Madshus Annum 195, Rotafella Cobra R8 binding, and Garmont Excursion boot. I find this setup to be great for rolling terrain and have logged many miles in the last 3 years on them. However, the past two years I have been eyeing a more downhill oriented ski with scales, and the switchback/T2 combo. I am really curious to see how you make out with the Voile V6 BC setup as well. I too am stuck between the Vector and V6 BC, as most the skiing I do has 2-3 miles of rolling terrain before climbing. I have also been researching AT bindings with a scaled ski but haven't seen too many reviews on that.
I've used the V6 BC setup on two trips this winter. I plan to do an update video after a few more trips. All of my friends ski AT gear and they are always ribbing me about my "antiquated" setup. I was able to give AT skiing a try last season with a set of Fischer Hannibal skis, Dynafit Tech Bindings, and Atomic Backland Boots. There is no doubt that AT skiers get all the new high tech stuff and that Telemark is stuck in time. I prefer Telemark, but I have to admit, it was much easier to ski with the AT gear. One thing that I learned from this experience is that AT style skiing just doesn't make me as happy, even if it is easier, and that I wanted to try telemarking on a softer flex ski with its focus on the downhill end of things, for those times when I ski steeper terrain with my AT buddies. I was not willing to give up the "scales" as I don't go on too many outings where I don't have a few ups on the way back to the car. Voile is one of the few ski companies who make a true backcountry downhill ski with scales, so that is why I got a pair of V6's. I've never skied on the Vector, so I can't really give you a comparison. My Hyper V6 BC / Switchback X2 / Scarpa T2 setup is a big change from the S-Bound 125 setup I was using last year, and I already like them a lot. I mounted a standard 3 pin binding on the S-Bound 125's and have been using them with a soft boot this week in deep powder on rolling, less challenging terrain. When the avalanche conditions moderate, I'll pull out the V6 BC's again for some more testing.