UKH

At some point this year I want to put by touring bindings on something a little more modern and functional than the ancient 2nd hand Rossignols they are currently on (great for going uphill and cross-country, but rubbish for much other than on-piste downhill, but they are nearly 20 years old!)

After talking to the Mountainfeet people, they suggested something like Movement Sparks would fit the bill, but, they are now out of production, and I can't find anything of the correct length (173cm) from the remainder of last year's stock at any of the obvious outlets.

Can people advise on suitable equivalents (the bindings are Fritschi Diamir Eagles if that affects anyone's decision making!)

For the sake of saving money, new but last year's models would most probably be the most suitable!

Cheers,

PP.

In reply to PontiusPirate:

Hi German E bay has Sparks, I cant post a link but the online Ebay.De shop KLIKO Sport is selling them

Spark is a fine ski for touring, I really like mine.

In reply to PontiusPirate:
BD Current. But new this year so not cheap.
BD Aspects available from previous years, but it is a bit fatter (90 under foot)

In reply to PontiusPirate:

If you can go to 178cm I have some Movement Red Apples, skied x3, no damage, with Coltex skis.

Pm me if interested...
TC

In reply to PontiusPirate:

As you live in Bradford I'd pop round to Backcontry UK In Otley and seek their advise on what would suit you best? You may end up paying a little more than on-line but you would avoid making an expensive mistake

http://shop.backcountryuk.com/

In reply to kevin stephens:

Except they're in Ilkley!

Glide 'n' Slide are in Otley - they've started doing Black Crows skis. They also have a pretty good deal on a touring set up:

http://www.glideslide.co.uk/product/0004505306/k2/man/equipment/hardside-to...

In reply to andy:
Ooops, of course they are, my mistake, still nice to be able to visit two great shops so close to each other

In reply to andy:

Cheers Everyone.

'Mountainfeet' used to be touring specialists, but they no longer stock much kit as it's too small a market for shop that focusses on footwear, but I trust the advice they've given me thus far.

I will be talking to the people at Back Country and G'n'S too: I'm after people's knowledge and experience on here - there's quite a lot!

Generally I'm after something for all round touring rather than side-country/back-country/free-ride, so weight is an issue, hence wanting something around 80mm underfoot. That K2 setup is heavy and free-ride focussed (good combo price though!)

Keep 'em coming,

Cheers,

PP.

In reply to PontiusPirate: Buy them in the Alps they're cheaper, and the people who sell them may actually know what they're talking about, which is unlikely in Bradford or wherever. You will also be able to test them, which is better than asking clueless punters on here what to buy.

In reply to Gael Force: You ever met the lads from backcountry? I think they might just have the smidgin of an idea what they're on about - they're not snow and rock.

In reply to PontiusPirate:

Hi,

I purchased the Black Diamond Stigma and Fritschi Eagles from Braemar Mountain Sports at the weekend, havent been out and skied them yet but they look great. Similar dimensions to the Spark (80mm under foot) and lightweight. They have a special offer on a complete touring package at the minute (http://www.braemarmountainsports.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c...

Hope this helps.

In reply to PontiusPirate:

Poking around the reviews, the Backup seems to be K2's equivalent, and similarly well regarded.

PP.

In reply to PontiusPirate: There's a half price sale on in Telemarkpyrenees at the moment. They've such an amount of stock surely you should be able to trawl through what they have and find something equivalent to what you're looking for for cheap?

In reply to Frank4short:

Thanks Frank - I'll have a look.

PP.