Summary - The 02 is designed around some
great ideas and has been a very popular binding. The 02 was
completely redesigned last season, and improved again for
'04-'05. We really like the way this binding skis, particularly
on the resort in challenging terrain/conditions.
The 02 is a very powerful, high performance binding. The under-the-foot
cable routing results in a smooth and progressive flex that
offers excellent control and stability, particularly when
deeply flexed. The active feel of this binding is often compared
to that of the Rainey Hammerhead. It skis great and we recommend
it especially for aggressive area skiers with big boots. Most
skiers will want the "MidStiff" cartridges on the 02 binding,
but strong and aggressive skiers with big boots might prefer
the "Ridiculously Stiff" option. |
Completely
redesigned, re-engineered and thoroughly tested by Black Diamond
last season, the current O2 tele binding offers the ultimate
in downhill performance.
Created
for power and response, this binding incorporates a one-piece,
stainless steel toe box that wraps entirely around the boot
for optimum power transfer. This unique toe box extends to
each mounting hole and is stiffened in critical sections for
maximum strength and responsiveness.
The O2's under-foot cable routing provides a progressive fluid
flex and ensures there is no "hinge-point" or mechanical feel
in the turn. The O2's Anti-Matter Skid Plate has a variable-height
design and contours down from front to back. This angle matches
the sole of tele boots and maximizes energy transfer by creating
a large platform for the ball of the foot. This feature also
reduces tip dive and "rocker launch."
A completely redesigned and tested riser incorporates cable-exit
points that are located further back than those found on the
new O3, to create an active, stiffer and more progressive
flex pattern with the equivalent spring cartridges. A unique
yoke adds lateral and torsional support, while a solid wire
on the heel offers maximum durability. These two features
produce an incredibly secure, highly responsive heel system.
The O2 is topped off with a re-engineered heel throw that's
easy to use with gloves and fits all tele-boot heel welts.
When downhill performance and power are key. the
O2 is the binding of choice. K2 Insert compatible.
Sold with the choice of three compression-spring cartridges
(Stiff FreeFlex, MidStiff and Ridiculously Stiff).
Two climbing wires are included.
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Skiing magazine(Nov06):
"Unchanged since last season, the O2 maintains its status as a capable, no-frills binding. With three degrees of stiffness, it accommodates powder floaters, hardpack lowriders, and mini-cliff huckers. That said, the underboot position of cable and cartridges compromise torsional rigidity on harder conditions, even with the stiffest cartridge."
Backcountry magazine: ". . . this
compression-spring binding utilizes under-the-foot cable routing
to improve binding clearance and increase power generation.
. . .For today's wider boards, this binding offers serious
power. Three types of spring cartridges allow 02 skiers to
find just the right flex for their ski and boot type."
Couloir: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again..The
02 is the more active of the two bindings, feeling much like
a Hammerhead in position 3.5. The 03 felt like a slightly
more powerful Targa. The 02 is for aggressive in-bounds skiing,
while the 03's more neutral feel make it a better choice for
earning your turns. Their design borrows from the best ideas
out there, but the real world has a way of delivering curve
balls.I'd give these bindings another season of abuse by others."
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