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| Black Diamond O3 Telemark
Binding: Product Review |
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| What the TelemarkSki staff thinks... |
What the manufacturer's Marketing Dept. thinks...
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What independent testers think... |
Summary - The 03 is a more neutral, touring
friendly design than the 02 and is a good choice for backcountry
skiers or those who spend lots of time in soft snow - a solid
alternative to the G3 Targa or Rottefella R4 bindings.
The 03 is a relatively neutral binding that tours nicely thanks
to the forward positioning of the cable flex point. The 03 is
a great binding for backcountry skiers or those with smaller/softer
flexing boots. Most skiers will want the "MidStiff" cartridges
on the 03 binding. |
The O3 binding incorporates a one-piece, stainless
steel toe plate that entirely surrounds the boot's toe to provide
maximum power transfer from boot to ski. Cable exits on the
toe plate are positioned further forward than those of the new
O2, providing less resistance on the uphill. The O3's toe plate
is integrated with a reinforced anti-stick riser that provides
a secure, ice-free connection to the ski. This riser is a variable-height
design, allowing the boot to sit naturally and reducing unwanted
tip pressure in powder conditions. This binding is topped off
with unique cable routing that minimizes bulk and weight, while
providing a progressive flex and maximum resistance in the deepest
part of the turn.
K2 Insert compatible. Sold with the choice of two compression-spring
cartridges (MidStiff and Ridiculously Stiff) and one climbing
wire. |
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."
Backcountry magazine: "BD's 03 is in many ways a simpler
02. . . . . The difference seems-after testing both bindings
side by side with a variety of boots-to allow softer boots,
in particular, to flex more freely, and overall, delivers a
smoother flex regardless of boot type. A more forward cable
flex point also makes the 03 more touring-friendly than the
02." |
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