Summary: The Targa Ascent is G3 latest innovation which combines the light weight Targa T/9 with a pole-activated free pivot system. This unrestricted touring action eliminates resistance felt from stiff compression cartridges or flexing stiff boots. The pivot point is located 7mm forward of the "pin-line", resulting in a feeling of increased ease while touring. Who wouldn't like the sound of that?
Changing modes is accomplished easily by the flick of a switch at the front of
the toepiece. With the help of a 3°; wedge and 40mm of rise, the Ascent transforms
into a high performance binding for the descent. |
The G3 Targa Ascent is telemark's lightest, high performance touring binding.
The TARGA Ascent combines the award winning, lightweight TARGA T/9 with a pole-activated free pivot system, easily switching the binding from tour to ski mode.
In tour mode, the Ascent toe plate pivots unrestricted on a stainless steel axle, eliminating the burden of boot flex resistance. Biomechanically engineered for a natural feel and efficient stride, the Ascent's pivot point is located 7mm forward of the 'pin-line', quickly transforming telemarkers to trailbreakers.
A flick of the switch easily converts the Ascent into an aggressive high performance
binding. A stainless steel sliding retainer moves into place above a forged stainless
steel retention bar, securing the Ascent into ski mode and eliminating room for
ice or snow buildup. The 3° wedge and 40mm rise further enhances the skiing performance
over and above its T/9 predecessor, eliminating rocker launch and engaging the
powerful G3 compression spring cartridges for outstanding downhill control.
For further touring convenience, the TARGA Ascent also includes a new, pole-activated, elastomer-spring climbing heel, providing 70mm of rise and a very clean design.
-Weight: 1406g/45.6oz |
Powder Magazine: "In 2007, (G3) continues to push the boundaries with the Targa Ascent, a high-performance binding that allows you to release the toe-piece to give you freedom of movement uphill without boot or binding resistance. It's also the lighter weight and less expensive option for the touring models ...Something telemarkers take for granted is the heel throw, and G3's is still one of the best out there, giving you the comfort to clip into your skis even on the hairiest pitches."
Skiing magazine: "G3 fans, rejoice. With the Targa Ascent, you get the classic Targa design - compression springs, flexible cables, ice-free toe plate, and easy-use heel throw - plus the ability to switch between uphill and downhill modes. The result: resistance-free touring, snappy kick turns, and bomber downhill stability."
Backcountry magazine: "As telemark-touring bindings go, this one does it all. A full 55° of touring motion means lots of free heel freedom for a longer stride, or making kick turns on steep slopes. Adding the pivot to the classic Targa meant raising the toe plate to 40mm, adding additional leverage for edging hard snow, and barely noticeable while skinning. An elastomer-spring in the ascender makes this one of the easiest climbing pegs to engage, although it loses some of that elasticity in super-cold temperatures. And with a 3° ramp angle, the flex of your boot will start sooner. My biggest complaint is icing of the mode switch. It can be cleared pretty easily by simply toggling the switch back and forth with your ski pole (and your heel lifted)." |
