G3 Targa Ascent S/S: Product Review ~ TelemarkSki.com
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G3 Targa Ascent S/S Telemark Binding: Product Review
What the TelemarkSki staff thinks... What the manufacturer's Marketing Dept. thinks... What independent testers think...
Summary: The Targa Ascent S/S adds a stainless steel toe plate to G3's innovation that combines the light weight Targa with a pole-activated free pivot system. This unrestricted touring action eliminates resistance felt from stiff compression cartridges or flexing stiff boots. The stainless steel toe plate adds weight, but increases the durability for aggressive or heavier skiers.

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 toe piece.

With the help of a 3°; wedge and 40mm of rise, the Ascent transforms into a high performance binding for the descent.

Introducing the Targa Ascent S/S. Take the award winning, lightweight, free pivoting TARGA Ascent; incorporate the Targa stainless steel toe plate and heel tube and you have the Targa Ascent S/S. A bomber bindings at an economical price for skiers who put their equipment through the wringer.

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 degree 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."

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)."

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