We sell the
Ftichi Daimer about 5 to 1 over any other AT Binding. This is for good reason.
It skis the best, period, end of story. If you are soley a skier this or the
Dynafit TLT are the best choices. Sorry Sliveretta but this is our opinion.
The TLT dominates
the weight category. We are not yet convinced big strong aggressive skiers
that ski a lot will not break it yet and feedback from ski patrollers support
that view. (our 220 lb buyer jumped, skied big bumps and wiped hard several
times and did not break it, but that was only for one day) If you do not ski
a lot (whatever that really means) and weight is of the essence, don't even
bother to research. This is the lightest by far. Lighter skiers (we are saying
under 150 lbs but have nothing real to determine a weight) seem to be doing
fine with this binding.
The other
problem with the TLT is it has no compatable risers (the Diamer is a riser
in itself). Dynafit does not even reccomend using them (although at the trade
show all their bindings were mounted with risers). Shaped skis almost demand
a riser in harder snow conditions.
The Diamer
has its own riser, rarely breaks and has been tested by time. It skis better
than the others. Little else needs to be said.
The Silveretta
500 is our choice for all around approach binding. If you want to use leathers
at any time this would be our reccomendation. It is slightly lighter than
the Diamer (which will not work with leathers). It will ski fine but some
of us (mainly larger skiers) have had trouble with the release mechanism giving
to easily. It also does not have a DIN toe. If skiing is not your primary
activity give this binding the most consideration.
The Silveretta
404 is the granddaddy and it is tougher than all the others. Used primariliy
as an approach binding this is the one you will have to worry about least
in the backcountry. It pays the price by being the heaviest binding we carry
by almost 2 pounds a pair.