These had no problem with the hair test, didnt hurt at all. Depending on the type of ski, the Air Tec system is reinforced with extremely robust Titanal. Why, see above. We will be flying out May 10-13th. Binding reinforcement area is touted with the topskin words Titanium Binding Reinforcement and an odd pattern I assume is designed to accommodate most touring bindings. In any case, I dummied up some different binding mounts and all seemed to fit within the confines of the labeled area. In my opinion, the Fischer skin fixation is one of the smartest (and most beautiful) solutions on the market - but of course any other skin with "normal" tip fixations can be used. Just some initial thoughts here. A binding can be light and simple for hiking, but none of that matters if you can't ski the way you want to. That's like getting 10% back in Rewards! I am going to Denali to ski the west butt May 2015 and would love to hear what you guys have to say. Its extreme terrain versatility is simply awesome. While the Ambition is lighter than the Fritche, it is obviously not as light as a tech binding. totalResultCount: 6, We will also send you a monthly email that details your balance and other account activity. It is definitely the way to go for true touring, lots of good binding options out there now. The 3 to 4 mm of ROCKER and the specific tip geometry prevent the ski from sinking into the snow. So if we are running a 50% back special offer, and you buy a regular-priced item for $100.00, you will receive MJ$10.00 in base points, and a bonus of MJ$40. Actually, Peter, it seems to depend on which source you believe Austria Metall AG doesnt actually give the composition of Titanal on their site, while other online sources give Titanium contents of zero, .25% and .5% (in addition to aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium and zirconium crystals). Ski pack Scott Pure Pro 109 TI + binding - Men, Ski pack Dynastar M-Pro 90 + binding - women, Black Crows Mentis Freebird Pack + Binding, Pack of K2 Talkback 96 skis + binding - Women, Skitrab Maestro.2 ski touring pack + binding. The ZED is truly confident in a league of its own with all the power and performance of a much heavier modern touring binding, but packs it into a super light and simple package.Benefits: Uncompromising combination of advanced Radical Speed and special expedition without lateral release. If you return an item, we deduct the MJ$ earned on that item from your balance. Users can opt-in to the program while checking out on Moosejaw.com or at one of our stores or at any time within 30 days of purchase to accrue the MJ$ earned on that purchase. Getting from one edge to anotheris easy, no wonder with such a light ski and the edge hold is solid - but you shouldn't use too much power to avoid overturning. If I wanted to ski hard snow, Id go to the ski resort. Ive got several pairs of Fischers in my Alpine quiver so will be interested to see how they ski compared to other lightweights in looking for an ~100mm touring ski I certainly like the price being a couple hundred less than most other lightweights. Day 3 was 7500 of east facing sun warmed pow, south facing mank and north facing roller ball isothermal snow. Fun skis for sure. It was easy to swing around grip when making hop turns on the steep icy snow. The CabonTex reinforcements give it an ideal rigidity and a perfect grip while reducing vibrations. I have just started reading your posts on skiing Denali, Congrats! Lou, Thanks Lou, I generally make short radius turns and like steep terrain though Ive never skied on fat skies before. Lou. You could get lost in there. Or do those extra couple of hundred grams per ski make the Waybacks a better quiver of one? More testing to come. At Alpinstore.com, cookies make it possible to facilitate the use of the site, to compile traffic and navigation statistics, to improve its performance and its security. Other benefits are that the Ambition has a super high climbing peg which adds to the convenience. Touring in the BC interior and your up to your waist on skinny skis. This item has been successfully added to your list. Skin mount hole in tip, with skin attached. Starting with the proven ION platform, every part, every mechanism and every screw evolves the idea of a complete binding at the lightest possible weight. HIKING SKIA modern ski with generous sidecut but still with an optimal weight. Ski the white mountains of NH, 5'7" 130lbs male. I have not skied on other light weight skis that hold like these which is nice for some of the high altitude skiing we do where it is rough and icy. As to weight vs surface area, as of today Hannibal scores as the 10th lightest weve measured of about 60 skis, in the same class as another well known brands carbon offering. Several varieties of glueless skins are coming out, and weve got lines such as Montana and Pomoca constantly tweaking their glue, plush and attachments systems. Be the first to see the latest styles, events and madness. Handles speed well too, at least on groomers. This Transalp 90 offers excellent lift in deep snow while remaining comfortable in all possible conditions. It is tried and true. All information collected and used to facilitate the Moosejaw Rewards program is directly related to the program's ability to provide value to the customer. Wide base that favours skis with a wide skate, Front stop with excenter and spike shoe locking system, 3 rear wedge system with symmetrical rotation system, Optimized energy transfer with shock absorption and torsional rigidity. The heel lock down worries me, as the plastic seems like it could wear over time and result in slop when the heel is locked down. Get FREE 4-6 Day Ground Shipping on all bike accessory orders over $49.00. ISPO, when Fischer debuted their Transalp touring ski and boot lineup, Friends and Resupplies on a Ski Traverse of The Colorado Trail. If youre trending to a frame binding consider a Fritschi Freeride, tried and true. Pack ski touring FISCHER Transalp 82 Carbon + Dynafit Blacklight 88 (Black/Silvretta) ski Black Crows Ferox Freebird Pack + Binding, Ski pack Scott Superguide 88 + binding - Men. Im coming from a classic 170cm, 82 underfoot touring ski. Good float when trailbreaking and when skiing garbage snow can make you very fast in conditions where a skinny ski will founder. Hi Lou. All items we sell are eligible with the exception of gift cards or other items specifically noted. Complete bikes will ship 4-6 Day for $4.95. Loves short to med radius turns. I am about 155lbs, and have a pair of 163cm Transalp 88s with Dynafit Superlite 2.0 bindings and they are very very light on the feet, but surprisingly have a relatively stiffer flex. They still have a nice flex to them and control the ski well. } Test is a rub the skin in my hair for a while, and see how it behaves. "A real ski bum has snow for breakfast, wine for lunch, and adventure for dinner." That was quite the shindig last winter at ISPO, when Fischer debuted their Transalp touring ski and boot lineup (bindings too, but they were a yawner). Quelebu- nice setup. Few of the 180 cm skis weve evaluated over the years can beat those stats. On the uphill side, its intermediate weight means you won't burn out physically. 33% wider base compared to traditional fasteners. Enjoy special offers available only to our account holders. I dont think its any great surprise that in places were race style tech bindings, and rando boots are a common mode of travel, no body really skis wide skis. Convex tops seem to shed dry cold snow pretty well. I was tempted to try the Neo boot (which is the One replacement) and was so impressed I bought that tooseems we ski a similar set-up. Can you elaborate on your thoughts of the fischer ambition 12 vs a dynafit binding? I know real Titanium will be quite difficult to drill through in comparison unless its thin ideas? The Hannibal is a balanced, lightweight ski, which performs amazingly well in powder and on firn - of course you can do piste tours with it and ride it inbounds, but this is certainly not the playground for a wide touring ski. 190922 - Elfer-Nordwand-Klettersteig / Elferkofel- [PRODUCT REVIEW] Fischer Hannibal Carbon 96 2019. Skis are pretty light feeling for its dimensions. currentPageNumber:1, This is the ski I take when I'm focusing on SkiMo training or longer tours. Anyone out there skied both? The true genius of a fat ski is its performance in trap crust. Tested the Trans Alp 88 177cm on Highlands today. Excellent. For more about Lou, please see his personal website at https://www.loudawson.com/ (Blogger stats: 5 foot 10 inches (178 cm) tall, 160 lbs (72574.8 grams). In the end decided to stick with original plan and bought K2 Wayback 88s (167 length to save a little weight, though they measure about 170). { searchResult: { Thanks, Lou. Earn 10% back on every purchase & spend them on anything. who'd prefer an ultralight setup and for whom the downhill is not that important anyway. Thanks to the low system weight in the corresponding setup, the Hannibal is my choice for long powder trips - in my opinion, the weight difference to touring skis of the 85-90mm class is negligible, the gain in fun in powder is definitely worth the few grams extra. Free 2-Day Shipping I can honestly say this ski is the best ski I have ever been on. What would your grandmother say about that? This Transalp 90 offers excellent lift in deep snow while remaining comfortable in all possible conditions. pageSize: 48, Use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form. In deep powder youll have no chance to keep up unless youre riding some pudgy planks. For tracking on the way up and sliding on the way down in optimal conditions. Heck, were always looking for guest bloggers! Randonnee Ski Touring AT ski gear What is Hip? I have been riding for Fischer since 2004, am a founding member of the Fischer Freeski Team and get treated extremely well by the people in Ried - where Fischer is at home - and always get at least one cup of coffee when I visit. Enter your order number and email address below. My only gripe in this first look? Not enough snow here in my part of the Pyrenees (yet) to try them. Touring binding Marker Alpinist 8 (Black/titanium), Binding Marker Duke PT 12 100mm (Black/red Marker), Binding Marker Duke PT 16 100mm (Black/gunmetal), Binding Marker Kingpin 13 100-125mm (Black/red), PLUM Guide 12 ski touring binding (black), PLUM Summit 12 Stopper 100mm touring ski binding, Binding Marker Baron EPF 13 L 110mm (Black), Binding Marker Baron EPF 13 S 110mm (Black), Dynafit Speed Turn ski touring bindings (black/silver), With the Speed Turn, you have a durable and almost indestructible partner that will be by your side everywhere and add speed to your ski touring. Sorry gift givers. Still cant understand the North American obsession of a super wide light ski. So sorry, but only 4 items are allowed for comparison, so we're comparing the first 4. I don think i can demo the skis but it sounds like I should maybe go for the 170s. Thanks for your thoughts on the ambitions. Ski touring, Splitboarding, Telemark Skiing, Trail Running, Hiking; we have the gear for all your backcountry adventures! Your session is about to timeout due to inactivity. The Fischer Hannibal Carbon 96, which is presented and described here, falls into the category of modern, light and yet downhill-oriented touring skis. }. Titanal will be harder than unalloyed aluminum, but probably still softer than Ti. The Fischer Transalp 80 is a mini version of the Hannibal series. Gone are the days of spaghetti boards, which work great on the uphill, but only allow for classic touring "wedeling" with a lot of effort. I personally have never been completely sold on tech bindings in general for a variety of reasons, and the Ambition 12 is a super and very pleasant addition to whats available these days. Whats your style of riding? The sticker on the Transalp calls it rocker, it must be so! Seems like one of the most ambiguous areas in ski design/marketing. I think that when comparing the 94 to the 100, the difference in soft snow is definitely in favor of the 100, but its not a massive difference. And Lou (or others): I ended up purchasing the Movement Shift which is very similar, 98mm underfoot, with the medium rocker tip, whatever you take that to mean. In stores, provide the email address attached to your account to learn your balance and apply to your purchase. Hi Peter, any tips on how I can tell the difference? It shares all the same technologies - Carbon Stringers,AirTec Ti,Tour Rocker,Aeroshape,Paulonia Wood Core,Extruded Bases, andSandwich Construction. Sign up for exclusive offers, original stories, events and more. If snow conditions change suddenly or frequently (hard / soft / tracked / icy,), you better adjust the downhill speed - otherwise it will quickly become restless. This all-purpose ski has a capacity to vary the radius of curves, ideal for outings in uneven terrain. Sidehilled well on a few skitchey traverses I did. totalPageNumber: 0, I try to be as objective as possible when doing a subjective review of the pros and cons of equipment I use. Deal cannot be applied to prior purchases or with other promotions. Hannibal at bottom, Transalp 88 at top. Both the figures you quoted are for the same ski. THESE are conditions when the Hannibal shines. Both ski great in soft snow / powder. Get FREE 2-Day on orders over $49! That would be one more reason to try these skis. Regarding the Ambition binding: Its actually made by Tyrolia and part of their new AAA-lineup. Friday Night Lights Uphill Series at Black Mountain. Specially hand picked sample for you or real world production run weight?? So I try to describe my experiences as objectively as possible. The Waybacks are great. The program opt-in requirement was added on August 6th, 2019. A lighter, but bombproof, 105mm ski is extremely attractive to this North American. Telemarking was the height of our mystery as a people. ), or boot pack on the deep days. Design "Awesome AG". I've checked out as a Guest on Moosejaw.com. I know you dont have the Hannibal 94 but thoughts on those vs the 100s for quiver of one touring ski? Id consider the transalps too though I tend to prefer a longer sidecut in scary places, Id say there are lots of things about North America that are hard to understand, drop that to the lower 48 and AK, excluding Canada, and it gets even more mysterious. At the moment Fischer North America is only carrying the 80s and 88s (Europe offers the75). You may choose to leave the Moosejaw Rewards program at any time by logging in and clicking on the Opt out Rewards Program link within the My Account Summary page, Email, calling 877-MOOSEJAW (877-666-7352) or in-store with help from our employees. }, { searchResult: { A couple sources mention the addition of a tiny amount of titanium helping with the crystalline alignment of the alloy. Lack of sidewalls gives these planks an elegant feel in the hand, and is said to reduce weight by allowing the cross-section to use less material. @Sam when I got my 105mm skis, which arent even that light (Hombres, same footprint as the ZenOxide), I was sure Id only use them on powder days and in the resort. Hey Lou, what criteria are you using to divide real rocker from slow rise? Ive shrunk to 56 and weigh in at 165. Thanks! searchTerms: '', SkiTalk evolved from Pugski.com's original tag line, "SkiTalk at a Higher Level." However, for me personally, my main ski is the 94 because it is more dynamic in variable conditions and hard snow. We got this winters test samples in just a few days ago. Thanks Scott for comparisonI actually am 56 and 165lbs too(!) With the same mindset, the ZED 9 Binding has a comprehensive yet simplistic feature set that saves valuable weight and reliably supports you when you're deep in the mountains. Look for a mid-winter update along with videos for my final review. So I quit telemarking. Lou, when you drill these, Id love someone to take a look at the metal shavings and let us know if its really Titanium. Lou, @2020 - All Rights Reserved. These guys do feel light on the biceps test. Air Tec technology with air channels, milled off-axis, 25% weight saving. The front unit pins are specially designed to remove snow and ice from the boot insert when walking. Lou. Martin, Id trend to the 94 one of my all-time favorite skis for quiver-of-one has been the Wailer 99, and I like the Dynafit Denali as well, at 97 waist I really like the widths around 100 mm at waist, but if the ski is light and wide, for places with known powder I indeed prefer wider with rocker, its just so fun. totalResultCount: 0, Agree with above sentiments on how well these ski. Lou. Pretty sticky, not sure I really like calling these things glueless, but for lack of a better term. Reality is Hannibal (131/100/117, 180 cm, 179 cm cord length) masses at 1399 grams, and that is good stuff. Binding area announces reinforcement, has cutaway under mid-boot. You have the possibility to configure your cookies or to accept them before continuing your visit! They seem like the right fit for places with firmer snow. The Hannibal actually feels more like a freeride/freetouring than a touring ski in many situations, and the stability at higher speeds. One more question: So the precut skins are glueless, like the Kohla Vacuum Base skins? The Transalp 90 Carbon holds speed well and, combined with a super quality of glide, it is an intense pleasure. Hannibal flex is supple (powder couch!) Did you weighted 170cm 88? JavaScript is disabled. You are using an out of date browser. They have a nice gradual rocker on the front. Lou. Was decided that Id get new skis this season and theyd be Waybacks (88 or 96), but now this! Hi Brian and Lou, Once opted-in to the program, MJ$ will earn and accrue for redemption as described below until the MJ$ expire or the user leaves the program. The bindings are also available with Head, Fischer or Elan branding. Thats still on the good side of our chart, excellent in fact, though not quite as efficient a platform as Hannibal. You can shop for these guys at our advertising partner 8k Peak Technologies. WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. They are by no means the typical lightweight ski and are quite heavy by SkiMo standards but a great trainer nonetheless for someone with an alpine background. Day 2 was another 4000 run started out as pow and turned to corn at the bottom. I like the white and light colors of course, along with windows exposing what is ostensibly the core. I recently bought a pair of the Hannibal 100 180cm. If the chips cant scratch any Ti you have sitting around, but other Ti can, theyre probably Titanal. Carbon fiber strips. I wear a size 29.5 which is about 1200g per boot, saving about 500g per boot compared to my Transalp TS Lites. pageSize: 48, Precut skins rebranded by Fischer are sourced from Kohla, adhesive is a sort of hybrid glueless vacuum technology that appears quite nice, easy to handle. 03846 United States, Monday & Tuesday: Closed / By AppointmentWednesday - Friday: 10AM - 5PMSaturday:9AM to 6PMSunday:9AM to 5PM, Powered by Shopify Very light with a weight of only 202g. Please select another combination. So many personal factors have an impact on whether a piece of equipment is best for you depending on weight, experience, style, skills, location, etc. Can you demo any skis? I had a look at the TransAlps 88 in Telemark Pyrenees last week, lovely skis. Make sure to check us out on our social channels for other ways to win some extra MJ$! So I get what your saying. Pack skis Faction Agent 3.0 + binding - man. CONSTRUCTION : CORE : Wooden, paulownia. Moosejaw Rewards Skin weight and is not really an issue for me as the dozen extra calories Ill burn hauling them up will mean another beer required to compensate! All of these features allow for an amazing downhill ski for it's weight. Using the same Aeroshape cross section, the 88s come in at a weight/surface score of 73 (range at this time is 60 to 108). Youll be happy. This combination does not exist for this product. Like I said, classic. Ive not seen or heard of enough in action to get a read on reliability and performance. Sintered bases have exceptional waxing properties and a very long service life. Skin attachment hole with no skin, machined from alu tip insert. I hope the info helps readers filter out the gear that dont fit to you in comparison to the one that does. I wait for your real world test! At an MSRP of $699.99? Id suggest something tried and true. Ambition appears to be a knock-off of a Fritschi. (Whats more, Ive heard some amazing rumors about skins that weigh about half what were all used to but those probably wont be retailing for a while). This winter is the year of climbing skins. But its crazy how light they are and how well they track and hold on hard snow. Specifically, the tip rocker terminates at about 38 mm from the tip with ski on flat surface. Although they are not sold in NA, consider the Ranger 84, available in the EU. Regardless from my limited experiAnce I think Fischer did a great job with their line up, and I will probably buy a pair of the 94s. We really, really don't want to that to happen, so please opt-in or we'll feel terrible. The intent of the program is to provide our loyal customers with a way to buy great gear for less. We are a mysterious people. Another reason is if you happen to ride with snowboarders. The CabonTex reinforcements give it an ideal rigidity and a perfect grip while reducing vibrations. However, when we got on the Ambition 12, the combination of the binding which is significantly lighter than Fritche when mounted on the Fischer Hannibal ski gave us a set up that was lighter than our previous set up, Folsom Custom ATX and Dynafit Radical. I believe a bit narrower ski is more realistic for the conditions usually encountered. Wooden core combined with ABS edges in a classic Sandwich construction, for a smooth flex and rebound, 1 - Ski touring FISCHER Transalp 90 Carbon, 2 - Touring binding Marker Alpinist 8 (Black/titanium), France - Spain - Belgium - Germany - Luxembourg, France - Belgium - Netherlands - Germany - Austria - Spain - Italy - Luxembourg, PIN TECH which allows great freedom in the mountains. Fischer Transalp Tour Alpine Touring Boot, Fischer Ranger Free 130 Freeride Touring Boot, Fischer Transalp 86 Carbon Alpine Touring Ski, Fischer Transalp Tour W Alpine Touring Boot, Fischer Hannibal 106 Carbon Alpine Touring Ski, Touring Binding Spare Parts & Accessories, Splitboard Binding Accessories & Crampons. Lou. So we have the total convenience of a full on step in binding with security of DIN 12, and reliability all the way around on par with standard bindings. 2022, Ski The Whites. Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page. . As backcountry skiers, we believe in simplicity and efficiency to go further and do more in the mountains. This is a transactional email that you will receive even if you are not subscribed to our marketing emails. Compared to the K2 Wayback / Talkback, seem to ski pretty similarly. Total:703 (members:106, guests:373,robots:224). Mount up and go, thats my agenda! STRUCTURE: Titanal reinforcement at the binding to increase stability and rigidity. AFD slide plate: allows precise release, almost unhindered by dirt, snow and ice, The EPF (Extended Power Frame) features a super wide connection to the ski, which increases power transmission and enhances the downhill skiing capabilities of this exceptional climbing product, Weight: 1.7kg per pair without stop / 2.3kg with stop, Compatible with the soles of traditional alpine footwear, hiking boots and also Gripwalks, Weight: 2kg per pair without the stop / 2.6kg with the stop, Unrivalled power transmission in downhill, Fixation recommended for women and/or beginners, Compatible with the soles of hiking boots, It has a multitude of options with the Plum technology "Too easy" which allows a fast setting thanks to the tightened front inserts, Can be accessorized with PLUM knives thanks to its integrated knife holders, 7075 Aluminum construction, cut from the mass, Light weight to be forgotten when climbing, Climbing wedges 3 heights : 0mm / 59mm / 84mm, Compatible removable knife holders included, 7075 Aluminum construction cut from the ground, Comfort guaranteed on the way up and pleasure on the way down, DIN : 4 - 10 steps adjustable in side and front, 2 positions of easy-to-handle climbing wedges (0 - 50 mm), Equipped with the Plum "Too easy" technology which allows a quick fitting thanks to the tightened inserts of the front stop, On the heel piece the heel wedge can be replaced by a stopper, which makes this touring binding very versatile in use, Compatible removable knife holders, sold separately, Construction Aluminium 7075 cut in the mass, Mounting in accordance with ISMF regulations, 3 heights of wedges very easy to handle with the stick: 0mm / 40mm / 54mm, Equipped with Plum "Too easy" technology that allows for quick donning thanks to the tightened inserts in the front stop, Has a multitude of options with a pair of leashes, 25mm adjustment rail (approx. Rocker in tip and tail. Windows into core world. The 177 weighs in at low 1400ish grams, though, I have yet to verify that weight. Fischer has relaunched its widest lightweight ski, the Hannibal in the 18/19 season (before that they offered Hannibal models with 94 and 100mm middle width). Regarding the Ambition 12, we had been on Fritche for years, then made the switch to Dynafit Radical over the past couple years. Again, you are discribing a very specific set of conditions. Peter, Titanal does have a tiny amount of titanium in it, usually .25% . Regards David, I think the 170 would be ok unless you are a powder pilgrim. You're welcome gift receivers. "Discounted items" includes items on sale or discounted via coupon code or use of MJ$. The Eternal Decision, A Shoulder Season Ski Traverse: Three People, Three Sleep Systems, Springtime Primer: Securing Skis/Splitboard to a Bike Frame, Backcountry Skiers Perceiving Risks and Recklessness: A Study, Choices in the Wasatch: the DPS 94 C2 and DPS 100 RP. who are out there a lot and ride the steeps, even in hardpacked / crusty / icy conditions. I keep waiting to see how light skis can go before they start breaking regularly in the backcountry. Trans Alps feel lighter (and are based on Lous weights) and a bit more damp and quick turning. Im just saying that there is far more to an all mountain touring than a simple measure of width to weight. I thought the TX 87 was very nice as well, but black is not my first choice for a corn ski. We weigh in at around 180 pounds and especially on hard snow and ice, the Ambition 12 is a pure AT binding that easily accommodates side country and even in bounds skiing if needed. but yes, virtually all skis that advertise titanium content are actually incorporating Titanal layers. Full-priced items earn 10% back while discounted items earn 2.5%. Click OK to extend your time for an additional 0 minutes. Quite the graphics. The Fischer Hannibal 96 Carbon is the ski of choice for: who have more than 1 pair of touring skis to choose from and want to have a setup with low weight and top powder performance for powder days. A few ways to tell: Titanium throws off white sparks when ground, burns white-hot if you have a torch thats hot enough, and is much harder than aluminum (Mohs hardness 6 vs 3). I am also a telemark skier, but live in the Tetons n only tour. On Moosejaw.com, just sign-in on any page to see your available balance. Some of the lighter weight skis weve had cross our threshold. All users must accept these terms and conditions and create an account with Moosejaw to opt-in to the program and earn, accrue, retain and redeem Moosejaw Reward Dollars (MJ$). Also looks like they ski well. Edge hold is almost never an issue, and when it is I just have to be a little more carful. The 88s are unnecessary for training and also lack the carbon stringers which is important since I'm weighing in at 190lbs. As for tech bindings, its a big complex world out there right now, but if you have time to ski something all winter you could go the early adopter route and be a guinea pig on the ION, Radical 2.0, Kingpin, etc. Our 177 cm Transalp 88 testers average at 1303 grams, 123/88/111. Once signed in, you will see your available MJ$ and maximum that can be redeemed in the payment section of the checkout process. Id take them on an Alps ski traverse any week of the year. Somewhat akin to boot flex ratings that are meaningless across brands but maybe tell you something. Breaking trail is easier on wider skis cause you dont sink as much. The additional mm guarantee more lift on the descent and thanks to the rocker profile it's easier to break trail - I never got stuck because the nose would have gone below the snow. The Transalp series comes in several widths and lengths. Although I can't comment on the Transalp specifically, I think you're on the right t track. The Verticals are still a great binding for this Ski. Perhaps you work in the factory where the Fischer skis are made?).