TD3: UPS boots with F.A.S.T heels

[irvin]

I need some new bindings since the old Snowpro F.A.S.T system sucks after a few seasons.

I'm looking at the new trench digger, standard model.
I have the UPS Mach 1-boot with F.A.S.T heels.

Do I need to buy the UPZ DIN modules (http://www.oggcar.com/irvin/images/ups_boots/4hybrid.jpg) for it to be compatible with the trench digger?

Side view of the boot (http://www.oggcar.com/irvin/images/ups_boots/ups_side.jpg)

Picture from underneath (http://www.oggcar.com/irvin/images/ups_boots/ups_underneath.jpg)

Also, I read something about t-nutting the UPS/UPZ boots, but it seems like mine allready are t-nutted?

I bought these new, so it's not the work of a previous owner.

Inside view of the boot (http://www.oggcar.com/irvin/images/ups_boots/ups_inside.jpg)

[bobdea]

use either a intec heel or a regular heel from any boot
for example the heels available on the bomber store
yes, to install the FAST heels you need t nuts

[irvin]

TD3 bindings function properly ONLY with DIN standard boots.

Am I right to presume I have a DIN standard boot then? :)

[bobdea]

???

I thought DIN was ski boots?


that would mean bomber sells boots that don't work with their own bindings



I could be wrong!

[irvin]

I'm really not sure why I would need new heels since the F.A.S.T. heels have little to do with the rear bail on a standard binding?

My boots have a "bail ridge" on the back. I'm not sure what you call it in english.

[tex1230]

can you post a pic of the boots?

[irvin]

Check the links in the first post. :)

[bobdea]

should be fine as is!

could go intec if you want step in though

[irvin]

I've pretty much had enough of step in.
I'm so tired of not being able to step in and having other people wait for me.

The F.A.S.T heels cloggs up with snow and the snowpro bindings does the same.
Snow clogging up will always be problem, but I can't stand when mechanical stuff doesn't work right. Especially when you can't see whats going on down there.

Convince me otherwise, but to me the intec is just an inverted F.A.S.T solution or vice versa.

[b0ardski]

FAST heels will work in any standard binding. Intec heel pins however can interfere with some heel bails. with FAST the pins are on the binding, and reciever holes are in the boot heel.

[bobdea]

ehh, intec in my experience has clogged no more than standard bails do.



FAST seems like a nightmare because I figured the holes would clog

[irvin]

I have no experience with intecs, so I appreciate every reply about your experiences.

On the snowpro bindings the plastic prongs that's supposed to hold the toe bail in upright position break in a matter of days.

This makes it even worse to troubleshoot the binding while you are on the slope since the toe bail insists on laying down horisontally.

While I have this problem on a TD3 step in?

[b0ardski]

wet packable snow messes with all bindings. even DIN ski bindings. TD3s are state of the art today, snopros never were.

[bobdea]

I have no experience with intecs, so I appreciate every reply about your experiences.

On the snowpro bindings the plastic prongs that's supposed to hold the toe bail in upright position break in a matter of days.

This makes it even worse to troubleshoot the binding while you are on the slope since the toe bail insists on laying down horisontally.

While I have this problem on a TD3 step in?

I don't, intec with the TD2 and OS2 have been pretty good for me, flat does help to get in though but not too bad.

[irvin]

What are the arguments for using a standard bail instead of step in?

[bobdea]

a little more flex and more forgiving


cheaper because you don't have to buy heels.

[bjvircks]

Do I need to buy the UPZ DIN modules for it to be compatible with the trench digger?

Also, I read something about t-nutting the UPS/UPZ boots, but it seems like mine allready are t-nutted?

I've got a pair of UPZ and TD2 standards. Your boots are ready for use with TD2 and I would assume TD3 also. But from what I hear, because the INTEC step-in system works very well you may want to consider the new Fintec heels and the TD binding intec version.

You do not need the DIN adapters for carving bindings. The photos you posted show that yes, your heels are already t-nutted.

In the t-nut photo you see a little hole by the upper left t-nut? That is for the intec heel release cable! Such a deal!

have a good time,
BJV

[irvin]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. :biggthump

I'm leaning towards buying the fintecs because I don't want more flex.
Seems like a lot of people are pleased with the intec system.

Anyone want to buy some used F.A.S.T heels and snowpro bindings? I guarantee dissatisfaction. :o

[NateW]

I'm another big fan of Intec, I agree with everything written above. I have to scrape snow off my heel or off my binding sometimes, but no more often than when I was using conventional bindings.

(I have two sets of Fin-tec heels on backorder right now. :1luvu: Can't wait.)