Backcountry Release Options from Spruce

[jjue]

I have received a number of private messages concerning the availability of any backcountry release set ups for insert equipped skiboards . Basically two options have been developed by Jeff Singer at Spruce and will work with Fritschi brand alpine touring bindings. The Fritschi binding allows a free heel for touring , and locking down for descent , and full alpine release capabilities. Using the Fritschi on insert equipped skiboards will require the user purchasing a Fritschi binding and then discussing with Jeff a custom riser or two plate set up for their insert equipped skiboard. Before purchasing any alpine touring binding you should contact Jeff Singer as to whether he would be able to provide a custom mounting set up for you .

Here is information on the riser setup that Jeff developed .

"Over the last couple of seasons, a number of riders have asked for the ability to mount alpine touring ("AT") bindings on Spruce 120's to allow for backcountry climbing and descent. The problem with mounting an alpine touring binding directly to the 120's was that the board is so thin that the mounting screws don't hold. Kevin Sharp at nzskis.com developed a new riser that mounted Fritschi Explore bindings on 120's and he tested it successfully in New Zealand. A prototype of this riser was also tested successfully by Curt Peterson in Washington on Mt. Rainier. One of the problems with using a riser with the AT bindings is that they have a high "stand height" even when mounted directly to a ski, so when a riser is added the stand height is more than 55mm. This is too high for most applications. Kevin Sharp reduced the height of his riser which helped considerably, but it was still quite high.

The solution that we have come up with for the height issue is the "Tray Riser" which is just a regular riser turned upside down and made wider. The picture is of a Spruce 120 with the tray riser and a Fritschi "Free Ride" binding set in the highest climbing position. The Tray Riser is designed to mount directly on a Spruce powder plate. This allows for a forward position for climbing and a setback position for descent in powder."





Here is more information on the tray riser and powder plate that Jeff developed
http://www.skiboardsonline.com/vbull...ead.php?t=4583

Here is a picture of the custom two plate binding solution for the Fritschi that Jeff developed and installed for me on my Sherpa skiboard.



and here is some information on the two plate binding solution

http://www.skiboardsonline.com/vbull...ead.php?t=5855


contact Jeff Singer at Spruce
contact@spruceski.com

[destin]

Thanks for the summary Jack, I wasn't aware of the first solution with the powder plate and touring riser/"Tray Riser"

Nor was I aware exactly how the second solution with the extra inserts drilled worked, looks pretty clean.

So to confirm, the first solution merely requires buying the powder plate then the touring riser/"Tray Riser" (and of course bindings). Does spruce sell the touring riser/"Tray Riser". I tried to find it on their site but am not seeing it.

I still want some Sherpas to try in backcountry but the cost of getting the extra inserts drilled made me cool my heels a bit and just went with Icelantic Scouts.

If I can buy a binding setup off the shelf like the first option just to try it out, plus have the option of throwing it on my other 4x4 skiboards, that is certainly appealing. I don't mind if the height is a bit high. It would at least let me try it out, and if addicted could pay for the second option.

thanks

[jjue]

destin , jeff singer at spruce was inititally planning to offer the tray riser as a commercial solution but never did , he did offer the powder plate as an option for a while but it is not commercially available now .. i would email him concerning availability
see contact information in my original post