Marker 1200 binding transfer

Question
I have Marker titanium 1200 glide control binding. Was wanting to know if this would be ok to mount on Volkl Mantra. I can get a wide break for this binding, but really did not want to get a new binding or should i just invest and get a new flat mount binding. I am 6' 195lbs.

Answer
Hey Trevor,

Wow, that's a tough question... Sadly, it's not a great idea for two reasons. I'm going to do some research in the morning to see how far off base I am on the first.

The whole reason ski manufacturers began promoting the "system" approach, was to get consumers to buy a new pair of bindings every time they got skis. It is an unfortunate truth that many ski systems worked terribly but made money, and yet shops bought into the concept. Today, many systems work very, very well (not yet world-cup well, but good enough). My personal skis ended up developing so much roll at the interface that I contemplated having the plate removed, and putting a Vist riser on instead. Ugh! The Mfg replaced the interface, but we'll see how long it stays solid. As you see, we are at their mercy, for the most part. Luckily, many skis that appear to be system-specific are available as deck-mounts, but your shop has to request them that way. This does not help you, as you are stuck with the reverse problem...

I don't think the glide-control bindings can be isolated from the tracks, and I don't know of any means to mount the tracks, or rails, to the Mantra. I'm going to feel pretty dumb if I end up learning of a Marker product designed for this, or of Mantras shipped with tracks.

Secondly, and probably more important- the Mantra was designed around a deck mount. While a free flexing binding might have positive effects in the powder, you'll find yourself undermining Volkl's all-mountain intent for the ski. The Mantra is considered somewhat stiff underfoot, all the better for when you return to the groom, and want to arc up some of those high-speed 23 meter turns. A sensitive skier may notice a loss of grip and (for lack of a better word) sense of permanence on the ski when applying free flexing technology to this design. We end up moving forward with the binding, into the area of flex on the ski. This is not a great feeling. At 6', and 195 lbs, you'd definitely notice what I'm talking about. Skis that are not well matched to their binding technology tend to chatter on firm snow, or release when the ski flexes past the bindings built-in elasticity.

So that's my bad news for you today. I'll follow-up when I talk to the techs tomorrow.

Follow-up: OK Trevor, I spoke to the techs, and none of them have seen a way to use Glide Control bindings independently. Sorry- but enjoy the Mantra's!