Review: G3 Targa Telemark Bindings

To be fair, these are really the only kind of Tele bindings I’ve ever used. In a way, that’s a good thing as I’ve not been driven to replace them.

I’ve now skied on these bindings for about 4 seasons and they are holding up very well. Most of my skiing has been in-bounds at ski areas but there have been quite a few backcountry trips as well.

What the bindings do very well:

• They are strong, light and simple.
• They are easy to get into and out of.
• They provide a secure and solid connection between the boot and ski.
• The heal bail/lifter holds in position well during climbs and is easy to set and stow

The things that are left to be desired of the bindings have more to do with off the slopes than on, making them mere convinces instead of technical concerns for how the bindings perform:

• Plastic breaking on cables
• Safety leash shackle broke (I discovered recently in trying a different pair of boots that this might be a design flaw of the Crispi boots I was wearing when this broke instead of the binding itself)
• It would be nice to have a way to lock the bindings down when the skis are not in use. They can be locked down against the heel rest if the bindings are opened up all the way.
• After getting out of the bindings, I have to pre-set the heal latch, pushing it back just a little more to make it easier to get into the bindings the next time.

Again, the above concerns are minor and not even the culmination of them make me want to get different bindings or irritate me to any degree. I would recommend these bindings to anyone.

Check out all the specific info here: http://www.genuineguidegear.com/gear/bindings/targa

Here’s a little backcountry trip on these bindings… not that you see them ever.