HO Apex vs Strada bindings

[OKSkier]

Just curious if anyone has any experience in how they compare in terms of comfort, performance, releasability etc.

Thinking about changing over from my EXO's

Thanks very much

[KcSwerver]

Exo to apex or strada will be a change. Going from a hardshells type system to a softer hybrid system will give you less lateral control, and potentially a less reliable release although I don't know the releasing characteristics of the Exo.

 

That's as much advice I can give you :)

 

If you want to try it is say go for it but of course be aware of the changes that will go on.

[Horton]

@KcSwerver totally disagree about release reliability

 

 

[chris_logan]

Strada boots are super comfortable, have much better control that a soft boot - but not to the extent of a hardshell. As far as release, they will release fine as long as you determine the point to which that you can tighten them and still feel comfortable about ease of release (similar to Mapple's dock test method). I loved mine until I wore them completely out and switched to a reflex.

[OKSkier]

Thanks very much fellas for your comments. It seems like HO is phasing out the EXO's so I'm wondering if I should go a different way with hardshells or maybe Stradas.

Hard to know which way to go

Fluid Motion?

[OKSkier]

Hey Horton

I remember you using the Apex for awhile, how did they compare with the Strada boot?

THanks

[Horton]

@OKSkier they were comfortable. I did not give them a lot of rides because I was trying to get through review skis. I also avoid directly comparing products.

[OKSkier]

Understandable-Thanks very much

[KcSwerver]

@horton I guess I was getting at the release is a little more touchy since you have to pull the laces to the same tension every time to get the same release characteristic.

[Horton]

@KcSwerver and I still disagree. Bungie never releases is when it shouldn't. with Mechanical release you have to have it just right.

 

 

[georgea0731]

I too have the same concerns. I've used Strata, but got a new pair of Apex. Apex is very stiff and if tightened, actually hurt my rear ankle. I'm thinking of going back to Strata when possible. Any advice would be possible.

[gregy]

@georgea0731 lot people love the strada's, I'd go back, They are called Vapor bindings now but pretty much the same.

[aupatking]

Vapor/Strada over the Apex, any day. For me, the insoles of the Apex boots came out, bunched up, all around a total pain. My experience is nothing but positive with the Vapor boots. I couldn't stand the Apex.

I loved the EXO boots, and have been extremely happy with Reflex front R-Style rear for more than a year, with no plans of looking elsewhere.

The only complaint my ski partner in Vapor boots has is his liner longevity. He showed me his yesterday evening and where the tongue connects is pretty trashed with about 6 months of solid use.

[Chef23]

@aupatking I am skiing on a Strada binding that is several years old and is fine. One of the differences I think is that I don't pull the liner out when I am done. I pull my foot out of the liner and leave the liner in the boot.

[andjules]

@KcSwerver I'm with @Horton. Despite a few comments on this board, the rs-1/stradas/vapors are very fault tolerant. You really have to overtighten them to get yourself hurt.

Can't speak from first-hand experience, but it seems like hardshell people spend more time tweaking.

[Sivota]

I'm with @Chef23 and @Horton - I made the change from Reflex to Vapor. I wore out liners with Reflex. I am sure that was contributed to by taking my foot out of the front shell with the binding still on my foot. I was also anxious that I would not get the tension of the bungee right and would either be stuck or 'pre-release'. Neither has proved to be the case. Whilst we all have different preferences, I have been delighted with my Vapor. I too loosen the bungee when I finish and slide my foot out leaving the liner in the shell.

[Garn]

I loved my EXOs. I am now in HOs VMax Boots. If the new skis (V Type R) had hole patterns for the EXOs, I would have kept them. I miss them.