Editor’s note: This is cool. Everything they say is correct; the “standard” type of toe insert does allow for more sole rubber than Dynafit’s “Quick Step In.” What the press release doesn’t mention is that the “Quick Step In” is patented by Dynafit and costs a bundle for other companies to license and use. So be it. Garmont has perhaps improved on the standard insert, kept the cost down for themselves and hopefully their customers, and forward we go (instead of backwards). Lack of info about the heel inserts is interesting. They’re much easier to make and install in a boot than the toe inserts, so perhaps a non-issue. But it would be nice if Garmont improved on Dynafit and we didn’t have to keep tightening the heel fitting screw…
Shop for Garmont ski boots here.
GARMONT introduces new proprietary Tech Inserts in 2011 ALPINE TOURING BOOTS
(For immediate release ) — A major innovator in alpine touring boots, Garmont is pleased to introduce its own proprietary “Tech Inserts” for fall 2010.
Since introducing the Tech system in its alpine touring boots in 2000, Garmont has exclusively featured Dynafit-manufactured Tech Inserts. The program was hugely successful, as the combination of Garmont performance and Dynafit binding compatibility provided exceptional results for lightweight ski touring.
The new Garmont tech (toe) insert for backcountry skiing boots. Similar to Dynafit OEM but said to be improved.
With the January 1, 2010 expiration of Dynafit’s patent on the design, Garmont has embraced the opportunity to bring a superior Tech Insert to the marketplace: one that is specifically manufactured to support the increasing number of skiers turning to the system for aggressive freeride performance as well as lighter ski touring.
Garmont tech insert on edge, inserted object is just propping it up. Note the nibs protruding, these are perhaps an improvement on the Dynafit version.
Side view of Garmont tech insert. Note added beef of socket area.
“We chose to develop our own Tech Insert as soon as we could, knowing that we could improve upon the quality and consistency of the current product,” said Paul Parker, Garmont Ski product manager “We feel that elevating the standard for Tech Inserts is essential, as the use of alpine touring systems has rapidly evolved from predominately light touring to aggressive freeride skiing.”
'Hannibal 2' tech inserts testing machine.
The new Garmont Tech Inserts are the culmination of two years of research and product development and extensive field testing. Built from the highest quality die-cast steel alloy, the material construction of Garmont Tech Inserts has been meticulously researched, tested, and proven to be equal or superior to all other inserts on the market today.
Garmont’s proprietary Tech Insert design is based on the “Standard Insert” template, clearly the most robust and versatile option available. A primary benefit of the “Standard Insert” over the “Quick Step-In” design is additional room for more sole rubber — providing better abrasion resistance in a zone which is particularly vulnerable in a rigid-sole boot, while still satisfying the ISO Touring norm. The “Standard Insert” is also smooth-sided, as the ISO Touring Norm calls for no protrusions beyond the sides of the sole for full compatibility with step-in bindings.
In Garmont’s design, the thickness and perimeter for the Tech Insert’s fixation are identical to the well-proven “Standard Insert” to assure optimum retention. The “cones” of the interface have been improved as well, with thicker material adding more durability.
Another view of Hannibal 2, don't you love this stuff? Way to go Garmont!
The new Tech Inserts will be guaranteed by Garmont, based on rigorous testing for life-cycle durability, safety and performance, using machinery and testing procedures that far exceed all anticipated industry standards. The Garmont testing procedure was established early in the product development process, with the development of a proprietary testing machine: “Hannibal 2.” Unlike conventional tests, Hannibal 2 operates both in transverse and longitudinal axes with an elliptical motion that better simulates the imperfect nature of a walking stride. The machine loads the toe of the boot with 150 Kg to simulate the additional stresses of freeride skiing. During the walking motion Hannibal’s excessive pre-load more than doubles the 100,000-cycle life-cycle test as, unlike walking, the insert is loaded during both the forward and rearward motion.
Garmont Tech Inserts will be available for 2011 in all Garmont Tech-compatible ski mountaineering boots.
Shop for Garmont ski boots here.
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
