HD14 RailflexII vs. Mojo 15 Bindings

I have been riding on a pair of Railflex2 14 DIN bindings for the last two seasons and love the variable positions, especially on my 180 Bloods, it is all the difference in the world in POW when you are 6'2" and 200+ lbs.

So the real question is, I have a new pair of Mojo 94s in a 187, is the Mojo 15 binding a better match on a wider plank? Is there anything to the hype of wider bindings and edge feel/control/holding power?

I'm mounting them this week, but y'alls opinions are greatly appreiated. Besides what else is there to do?

DISCUSS!

These are essentially the same bindings, save for the Railflex vs. flat mount issue.

Comparing the RFD14 technical data against the Mojo 15, the only salient differences are DIN range (4-14 vs. 5-15), stand height (32mm vs. 12mm toe, 35mm vs. 17mm heel), weight (2445g vs 2280g), and the fact that the heel on the Mojo 15 doesn't support diagonal release.

I haven't tried the newer Mojo 15s (although I have the older version mounted on a pair of Praxis Powders).  I do have two pairs of 188 PM Gear Bro Models, one mounted with Rossignol Axial 140 Tis (a.k.a. Look P14s) and the other with first-year Marker Dukes.  I haven't noticed significant differences in edge feel between the two.

To my mind, the fact that the Railflex interface potentially adds slop weighs in favor of the Mojo.  But the fact that you could just buy an additional set of rails for the Mojo 94s and swap bindings back and forth, saving money and facilitating travel, weighs in favor of the Railflexes.  Also, I think I might prefer a ski like the Mojo 94 with the additional lift that the Railflex would provide, but YMMV.

Dad, the 'slop' discussion has arisen with my buddies over beers. We all agree that if it even occurs that it is probably so minimal that it is a none issue. If you are 'on' your skis what if any effect would that have.

I have high regards for the HD14 and the releases I have had to date, though I only have it set to 10.5 so far. The diagonal heel is great, and my 54 y.o. kness like that alot. I have had only one 'chicken-wing' inside ski hangup in deep POW so far, and I would judge its performance in that instance as, 'as good as it gets' for bindings.

This will be my third set of RF2 plates, love the travel benefits for carrying two pair of boards, the $$$ I've saved with only one set of toes and heels , and less weight and bulk.

Also, the added variety of skiing the same board differently and seeing how it reacts to the various positions.

Nothing like the Marker 3-position flex setting of old.

One of the main advantages of the Railflex, aside from being able to adjust them fore-aft, is that they give you more lift, and therefore more leverage while carving. When the Railflex first came out, they were used almost exclusively by Head on their narrower waisted Cyber carving skis like the IC160's IC180's, XRC line, as well as earlier versions of the 74mm waist Monster IM75's, etc. The Mojo bindings were made exclusively for the wider skis such as the Mojo and Monster series, this is what Head recommendeds for them on their website. The Mojo binding sits somewhat lower on the ski, as big carving angles aren't real necessary in bumps and off piste where these wider skis were intended to be used, and are more practical in ungroomed terrain or in the park. In truth, you just don't see many 80mm+ skis with the Railflex. I have two friends that both have the Head IM78's, a great all mountain ski. One has the Railflex, the other has the Mojo. They have the same boot size, so they can switch them back and forth, and they claim that they can tell the difference. The guy with the Mojo is happy with his choice, the other one that

has the Railflex says he tends to like the feel of the Mojo better, at least on that ski. But I think it all comes down to personal preference and skiing style. What works for one may not be right for the other.

I do agree with the previous post that there can be some slop that developes with the Railflex after time, I have seen that in some older models. I never experienced that myself with the three pairs of Railflexes that I had, but I never kept them around long enough to wear out, anyway. Keep in mind that Head also makes a carving plate that can be mounted with the Mojo, giving you more leverage on the ski without the slop. But this setup cannot be adjusted fore-aft like the Railflex.

With that additional feedback, sounds like another set of RF2 plates is a no-brainer.  Worst case scenario, if you don't like them, just have them redrilled; there shouldn't be a hole conflict issue.  Since you like them on the 91mm-wide First Bloods, I can't imagine an extra 3mm will tip you over the edge.  (So to speak.)

The whole slop thing started when one of my bros was playing around with my first First Bloods, yeah I'm on my second pair. He was diddling with the toe piece and says something to the effect, "look how wobbly these are!" I put on my boots and stepped into them to demo that it was more of the floating thang than a wobble thang. I can't really say I've ever felt it at any time when railin' skis, though it does wobble a bit without a boot in them. Perhaps the extra lift overcomes any slop that might exist.

Beers to all the RFers out there, and you know who you are! Tx for your thoughts/opinions.

PS Almost no point to line up a Head demo van, they would prolly have the speedrail bindings on them.

FYI The raised Markers from my '00 Xscreams feel very similar to  the RFs, and release about the same.

I use RF 14 on my Watea 101 and find they ski all conditions very well. Another binding to consider is the Tyrolia SP-130: http://www.tyrolia.com/dealer/rental-systems/bindings/sp-130-abs-demo-aero/index.html , I had these installed on my Praxis Protests;

Quote:

Originally Posted by WILDCAT 

Another binding to consider is the Tyrolia SP-130: http://www.tyrolia.com/dealer/rental-systems/bindings/sp-130-abs-demo-aero/index.html

Is your thought that he could move demo bindings fore/aft?

Progress?

Edited by snokat - 6/17/2009 at 11:53 pm GMT

Edited by snokat - 6/17/2009 at 11:56 pm GMT

Edited by snokat - 6/17/2009 at 11:57 pm GMT

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDad 

Is your thought that he could move demo bindings fore/aft?

Hi TD,
 

Yes, that was the primary consideration. I had read several reviews of the Praxis and most testers wanted a more aft mounting point than what the factory recommends. Since the ideal mounting point can be different from person to person, the need to customize the binding location after the bindings are installed exists. This can be done with the Railflex also, but the SP-130 is a little easier with a huge adjustment range.

I originally was going to determine the ideal mounting point on the Watea using the Railflex binding, and then install some heavy duty freeride binding. Not only was the factory recommended mounting point on the Watea ideal for me, the binding skied and functioned perfectly. It even looks right, so I never removed it.

I also don't mind if friends try the Praxis for a few runs. I can refit the binding to any boot quickly.

Wildcat, good thought there on mounting position.

My first pair of First Blood 180s back in '07, I mounted the RF2s at the manufacturer line. So after riding it for a season I knew I would never ride them forward of the line, just centered or 15mm back, which is where I always found myself skiing them.

So when I was offered another pair the next season, I love black skis, I didn't hesitate. This time I mounted them at '0', 15mm back and 30mm, thx Troy@Troy's Ski Shop. 30mm back actually works well for me as long as there is NO hardpack, watch though if you find some!!! But I do tend to ride them at the 15mm back position.

FYI I find that stiff skis that have NO speed limit are just as quiet at all positions, they just won't hold on hardpack in the -30 position.

I am having the plates mounted at center on the Mojos, I'm pretty sure that the softer tails will not be much fun in the 30mm back position. Hope I didn't blow it!!! LOL

Here is a b4 RF plate pic. I mentioned I love black skis, previous blacklist; Olin Mark V, Blizzard Firebird Pro, Volkl Vario, Ninthward First Blood and now the Mojos. I use to like dark blue; Hexcel Hexcelator, Hart GS, but then I went black.

Well, once you go black.............

IMHO the head 94 with the snowflake is one of the best graphics ive seen in a long time.  Its so much cooler then the fake ghetto, graffiti craph thats around.....to bad they changed it.

I have no idea how it skis...however ive been tempted to buy it discounted this summer \just for the looks

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbuzz 

IMHO the head 94 with the snowflake is one of the best graphics ive seen in a long time.  Its so much cooler then the fake ghetto, graffiti craph thats around.....to bad they changed it.

 

I have no idea how it skis...however ive been tempted to buy it discounted this summer \just for the looks

I would have never looked at them with the new Toyz-R-Uselss look. Head is nuckin' futz!