First Impressions of Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly
The Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly promises a smoother telemark skiing experience for those using Lynx bindings. These replacement plates are designed to soften the flex of the binding, catering to skiers who prefer a more forgiving feel. My own telemark journey began over a decade ago, and I’ve experimented with various binding setups seeking that elusive blend of power and finesse. Having logged countless days in the backcountry and on resort slopes, I was intrigued to see how this seemingly small modification could impact the Lynx’s performance.
I was primarily looking to alleviate some of the stiffness I was experiencing in my current Lynx setup. The stock plates, while excellent for aggressive carving, could become fatiguing on longer tours or in softer snow conditions. I was hoping the Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly would provide a more compliant feel, allowing for better absorption of bumps and a more comfortable overall ride.
Upon receiving the package, the first thing I noticed was the simplicity of the product. The plates are cleanly molded fiberglass, and the build quality appeared solid. Compared to aftermarket springs or elaborate binding modifications, the Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly seemed like a straightforward and potentially elegant solution. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic, hoping these plates could deliver on their promise of a smoother, more forgiving telemark experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly was a backcountry tour in the Colorado Rockies. The conditions were mixed, with a combination of firm windblown snow and patches of softer, ungroomed powder. Immediately, I noticed a difference in the feel of the binding. The flex was noticeably softer, allowing for a more natural and less abrupt turn initiation.
The softer flex also proved beneficial in absorbing the uneven terrain. Bumps and small inconsistencies in the snow surface were smoothed out, resulting in a more comfortable and less jarring ride. While I initially wondered if the softer flex would sacrifice edge hold on the firm snow, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it still provided adequate support for confident carving. The Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly seemed to strike a good balance between forgiveness and performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly in a variety of conditions, I’ve been consistently impressed with their performance. The plates have held up well to the rigors of backcountry skiing, showing no signs of cracking or deformation. Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe-down after each use is all that’s needed.
Compared to my previous experience with the stock Lynx plates, the extra soft version offers a significantly more comfortable and forgiving ride. This is especially noticeable on long tours where minimizing fatigue is crucial. The Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly has exceeded my expectations, providing a tangible improvement in overall skiing experience.
Breaking Down the Features of Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Twenty Two Designs.
- Type: Ski Race. This seems like a misnomer as this product is targeted towards softening the binding flex, not stiffening it for racing.
- Age Group: Adults.
- Application: Skiing.
- Additional Features: Old Style. Plates are available for both older (pre-2023) and newer (2023+) Lynx bindings.
- Binding Entry Type: Step In. Relevant to the Lynx binding itself, not directly to the main plates.
- Fabric/Material: Fiberglass. The fiberglass construction provides a balance of flexibility and durability.
These specifications highlight the Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly’s focus on modifying the flex characteristics of existing Lynx bindings. The fiberglass material ensures adequate strength while allowing for a softer, more compliant feel.
Performance & Functionality
The Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly excels at softening the flex of the Lynx binding, making it more forgiving and comfortable. It allows for easier turn initiation, improved bump absorption, and reduced fatigue on longer tours. The tradeoff is a slight reduction in power transmission for aggressive carving on very hard snow, but the benefits in other conditions outweigh this drawback.
The strength is definitely the added comfort and forgiveness. A weakness would be for racers or those needing the stiffest possible setup. It definitely meets my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly is a simple and well-designed product. The fiberglass material is lightweight and durable, and the plates are easy to install. The change in flex is noticeable without being overly dramatic, preserving the overall responsiveness of the Lynx binding.
The build quality is solid, and the plates feel sturdy and reliable. There’s no learning curve involved, as they simply replace the existing main plates.
Durability & Maintenance
The fiberglass construction of the Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly ensures good durability. After weeks of use, there are no signs of wear or cracking. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning.
With proper care, these plates should last for multiple seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly itself is an accessory designed to customize the flex of the Lynx binding. There are no additional accessories included. The plates are available in different versions to fit both older and newer Lynx baseplates.
Compatibility with other accessories, such as different springs or heel levers, is unaffected by the use of these plates.
Pros and Cons of Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly
Pros
- Significantly softer flex for a more forgiving feel.
- Improved bump absorption and comfort on uneven terrain.
- Reduced fatigue on longer tours.
- Easy to install.
- Durable fiberglass construction.
Cons
- Slight reduction in power transmission for aggressive carving on hard snow.
- May not be suitable for racers or skiers who prefer a very stiff binding setup.
Who Should Buy Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly?
The Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly is perfect for telemark skiers who:
- Prioritize comfort and forgiveness over maximum power.
- Ski frequently in soft snow or uneven terrain.
- Experience fatigue on long tours with the stock Lynx plates.
- Want to fine-tune the flex of their Lynx bindings to better suit their skiing style.
Those who should skip this product are racers or aggressive skiers who require the stiffest possible binding setup for optimal power transfer and edge hold.
A must-have modification to compliment these plates may be softer springs for the Lynx bindings for an even softer and more forgiving experience.
Conclusion on Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly
The Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly is a worthwhile upgrade for telemark skiers seeking a smoother, more forgiving ride on their Lynx bindings. For a modest price of $12.62, these plates deliver a noticeable improvement in comfort and versatility. The reduction in stiffness makes the Lynx binding more adaptable to a wider range of snow conditions and terrain.
The price is definitely justified for the improved experience. I would personally recommend it to anyone who finds the stock Lynx plates too stiff for their liking. If you are looking to soften your telemark setup and reduce fatigue, the Twenty Two Designs Lynx Extra Soft Main Plates Assembly is a simple and effective solution. Upgrade your Lynx bindings today for a more enjoyable telemark experience!