Crystal was really good yesterday. I'd say in general the conditions were even better than they were St. Paddy's day weekend. They pretty much groomed over everything, including the moguls on Thor and Wally's. Steeps were showing less ice than the previous weekend, with the exception of Gorge which looked just plain scary, even from a distance. It was clear that they had really gotten a lot of new nice snow the last week, even after a couple of clear days with no additional snow. Still some powdery spots left here and there in the trees, but I only went in and out of the edges so there may have been more I didn't see.
If anyone gets a chance, get the hell up there. They're supposed to get more snow this week as well. Yesterday felt more like mid-February than late March. It's completely awesome. I will probably be there again Saturday with the fam.
As for the new binders, a big thanks to Leo on the recommendation for those Capos. I'll admit I was a bit hesitant to assume they'd make much difference until I actually rode them. Not only were they WAY more responsive than my old Missions, but they were super comfortable. I didn't realize how uncomfortable my old ones were until I rode these. Didn't have to tighten them down nearly as much and the toe straps were amazing. My left knee didn't hurt at the end of the day like it usually does as well.
My only two gripes on them are minor. One, for most of the day they were a bitch strapping into, with the ankle strap constantly getting in the way stepping in (I strap in standing up). The system they have put in there supposedly to avoid this problem this year doesn't work that great, at least at first. But by the end of the day the memory of the straps improved and it got better. They may have just needed breaking in.
Secondly, I am slightly concerned on the long time durability of the straps. Not necessarily the toe cap like Leo had mentioned to me, but the actual ladders. The ladder on my back ankle strap is looking a bit chewed up after only 7 hours of riding.
Still, these were small gripes compared to the positives. I'm pretty happy with this purchase at this point. Now I will end this rambling fucking post. Good day, sirs (and madams).
Edit: I wanted to mention that the improved responsiveness of the new binders made the blues on the Ridge that I previously struggled with feel easy. And I did Loki without too many problems, which is a marked improvement for me.