Carvin' Marvin Posted December 11, 2021 Report Share Posted December 11, 2021 My intec heels are getting pretty long in the tooth. Pins seem to have a little more play but they function fine. Is there any sort of agreed upon lifespan for these things? I wouldn't want an unplanned disassembly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kneel Posted December 11, 2021 Report Share Posted December 11, 2021 That's a great question. There's a lot of plastic in there. I had 6-7 seasons on a set without issue, but I always travelled with a spare set. I worried more about the cable breaking than an auto-release. Even if that cantilever thingie fails, which seems through non-engineer eyes to be the next weak link, the springs keep the springs engaged. I've since Fintec'd, but still travel with a spare set of Intecs. They're only what hundy? Seems like a normal wear-n-tear item. Cheap enough to replace every season or two. Is there a rebuild kit out there? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carvin' Marvin Posted December 11, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 11, 2021 Mine have about five seasons on them. I'm heavy and relatively strong so I'm more worried about the plastic case more than anything. This is my first pair so I kind of forgot what a new pair feels like. Hopefully I will see you at Loveland tomorrow and you can tell me what you think! The only thing that scares me away from the fintecs in their notorious slipperiness. We have to do a lot of village walking round these parts. But yeah, its cheap insurance compared to the other investments in this sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dredman Posted December 11, 2021 Report Share Posted December 11, 2021 I would way rather stop and get gas, than worry for the next hour about making it to the next gas station, especially when you are flying. Slipping while walking is a minor injury compared to a twisting-rotating single boot release. I like big chunks of metal holding my feet to boards. That being said, You are a very dynamic and powerful rider. The intec heels are obviously very tough! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pokkis Posted December 11, 2021 Report Share Posted December 11, 2021 With Intec heels i used to switch them after one or two seasons due wear on plastic. When pins get more angle due plastic wear there is greater change to get them to break plastic part. Now with Fintecs and after changing those plastic "bearings" to metal ones, i've been on them since they were sold first time 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keenan Posted December 11, 2021 Report Share Posted December 11, 2021 The only slipping issues I have with Fintecs is when I go into the lodge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigwavedave Posted December 11, 2021 Report Share Posted December 11, 2021 I believe there's an origin story for Fintecs. Spawned by an Intec failure? I don't know the details. It was before my time here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boardguru Posted December 11, 2021 Report Share Posted December 11, 2021 When walking to/from the lodge or hanging out there I use Ski Tracks on my boots. No slipping at all and good traction. I also carry a spare pair of Fin Tecs in my gear bag just in case. As far as longevity of Intec heels I have no clue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pokkis Posted December 11, 2021 Report Share Posted December 11, 2021 4 hours ago, pokkis said: With Intec heels i used to switch them after one or two seasons due wear on plastic. When pins get more angle due plastic wear there is greater change to get them to break plastic part. Now with Fintecs and after changing those plastic "bearings" to metal ones, i've been on them since they were sold first time Just checked and i got my Fin-Tec heels 2008 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corey Posted December 11, 2021 Report Share Posted December 11, 2021 The stationary pins wear from friction on the receiver ramps. I got about a third of the way through the diameter before I put new ones in. The plastic bushings that the big retracting pins can break over time too, letting the pins wobble in their bores. This can be seen from the outside. And of course the plastic arms and cables can break if you just yank the handle without putting a little heel pressure in to unload the big pins. If it pops as you pull the handle, you're doing it wrong. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjnakata Posted December 11, 2021 Report Share Posted December 11, 2021 4 hours ago, Carvin' Marvin said: The only thing that scares me away from the fintecs in their notorious slipperiness. We have to do a lot of village walking round these parts. I switched back to Intecs and they are definitely less slippery. The main thing for me was the metal body conducts cold so I got a lot more icing under the heel which wasn't helping me get a positive step in - deicing was negating step-in convenience. The cables are definitely weaker but I've seen some OLD intecs and mine have lasted. I do change cables - but not cheap! Rider weight (and frequency of use) may be the biggest issue for mechanical longevity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chouinard Posted December 12, 2021 Report Share Posted December 12, 2021 I take mine apart, inspect everything and re-grease every year. Preventative maintenance goes a long way but nothing lasts forever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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