In reply to Denni:
> I don't particularly want tour specific skis, I'd prefer to be able to have bindings that I can use for touring that are also good enough for the odd downhill trip.
Skis don't have to be totally tour-oriented to make your life easier... there are little things, like having a flat tail with a skin hook notch in it that can be quite beneficial.
All modern touring bindings are more than good enough for the odd piste day, incidentally. They're nicer off-piste than on, but I've used my dynafits for purely lift-served days and been happy enough.
> What do you reckon to second hand kit, worth taking a chance on bindings?
If you can get em new for so little, there's not much to save getting them second hand. Brand new bindings will also come with a guarantee, which is worth considering (though it might be hard to claim on them if they're from Canada!)
In reply to kevin stephens:
> The Marker bindings you link to are not the best for touring; simply because you have to take the boots out of the bindings to change from walk to ski mode and Vice versa
Being able to switch mode without dismounting is a very minor benefit. Safety shouldn't be a factor: you'd have to have planned things badly to end up needing to make a transition on a steep icy pitch. It is a wee bit more useful in rolling terrain with lots of short ups and downs, but you should be on nordic gear in that situation!
The Markers are generally reported to ski better than the Fritschis as they have a somewhat more positive rail-to-ski fixing.
> It sounds like you may need to get some touring boots? You need to go to a specialist walk in shop/bootfitter.
Getting touring boots in the UK is a pain
I can recommend Solutions4feet and Profeet if you live in the south.