In reply to Tim Chappell:
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> Advice, please:
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> 1. Do touring bindings give you good control for downhill skiing?
On the whole, yes, they give pretty good control. Some of the older Fritschi and Naxo bindings were noticably 'sloppy' but the modern bindings are much better. If you're a very good skier you might notice the difference and the increased stack height but most (me included) can't. Marker bindings (and potentially the new Guardian and Tyrolia bindings) will give you the most downhill feel. Dynafits are very stiff as well but come with certain caveats r.e. release and hucking off cliffs in them. Fritschi ones slightly less so but are a bit more user-friendly.
> 2. Are touring boots a frequent source of pain?
They shouldn't be if they fit well. It will also depend on the boot - a lighter touring boot like the Scarpa Maestrale will be comfier to walk and skin in than a freeride boot, like the Garmont Delerium but you compromise alpine performance.
Some people will walk and skin with their boots still partly or loosely buckled - I find this uncomfy so have to totally release all of the buckles - you just have to find what suits you. I must admit I am amazed at how easy it is to walk in the Meastrales, I think boots have come a long way in the last few years.
> 3. How much would touring boots + bindings + skins set me back?
You're unlikely to find a pair of boots for much under £400 and it's worth spending a bit extra to get ones that really fit.
There are plenty of nice second-hand setups around online (try here, ebay, gumtree and Snowheads) and you can get a nice ski/binding/skin combo for under £500. Just be sure to check the binding size and where they're mounted in case you need to move the binding.
Buying everything new will probably cost nearer £1000 all-in but this totally depends on what you want and there are some great deals on Sport Conrad and most shops would do you a good deal if you buy multiple items from them.