Bindings

I think it's the riser plates that rails are often mounted on, that have the most effect on flex. An important benefit of rails, is the more constant release values of the binding.

Interestingly, those riser plates are on the way out, and in the future we are going to see isolation plates like the Fischer flow flex taking over. These plates can have almost no effect on flex, depending on the design. Nearly all the GS/SL racing snowboards at the Olympics used them. They are so effective, that snowboard racers can't be competitive with out an isolation plate anymore.

TBH just reading your replies makes me realise how little i knew about bindings. Im not going to be able to try all the different options before deciding on a pair, id think thats pretty much impossible.

For an advanced intermediate skier looking to gain a better skiing style in powder and build more confidence all over the mountain, i think i need to advised and steered in the direction of "whats going to be the best option for improving me on the skis/terrain i will ski"

It's not fair to fill you full of confusing viewpoints, and technical waffle. I believe that the Dynastar PX 12 or 14 will be really sweet on either of those skis. I have skied both skis in extended tests on the mountain.
The binding has a sound reputation, very popular with freeriders and has been on the market for many winters, very sturdy. Was recommended to me by CEM on here.

I'll stick my neck out and say avoid the Salomon Z range of bindings, because they are not a patch on the old 8/9 series.

Bandit thanks again.. I cant say im a freerider as such, merely a skier who is wanting to ski piste but with the option of skiing powder when the time suits but also being able to do so without worrying that my ski isn't upto the job.

My current carving ski (salomon aero x) is a good piste ski but in april when i was in Tignes everytime i ventured into the deeper stuff or hit the crud towards the end of the day it was all over the place, either sinking or being knocked off line.

Ill certainly check these bindings out, if there are any other alternatives you can think of similar then id also be happy to hear about those.. :D