What are those bindings

Treckers?

AT (alpine touring) or randonee

yeah, AT bindings.

I guess Ill write a brief little thing on them....

Fritschi Freeride and Freeride Plus
This binding has been the standard for years. Pretty durable, skis pretty well, tours pretty well. It has 4 heel heights, which is nice. Pivot point is at the tip of the toe. DIn to 12.

Some people have insta-tele problems with this binding (I have had them and thus got rid of them), some dont. it usually depends on the ski being used (softer skis flex a lot which pops of the lock down.

The New FR + has two major improvments. They changed the design slightly of the lockdown so it shouldn't insta tele anymore. They also added a kind of rail system so the binding is more laterally stable.

These bindings are a good option and get the job done.



Naxo Nx21 and Nx01
IMO - the best touring binding(that can be used with normal alpine boots) is the Naxo Nx21. I skied the FR for a year, and switch over to the Nx21 this year.

I love this binding. It has a lock on the back so insta-tele is impossible. Din to 13. I think this binding both skis and tourers better than the Freerides. Others will disagree. this is just my opinion.

Only real issue is that the binding only has 3 climbing position, instead of 4 like the FR. It isnt that big of a deal.

Touring has two pivot points which makes the stride very smooth. I like the feeling a lot. it makes switch backs super easy too.

IMO - right now, not including Dynafits, this is THE AT binding to have.



The Nx01 is the 12 din version, not as beefy. Some people have had durability issues with it, but those are mostly with the older models. Doesnt have the instatele issues like FR.



Silvretta Pure Freeride
Similar design to FR, except the pivot point is under the ball of the foot. Very light, almost as light as dynafits. Not as beefy as the FR or Nx21 from what Ive seen, but if weight is an issue and you want to use alpine boots this is the binding.



Dynafits
These are the best alpine touring bindings made. An issue with a lot of touring bindings is they sit very high off of the ski. These dont have that problem.

These bindings are extremely light, pounds lighter than the Nx21 and FR+. Touring is great, skiing is great. These bindings are actually the most laterally stiff of any AT binding.
Din to 10, but the binding can be locked down so it wont release (usually comapred to a din of 12).

If you are serious about touring, and you want the best, this is it.

Issues though....price. While dynafits can be found for similar prices, they are not compatable with alpine boots.

meaning, you need a seperate set of boots to use them. I find my alpine boots fine when touring, so no need to buy more.

But if you are getting alpine touring boots, consider getting ones the are dynafit compatable.



Another option is alpine trekkers. I call them Tour Wrekkers....
They DO get the job done. Mine broke after awhile, and touring on them isn't nearly as easy as on AT bindings, but they arent that bad. And you get to use normal bindings in the BC.

I have been fine on my Nx21 so no need for trekkers at the moment.

Basically, if you are looking at getting AT bindings the ones to consider at the Nx21, FR+, and dynafits.

The Naxo vs. FR battle has good points for both sides. I think the best way is to try and ski/tour on both and decide which you like more. I prefer the Nx21 though ;)

thanks alot for the help to all 3 of you. and Iggyskier thanks for the reviews.

in your reviews some of the bindings you say work with alpine boots.

do some of them dont? do you need special boots for some of them.

im planning on getting the Ants, Jp vs Julian, or Seth Vicious with one of these bindings but I definitly dont want to buy a whole differnt pair of boots just to be able to ride those skis.

dynafits need dynafit compatable boots.

all the others work with alpine boots.

any of those skis will be good for touring.

Regarding skins, get the BD Ascensions with the STS Tail kit. that is very important if you are touring on twins. The BD skins are the best too.

Basically, get the Freeride Plus or Nx12. I like the Nx21 better, other like the FR better.

and I dont want to have to say it, but please take an avie class and know how to safely travel in avie terrain before you go touring. Way to much bad shit has already happened this year. Someone, a IFSA competitor names Tobias Lee, was just killed at Baker the other day. Pretty horrible. Stay safe

yea man most work with your normal boots

The silverette pure's do not work with alpine boots, you need AT boots. Otherwise iggy nailed the at-binding check list.

I've used trekkers, they work but they're heavy, I had them on my spatulas, quite possibly the heaviest at-set up every. They got the job done, but I was they'll tweak your knees and ankles.

Just bought some naxo21's to mount on 188 stiff bros. Can't give a review. But if you're thinking about a touring ski consider the Bros. I was thinking along the lines of SV's Gots....But the Bros are soo much lighter and are actually more solid. I've never skied anything as light that still feels solid going through crud.

you sure?

Cause I have a friend who currently tours on Pure Freerides with Salomon X-wave boots.....

there are 3 models of the pure though. maybe the less beefy models can only be used with AT boots.

well, according to backcountry.com the silverette pure freerides at AT boots only because of the position of the pivot, need to be able to flex they toe of the boot in order to walk properly in them. Though i'm sure you could ski them and make do hiking up, but seems uncomfortable on the way up.