NTN Telemark Bindings

They degrade quickly. I went through 4 sets of cartridges, two sets of frames and have completely destroyed boots after 1 season. With all new stuff, the feeling is killer: tons of resistance with the springs cranked, zero play, and generally just a really positive feel. I now have about 10degrees of slop either direction on both bindings from wear on the second heels and the part of the binding that interfaces with them.

I had a mediocre experience with the 22designs NTN binding towards the end of last season. The binding seemed better than the rottafella freeride binding as far as support and build quality, but the demo skis they were mounted on were pretty terrifying when going fast, so I didn't get to test them quite to the degree I would have liked to.

^seems pretty spot on. I've been on the ntn for ~3 years...looking to switch. I feel like the rottafella ntn and the 22 designs version(forgt the name) look fairly similar but i'd lean towards the 22 designs as far as durability..for the ultimate in durability look at Bishop's, but a serious sacrifice in uphill efficiency there.

Overall to actually answer your question, I really liked skiing on the ntn, there were just too many rubber/soft spots and break-in issues to say it's the best binder around. I'm extra hard on things, and if you're not, a pair could really last 5+ years..depends on how you ski

The Freedom isn't intended to drive; if you're an aggressive skier, go for the Freeride as far as Rortafella is concerned. Been on NTN for one season and my Freedom failed while skiing bumps and completely destroyed an otherwise mint condition ski. That being said, I would still take my Freedom over at 75mm binding that I had ever tried (a few G3's and a Hammerhead). This season I'm going to demo the 22Designs Outlaw; it looks essentially like a Freedom, but all of the plastic was replaced with metal. Not a huge sacrifice in weigh, so if you're a frequent tourer, look into it. Freeheel Life in SLC, UT is the best telemark shop I've ever been to & they can steer you in the right direction. Cheers!