The lightweight build is nice, as is the one-two punch of the PinTech toe system and rotate pivot step-in heel . The fixed stop refers to the small block of plastic just in front of the toe that, when in ski mode, assists in opening the toe wings for improved frontal release in the case of an over the handlebars type fall. With the pin toe unit of the Vipec bindings, these bindings remain nimble for uphill climbs while providing serious power transfer and security on downhill runs. I know I had some questions when I first took the leap of faith: Lou Dawson fromwildsnow.comhad this to say: Out of the box weight: with 100 mm brake and screws, 678 grams. The toe lock is really stiff. If you were coming from an ultralight skimo setup it would be noticeable. Fritschi Tecton 12 Review For truly hard charging skiers, or for those that are intimidated by the unfamiliar look of "standard" tech bindings, this fills an important niche $480 at Amazon $650 at Backcountry Price: $650 List Manufacturer: Black Diamond By Jediah Porter Review Editor Oct 22, 2019 54 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #18 of 21 But alas, Im not in charge of the ski industry. It is not a deal breaker. Xenic is not the only binding out there with this little gotcha. Can I operate the binding with a ski pole, not only changing the riser heights but also able to change between ski/tour modes? You must select at least 1 quantity for this product. . : I skied the Kastle TX98 with Dynafit Radical ST 1 all of last year. Yes, the heel jaw of the Tecton can be moved backward or forward by 12.5 mm from the middle. The heel rotation action exhibits a slight grabby friction feel when rotating by hand; under normal skiing forces this is probably a non-issue. Learn how to find the right ski crampon. Usually remedied by cycling the heel back and forth between ski/tour by hand a number of times and occasionally having to turn the adjustment screw a turn or two to loosen up the ice/return things to normal. Heel lift Thats some mighty high-level engineering.. Overall, a clean effort by Fritschi that honors yet intelligently departs from the tech bindings of yore. In that case the heel and toe mechanics are the same as the Raider 12, and the differences are mostly limited to the brake and the optional plate/AFD. Details. I really did not think the additional weight was noticeable. WildSnow wants to thank La Sportiva for its continued support covering the backcountry skiing scene! This happened when the temperature was below about minus 5-7 degreees Celcius. The Black Diamond Fritschi Tecton 13 Ski Bindings are the perfect combination of lightweight touring and alpine performance. General retention and release action When stomping your boot heel to enter Xenic in downhill mode, your boot heel has to slip down and past the ~90 degree angled shelf of the binding housing. Should I just fill the holes and go with something else? Friction is noticeable during hand rotation of the heel unit between downhill and uphill modes. (Though in small print it also says Inhalt: 1 x 003786 Easy Switch Toe bedruckt, so maybe you get two bags when you order 003921? The Xenics toe pins are 32 mm off of the ski and the heel pins are 45 mm of the ski, equating to a 12 mm difference. Not recommended. . Lots of plastic and surprisingly light. heel-pieces are surprisingly light, more plastic than I was expecting. This winter, the bindings have been working properly, so far So if you get upgraded parts there is a good chance that your bindings will work as they are intended to do. Note the tech pins are free to roll, as theyre not part of a U-spring configuration. I havent used them since then for fear of repeating the issue. and when adjusted for 12usd shipping, it ended up being a couple dollars over 400usd. If the ski is heavily flexed while youre standing in deep powder, its possible your boot heel will will be obstructed by the binding housing frustrating. One other notable difference with the Xenic vs. many lightweight tech bindings is that the Xenics heel sits on a spring-loaded track that not only gives you 25 mm of adjustment for boots with different BSLs, but also provides 10 mm of what Fritschi calls length compensation. Essentially, the spring-loaded heel of the Xenic functions similarly to the forward pressure settings on an alpine binding in that the heel piece of the Xenic can move along the ski when you flex and bend the ski, with the goal of reducing pre-releases that can happen when a ski is flexed with a binding that has a fixed heel. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North Americas highest mountain. (To be fair, Fritschi does include brake assembly instructions with the binding, but still, I found the install taxed my psyche.) Randonnee Ski Touring AT ski gear What is Hip? One appreciated feature is separate adjustments for side and upward retention/release tension. As we noted in our Lightweight Touring Binding Shootout, the category of ~250-400 g touring bindings is quite competitive at this point, with a lot of options that perform quite well on the up and the down, given how light they are. The Fritches do luv that plastic. Lateral Release at the Toe The difference in downhill performance against the Dynafit Radical 1 is apparent. The Xenic heel is similar action to other classic tech bindings. Thread: Fritschi Tecton. Sign up for exclusive offers, original stories, events and more. Well now you can quickly switch into a walk mode with skate ski. The most notable thing I experienced when stepping into the Xenic each time is that the step-in pedal works as intended and its quite easy to engage when stepping in. 126), Freerunner, Dom Di Tommaso (@domtomato) (Ep. Toe Can a new boot be adjusted if the Tecton has already been mounted? Tecton heel is almost entirely and strongly different in that it does not have pins, and is not a classic tech binding heel of any sort. Unfortunately, my pair had some durability and functional issues that made me quit using them partway through the winter. Perfect for exiting on Maroon Creek after descending the ridge! I prefer to analyse what appears to the be the strongest position for the heel unit, and bias the mount so the binding heel ends up in that general area on the adjustment track. OR!? AT bindings allow you to lift your heels to stride uphill and then lock the heels in place for the descent. The binding heel mount plate of all other Fritschi none-frame ski touring bindings appears to be interchangeable with Xenic. Next, how about the clamping force of those toe jaws? The obvious question I have, and everyone else who has reviewed them, is how will they stand up to abuse? But be aware and learn how to deal with your bindings in deep powder (hint, create solid platform before clipping in, or learn to clip your boot heel in without fully weighting the ski). Boot ramp is similar to early tech bindings, an angle we like. The huge difference is of course between Vipec/Evo and Tecton. Front pieces open randomly in minus 20 degrees. Adventure Destination: Up to 20% off on Summer 2023 new arrivals* ! Operating instructions Read here Videos operating Watch here Operating instructions Read here Videos operating Watch here So far it hasnt broken but the process hasnt gotten any easier as Ive used the bindings more. After the replacement I am still not sure if it even works, because I lost my ski few times going up. Fritschi integrates state-of-the-art technologies into all bindings, which guarantee reliable release in every skiing situation. I opted to forgo the brakes, so I cant comment on them here. Easy to reach expert advice. Might as well get one shining question answered first. One Color w/ interchangeable inserts for customization. Pray for snow! Not much else. 4 oz. Static Heel-Locking Lever YES PLEASE. Using a boot with Dynafit certified tech fittings, I got 61.4 N with a Dynafit Radical, and 55.35 N with Xenic. WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. I took them out on some boilerplate for a shakedown and they skied well. And he suggested that removing the red plastic toe bumper allows a Speed Nose boot to work. Free delivery in Metropolitan France from 70 of purchase. That's some mighty high-level engineering. In my estimation, the strength of the classic tech binding toe jaw spring provides resistance to accidental release. Very difficult to lock. the heel piece is also not capable of pole transitions. I think that helps the pins to seat into the pins. 503.91 . Out of the box weight: with 100 mm brake and screws, 678 grams. I found it much easier to operate by pushing the basket forward instead of attempting to pull the basket forward (see images below). Those who need a fine-tuned heel lift will want a binding with three choices. Visually, the levers are identical, but there must be some tiny change in tolerance somewhere because they work WAY better. The heel cup seems to lock the boot down solid enough though. Join once, enjoy forever. Only 36 grams (1.3 ounces) for that impressive Tecton heel unit? This is the Shift's first production year. Only two heights are available: heel flat on ski, or moderately high. Ramp angle and pin heights Maybe it breaks inhopefully not literally. Perhaps the most important note on the toe: with most tech bindings, the toe wings undergo a compound out-and-down motion while opening up. Shit in an oven, then you'll be pro. But the brake does work, and it becomes easier to operate after youre accustomed to it (hint, fold down the heel lifter for better leverage). Adjustment plates let you adapt to various boots or mounting patterns. Find replacement parts or mix toes and heels to create a franken-binding. I did not do a tear down for fear of ruining my functional set of Evos, well perhaps do that during summer. I've had these in a box for a few seasons, originally I'd planned on a japow trip but Covid took care of that. THE NEW TECTON 13 The Tecton now offers a DIN Fritschi Tecton 12 Alpine Touring Ski Bindings 2022 $649.95 $415.50 Sale Available In-Store Only. Also, no shop techs at the store I demoed skied on the Xenics on their personal gear. No different than any other touring binding in terms of functionality. Watch this space for more.). These are ideal for fitting to guide skis for emergencies and to share touring skis between skiers, as they . Separate and infinitely variable adjustment of sideways and frontal release. Even the nearly infinite WildSnow tool collection is missing smaller pozi drivers. Two heel lift heights. A kudo: the brake has the desirable feature of reliably retracting with zero(!) 46), Blister Brand Guides: Mountain Bike Lineups. I prefer a mellow-angle skin track, and if Im breaking trail the fairly low riser height of the Xenic or Alpinist is only an issue if the terrain constrains me into some tight or weird spot where I have to climb more steeply. We recommend to have the boot adjusted by a trained professional. So they totally bailed on the vipec heel. Their tech-style toe units and innovative heel-locking levers offer stability and control that rivals alpine bindings. It is prudent to adjust the screw inward until it is too tight, and then out until flush, Touring Binding Spare Parts & Accessories, Splitboard Binding Accessories & Crampons. Touring Binding Spare Parts & Accessories, Splitboard Binding Accessories & Crampons. The obvious question I have, and everyone else who has reviewed them, is how will they stand up to abuse? By clicking on subscribe, you agree to receive our Speck-Sports newsletters. The release/retention tension adjustment screws are odd. for your first email from REI. (559.90 ) -10.0%. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Only 36 grams (1.3 ounces) for that impressive Tecton heel unit? I think you can adjust a turbo with a flat metal piece, because you usually do not have a Pozidrive # 3 on tour. We tested bindings for alpine touring backcountry skiing from brands like ATK, Fritschi, Dynafit, Marker, Plum, and Atomic. The Vipec boot length adjustment range is about 3 cm, with Evo giving about 3.5 there is a bit of a judgment call on how far back you can move the heel unit for boot length adjustment, for larger more aggressive skiers I dont like to set as far back as possible. I skied the Xenic with the heel release value set at 10 at all times and never came out of the bindings. Perhaps so, and I did try it after he suggested. No intermediate, no super-high. Fritschi Vipec and Fritschi Tecton, the Xenic's appearance is familiar and based on bindings with decent track records, but it looks quite different from the machined and forged parts of many of its direct competitors. In reference to this: One of the big differences between the Xenics toe piece and the vast majority of other tech / pin bindings is that the Xenics toe wings / jaws only move horizontally, instead of pivoting out and down. I worried that I might break the binding on the way down because I had eliminated the elastic travel, but they seemed to fare okay. Forward pressure is confirmed when screw is flush with housing, Lateral release value is adjustable using posi drive #3 bit on screw in the rear of the toe piece, Forward release is adjusted with posi drive #3 bit in the upper rear screw of the heel unit, Forward pressure screw will not be out for too loose of an adjustment. scored a pair from Snowinn for 400usd out the door. Lee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know, https://www.wildsnow.com/21378/frits-tecton-vipec/. Not bad, right? On the other hand, its possible I have a pre-retail version and need to be using the latest consumer version. As for the binding toe unit, the front two screw holes are the same layout as those of Tecton. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. Evo (left) heel weighs 204 grams, Vipec (right) is 212. This could be a concern for North American skin tracks, but not so much in Europe where the tradition is lower-angled efficient tracks. One thing I was sure to test was the ability to change from ski mode to walk mode without exiting the bindings. Location. Hopefully any new bindings bought this season will have the newer levers. We recommend a brake width equal to or at most 15 mm wider than the ski waist width. Im sure there are certain falls for certain people where there is an advantage with this toe design, but my experience with a plethora of tech bindings is that if I crash hard enough for my heels to come loose (and my toes arent locked into climb position), the toes usually pop loose without too much trouble and this would be the situation where the toe block release would function. The Xenic story is partly good in this regard. In the case of the Phillips, experiment with different ones, some of the number twos in my collection fit better than others. Features a defined front lateral release in both ski and walk mode for skiing and avalanche safety. This product is available for purchase in select store locations or by phone. Adjustment Fritschi Tecton 12 Fritschi Swiss 337 subscribers Subscribe Share 13K views 5 years ago Mounting, adjusting and setting of the binding have to executed by a trained professional.. Designed and Developed by WildSnow, Naxo Backcountry Skiing Bindings Info Index, Silvretta Pure Backcountry Skiing Bindings Info Index, Fritschi Backcountry Skiing Bindings Info Index, Naxo randonnee alpine touring AT ski binding FAQ, Dynafit Binding Frequently Asked Questions FAQ. When I used crampons, one of the hooks broke. If you step into the binding and rock your foot back and forth like you skinning then lock them they seem to work fine. Time will tell. I often mount my own skis and I appreciate it when binding manufacturers are consistent from year-to-year and product-to-product when it comes to their mounting hole patterns. If the surface is sloped it is a little more difficult but I would put the success rate around 85%. Because of this, I do fight a little with any binding that requires rotation to swap into descend mode (which is the case with most bindings in this class). As they dont have a midsection that dips down while opening, ice buildup under (or inside) the binding might not be the issue it is with most tech bindings. By Jediah Porter & Ian Nicholson Tuesday November 8, 2022 Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. skiing is hiking all day so that you can ski on shitty gear for 5 minutes. Adjust for boot sole length/forward pressure using posi drive #3 bit in lowest rear screw. Compensation travel distance appears to be 13 millimeters, though various sources say its 10. Once I was home I brought them inside and after warming up, the heel piece slid back into position and I then re-adjusted them back to where theyd been so my boots fit properly again. Fritschi says this design is aimed to decrease accidental pre-releases.. Compare that to the Marker Alpinist, which is 34 mm at the toe and 36 mm at the pins, and especially for those with a shorter BSL, thats a pretty big difference in ramp angle. Time will tell. As for the heel unit, it rotates to provide release, with adjustable release/retention. But use a pozi if you plan on changing settings often, or risk damaging the adjustment screw heads. Blister reviewer Sam Shaheen has also spent some time using the Xenic and he has had the same issues with the toe lever. Ski touring, Splitboarding, Telemark Skiing, Trail Running, Hiking; we have the gear for all your backcountry adventures! Fritschi hails this binding as their Freeride binding versus the Fritschi Vipec Evo as their Touring binding. As they are, you can hack-adjust using a small flat-blade screwdriver (as pictured) or a Phillips #2 driver. They are pozidrive #2 (normal binding screws are pozi #3). Its an alpine style heel. I don't mind Radicals in pow but do not enjoy skiing them back into the resort on slack days. Help compatibility with any model tech insert. See the numbers here. They are far superior. ), Im excited to see Fritschi go retro with their new Xenic binding. Seems I have to be super aggressively sidehilling and stomping in a track with the double heel lifts for that to happen. Swapped the Tecton heel with my Vipec heel today and played with it a bit. set the length adjustment such that there is a paper-thin gap between the edge of the binding heel lip and the heel of the boot. Youll get used it (fold down the heel lifter for leverage). I like the design philosophy of the Xenic, especially the side release at the toe, but its possible this freshman effort might need another iteration. I didnt have my super duper test rig activated, but I did get repeatable results by simply pressing the heel of a boot to the side with my force gauge. I spent part of this past winter skiing on the Xenic here in Alaska with a variety of different boots in a variety of different conditions, so heres my take on Fritschis lightweight binding. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. In a release, toe wings simultaneously open under spring tension as boot twists to side. They have virtually the same vertical elasticity (very little, same as other classic tech bindings), similar heel lifts, and the same pin height above ski. I would also like to test these bindings on a bigger ski to see how they handle. See our Price Match Policy. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you.
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