The 3 Best Telemark Bindings of 2013
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TwentyTwo Designs Axl Bindings
BEST FOR: The bigger-is-better crowd.
THE TEST: The Axl is burly enough to drive any ski, but what sets it apart is a simple, durable touring pivot. On descents, testers noted that the stainless-steel toepiece offered unbelievable lateral power and predictable response, particularly in tough conditions. Three cable positions let every skier dial in their preferred tension.
THE VERDICT: Pair it with big boots to take full advantage of the power and precision. 3.8 lbs
Tourability: 3.5
Power: 4.5
Rottefella NTN Freedom Bindings
BEST FOR: Aggressive skiers.
THE TEST: We tried to find a downside to Rottefella’s lighter and flexier version of the classic NTN Freeride, but we couldn’t. The Freedom retains the Freeride’s commanding lateral power, semi-releasable safety, and near infinite adjustability, but thanks to a redesigned tour mode that’s almost completely free (there’s just a touch of forward tension), it taxed us a lot less while climbing. “Smooth, powerful, and efficient,” concluded one tester.
THE VERDICT: Pair ’em with the fattest skis you own. 3.3 lbs
Tourability: 4
Power: 4.5
G3 Enzo Bindings
BEST FOR: All-around touring plus downhill adjustability.
THE TEST: New from G3, the Enzo features a stout stainless-steel toe box, adjustable underfoot cable routing, push-button tour and downhill-mode switching, and uninhibited touring motion. Testers found the Enzo more powerful than G3’s previous model, the Targa, and they appreciated the versatility of three cable settings.
THE VERDICT: A nice binding, but neither the lightest nor the most powerful. 3.8 lbs
Tourability: 4
Power: 3