I'm looking for some input from others on this. I have the Fritschi (sp.?) freeride bindings. I have no problems with the getting in and out of them. I have never had a problem with a premature ejection (
) or with the binding NOT releasing when I wanted it to. This being my first AT binding, I am quite happy with the weight, as compared to alpine bindings.....
MY problem is that I have found the bindings to change the character of the ski performance. I have had these mounted on a pair of Dynastar Little Big Fat's (a GREAT soft snow ski) as well as their current home on a pair of Volkl G41s. In both instances, the Fritchis were the second binding on the ski so I had a direct performance comparison for each setup.
The Fritschi's seem to create a 'dead spot' in the flex pattern of the ski which significantly changes how the ski performs. so much so that my Dynastar's couldn't hold the slightest edge of firm snow but would chatter and dance across the snow to the point of being ridiculous. I was so disappointed, I ended up selling the skiis (mistake, I now realize) and putting the bindings on the Volkls. This was following the logic that I needed a stiffer ski (all being relative - the G41 is soft for a Volkl but he Little Big Fat was a REAL softie).
The Volkls had their original alpines removed and the Fritchi's installed. I realized what was going on in the first couple turns - it was the bindings....apparently due to the rail that goes under foot to connect the toe piece and the heel piece inhibiting the ski flex under foot.
Well, the bindings reside on the Volkls and I put up with it but I am curious as to whether or not this a characteristic of all AT bindings or if one or more of the other choices out there do not share this same inherent performance flaw....
Discuss!
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