Which bindingsuits me?
It varies from person to person. It all depends on your riding style, your weight, your goals, and many other factors. This guide is here to help you get started so you can put together the perfect setup.
What is a touring binding?
A touring binding allows you to both ascend and descend. Unlike a classic alpine binding, the heel is released in ascent mode. For the descent, the heel is locked in place.
There are two basic systems:
What is a pin binding? A pin binding (also known as a tech binding) secures the boot using small metal pins at the front and, in most cases, at the heel as well. It is lighter than a frame binding and therefore more efficient on long ascents. Pin bindings require compatible touring boots with tech inserts.
What is a frame binding? A frame binding encloses the boot within a frame and is compatible with a wider range of boots, including classic alpine boots. It is heavier than a pin binding but offers greater freedom in boot selection. The riding performance and release mechanism are the same as those of an alpine binding.
What is the difference between pin binding and frame binding? The main difference lies in weight and boot compatibility. Pin bindings are lighter and, thanks to their lower weight, more efficient for ascents, but they require special touring boots. Frame bindings are heavier, but they also work with regular alpine boots. These are ideal for occasional skiers or beginners who already own alpine boots.
Pin bindings, such as our Tecton 13, require touring boots with compatible inserts due to the metal tips positioned at the front. The front and rear jaws are not connected to each other.
A frame binding like our Scout 11 is compatible with alpine ski boots. No touring boots with inserts are required. The binding features a frame that connects the front and rear sections.
Which type of BINDING is right for me?
Whether a particular binding is right for you—and which one—depends on many different factors. It comes down to your skill level and how you plan to use it. To help you get an overview, we’ve put together the following decision tree.
Choosing the right touring binding starts with your boots. If you already own alpine boots, the Scout is the perfect choice. It is the only Fritschi binding compatible with alpine boots.
With touring boots, there are three additional options to choose from: Weighing 290g per unit, the Xenic is the lightest option for ski tourers seeking maximum climbing efficiency. If you prioritize freeriding and steep descents, the Tecton 13 is the right binding for you. For everyone else, whether beginners or experienced ski tourers, the Vipec Evo offers the most versatile solution for any type of tour.
How do Fritschi bindings differ from one another?
Technically, Fritschi bindings differ in terms of their intended use, system, weight, and release mechanism.
To give you a better overview of the different models, we’ve put together a table for you:
| Xenic plus 12 & 10 | Vipec Evo 12 | Tecton 13 & 10 | Scout 11 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segment | Touring | Ski Touring | Free Touring & Skiing | Ski Touring & Alpine Skiing |
| Ideal for | Long climbs, minimal weight | All-around, high-altitude hiking, beginners & experienced hikers | Freeride, powder, steep descents | Slopes + Backcountry Skiing, Alpine Boot Users |
| System | Tech binding with rotating heel unit | Hybrid tech binding with fixed heel unit | Hybrid tech binding with fixed alpine heel piece | Frame binding with alpine standard |
| Weight (without ski brakes) | 290 g / unit | 500 g / unit | 550 g / unit | 790 g / unit |
| Weight ski brakes | 45g | 50g | 50g | 100g |
| DIN-/Z-Value | 6 – 12 / 4 – 10 | 4 – 12 | 6 – 13 / 5 – 10 | 3 – 11 |
| Shoe compatibility | Tech touring boots | Tech touring boots | Tech touring boots | Touring & Alpine boots |
| Walk modes | 2° / 7° / 11° | 2° / 7° / 11° | 2° / 7° / 12° | 1° / 3° / 9° / 14° |
| Emergency stop during ascent | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Front side release | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Rear-mounted front-end release | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fixed heel blocks | ❌ rotating | ✅ Fixed, non-rotating | ✅ Alpine heel blocks | ✅ Alpine heel blocks |
| Fritschi Safety System | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Swiss Made | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
A Comparison of Our Bindings:
What are the key features of the Xenic?
Horizontally sliding front pin levers:
Secure hold and prevention of unexpected releases during downhill runs without locking the front.
Wide rear support:
Power is transferred directly to the ski via the extra-wide heel unit.
10 mm length compensation:
Consistent release at set DIN values thanks to length compensation for the flexing ski.
| Fritschi Xenix plus 12 & 10 | Dynafit Ridge | ATK Crest 10 | Marker Cruise | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight per unit (g), including ski brakes | 335 | 410 (+21%) | 295 (-13%) | 475 (+40%) |
| Front horizontal sliding pin levers | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Powerful and wide heel counter | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Length adjustment for the ski | 10 mm | 7 mm | 12 mm | 7 mm |
| DIN/Z adjustment for the heel with two springs | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
What are the key features of the Vipec Evo?
Front-side release:
DIN/Z-value adjustment and front-side release, where lateral forces act during a fall.
Fixed, non-rotating heel unit:
Like alpine bindings, the fixed heel unit does not rotate, ensuring optimal grip at the rear, where the greatest forces act during the descent.
Easy operation:
Switching from ascent to descent mode and vice versa is easy to do without having to step out of the binding.
| Fritschi Texton 13 & 10 | Dynafit Radical 12 | ATK Raider 11 Evo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight per unit (g), including ski brakes | 550 | 520 (-5%) | 370 (-33%) |
| Emergency stop triggered from the front side while in walking mode | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Defined DIN front-side release in ski mode | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Stable, non-rotating alpine heel unit | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
What are the key features of the Tecton?
The lightest hybrid binding on the market:
DIN/Z-value adjustment and front lateral release, where lateral forces act during a fall.
Front lateral release:
DIN/Z-value adjustment and front lateral release, where lateral forces act during a fall, with 13 mm of elasticity per side.
Fixed alpine heel pieces:
The heel piece presses the sole of the boot firmly against the heel plate, which is directly connected to the ski. Function similar to an alpine binding and direct power transfer
| Fritschi Texton 13 & 10 | Salomon Shift 13 | Marker Kingpin 13 | ATK Hy 13 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight per unit (g), including ski brakes | 600 | 885 (+47%) | 715 (+19%) | 675 (+12%) |
| Emergency stop triggered from the front side while in walking mode | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Defined DIN front-side release in ski mode | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| High-performance, non-rotating alpine heel grip | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
What are the Scout's key features?
Lightest frame binding on the market:
Weighing 790 g per unit, the Scout is the lightest frame binding on the ski touring market.
Performance and safety:
Its performance is comparable to that of an alpine binding. The release mechanism is also designed in the same way.
Compatible with touring and alpine boots:
The Scout supports both types of ski boots. This makes it perfect for beginners and anyone who already owns alpine boots.
| Fritschi Scout 11 | Marker F10 Tour / F12 Tour EPF | Tyrolia Ambition 10 / 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight per unit (g) including ski brakes* | 890 | 1190 (+34%)* | 1090 (+23%)* |
| Walking aids (stages) | 0° / 3° / 9° / 13° | 0° / 7° / 13° | 0° / 5° / 10° / 15° |
| Adjustable crampons for walking | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Pivot Point Position | 7 mm behind the toe of the shoe | 18 mm in front of the toe of the shoe | Below the toe of the shoe |
| Walking comfort (effect of pivot point position) | The sequence of movements is similar to a pin hold | Increased effort | Limited rotation |
These figures are estimates. Marker and Tyrolia do not specify the exact weight, including the stopper.
What sets Fritschi bindings apart from other brands?
Fritschi touring bindings stand out thanks to innovative technological approaches. In a nutshell: they deliver powerful performance on the descent and uncompromising, precise release to prevent injuries. In a nutshell: they deliver powerful performance on the descent and uncompromising, precise release to prevent injuries.
The label “Fritschi Safety System – Made in the Swiss Alps” emphasizes the holistic approach of designing touring bindings not only for easy ascents but also for safe and dynamic descents. The label “Fritschi Safety System – Made in the Swiss Alps” underscores the holistic approach to designing touring bindings not only for easy ascents but also for safe and dynamic descents.
Still unsure?
Every ski tour is different, and so is every skier. If you still have questions after reading this guide, our network of authorized dealers in over 30 countries is here to help. Specialty retailers can offer personalized advice, adjust the bindings to fit your boots, and install them properly.
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