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Fritschi Freeride Plus

1. my top all-around pick
2. step-in simplicity
3. safety/performance leader
4. refined & reliable

Diamir/Fritschi's Freeride binding has gotten so good at so many things it's a safe bet you'll love them no matter what kind of backcountry skier you are. With years of R&D behind it, and many seasons of consumer testing and feedback, the Freeride is easily the most refined Alpine Touring Binding you can get.

For the 07-08 season, Fritschi continues the evolution with the Freeride Plus, which features modest but focused improvements designed to address downhill performance, as well as retention/release safety.

First things first: Fritschi offers two basic binding models now. The Explore (which gets last year's Freeride updates) is the lighter, more touring-oriented binding of the pair. The Freeride Plus is the top-of-the-line performer, built with extra durability to handle in-bounds and aggressive backcountry use.

Despite the extra strength of the Plus, the binding remains a reasonably light choice itself, weighing in this year at 4 pounds, six ounces, ski breaks included—not bad when you consider you're getting a resort-worthy binding a full pound lighter than rival Naxo NX21.

Fritschi is clearly aiming for strong, aggressive skiers with the Plus, which features a power transmission system/plate to stiffen the rig laterally. The result is an improved downhill feel with much less slop or wiggle than earlier Fritchi models.

In keeping with its emphasis on downhill performance, the Freeride Plus has in effect a floating heel (even while locked) which allows your ski to flex naturally underfoot, much like today's modern Alpine bindings. Because of the nature of the Freeride's design, this anti-flat spot effort isn't quite up to the best Alpine rigs, but it's a big improvement nonetheless.

When you buy a Fritchi, you get one of the easiest-to-use Alpine Touring bindings available: just a basic, intuitive step-in, no p.h.D. required. You also get top honors for reliability, which makes the Fritschi an appealing choice for Expedition or Ski Extreme use, or any situation where mechanical failure would really put you in a bad situation.

Fritschi's pivot point, which is somewhat forward of ideal, remains the lone bone of contention, limiting your touring efficiency on flat ground. The Fritschi remains the best climber on steep slopes, however, thanks to its outstanding 4-position heel elevator (easily adjustably on the go), and rock-solid lateral stiffness.

Add the Axion crampon for even more security, and you've got a ski mountaineer's dream. I still say the Fritschi is the binding to get unless you've got a specific reason to go with something else (if, for example, you must have the weight savings of a Dynafit). The Plus will make the largest number of people the happiest in the backcountry, easily making it my top pick.

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