Touring bindings - what's the gen?

[eng_ch]

We were chatting to the chap who owns our local-est ski shop yesterday afternoon and talking about trying out Scott Missions/Rosas over Xmas. The shop specialises more in freeride and touring - it's not really what you'd call a punter's shop. Now touring is a bit beyond us yet but it's always good to talk to someone who knows their stuff. Anyway he says he actually only ever puts alpine bindings on the lowest level skis they sell - on the Missions etc he automatically puts on the Fritschi Freeride Plus because, in his opinion, it's as stable as an alpine binding and, of course, means one is set up for touring when and if one wants to do it. It also has the advantage of being lighter than most alpine bindings.

So does anyone have any experience of touring bindings and any thoughts on this philosophy? And if we hire them at Xmas, is there anything we need to be aware of with touring bindings compared with alpine?

 

[trouble]

eng_ch, I have fritschi freeride plus bindings on my powder skis. It is an alpine touring (AT)/backcountry setup as well as a serviceable in-bounds rig for powder days. There is a lot of opinion about 1) which AT bindings are best and 2) what kind of conditions to use them (in bounds versus out) and I will refrain from getting into that.

For ME, the AT binding on the powder ski was a no-brainer as I want the ski to serve double duty. But most backcountry skiers would recommend against skiing an AT binding in-bounds exclusively for a multitude of reasons, which include reasons of more slop in the binding, higher boot lift from the binding, moveable parts = more breakage potential, and the fact that the binders are not built for things like bumps which are really hard on them. Plus, being pretty frugal, I don't want to break an AT binding, which is more expensive than an alpine binding. Moreover, in my opinion, the fritchi freeride plus just seems more fragile than an all-metal alpine binding with the plastic toe wings, etc. I don't know why the guy in your shop seems to imply they are indestructable. Possibly the clientele of his has a good ratio of touring skiers and the cost/benefit of having a setup that can do both duties is worth it?

As for needing to be "aware" of anything in particular, for what I'm reading in your post as a "demo" ski essentially, I'd say no. I am assuming that you'll be in fritchis or naxos that accept your regular alpine boot and not a touring-specific boot. Basically, the binding will perform in the general same manner when locked down as an alpine binding does, in that it will keep your foot in place. If you are skiing hardpack conditions though, you will probably notice the lift and have to compensate for that. I'd say go, no worries, and have fun! Touring is a great experience.