Note: Due to my using several sets of bindings for the photos below, I got some of the “new vs old” confused in the photo captions. Should be fixed now. Apologies. Lou
This post sponsored by our publishing partner Cripple Creek Backcountry. Let them explain the arcane differences between various Fritschi options.
The new Fritschi toe bumper (front) will yield better touring range of motion with most boots. More, it’s less likely to dent your plastic.
Okay wunderkinder, it began with rumors, now the metamorphosed Tecton/Evo are in our scarred, sun burned paws. The change is subtle, a re-shaped toe “bumper” that nicely flattens when you shift the toe to tour uphill mode. Results: Less chance of your boot being dented during a forward “knee fall,” and more range of touring stride motion. The original version binding will be available as well, as it functions adequately with some boots — dealers can show you the difference. If in doubt, buy the new version. The two varietals will boast different SKU numbers, thanks Fritschi for that nice Swiss touch, instead of doing in-line changes and calling them exactly the same name and model number (as certain other companies are prone to foist on our poor overloaded ski touring brains).
New version to left, note how the bumper is wider and flatter as well.
This photo makes it easier to spot the difference in toe bumpers. New on left.
The new version, LEFT, appears to have additional space between boot toe and binding.
If your toe does bump, force is distributed, less possibility of boot damage due to the boot toe bumping the binding, as shown here with the OLDER VERSION BINDING.
NEW style, for reference.
About the Hoji boot: Most boots we tested achieved close to 90-degrees range of motion, which is adequate for touring (though we prefer more). Hoji Pro range of motion, however, is in my opinion compromised (as shown in photo) due to the Speed Nose and location of tech fittings. I’d thus not recommend the Hoji Pro for use with Tecton or Evo, though you could do so if you didn’t mind the lack of stride (perhaps you’re rigging for mostly downhill skiing, with occasional short tours.) See our previous blog post about Hoji Pro with Fritschi.
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
