By popular demand, the flex test is back! We compared the 2005 Fritschi Freeride (white toe wings) backcountry skiing binding with the latest 2006 model “Plus” (black toe wings.) During one test cycle the flex measured exactly the same, while during another the 2006 was stiffer by a hair over one unit. To the skier in the field these bindings are thus virtually equal in flex, though we’ll rate the 2006 on the chart as one unit stiffer. Full bench review of these bindings soon to come, new model might have a slightly more solid feel due to several new design features. Click here for original flex test, updated.
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| Flex testing late model Fristschi Freeride backcountry skiing bindings. |
Note the supports under the boot heel area of the new Fritschi are slightly wider. Guess would be this might give the binding a slightly more solid feel, but based on the bench test we doubt it would be significant. Best reason to upgrade would be the “anti insta-tele” feature of the new model — more about that soon.
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.
