Fritschi

Consider the new Onyx backcountry skiing binding from G3. Not only do these guys have to take a complex meld of ski machinery from fantasy to reality, but they’ve got things like user manuals to produce, not to mention putting together an effective back country story for their marketing, as well as educating their retailers and sales reps on how to mount, maintain and use the Onyx binding. Oh, and how about minor details such as customer service, spare parts inventory/supply, and having an army of lawyers on tap just-in-case. Must be an interesting life. For now, I think I’ll stick with blogging. To that end, let’s get on with mounting those Onyx.

While for the most part a design itteration over previous models, the new Fritschi Eagle backcountry skiing binding departs in several significant ways. Mainly, a relocated touring pivot provides much needed ergonomics (i.e., no more Fritschi Frankestride), and a wider binding support foot nder the boot heel yields enhanced stability. Weight remains similar yet slightly lighter (35.3 ounces per binding, Freeride is 36 ounces), stack height is the same, heel unit looks and performs as with previous models, and ramp angle stays identical. In all, we’d call this a very nice improvement to what’s easily the best step-in step-out touring binding on the market.

Black Diamond Impulse glove reviewed for backcountry sledding or skiing

In development for more than three years, Onyx is G3’s entry to the category of bindings known as “tech.” These are binding systems which originated under the Dynafit brand. Onyx backcountry skiing binding is the first full featured tech binding to come to market. In this review we evaluate for both the uphill and skiing downhill.