It seems like everybody is getting into the tech binding craze these days, which proves that the Dynafit system is pretty much the accepted, industry standard for backcountry ski touring. Diamir, the makers of the long-established Fritschi Freeride bindings, are the next company to unveil their own version of the tech binding – the Vipec 12 – and it was on display at the Black Diamond booth at the Outdoor Retailer 2014 Winter Market.
On the surface, the Vipec 12 looks just like a Dynafit binding, but with a little more meat. At first glance, it appears to be a cross between a standard binding and a lightweight tech racer. But there is one huge difference: the Vipec 12 is the first tech binding with a releasable toe. Other tech bindings only release at the heel piece, where you can set your DIN, but the toe only stays loose for the ski down, or is clamped down tight for the ascent. But the Vipec 12 has a front lateral safety release that works even in uphill mode.
Here’s how it works according to Diamir: first, the cartridge with the toe pin unit slides laterally. Then, the respective toe pin unit swivels out laterally to release the boot. After the release, the toe pin unit is easily reset by hand to its original position.
In addition, the heel unit release is triggered by the lateral swiveling on the heel pin units in the heel housing. In short, the heel pins slide over the restraining wedges of the heel insert in the boot to release.
Another way Diamir’s tech bindings are different is that you can more easily switch from tour to ski mode. Using your ski pole,you simply set the heel unit to ski position and engage the boot with the heel insert via the heel pins. Then you set the toe piece to ski mode. To go back to walk mode, switch the toe piece to walk, and use your pole to switch the heel to walk position. There’s no taking the ski off to physically turn the heel piece between walk and ski mode like you have to do with Dynafits.
The Vipec 12 also features three heel lift levels at 2 degrees, 9 degrees and 13 degrees, are compatible with Traxion tech ski crampons, have different color options, and have DIN settings from 5-12. But all this comes at a weight cost. The Vipec 12 weighs in at 470 grams without the brake, which puts it between Dynafits on the lighter end, and bindings like Marker Dukes on the heavier end.
After seeing the demonstration of how the binding works, I’m pretty impressed with the toe release system. It certainly seems to add a level of safety for anyone touring in sketchy conditions, and the the easy way to switch from ski to walk mode is really nice. It will be interesting to see how consumers take to this new offering in the tech binding market, but I personally would love to try them out and experience them on the hill.