Fritschi Freeride Pro backcountry bindingsOn the whole, the is basically the same as its predecessors. It has the classic AT binding design that easily switches from touring to ski mode. What makes the Pro different is that Fritschi added features that makes the binding perform better on today’s fat skis. First, they increased the torsional rigidity and used wider baseplates to create a system they call “Power Transmission Control.” They say this, “transmits power more evenly across the ski for increased control.”.

• Fritschi Vipec Mounting Template
• G3 Onyx Mounting Template

The wide base of the Fritschi Freeride Pro bindingNext, Fritschi moved the toe pivot back to create a more comfortable stride while in touring mode. They claim it gives a, “more natural roll-off point, which reduces that weird tip-toe feeling.” They also included a free-gliding bar under the boot to eliminate the, “dead area under the binding to allow the ski to carve naturally.”Do all these improvements make a difference? After getting dozens of backcountry days under my belt on the Freeride Pro bindings mounted on Black Diamond Drift skis, here’s my thoughts:After having the bindings mounted to my skis, at home I clicked into the Freeride Pro with my left foot, and into my with my right. To compare how they each glide, I walked around and was surprised at how much better the Freeride bindings felt. By having the toe hinge further back, my stride was much more natural than with the Markers. Convinced that the Fritschi Freerides were superior in that respect, I took them into the Wasatch Mountains. The new location of the toe pivot makes for a more natural stride when touring.For a beefier version of the old Freeride Plus and Eagle bindings, I was impressed at how light the Freeride Pro felt in the skintrack.

Not only was the pivot outstanding, but the binding’s weight, along with the light-for-a-wide-ski Black Diamond Drifts, made me feel pretty good about my new backcountry setup. The heel lift was a little difficult to operate at first, but it turned out to be a consequence of being new. After a few tours, the hinges loosened up and the lifter goes up and down four different heights with a click of a ski pole. The Fritschi Freeride Pro heel lift is easy to use with a ski pole.But the most important aspect of a ski binding is how it performs on the down. Backcountry skiing is all about powder, and the handled like a pro in soft snow. I could tell how the wide footprint of the binding transfered power edge to edge when turning, making wide arcs in open bowls and quick turns in the trees easy to initiate. I even got a few days in at the resort with the Freeride Pro, and never felt like they were unstable or flimsy as compared to standard alpine bindings.

Fritschi Vipec Mounting Template

Skiing deep powder with the Fritschi Freeride Pro bindings on Black Diamond Drift skis. Photo: Mike DeBernardoOverall, the Fritschi Freeride Pro bindings impressed me enough that I now prefer to tour in them over my old Marker Barons.

G3 Onyx Mounting Template

The ability to switch between walk and ski mode without taking my skis off, along with the wide footprint and awesome toe hinge, have put these bindings at the top of my backcountry gear heap.So if you’ve got some fat powder boards that you want to use as a backcountry setup for upcoming seasons, then I don’t think you can go wrong with the Fritschi Freeride Pro.Here are the technical specs:Weight Per Pair: 2.2 kg, 4 lb 8 ozDIN-value: 4-12Position height: 39 mmSki width: 80 mm. Windows 2000 professional deutsch iso.