Building on the extensive engineering of the Vipec, the recipient of a Gold ISPO Award, Fritschi hath revealed the Tecton. It is instantly the standard in the category of “alpine-like” tech bindings. It is the only tech binding to pair lateral-release in the toe with an alpine-style heel. This means the release profile is similar to alpine bindings and DIN certification will be a slam-dunk. In other words, you can confidently charge through anything without having lingering thoughts about the safety of your bindings.
For the Tecton, Fritschi employed the same revolutionary lateral-release mechanism in the toe piece that is found on the Vipec. Other than tweaks to accommodate more boots and be easier to step in, the toe is the same battle-hardened design. The wings are connected by way of a sliding linkage which allows you to fine-tune the lateral release values independently of the heel piece. It offers substantial elastic travel which improves retention while the ski is getting hammered by refrozen debris. In a true twisting fall, however, the wings will pop open like a door and voilà, your boot comes out. The design eliminates the lateral-release blind spot found in most other tech bindings (and the other “hybrid” tech/alpine binding).
The Tecton heel piece is where things get a bit different since it looks a lot like a typical alpine binding. The heel unit features a Power Rail that cradles the heel of the boot and creates a secure connection to your planks. The positive clamping action means you get good power transmission through the ski. It also has a good amount of vertical elastic travel, meaning you can absorb big landings and rough spots without pre-releasing. Employed within the Power Rail is a pair of grooves in place of tech pins that sink deep into the heel fitting while in ski mode. This means the heel isn’t susceptible to wandering under load like the other "hybrid" binding. The Fritschi Tecton is a full-featured hybrid tech/alpine binding that you can ski with confidence.
- "DIN certification-ready" – a short but potentially very important bullet point.
- Generous 9mm of vertical elasticity in the heel provides a buffer and allows for consistent release.
- Independent toe adjustment with 13mm of elastic travel helps provide alpine-like lateral release.
- Ability to change from skiing to walking and back without exiting the binding.
- Multiple heel riser options, including a mostly-flat mode for long approaches.
- Positive heel pressure provides direct contact between boot, binding, and ski.
- Power Rail in the heel unit actively secures your boot to minimize wander under load.
- Release Lever in the toe allows for a full release while locked in the event of an avalanche.
- Possibility of removing the ski brakes to save weight (-64g).
- Includes three colored lever inserts as bling.
- Optional ski crampons available.
Update 2021/22: The Tecton is now using stronger carbon-infused plastic in the toe piece and has a re-worked lock lever shape for smoother operation. Similarly, the heel risers have a new shape and the high riser position is slightly taller. The toe pins are no longer adjustable for width on one side as they are both pressed in. Weight change is negligible (-4g).
Update 2022/23: Fritschi went one bigger with the release of the Tecton 13.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
577g [no brake] 641g [100mm] |
| Weight (pair) | 1154g [no brake] 1282g [110mm] |
|
Boot |
Tech |
|
Brakes |
Removable 100, 110, 120 |
|
BSL |
25mm |
|
Riser |
2 + flat |
|
Vertical |
5-12 |
|
Lateral |
5-12 |
|
Crampon |
Yes |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Steel, aluminum, plastic |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Hard charging in and out of a resort |
| Notes | Lateral toe release |
| Bottom Line | Perfect meld of tech and alpine bindings |
| Compare to other Full-featured Bindings | |
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Questions & Reviews
12/30/2022
Can this binding be mounted on an 80mm waisted ski? Considering the Voile Objective BC for East Coast conditions.
12/31/2022
Hi Carrie,
Yes! We sell the 80mm brakes for this binding as well.
Yes! We sell the 80mm brakes for this binding as well.
Answer this question:
3/7/2022
Hello,
I am looking to buy my wife a light weight touring rig for skiing/skinning that is capable on piste, in powder and in the backcountry: a one quiver setup. She is an intermediate/advanced skier. I am considering these bindings, SCARPA Gea RS 2.0 boots and Movement Alp Tracks 89 skis. Is this a compatible, good package for this purpose?
Thanks in advance,
Daniel
I am looking to buy my wife a light weight touring rig for skiing/skinning that is capable on piste, in powder and in the backcountry: a one quiver setup. She is an intermediate/advanced skier. I am considering these bindings, SCARPA Gea RS 2.0 boots and Movement Alp Tracks 89 skis. Is this a compatible, good package for this purpose?
Thanks in advance,
Daniel
3/8/2022
Hi Daniel,
Looks like a good place to start! I would spend the most time on boots, as fit is absolutely critical. If you need some additional info on boots, feel free to fill out a boot fitter. If the Scarpa Gea RS 2.0 makes sense with your wife’s foot shape, it would be a great option for a crossover boot. Also, the Fritschi Tecton 12 would be a good option if she plans to spend a significant amount of time riding lifts. If she only plans to spend the rare day inbounds, she may be able to shed some grams on that binding.
Finally, skis. The Movement Alp Tracks 89 is a pretty lightweight ski that I would consider more of a backcountry specialist. If you would like the Alp Tracks shape with a more crossover friendly construction, I would look at the Movement Session 95. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to help@skimo.co!
Looks like a good place to start! I would spend the most time on boots, as fit is absolutely critical. If you need some additional info on boots, feel free to fill out a boot fitter. If the Scarpa Gea RS 2.0 makes sense with your wife’s foot shape, it would be a great option for a crossover boot. Also, the Fritschi Tecton 12 would be a good option if she plans to spend a significant amount of time riding lifts. If she only plans to spend the rare day inbounds, she may be able to shed some grams on that binding.
Finally, skis. The Movement Alp Tracks 89 is a pretty lightweight ski that I would consider more of a backcountry specialist. If you would like the Alp Tracks shape with a more crossover friendly construction, I would look at the Movement Session 95. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to help@skimo.co!
Answer this question:
3/1/2022
Hi - so.., is it still the case that even with the newest version of these bindings, there is a problem with using them with snub-nose boots? I'm referring to the limited range of motion in walk mode, and the possible front pin release if you go too far.
I have TLT-7 boots...
Thanks.
j
I have TLT-7 boots...
Thanks.
j
3/1/2022
Hi Jeff, the Tectons remain incompatible with the speed nose boots such as the TLT7.
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2/18/2022
I am unclear about brakes. Can the brake be locked out for uphill walking, and then put back into service for the downhill run or for resort use? Must the ski be removed and manipulated to change the brake from locked out to brake mode, or can it be done with a pole or some other way?
2/18/2022
Hi Yaspar,
Once you put the heel into walk mode, you can depress the brakes either by hand or by stepping on them and they will be locked in place for touring. When you switch the heel back into ski mode, it will automatically release the brakes for downhill skiing. You don't need to step out of the binding in order to operate the brakes; though it might be tricky with a pole you can use your hand to move the heel lever from the vertical walk position to the horizontal ski mode which will release the brake without having to remove the ski.
Once you put the heel into walk mode, you can depress the brakes either by hand or by stepping on them and they will be locked in place for touring. When you switch the heel back into ski mode, it will automatically release the brakes for downhill skiing. You don't need to step out of the binding in order to operate the brakes; though it might be tricky with a pole you can use your hand to move the heel lever from the vertical walk position to the horizontal ski mode which will release the brake without having to remove the ski.
Answer this question:
1/13/2022
Is there a minimum boot size that these can be mounted for? There seems to be a large extension behind the toe pins and I worry there is not enough room to bring the toe and heel together close enough for my wife's 22.5 Mondo boots. Do you have an information on this?
Thanks,
Thanks,
1/14/2022
Thanks for your question, Spencer. These bindings will work with boots that have a BSL of 250mm and up. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Answer this question:
12/22/2021
100mm or 110mm brake width for 98mm ski with potential crampon use?
12/22/2021
Hi Andrew, the brakes attach to the heel of this binding while crampons fit just behind your toe piece. The 100mm brake would be fine for your skis!
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12/21/2021
Is the hole pattern for the Tecton the same as the Vipec?
12/21/2021
Hi Jeffrey, thanks for your question. Yes, the Tecton and Vipec share the same toe and heel mounting patterns!
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12/12/2021
I see the 2022 version no longer comes with the toe adjustment. I used that on my last pair when my boots felt wobbly and walk mode as the pins wore. Did they change something to make that toe adjustment not necessary?
12/13/2021
Hey Evan, we're reaching out to Fritschi and we'll update you when we hear back!
12/14/2021
Regarding the lack of pin-width adjustment on this year's Tecton/Vipec, Fritschi says folks don’t usually need to adjust the width anymore, because the width of the boot toe inserts are more or less the same as each other these days. Many are manufactured by Dynafit now, but there was more variation a few years ago. All the current boot models that they have tested are working with the current toe pin width.
With very old boots, you may need to check the compatibility, but it should work with most of the older boots as well.
With very old boots, you may need to check the compatibility, but it should work with most of the older boots as well.
Answer this question:
12/5/2021
any other bindings offer the ability to switch modes (ski to walk to ski) without exiting the binding? this is most appealing for me. thx.
12/6/2021
Hi Amy, there are a number of touring bindings that you can transition to ski mode without exiting the binding. The key to seamlessly transitioning to ski mode is developing good skin removal technique! However, the Tecton is unique in its ability to transition back from ski to walk mode without coming out of the binding.
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12/3/2021
Are the 100mm brakes compatible with a 104mm ski?
12/3/2021
Hi Steve,
Yes, the 100mm brakes on the Fritschi Tecton 12 should be able to handle 4mm of stretching. Depending on the binding, most brakes can handle being stretched up to 6mm. If you have any further questions, reach out to us at help@skimo.co!
Yes, the 100mm brakes on the Fritschi Tecton 12 should be able to handle 4mm of stretching. Depending on the binding, most brakes can handle being stretched up to 6mm. If you have any further questions, reach out to us at help@skimo.co!
Answer this question:
7/19/2021
Been loving these bindings for 3 seasons in the Wasatch and abroad. The end of this last season they began requiring a lot of force, mostly going from walk to ski mode in the heel piece.
I'd like to show them some love but haven't been able to properly lubricate them.
The manual is very vague, do you have any tips for getting grease into the important bits?
I'd like to show them some love but haven't been able to properly lubricate them.
The manual is very vague, do you have any tips for getting grease into the important bits?
7/21/2021
Hi Evan,
Glad to hear you've been loving your Tectons! For greasing the heel, I would advise using a toothpick or cotton swab to get the grease into the little crevasses of the binding. You'll want to get lube onto any plastic that is visible in one position (ski/walk) and covered in the other, particularly under the piece with the Fritschi logo on it. When you go from walk to ski, there's also a piece of plastic that slides forward with the brake, get a lot of lube on and around that piece. You can then switch the binding in and out of walk mode to work the grease into the system.
Glad to hear you've been loving your Tectons! For greasing the heel, I would advise using a toothpick or cotton swab to get the grease into the little crevasses of the binding. You'll want to get lube onto any plastic that is visible in one position (ski/walk) and covered in the other, particularly under the piece with the Fritschi logo on it. When you go from walk to ski, there's also a piece of plastic that slides forward with the brake, get a lot of lube on and around that piece. You can then switch the binding in and out of walk mode to work the grease into the system.
4/28/2022
Curious to know what grease Skimo.co recomends for Fritschi products? According to the Fritschi care manual "commercially available grease" is not great guidance, especially for those of us who have seen binding plastic (not Fritschi) broken down by the wrong lubricant.
4/29/2022
Good question, Travis. Any "binding grease" should work fine on the Fritschi plastic. I would recommend either the Plum grease or the ATK binding grease.
Answer this question:
5/19/2021
I can't ride pin bindings. Perhaps I'm a freak, but they feel like riding on paperclips. I rode heavy Markers this winter and fell to the back of the baggage train. Would the Tecton be what I need? Light(er) but my kinda heel?
Would this binding fit a DPS Pagoda Tour 106/171cm?
Cheers
Would this binding fit a DPS Pagoda Tour 106/171cm?
Cheers
5/20/2021
Thanks for your question, Alexander. The Fritschi Tecton 12 is a burly binding that would provide a middle-of-the-road offering between heavier hybrid bindings, such as the Marker Duke PT, and lighter freeride tech bindings, such as the ATK Raider 12. The 110 brake offering would match quite well with the Pagoda Tour 106. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Answer this question:
Ticks all the boxes. Fairly light weight considering the feature set. Easy entry toe piece (big improvement over 1st gen Vipec). Smooth as butter release, the sliding release toe piece is magic. Strong brake deployment. Excellent brake stowing mechanism for walk mode. Two good heel riser heights plus flat tracking option. Risers easy to deploy. No need to exit the binding to change ski/walk modes. No complaints charging high speed through rough chopped up snow.
The one fault is that the heel piece can ice up in tour mode and struggle to return to downhill mode. So far this has been resolved simply by making 2 or 3 attempts. Cursing helps.
I don't huck nothing and am not refined enough to have ever noticed difference in downhill performance between bindings (ex-telemarkers never get past the simple wonder of having their heels locked down). Skis downhill the same as the Vipec and the Marker Kingpin as far as I am concerned. My daily resort driver. Quiver Killer mounted on fat 'n' heavy Kingswood SMB skis, with occasional use on Movement Response.
The one fault is that the heel piece can ice up in tour mode and struggle to return to downhill mode. So far this has been resolved simply by making 2 or 3 attempts. Cursing helps.
I don't huck nothing and am not refined enough to have ever noticed difference in downhill performance between bindings (ex-telemarkers never get past the simple wonder of having their heels locked down). Skis downhill the same as the Vipec and the Marker Kingpin as far as I am concerned. My daily resort driver. Quiver Killer mounted on fat 'n' heavy Kingswood SMB skis, with occasional use on Movement Response.
Comment on this review:
1/29/2021
Any BSL range? Cannot find measured distance for this when changing boots. It is designated by the lowest screw on the rear of the heel, but once mounted how much play room do I have for different sole lengths? Thanks.
1/30/2021
Hey GDT,
You've got around 25mm of BSL adjustment once the binding has been mounted. Thanks for the question!
You've got around 25mm of BSL adjustment once the binding has been mounted. Thanks for the question!
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1/24/2021
I'm looking for the mounting screws for Fritschi Vipec/Tecton toe piece, do you by any chance have them for sale? Thanks!
1/25/2021
Jimmy,
Unfortunately, we do not carry those screws, I'm sorry we couldn't be of more help!
Unfortunately, we do not carry those screws, I'm sorry we couldn't be of more help!
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10/31/2020
Does the La Sportiva Skorpius boot function properly in the Tecton binding?
11/2/2020
Hey Bob, the Skorpius is labeled as being compatible with frame bindings, so it should be just fine with the Tecton's alpine-style heel unit!
Answer this question:
10/30/2020
How easy and well does the Tectonic transition from ski to uphill mode, and then back again?
Thanks,
Paul
Thanks,
Paul
10/31/2020
Hey Paul, from ski mode you would start by pushing the toe piece down all the way then step into the toe piece and push the heel lever up to lockout the brake. From there you will have the ability to use the different riser options. Once you arrive at the top you would push the heel lever down and punch back in to lock your heel, then push the toe piece down one click to switch from "walk" to "ski" mode.
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4/22/2020
Is the hole pattern for these the same as the Vipec? I wasn’t clear from your hole pattern recognition page.
4/23/2020
Mbillie, thanks for reaching out. The Tecton and the Vipec do share the same hole pattern.
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12/4/2019
Will the Hoji Pro Tour work with the Fritschi Tecton 12 binding?
12/4/2019
Hey Jeff, we've heard tell of some issues with the Speed Nose on the Hoji "bumping" into the toe lever prematurely, which foreshortens the walk mode and potentially causes the binding to release while skinning. See discussion on Wild Snow here.
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1/15/2019
Is your Tecton stock this year's (18/19) version with the updated toe bumper?
1/15/2019
Hi Michael, yes, all of our stock is from this season.
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