Fritschi Tecton 12 Binding

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.