Fritschi officially calls the Vipec a “Safety Tech” binding. While we don’t think it’s a good idea to label any binding “safe”, it does have very different release characteristics than most other tech bindings. That’s because the binding releases laterally at the toe instead of the heel. This aligns any unnatural twisting torque with the axis of your tibia, just like TUV certified alpine bindings. And now the "Black" model has its papers too, recently achieving standards certification. With more lateral elasticity, a longer toe-lever for easier locking, and a smoother step-in trigger, the updated version is a better all-around binding than its predecessor.
We recommend this binding for folks who want to use the same setup in and out of bounds, or skiers who like to charge hard, often past their abilities. If you’re prone to awkward twisting falls, check out the Vipec. It offers the same uphill efficiency as other tech bindings (you’re not lifting a heel piece with every stride, are you?!) with an alpine-style release. Very appealing combo.
Certified by TUV to DIN standards for alpine touring bindings (Black version only).
Lateral front release also works in walk mode so it should come off in an avalanche.
Lateral elasticity in the toe helps prevent pre-release during rough outings.
Easy Switch heel lets you change from ski to walk mode without exiting the binding.
Three riser options ensure you’ll find an efficient stride on any skinnable slope.
Optional brakes are included so you can go light or be ski-patrol friendly.
Weighs only 487 grams (1lb 1.2 oz) w/o brakes, even with all the “safety” features
Hey Jon, thanks for reaching out! This binding has 25mm of boot sole length adjustment.
Answer this question:
4/30/2021
Question from
Andy
Why did you decide to stop carrying this binding? I would like to order a skis/binding/skins package for my wife and for me, and the Vipec Evo bindings are at the top of my list. Between the two of us, we have 6 pairs of these bindings, and I have been incredibly happy with them, especially with the Evo having an updated toe to make it easier to step-in to the binding (my only complaint about the previous version). Thanks!
Hi Andy, glad to hear you found a binding that works for you! The Vipec kinda got replaced by the Tecton in our minds. We are of course happy to get you a pair, they are just in a warehouse across town ;)
Hey Casey, yeah the 100mm crampon will fit that ski perfectly. The brakes for those bindings tend to run really wide so you'll want to go with a 90mm brake.
Hey Charlie, we do not carry the Vipec any more, my apologies!
Answer this question:
4/15/2019
Question from
Steve Lynds
Hi Trying to find replacement part for my Diamir Vipec 12 binding. I'm miss the black heel riser part, that flips back and forth and is what the first stage (white) riser rest on when not in use. If you have this part, are know who i could get it from would be most help full thank you.
Hey Michael, yeah I think you'll be fine if you bend it a bit. The brakes sit up pretty high off the ski so a little bit of bending will go a long way.
Answer this question:
3/18/2017
Question from
Anon
Been looking for a comparison of Vipecs to marker's tech bindings in terms of boot sole height and rigidity. Would LOVE to just put these on my 75% resort skis, but figure they'll just get trashed and feel a lot looser than a standard Alpine binding. Is that right? Primary interest vs. other tech bindings is the toe release.
Hi Anon, the Vipecs aren't limited much by sole height since you're just floating on the pins. As far as rigidity, with all tech systems the boot is making the connection between the toe and heel so it's more of a determinant. The Vipec has more lateral elasticity while the Kingpin has more vertical.
