Fritschi Vipec Evo 12 Binding
Fritschi's Vipec Evo binding will not fold your skins for you or reach down and put your boots into walk mode, but it will allow you to free your heel without exiting your toe piece. Whether you need to traverse in a sticky situation, or are using scaled skis and it's time to climb, this slick system pulls the pins back away from your rear tech fitting with the push of a lever, freeing your heel. Given the nature of this set-up, the heel is unable to turn which, in turn, creates a solid feel in contact with the ski. The lateral release mechanism is in the toe, which has 13mm of built-in elasticity and a large release value range running from 4-12. This means a smoother ride and safer skiing for folks of more sizes, shapes, and skier types. Keep it simple, stay connected, and speed up transitions with the Fritschi Vipec Evo binding.
- Ability to transition from ski mode to walk mode without coming out of your binding.
- Release value range from 4-12 makes this a great binding for skiers of many sizes.
- 13mm of lateral elasticity in the toe smooths out the ride and avoids pre-releasing.
- Emergency release when climbing means the skis will separate in an avalanche.
- Lateral toe release means the twisting force profile is similar to alpine bindings.
Update 2024/25: The toes and heels are reinforced, including adding more pole protection in the lock lever, but the binding remains functionally the same.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
544g [w/out brakes] 597g [w/ 100mm brake] |
| Weight (pair) | 1088g [w/out brakes] 1194g [w/ 100mm brakes] |
|
Boot |
Tech |
|
Brakes |
90, 100, 110 |
|
BSL |
25mm |
|
Riser |
2 + flat |
|
Vertical |
4-12 |
|
Lateral |
4-12 |
|
Crampon |
Yes |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Steel, aluminum, plastic, carbon-infused plastic |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Sidecountry, touring, long walks in undulating terrain |
| Notes | Can change modes without releasing from the binding |
| Bottom Line | Unique features set this binding apart |
| Compare to other Full-featured Bindings | |
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Questions & Reviews
9/20/2025
Have you heard anything about the toe pieces of the Vipec icing up and not moving laterally as they are designed to do? I've skied on Vipec's since the Evo update first came out and have not had any problem with this, but yesterday was talking with a friend in Bozeman who told me that one of the backcountry shops there stopped carrying Vipecs for this reason. I'm looking to buy a pair of Vipecs for resort use, so transitioning from skinning to skiing isn't an issue, but any restriction (such as from icing) on the lateral movement of the toe "wings" would reduce the effectiveness of the toe DIN setting, which is THE reason why I would want this binding for resort use. I would greatly appreciate any thoughts you could share about this. Thank you!
9/20/2025
Peter, icing is a potential problem with all ski bindings. I have heard stories of the toe piece icing as far as stepping into the toe piece. Causing the toe pins not to close completely. Not about icing affecting the lateral movement of the toe wings. In any case, these are not our first choice for resort skiing.
9/20/2025
Hi Jeff, thanks very much for this reply. I also sent my question to Fritschi, and if I hear anything of back from them I'll post their answer here, in case anyone else is interested.
10/7/2025
Here's the reply from Fritschi: We don't have any report about toe piece freezing preventing a lateral release. During tests in the laboratory with iced toe units (- 30 degres celsius) we had never problems in lateral release.
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3/16/2025
I have a Fritschi Vipec Evo binding purchased in 2017. While moving it from one ski to another the shop broke a part and it doesn't look good for getting a replacement from the distributor, Black Diamond. My question is, has there been any change in the placement of the ski mounting holes in the newer versions? That is, can I buy a current version as a replacement and just screw it on without any new drilling?
3/17/2025
Hi Alfred, the hole pattern hasn't changed from the 2017 model. We've also got individual toe pieces and heel pieces. They're slightly different so you'd want to get them release tested if you mix and match.
3/31/2025
I've now waited over a month for a replacement part from Black Diamond. If it doesn't come in a week or so, I'll want to purchase a replacement Vipec Evo heel unit from you. I was just checking your heel piece link and it doesn't seem that Vipec Evo heel units are currently in stock. Is that correct? When do you expect resupply?
3/31/2025
We aren't likely to get more in stock in the near future, but shoot us an email at help@skimo.co, we'll see what we can do.
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1/12/2025
Is this the only pintech binding that can easily go from downhill mode to touring mode without releasing the toes? Is there anything lighter that can do that? It would be so much nicer for rolling terrain and fishscales with a lightweight kit.
1/13/2025
Hi Mike,
Unfortunately, lightweight tech bindings don't really have that feature! This would be the lightest tech offering that can do a ski-to-skin transition without taking the ski off, and some people with fishscale skis do opt for this binding for that reason.
Unfortunately, lightweight tech bindings don't really have that feature! This would be the lightest tech offering that can do a ski-to-skin transition without taking the ski off, and some people with fishscale skis do opt for this binding for that reason.
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4/30/2024
Did the hole pattern stay the same from the previous Vipec versions to the new 22/23 Vipec Evo? I actually have the very first Vipec version (pre-2018evo) and would like to replace them with the new Evo ones without re-drilling the skis.
5/2/2024
Hi Jakob,
The hole pattern has not changed!
The hole pattern has not changed!
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11/7/2023
I just had my Fritschi Vipec evo12 bindings mounted. The brake does not “lock” up during tour/walk mode. Could you explain how to get this to work.
11/7/2023
Hi Allison,
That doesn't sound right! With these bindings, it's important to make sure you're pushing the ski-walk lever all the way down until it clicks when putting it into walk mode. If you're doing that, and it won't lock when you step down on it, then there's a problem. If you can't get it to work, email help@skimo.co, ideally with a video, and we can try to figure it out.
That doesn't sound right! With these bindings, it's important to make sure you're pushing the ski-walk lever all the way down until it clicks when putting it into walk mode. If you're doing that, and it won't lock when you step down on it, then there's a problem. If you can't get it to work, email help@skimo.co, ideally with a video, and we can try to figure it out.
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4/12/2023
What is the max ski width for the 100 mm brakes? Would these work with Backland 107s?
4/13/2023
Michael,
107mm is a bit too much most likely. You might be able to bend them, but it would be a stretch, pun intended. We do have replacement 110mm brakes found here.
107mm is a bit too much most likely. You might be able to bend them, but it would be a stretch, pun intended. We do have replacement 110mm brakes found here.
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2/27/2023
I've broken off the heal risers to my vipec evos. Can I buy replacements from you?
2/27/2023
Hi John, sadly we don't have any risers sold separately. You might be able to get some through warranty.
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1/10/2023
I just had my Fritschi Vipec evo12 bindings mounted. The brake does not “lock” out of the way during tour/walk mode. Any clue what could be preventing that?
Thanks george.
Thanks george.
1/10/2023
George,
If you'd like, send us a few photos of the issue at help@skimo.co and we can have a look!
If you'd like, send us a few photos of the issue at help@skimo.co and we can have a look!
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11/11/2022
What are your thoughts on using a dynafit hoji pro tour with this binding? In the past, I know there have been some issues with the toe not letting the boot heel come up fully in walk mode. Has Fritschi addressed that? Thanks.
11/11/2022
Hi Peter,
The speed nose on the Dynafit Hoji Pro Tour is not the most ideal pairing with the Vipec. There is potential for the speed nose to cause you to release from the toe piece in uphill mode under certain circumstances.
I would recommend a different binding to pair with the Pro Tour. If you want help picking out bindings that will pair well with your setup, I would recommend filling out a Binding Finder!
The speed nose on the Dynafit Hoji Pro Tour is not the most ideal pairing with the Vipec. There is potential for the speed nose to cause you to release from the toe piece in uphill mode under certain circumstances.
I would recommend a different binding to pair with the Pro Tour. If you want help picking out bindings that will pair well with your setup, I would recommend filling out a Binding Finder!
12/22/2025
I have been using the Hoji Pro Tour with an older version of the Vipec evo 12 for 2 years without issue. As long as you lock the front of the binding like you're supposed to it doesn't release. I'm about to get another set of the skis with the same binding and boot combo.
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