Request for Advice: NTN or 7tm Releasable Telemark Bindings?

[Fixx42]

Hello all,

I just posted this at EpicSki, and then discovered this forum via Google. I hope you don't mind me asking this here as well.

I'm a newbie telemarker, hoping to get some advice from my betters. I have become a little worried about the possibility of injuring my knees, and would like to pick up a pair of bindings that will release in a fall. I'm debating at the moment between NTN bindings, and 7tm Power bindings.

As I understand it, both are releasable, but the 7tm binding is actually DIN-certified while NTN is not. On the other hand, I know NTN is a much newer technology.

Focusing just on safety rather than price (I really like my knees!), does anyone know how the two compare on releasability? I've also heard some bad things about the power of the 7tm binding, would it work well for a resort-skiing beginner like myself?

Thanks a lot for your input!
Fixx42

[Johnny]

Hey Fixx,

Welcome to TT! Yeah, we all love EpicSki too...

I would definitely go for 7TM. To me, they're still the very best bindings on the market. If you wanna get that real tele feeling, go for the real 75mm thing.

NTN is fun... But first, the way the bindings are built, both your knees will break before release. And second, even if it's really fun, it's not the "pure" original telemark feeling. Nothing compares to 7TM when it comes to releasability.

If you wanna learn, learn 75mm. Start collecting 75mm gear. And in a few years, get a pair of NTN for those super-icy racing days. But never turn your back on 75mm...

Have fun!

[Shintangle]

Don't know anything about NTN but am quite happy with 7TM. Just make sure they are the "Power" version. I had the non-power version first and was not impressed with the control. Got an upgrade kit for them and it was a great improvement.

[bogon]

I strongly disagree.
75mm is dated, boots are unwieldy to hike in, they develop rocker eventually (and You'll be tippy-toed), 7tm is known for pre-releases, innovtion is non-existent for a couple of years now, the torsional control is inherently bad (no way to really, properly power big skis, especially on hardpack), and IMO investing in such a technology is a major mistake.

IMO it is easier to learn on NTN (just use softer boots like Scarpa TX Pro, set the springs pretty low, don't hurry changing leads, pressurize the cuff & watch your weight distribution), and technically, despite all their shortcomings (!), they are still superior. I also heard that NTN Freedom is not THAT heavy anyway (Freeride v2.3 here). Oh, and did I said that NTN boots are much better?

You can also try TTS - lighter, easier to hike with, but - reportedly - they're not so great for parallels and require some adaptation of technique. Or, go the middle way - buy Burnt Mtn Spike NT (it's cheaper, but then NTN Freeride can be had for around $230), go with double barrel and brakes if lift served (touring parts won't hurt also). I haven't tried them, but as they attach to heel, I believe they'll give you like 75mm feeling. If You need a pair of bindings for some really narow ski and 3-buckle boot (Scarpa TX), single-barrel tour version might indeed be the answer.

p.s. Burnt Mtn also makes bindings for 75mm norm - read this http://burntmtn.com/SPIKEintro.pdf

[tree7sheep]

My suggestion would be the 7tm power or power-tour , should you like to seek out the backcountry.

I have the Power-tour + a second ski release plate , this way i can share the binding between 2 ski sets.

My mountain resort/touring skis are Fischer Watea 84's ( 112 tail - 84 mid - 126 cm tip ) in 184 cm ski length.

The bindings are perfect for these skis . Great edge control on hard pack at the resort.

I ski all but the steepest slopes , and like to change up my skiing style constantly - depending on surface conditions.

I really love the step in heel levers.

The ski brakes do engage only ,when you release from the binding with the boot attached.
So i have started to use the x-tra strap that goes through the heel lever and around the boot shaft.
This prevents exiting the binding by accidently having the lever open ...

Oh yes ... my boots are red Scarpa T2X , size mondo 26 .

Hope this helps,
Happy times for winter 2014


Erik

[Randy]

I don't think either of the NTN or the 7TM release mechanism offers much knee protection. The twist-out release does a good job of protecting against lower leg and ankle fractures -- which is good. However ACL tears are usually a result from falling backwards -- so the "twist-out" release mechanism doesn't offer much protection.

Alpine bindings don't provide much knee protection either.

Learning how to fall properly is about the only approach for reducing the chances of an ACL or MCL tear.

[bogon]

You mean that "phantom feet" phenomena does exists for NTN too?

[Fixx42]

Thanks a lot for the input guys, it was very helpful. I think I might go with the 7tm's after all. Even if it's only an illusion and comes at a cost, I have to admit that the thought of that extra layer of security does bring some peace to my mind.

Thanks again.

[Ivan Bentneeski]

I have been skiing 7tms for years now, following a fall in Sierra cement that badly twisted my knee. I have had very little issue with early release, but have had several spills where I was glad they released. They have plenty of power for the kind of skiing I like to do ( finesse!), but if you like huge skis and boots, and need a binding that can just overpower conditions, (NTN, hammerhead, axels), these probably aren't for you.

[!ski]

http://www.bishopbindings.com/

If you want to "tele" get the 7tms, if you want to ski, get the NTNs.

And review: http://www.vermontskisafety.com/kneefriendly.php

-r