The OutlawX: the most hated Tele binding ever made?

[bauerb]

yeah maybe I am being dramatic, maybe I have a manufacturing defect, maybe I never should have installed the brakes( useless anyway)...but after struggling ever darn time I try to step-in, even in tour mode, its driving me nuts. especially at the top of a mountain I just skinned up, standing in soft snow, getting cold, and I cannot get the damn bindings to click in.

does anyone have any positive experiences with the OutlawX, like "oh, its never a problem for me, 1 try works every time"

my other question: do all Tele bindings use the same screw hole pattern...so I could easily switch to free rides or something else? and before I switch, I am going to the darn shop with boots to try them.

[Montana St Alum]

No. Different manufacturers have different hole patterns.
I don't know anything about the Outlaw X, but I think the Lynx has the same hole pattern.
Was there some reason you didn't want tech toe fittings?

I've used the Freeride and Freedom. I would not recommend either for your application.
I've been happy with my Meidjo's, though and my sons, one of whom tours extensively in the Wasatch and the other in Alaska, both are pretty happy with the Meidjo's.

[bauerb]

I really like the design concept of the Meidjos. I guess I thought that something less modern would be better? I don't know..but I am not happy with the Outlaws. my boots have a ever growing hole in them, so at some point I'll get new boots and maybe swap bindings to Meidjos.

[jgurtz]

The step-in has not been a problem for me with the Scott Voodoo boots. However, I do not have the brakes and have heard they increase step-in difficulty. Recommend you try without and see if ye olde leashes may be your answer.

[bauerb]

I have heard that brakes can make it worse. I think its just a pin that needs to be knocked out to remove them. I also have leashes so will be ok. thanks

[Montana St Alum]

I have heard that brakes can make it worse. I think its just a pin that needs to be knocked out to remove them. I also have leashes so will be ok. thanks

Now that jgurtz and you both mention it....I think you said something about that when you were first looking at them.
Yeah, maybe (hopefully) going to leashes will solve the issue!

[oggopoggo]

No problem using Scarpas. I went without brakes though. Releasing the binding underfoot is a bit awkward with large baskets.

[bauerb]

I'm going to remove the brakes today. I do think they make step-in much more complicated

[Montana St Alum]

I was at the ski area today and a woman on tely gear was next to me with her little girl. She said, "mommy, why don't you have ski brakes?" and her mom responded, "because I like it when the ski whips around and hits me in the head".
I don't think that's a problem, but it was a pretty funny response.

[bauerb]

pin removal fail. I'll need to go to the lodge and get some help removing the pins that hold the brakes in place. without a bench vice, screwdriver and possibly a hammer, I can't get the pins out. I have zero tools.