Gear of the Week | Meidjo Telemark Binding

Telemark-capable, modified tech toe pieces are not a new idea, but the corresponding bindings have only been available to buy for a few winters. The Meidjo from The M-Equipment has a more or less classic tech toe piece that snaps into the boot using tech inserts (assuming you have NTN boots with inserts...). In addition, the forefoot snaps with the boot sole into a movable "plate" under the boot, which produces the spring resistance for the descent - similar in principle to the NTN.

The "spring plate" can be blocked with a small wire lever so that it remains fixed to the ski and the boot only hangs with the inserts in the binding. You therefore have the completely free pivot point of a tech binding for the ascent. As an additional option, there is a tech rear jaw, which can be pushed forward with a lever for a fixed heel if required. The binding can be locked (like a tech binding), otherwise it releases in the limited manner of a tech toe piece. It is also possible to release the binding "at the back", where the boot hangs on the spring. The release value here can be regulated via a separate spring.

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Downhill mode. The spring takes effect from about here, with hardly any resistance. — Downhill mode. The spring takes hold from about here, with hardly any resistance up to here.

The spring resistance for the descent is also adjustable. There are interchangeable springs of different strengths, between very soft and very hard. The resistance only becomes noticeable after the first few centimeters of foot lift and then flexes progressively. In contrast to typical cable bindings, there is a clear "rebound" when coming back up - the spring pulls back noticeably, at least with the harder versions.

The handling is relatively good, especially with the version without stoppers, it is easier to get on than with some alpine tech touring bindings. The (optional) stoppers make entry a little more difficult, but you have stoppers... In my opinion, the two-stage folding climbing aid is too high and could be optimized. The durability of the Meidjo has probably improved significantly since the first prototypes, but we can't say any more after riding it once.

In summary: The Meidjo is a well thought-out, very versatile telemark binding (with an alpine option for occasional heel fixation). Whether you need the various features, or whether you need them urgently enough to pay the high purchase price compared to other bindings, remains to be seen. As you need shoes with inserts for the Meijdo NTN, the choice of shoes is somewhat limited.

An alternative Tech-Tele system is available from Moonlight, but we haven't tried it out. Here, the boot is also fixed in a tech front jaw, but the downhill resistance is generated by a cable.

Fringe note after a long tele break: Apart from the binding developments, the telemark scene seems largely unchanged. The World Cup skiers go freeriding between their runs, completely unknown Scandinavians jump Tele 12s in the park, equipment still tends to break. And if someone can telemark really well, it still looks damn cool.

Getting into the binding (with stoppers):