According to the manufacturer, the Freeride Pro from Fritschi has not only been improved in terms of design, but also in terms of functions compared to its predecessor. The extent to which the manufacturer from the Kandertal valley in Switzerland has really succeeded in achieving a high-end level will only be revealed by the long-term gear review. First of all, the first impressions of the new "Freeride Mountaineering"model.
The first visual impression of the binding is that a lot of plastic has been used. The new design of the binding is mediocre in my opinion. With the Freeride Pro, the Swiss manufacturer Fritschi is trying to position a binding in the "freeride mountaineering" segment. In the past, this would probably have been called "ski mountaineering" or "ski plus". What is meant is downhill-oriented touring with lift support in challenging terrain.
The Z-value of 4-12 is completely sufficient for the average skier (in terms of height and weight). The release values are also appealing for touring ski boots. At 2190 g, the total weight per pair has increased slightly by 200 g compared to the previous model. The optional crampons are available up to 110 mm wide and the ski stoppers up to 115 mm wide.
Practical test
Getting into the binding is easy and requires little effort. It is important to make sure that you get in centrally - i.e. really straight - otherwise there is a risk that the toe or rear jaws will not grip optimally. During various test tours, I was very positively impressed by the comfortable ascent performance. The "Gliding Technology" is clearly noticeable and enables an optimum pivot point when climbing. With a ski of 188 cm in length, hairpin turns require some practice; but after a few attempts, this also works.
The downhill characteristics are good. The power transmission is appealing for a ski with a center width of 105 mm. However, the high standing height is a negative. I made my first turns with the brakes on and only gradually increased the radii. With the first successful "big turns", my confidence in the binding increased significantly and thus put the first visual impression into perspective. With the Fritschi Freeride Pro, turns can be initiated precisely and both the power transmission and the feedback from the binding were always flawless. As my confidence grew, I was able to integrate smaller drops over rocks into the lines.
Operability is traditionally one of the strengths of Fritschi bindings. The adjustment of the Z-value and the adjustment to the BD factor (with touring sole) are well explained in the manual and easy to carry out. The only thing I missed was an explanation of how to adjust the contact pressure. Due to the stepless adjustability of the front plate, ski boots can be used with both touring and alpine soles. Furthermore, all four levels of the climbing aid (0° / 3° / 9° / 13°) can be easily adjusted with the ski pole, as can unlocking and locking for short descents. Only the adjustment to the highest level (13°) required a little practice.
Rating
Ascending characteristics: ****
Descent characteristics: ****
Usability: ****
Compatibility: ****
Scope of delivery: ***
Available accessories: crampons (86 mm, 110 mm), ski stopper (80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, 115 mm), safety strap
Price (RRP): 369 euros
Conclusion
After several uses, the characteristics of the binding are consistently positive and user-friendly. Both on the ascent and descent, the new Freeride Pro has always met the requirements to our complete satisfaction. One criticism is the rapid material wear of the rear jaws and the locking mechanism. Furthermore, in my opinion the weight could be optimized and the accessories for wider skis could be extended. The Freeride Pro is an easy-to-use binding for downhill-oriented tourers and area skiers who like to tackle an additional ascent for a nice descent. Hardcore skiers and area skiers will not be able to exploit the advantages of the Freeride Pro and will be bothered by the high stand height and the comparatively mediocre power transmission compared to alpine bindings. Pure touring skiers, on the other hand, will complain about the high weight.
Advantages
- Good all-rounder
- Ease of use
Disadvantages
- Weight
- Few accessories for wide freeride skis
- Material wear on frequently used parts
- (missing drilling template)
