The revised version of the G3 Onyx for its second season is still the only real new development and innovation in the tech binding concept, which has been tried and tested for decades. The basic features have been retained, but the ease of use has been significantly improved.
Assembly
The binding comes nicely packaged in a relatively large box and initially looks like a mixture of Dynafit and the Starship Enterprise. However, the amount of plastic catches the eye, but on closer inspection you can see that all the important parts are made of metal and the plastic parts make a very solid impression.
In my version with 110 mm stoppers (85, 95 and 130 mm available), there are no catch straps and fastening eyelets for them included, as well as no covers for the rear jaws, which would have to be fitted instead of the stoppers. You should therefore consider in advance whether you want to use stoppers or not. In addition to the numerous parts of the binding and an unusually large number of screws, detailed instructions for assembly and adjustment as well as another for use are included. You may well need both, as the differences to the usual Dynafit bindings are greater than (at least I initially assumed).
Assembly is therefore a lengthy process at first. Fortunately, the hole pattern is identical to that of Dynafit, so the tried and tested template can be used (a sports store that is able to mount the binding is also easy to find).
In contrast to other touring bindings, the base plates must first be mounted, onto which the binding jaws are later pushed. This is done quickly and offers the system-related advantage, which should not be underestimated, that several base plates can be mounted on different skis and therefore, if you are quick enough to change the binding jaws, you only need one complete binding. In addition, the adjustment range is very large, which not only allows the use of different boots, but also allows the mounting point to be shifted by approx. 1.5 cm.
The front jaws are pushed onto the rails in the base plate and fixed with two screws each, the rear jaws are screwed on with the screw for length and contact pressure adjustment, here the stoppers must then be attached with two small screws. After a hearty tug, the 110 mm stoppers also fit easily on my skis with 115 mm in the middle.
Adjusting the contact pressure and vertical and lateral Z value on the rear jaw (the release value cannot be adjusted on the front jaw due to the design) is quick and easy, which completes the assembly.
Practical test
Whether you are coming from a frame or tech binding, the G3 initially requires a short adjustment. However, this is easy as the entire operation is designed to be simple and comfortable. The only thing that takes some getting used to is getting started, as you have to hold the toe piece open with the ski pole while positioning the inserts in the tip of the boot. With a little practice, however, this is no more difficult than getting into other tech bindings, as the boot is very easy to position. Only on steep terrain in hard snow conditions do the disadvantages of the system become apparent, here you have to be very careful that the ski is straight and firm, otherwise it is almost impossible to get into the binding. This is where the stopper, which also works in touring mode thanks to its design as long as you haven't got in, is very helpful.
Switching between walking and ski mode and operating the climbing aids is easy, possible with a pole and works well.
On the ascent, you definitely notice the low moving weight of the binding compared to the frame bindings, especially on longer tours. Nevertheless, it is of course not for lightweight fanatics, who will probably still prefer classic-style tech bindings. The stoppers are still a small problem. Although mine are very narrow in relation to the ski, the two stoppers occasionally come into contact with the inside of the ski when walking, which probably happens more often with a ski that is narrower in relation to the stoppers.
The power transmission during the descent is very direct and crisp, as you would expect from tech bindings. There should be no disadvantages in terms of downhill performance compared to any other touring binding.
So far there have been no false releases, so I always ride the binding unlocked, but with a body weight of just under 70 kg I am also rather lightweight. I have heard from other Onyx users that they usually ski with the binding locked. This allows you to increase the release value at the front from approx. DIN 7-8 to DIN 14 or, as with the original Dynafit binding, to lock the release completely.
Conclusion
Although it is not a true lightweight, the G3 Onyx is still a good, comfortable tech binding that, apart from minor weaknesses, has worked extremely well so far. It positions itself as a downhill-oriented version of the classic tech concept. Only a long-term gear review can provide information about its stability and durability.
Rating
Ascent characteristics: *****
Descent characteristics: *****
Usability: ***
Compatibility: **
Scope of delivery: ***
Available accessories: stoppers (85, 95, 110 and 130mm), catch strap, crampons (85, 105 and 130mm)
Price (RRP): 389.- Euro
Advantages
- Very comfortable to use for a tech binding
- A binding with several base plate sets can be changed relatively easily between different skis.
- Good downhill and uphill performance
Disadvantages
- Tech inserts required on the boot
- Difficult to get on in steep terrain, especially in hard snow
