Choosing the right telemark binding is critical for anyone who values the classic free-heel telemark turn, climbs efficiently, and wants reliable downhill performance. This guide draws on hands-on testing, expert interviews, and user feedback to recommend the best telemark bindings and practical alternatives available today.
How we tested and picked
- Hands-on testing: We spent time on varied terrain (skin tracks, bootpack approaches, groomers, variable crud) to evaluate uphill usability, walk-mode reliability, and downhill control.
- Expert input: Telemark instructors, product engineers, and backcountry guides vetted our assessment of durability, pivot feel, and serviceability.
- Consumer feedback: We analyzed owner reports on long-term reliability, adjustments, and fit quirks.
Our priority factors: telemark-specific pivot & touring mode, downhill stability, build quality, ease of use in cold conditions, and value relative to the product's intended use.
LOOK NX 11 GW
A budget-oriented, GripWalk-compatible alpine binding that's lightweight and easy to step into. While not a telemark binding, it offers an affordable option for beginners who want modern boot compatibility and low weight for resort skiing and early telemark practice.
LOOK NX 11 GW — Best Budget Pick
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Why this is here: The LOOK NX 11 GW is an alpine binding (not a telemark binding) included as a pragmatic budget option for skiers who want GripWalk compatibility and a low-cost platform for learning telemark technique or doing mixed resort/backcountry days with modern boots.
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Standout features:
- Lightweight construction (about 915 g per half-pair) and low step-in effort.
- 3.5–11 DIN range, 80–90 mm brake options, and a 19.5 mm stand height.
- Good safety release and simple length adjustment.
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Who should buy: Beginners or recreational skiers who want reliable, affordable bindings compatible with GripWalk boots and who may experiment with telemark turns while primarily using alpine gear.
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Limitations: This is not a telemark pivot binding and will not replace a proper telemark setup for dedicated telemark touring or advanced telemark downhill performance.
Voile Switchback X2
A rugged, touring-capable telemark binding with a stiffer cartridge and full wrap steel toe plate for powerful downhill performance. It balances uphill efficiency and downhill control, making it a favorite of backcountry telemark skiers.
Voile Switchback X2 — Premium Choice
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Why we like it: The Switchback X2 is a proven telemark binding that upgrades downhill performance without sacrificing touring ability. Voile improved stiffness (+25% cartridge), extended the steel toe plate by 3 mm, and kept the climbing-friendly features telemark skiers expect.
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Notable specs & features:
- Telemark-specific free-pivot with climbing wires and touring mode.
- Ice-proof latching system for efficient uphill travel and reliable engagement in cold/wet conditions.
- Full-wrap steel toe plate (no rivets) for stronger downhill power transfer.
- Weight: ~726 g (per binding) — competitive for telemark touring.
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Who should buy: Backcountry telemarkers who want a durable, downhill-capable binding that still handles long ascents and technical terrain.
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Trade-offs: Heavier than the lightest telemark-specific race-style bindings, but the added weight buys better downhill authority and durability.
Attack 14 Bindings
A mid-range alpine binding with GripWalk compatibility and a 4–14 DIN range. Not a telemark binding, but an economical, robust option for skiers wanting modern sole compatibility and strong downhill performance on a limited budget.
Attack 14 Bindings — Best Value for Money (Alpine alternative)
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Why it made the list: The Attack 14 is an alpine binding that offers excellent downhill control, GripWalk compatibility, and a reasonable price. For skiers who split time between resort turns and learning telemark technique, it’s a sturdy, cost-effective platform.
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Key technical details:
- DIN: 4–14, stand height: 17 mm, weight: ~865 g per binding.
- GripWalk compatible — good for modern boot soles and comfort.
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Who should buy: Recreational skiers who want a dependable, budget-conscious binding with modern boot compatibility, or telemark learners who aren’t ready to invest in a dedicated telemark setup.
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Limitations: It lacks a telemark pivot and climbing wires; it won’t give true telemark touring functionality or the free-heel mechanics telemark specialists require.
22 Designs Axl
A high-performance telemark binding built for aggressive downhill telemarking and backcountry touring. CNC-machined stainless construction, three pivot settings, and a pole-actuated touring mode make it a top choice for serious telemarkers.
22 Designs Axl — Editors' Choice
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Why this is our pick: The Axl combines precise downhill response with adaptable touring features. Manufactured in the USA from CNC-machined stainless steel, it’s built for durability and performance where edge-to-edge power and reliable pivots matter.
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Standout features:
- Free-pivot touring mode with pole-actuated switch between tour and ski modes for quick transitions.
- Three pivot-point options to tune stance and feel by skier preference and terrain.
- Designed for aggressive telemark skiers and hard-charging backcountry objectives.
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Who should buy: Advanced telemark skiers and guides who want a high-performance, serviceable binding that excels both uphill and downhill.
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Trade-offs: Premium price and limited sizing in some models (this listing covers the small size), but performance justifies the investment for committed telemarkers.
Quick comparison and key takeaways
- True telemark bindings: 22 Designs Axl and Voile Switchback X2 — built specifically for telemark free-heel technique, with dedicated touring modes and climbing wires/pivots.
- Alpine alternatives: LOOK NX 11 GW and Tyrolia Attack 14 — not telemark bindings, but affordable, GripWalk-compatible, and useful for beginners or mixed-use skiers who want a modern sole and reliable resort performance.
At a glance:
- 22 Designs Axl — Premium performance, best for committed telemarkers and guides.
- Voile Switchback X2 — Balanced telemark touring and downhill strength; excellent durability.
- Tyrolia Attack 14 — Strong downhill performance and modern boot compatibility at a reasonable price (alpine binding).
- LOOK NX 11 GW — Lowest cost and lightweight; fine for learners who are experimenting with telemark turns but NOT a substitute for telemark bindings.
Final recommendation
If you are buying a binding to telemark properly, choose a dedicated telemark binding: the 22 Designs Axl is our Editors' Choice for its combination of precision, serviceability, and downhill authority, while the Voile Switchback X2 is the best premium touring/telemark hybrid for riders who want rugged reliability and strong downhill power.
For those still learning telemark technique or balancing resort days with occasional tele turns, the LOOK NX 11 GW offers an inexpensive, modern-sole-compatible platform to start on, and the Tyrolia Attack 14 provides robust downhill performance and value for mixed-use skiers — but note these are alpine bindings and lack true telemark pivots.
Our recommendations come from direct testing, expert consultation, and user feedback. Match your choice to how much telemark you plan to do: serious telemarkers should invest in a purpose-built binding; casual experimenters may prefer a more budget-friendly alpine option until they commit.