| Summary: The well-engineered Switchback is Voile's answer to the demand for a performance tele binding that climbs. With a switch-activated free-pivoting toepiece, this binding tours with the efficiency of a alpine touring binding. Its rivet-less toepiece and enclosed design ensure a descent free of ice-buildup and other mechanical issues. |
A free-pivoting, alpine touring-style telemark binding, the new Voile Switchback allows backcountry telemark skiers to ascend with zero heel resistance thus conserving valuable energy and allowing for easier trail breaking. The Switchback is easily switched from uphill touring to downhill telemark skiing with use of your ski pole. Also, it comes standard equipped with dual height climbing heel elevators for varying ascents.
Challenging the competition, Voile is boasting the new Switchback as stronger, lighter, and with the most competitive retail price compared to the current crop of new telemark touring bindings.
Benefits:
- Full-wrap around stainless steel toe plate without rivets.
- Enclosed design eliminates ice build-up.
- Lightest weight available, 3lbs/48oz./1362g
- Appropriate riser height, 25mm
- Time tested Hardwire heel assembly instead of braided cables. Includes dual height heel elevators, (men)+65mm/100mm, (women)+65mm/80mm
- 2 sizes for Men and 1 Women’s model for smallest boots.
- Men’s Short size
Mondo Point 24-27.5
- Men’s Std size
Mondo Point 27-31
- Women’s size Mondo
Point 23-26.5
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Couloir magazine: "Voile will soon be offering their version of a telemark touring binding, the Switchback. This new binding will live up to Voile's company mantra of being lighter, cheaper, and stronger than any of their competitors. At. 3.0lbs, it is 1.4 ounces lighter than G3's Targa Ascent, and with a suggested retail price of $259 is less expensive than any other telemark touring binding currently being offered. With a stainless steel toeplate, it promises to have superb durability. The Switchback is not only Voile's first binding with an AT style touring pivot, it is also the first to utilize a stainless steel toeplate...simple and clean...no extra do-dads...Not only does Voile improve performance in touring mode with the Switchback, but downhill skiing was noticeably improved as well. The toe plate has a 3 degree ramp angle to reduce rocker launch and engage the flex of your boot earlier. Dual compression springs on solid cable bars deliver plenty of telemark power...All in all, the Switchback provided solid, smooth power at the upper end of what could be called moderately active..."
Powder Magazine: "New from Voile, the Switchback combines the time-tested mettle of the classic Hardwire - cartridges set on metal rods for torsional stiffness - with a pivot-free touring mechanism. Like the other touring bindings, this system is activated by switching a toggle to the side. What's more, the Switchback gives you energy savings on the way up: It's the lightest weight option in the touring class, not to mention the most affordable."
Skiing magazine: "Like the G3 Targa Ascent, Voile's simple new tele-touring binding has a rotational switch at the toe that transfers the binding setting from an uphill toe pivot to downhill mode."
Backcountry magazine: "The Switchback
became my new best friend as spring corn (and a May powder
day) lasted into June here in the Southwest... The slider in
front of the toe responsible for tour/ski transitions is very
low profile and operates similarly to the G3 Ascent, although
it accepts a pole tip move positively. Since all the mechanics
of the tour mode are encased completely within the toe piece,
I had no issues with icing up, The two climbing bar sizes were
appreciated. On the downhill, I found the Switchback, with
its Hardwire throws, met my needs for being active without
overpowering." |
