Telemark Bindings

Manufacturer
Model
Power
Tour Class
Image
Black Diamond O1
3-5
A
  
  O2
3-5
S
  
  O3
2-4
S
  
Bomber Bishop
1.5-5.0
S
  
Genuine Guide Gear-G3 Targa Ascent
1.5-3
A
  
  Targa Ascent SS
A
  
  Targa/T9/RX w/Tour

1.5-2.5
B
  
Garmont / 7tm 7tm Power Tour
2.5-4
A
  
  7tm Power
2.5-4
S
  
  7tm Power NR
2.5-4
S
  
  7tm All Mountain
1.5-3
A
  
Rottefella NTN
2.5-4.5
A
  
  Cobra Free
2.5-3.5
A
 In Development, not available (yet)
  Cobra R8/R6
2.5-3.5
S
  
  Cobra R4
1.5-2.5
B
  
  Riva Z
1.5-2.75
S
  
Twenty-two Designs Hammerhead 1.0-5.5
B
  
  Bombshell 1.0-5.5
B
  
  Telebulldog 0.5-1.5
B
  
  LiteDogz 0.5-1.5
A
  
Voile 3-pin Hardwire 1.5-3.5
B
  
  CRB 3-pin Hardwire  
B
  
  Hardwire  
S
  
  CRB Hardwire  
S
  
  Switchback  
A
  

Downhill Power - This rating is relative to the performance of the Hammerhead binding. Thus, a 1.0 is the same level of flex resistance you would experience with the pivot set in the most forward position of a Hammerhead binding. The higher the flex resistance, the greater the driving force from your boot to the ski, and hence, the greater the power delivered. All levels of power can, of course, be enhanced by the skill of the skier.

Touring Freedom

A is for Awesome touring, meaning that there is little or no discernable flex resistance to when lifting your heel while skinning. This is preferred and strongly recommended.

B is for Bearable touring. There is some flex resistance, but it is on the lower end of what is possible. Typically it is a reduced resistance relative to level 2 on the Hammerhead downhill power scale. The less resistance, the better.

S is for Sufferable touring, which means that you will have a free heel to allow the mobility necessary for skinning uphill, but it will be accompanied by the same flex resistance you experience on the downhill, which is a lot. All telemarkers suffered with this level of touring performance from the advent of plastic telemark boots until 2005. Few would chose to endure this level of touring performance if a better alternative were known. It is known. Wake up and enjoy the freedom of a free heel for the uphill. Buying your way out of suffering has a long history.