Description
The legendary performance of the Hammerhead, plus a new level of versatility and durability.
- 2000-lb test cables, a one-piece molded scratch plate, and one-piece stainless-steel latch mechanism boost durability
- Flexes at the boot bellows unlike other designs that give you a feeling of tip-toeing
- Three cable-guide positions allow you adjust how active the binding is for a customized feel
- Six-hole mounting pattern is wider and longer than a standard four-hole pattern, which transmits power more efficiently and offers extra-secure attachment to the ski
- 2.4-inches of smooth compression spring travel mean you won't bottom out, even with hefty boots
- HammerHeel climbing bars are easy flip up and down with ski pole
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Share your thoughts
What do you think of the
22 Designs Axl Telemark Binding
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22 designs
bob2925821
Member since
Third season on the axles for more backcountry than resort. Love the binding's power in third position with spiffy springs. why not? You can free pivot on the way up. Do have to say I really loved borrowing my friends vector BC's mounted with Switchback two's the other day. I felt the switchback 2's had very similar power and feel, but the switch over was easier ( from tour to ski), and of course it's a lighter binding. Both american made which I like.
I will say I've got a pretty big repair kit for my axles that I never leave home with out. First off though, I never switch back into ski mode with out taking off the ski and cleaning out the ice or snow build up under the lock mechanism. Locked in, it's bomber, but if you force the bar forward into locked mode with ice present you are risking bending or breaking the attachment point to the lock bar. Not good on a 3-4 day trip...
So. I've broken a heel piece, I've lost the main pivot screw in front of the toe, and the rear transverse bar, the one I think the new crampon will be attached to, broke a spot weld at one end: I've replaced the pivot allen headed bolt with a regular 5/16" hex head bolt, with threads twice as long as the standard cap bolt. I did reassemble with a dot of epoxy, but I also watch it like a hawk.
I've also seen the power pin almost work itself out in use. I bought an extra pin, for that 1,2, or 3rd setting, but because that aforementioned rear most transverse bar which broke spot welds ( happening on both skis, I found), I use 1/4" bolts in the third setting, with double nuts on to keep from loosening and falling off. So I have the bolt tightened down enough to mitigate the transverse bar failure, and I keep the supplied power pin stored in the first hole just in case I need it. I'm using B&D crampons with a lock feature so I don't have to hear any clicking while climbing. The axle changed up my skiing. I love it, but would buy the switchbacks for the next boards.
Great Binding
Sully
Member since
This binding has been great so far. Stiffer and more responsive then my current binding. Also has some great features for backcountry skiing.
If I want an active free-pivoting binding,...
rachelr
Member since
If I want an active free-pivoting binding, is this the way to go? Currently skiing the Bombshell but I hate it when skinning up (but I love it on the way down).
Hi right now I have the BD o3 and just...
efish
Member since
Hi right now I have the BD o3 and just hate them and trying to deside between the NTN freedoms and some 22 designs. Any suggestions.
Power and controll
gom2490453
Member since
Just mounted up another pair on my new skis wouldn't buy anything else....
Nailed it again
gom2490453
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Just picked up my second pair for another pair of skis. They did a great job of building a bomber binding for charging on any ski then releasing for easy skinning. Makes the bd's laughable...... Have a pair on Rossi s-6 and this new pair on substance skis Sherpa burns....
Powerful Tour de force
Ron
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I don't like to give 5 stars unless everything is perfect. However this binding sure comes close. Having skied the HH for years I knew what I was in for power wise.. this binding is even more powerful than the HH!
I just spent 8 days straight of burly touring the Tetons with this mounted via Quiver Killer inserts to some Volkyl Nanatuq's. Much of this trip was sub zero touring in dry powder. I love the free pivot tour mode which makes the binding just like an AT tourer. I didn't like the engagement/disengagement of this mode. Build-up of ice under the toe piece is something you need to stay on top of our the switch becomes jacked up. Not a big deal but something you need to be aware of. All in all a great binding that can use some tweaks to make it even better. Thankfully I don't have to switch to AT like all my buddy geezer skiers have all done!
Bomber
Gunnar
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
These are amazing for touring, and inbounds as well. I personally don't feel they are as burly as the Hammerheads but they are very close. I've had BD's and G3's and these are miles ahead of either.
Just bought 188 Megawatts, have Scarpa ECO...
d.mp227933
Member since
Just bought 188 Megawatts, have Scarpa ECO T2 and was thinking of putting 22 Design AXL onboard.... will they be enough ? Should be for the money !
Gee Alsenz
Member since
Axl's will be great. Consider a pr of T1s or T-races or a stiff spring to maximize the Megawatt.
simply the best
Weston D
Member since
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
These bindings do it all, plain and simple. They tour well, ski even better and are BURLY. They have a small ramp angle which helps eliminate rocker launch, made in the US and can also be outfitted with stiffy springs. The stiffy springs help drive larger, fatter skis and make the already active binding, that much more active. I have never broken a pair even weighing 250lbs with gear skinning and skiing on them. If your worried about the price, you shouldn't be, because they will be the last binding you buy.
Weston D
Member since
Gotta say Wes I have never seen that happen. I have mounted hundreds of these and if done correctly it is not possible when done correctly. Was your glue good and did you allow it to dry completely? Also using a jig ensures proper screw retention, not going too far, but far enough etc. etc. The heel bail is difficult to properly install, but if done correctly and used normally I have never broken one.
22 designs kills it design wise
sam l
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Such the perfect cable binding. More power than the hammerhead plus incredible up hill as well.
So bomber
qtrpound3r
Member since
So, I've skied on a pair of the axls for 3 seasons now, and I can say that they perform just like the HH and are far more powerful than any other binding on the market. They are well worth their weight during the walk back up.
Trying to decide on hammerhead v axl for...
slackcountry
Member since
Trying to decide on hammerhead v axl for a new pair of 102mm under foot skis. I must admit, most of my skiing is lift-access. I do some yo-yo out of bounds (typically boot-pack hikes) with roughly 6 days of true touring-for-turns in a season. With daughter age 3, I don't see hut trips in my near future. I will use these bindings on wider skis leaving me a narrow ski & hammerhead for not-so-fluffy days. Worth getting the axl, or stick with the hammerhead?
John Duke
Member since
Well, for years before the Axl debuted, pinheads looking for performance always toured on their HHs, usually moving their position to 1 or taking the adjusters out completely for easier touring. Combine that with a soft boot and touring isnt that bad.
But with the Axl, you have the performance of the HH with a free pivot. Even if you dont use the tour function all the time, its not like you are going to give up performance.
ske
Member since
Axls feel smoother and more powerful. Fiddling with HH positions in the cold sucks. Axls are so much nicer to tour in, maybe you'll yo-yo more.
Axl Telemark Binding, power and control.
Wes Wylie
Member since
Tordrillo Mountains Alaska, July 2012-
Ron
Member since
Dang I'm stoked to get a pair.. I've been on HH's for years but touring is brutal especially when I have them mounted on Mantra's... but what a battleship setup. Looking to go to Voile Charger/Axl setup.. if only they would go on sale!
How do the 3 positions of the Axl compare...
chall99
Member since
How do the 3 positions of the Axl compare to the 5 of the Hammerhead? I've only ever skied the Hammerhead and liked position 2 for powder / softer boots and position 3 for the firmer stuff. Is slot 2 on the HH analogous to 1 on the Axl? Or do they not compare at all?
Noah Howell
Member since
I'm not sure on the exact comparison. I like position #3 for hard pack and #2 in softer snow.
Best tele binder
Andy Jacobsen
Member since
After years on the O1, this year I switched to the Axl this year and have really liked them. The adjustable flex point makes them a versatile binding that works with all different types of boots and styles. I like the powerful and smooth feel of this binding. The tour mode switch took some getting used to and does ice up occasionally but it is easy to de ice it with your pole.
Pinhead
K Petek
Member since
options
Rob Billman
Member since
Axls on fatypus i-rock ft's
Rob Billman
Member since
May 2011, Lake valley, near Bear valley, CA
i have skied these for 2 full seasons now...
bill
Member since
i have skied these for 2 full seasons now and i love them. i ski them with scarp a t race boots and k 2 side stash skis. they are the best downhill telemark bindings ever made. they are okay for hiking in and up but they are great for coming down.
View all contributions... Be patient, it might take a while.

Wes Wylie
Member since