You can't go wrong with any of the Dynafit bindings and the TLT Vertical is the latest and greatest. A cool aspect of the Dynafit bindings is that they are all share the same basic mechanism, but have differing degrees of creature comforts. In the case of the TLT Vertical, they have a greater range of adjustment, an easy to pull front tab, a nice heel lifter and are set up for integration with brakes. In true Dynafit fashion, they have done this without adding much weight and at the same time keeping the binding simple.

So, I'm a convert of sorts. I've had multiple pairs of fritchi freerides over the years. I recently put together an ultralight setup for ski mountaineering (Dynafit Vertical ST's, K2 Baker SL & BD Ascension glidelites), and I've bee out on it a few times this season getting a feel for it. These little bindings have blown away all my previous Dynafit misconceptions. These things keep you in, even at speed in the choppy stuff, without having to lock the toe down. (I'm 145lb, 5'10" and a pretty aggressive skier) You do have the option of locking the toe down for a no release situation if you're in a no-fall zone. It takes a bit of practice to get proficient with switching these things around from tour mode, different heights, etc, but after a day you should have it dialed. I'll still keep a pair of big skis around with Fritchis on 'em for huck days, but, for mountaineering, or long tours without hucking, these are where it's at. Think about it, you're never lifting the weight of the binding! They are so efficient and lite! Don't take my word for it, give 'em a whirl, you won't be disappointed!

So simple, so strong. I have skied Dynafits for 9 years and have never broken one. NEVER. Millions of feet uphill/downhill, wild descents, big hucks whatever.
Actually my first bindings are still in use, on a splitboard!

The Verticals have a longer lever which simplifies getting into the different lock modes, added leverage makes it easier on fingers in cold weather. Higher din, though I only ski it at an 8.

There is a trick to switching from ski mode to touring without unclicking, it involves your pole and a quick twist, but it takes practice.

You will never want anything else.

Let me expand on the scope of my subject line: If you are assembling a 100% backcountry rig for your quiver, nothing else remotely makes sense other than Dynafits. FFR+, Dukes, Naxos, Silverettas - they are are completly outperformed by Dynafits on a variety of factors. (1) Weight - the Dynafits are simply the lightest AT binding you can get in the BC. It is amazing how much better it feels when you setup looses a couple of pounds (note: I went from FFR+ for a couple of years to Dynafit Vertical STs). (2) Touring Ease - the stride on the Dynafits is more natural than any other AT binding. The pivit is found in a natural position next to your toe, while Dukes and FFR+ are in front of your foot. (3) Lateral Stiffness/Ridigity - despite the simplistic look, these frankly ski more like an alpine binding than any other AT binding. The biggest issue is that you are connected to the skis by the pins (toe and heal), and your rubber-soled AT boots do not contact the ski. With the FFR+ and Duke, you loose some lateral stifness merely in the interplay between the rubber and bottom of the binding. Also, comming from FFR+ to a Vertical ST, it was night and day as far as skiing response - there is just not any play in the binding that is found in the FFR+'s plastic. Lou Dawson, from wildsnow, ran extensive tests and found that Dynafits are as torsionally stiff as Marker Dukes. (4) Ramp Angle - all alpine bindings have ramp angle. This means your heal is slightly above your toes, putting you in a natural forward-lean position. Dynafits have this as well. Dukes, Naxo, Silveretta and FFR+ DO NOT.
I purchased the Vertical ST because it is going to be Dynafit's replacement for the old Comforts. If you need something above a 10 DIN, then I would recommend the FT12s. For those new to Dynafits, you cannot go wrong with the Vertical STs. While they take some getting used to, just go to wildsnow and Lou Dawson has some great How-To-Videos on use of Dynafits (including care, entry and exit).
IF YOU ARE TOURING 100%, NOTHING ELSE MAKES SENSE!!

I skied nothing but tele equip for 25 years . . . and don't regret it. Tele skiing is beautiful and a lot of fun. BUT, if you want to charge hard, put in really big days, and have something left over to lift that beer at the end o the day, then Dynafit TLT's cannot be beat . . . period. Having your heels locked down is NOT the best thing about these bindings. I know a several tele skiers who can probably whoop me (very slightly) on the transitions from skins to skiing but if the snow is anything worse than perfect smoke then I'll use A LOT less energy skiing down and can charge more challenging lines without worries. Dynafits are fantastic! Quick transitions, reliable fit, incredibly lightweight, and inspirational design make for quite possibly, one of the best products (of any kind) I have ever used. I still have a pair of Dynafits I bought in 1997 in Chamonix and they still work great. The TLT's are better though. the longer front throw simplifies things a bit.
OK, now for my "caveat emptor", every Dynafit toe piece, (versions) seem to have a different number of clicks. Some folks say that ONLY the bottom click will release when you crash. My experience is different. I have had them release in a BIGGG fall when the bindings were not all the way on the top click. Maybe it was karma? Worse . . . be really careful you don't leave the toe on the lowest click for hiking. I have lost a ski doing a kick turn this way. MY FAULT! Doh! Use the product in the way it was designed and you'll be fine. You can continue to carry all the extra weight if you like . . but why? Lou Dawsons website has much more scientific and detailed reviews of Dynafits if you choose to look further into it. Then go buy them.

Made the change this season from tele to Dynafit for backcountry skiing. These bindings are excellent.
The engineering is a work of art. Very easy to use, super lite weight great control, climbing is very natural. The manual is a little difficult so best to get some hints from someone with some experience.

I love this binding. Same as everyone else says.

It skis really well, better than some cheap alpine bindings I've used, only weakness is that your release area is very short, meaning that a release-recovery is very difficult. None of that "Oh, I just almost caught an edge, but was able to stomp back in."

Also, it is way quieter than most other AT bindings on the touring. It's not a big thing, but it sure is nice.

These bindings are stronger then you would imagine by just looking at them!
Solid binding,light and efficient when you are in ski touring mode.Takes a while getting use to getting your toe lined up with the toe piece.Make sure the toe piece is clear of snow!

I took the plunge (gulp) and took my beautiful Diamir Freerides off my 186 Legend Pro Dynastars (2006) and put the Dynafits on instead (I changed boots). I instantly shed around 2 kilos. I was delighted to say the least. The pins at the front give total control of the edges, and after some fiddling with the (pre)release settings I could not be happier. They are solid, reliable and pretty easy to use when you have some practise. Yes, you can go into touring mode without getting out of the ski, but it involves a careful Elvis like shimmy and pole leverage. These are not really for olympic moguls with massive skis as the DIN is only up to 10, but they will jump, huck (not really sure what that actually is), ski flat out, half pipe (if you must) and really deliver in icy steep situations. AND you can even use 'em with NTN boots. I home mounted them, but if you can find someone who has the Dynafit mounting jig pay 'em to use it. Life really is too short to mount skis without a jig. Funny thing is, I don't miss the Freerides at all, even with my big mountain setup. All hail Dynafit.

I have skied fritschi for years and went to dynafit on my volkl mantras . After 2 years with this set up i totally trust it, i have had no trouble with prereleases i am 205 and a fast, aggresive skier .i would say huck away on dynafits !

I went from Marker Dukes to Dynafit TLT Verticals for my alpine touring needs here in Revelstoke, BC (touring paradise!). The difference is phenomenal. I have a strong racing background and expect performance. The Verticals felt so feather light and natural in walking mode with the toe pivot point, and were really easy to get the hang of getting into and out of after a few tries. The heel piece turns easily for 3 levels of height adjustment for smooth climbing, and for clicking into ski mode. My turns felt solid. I'd recommend these to anyone looking for all-round touring bindings (unless you weigh 275 and want to huck big cliffs, then maybe check out the Dukes).

I use Scarpa Spirit4, and Atomic Janak with these bindings. As a beginner, I think it's worth noting that I had no problems figuring out how to operate these bindings. Adjusting the height of the heel piece is a cinch, and I don't think a better placement for the toe pivot is possible. After 28 years (kinda) of alpine skiing, I had my doubts about the safety of these bindings. I had a 12 year hiatus from skiing from 5 knee surgeries and college. Trust me, these bindings released like a dream and my knees are still intact. Once I get in better physical condition, I might not test the release function of these bindings as often. Being an AT newbie, with serious concerns for knee protection, I hope this helps. For the money, weight savings, and performance this is the binding of choice.

I use the TLT speed on my lightweight skis and was looking for a Dynafit which offers a little bit more control for big-mountain-skis. This is the one! Light enough but super solid for big powder turns or riding hardpack or even icy slopes...

Even though I had some problems with the front lever with the first Vertical I bought - it felled apart while putting it into my car (lucky it didnt happen while riding) the bolt holding the lever had broken due to some material defect- but Dynafit sent me a new one within three days!

I recently switched to Dynafit bindings after using Fritsche for 4 years. It takes a bit of practice to clip into the binding toepiece, but once it it is very solid. Skinning was easy in these skis and I think the motion is better than on the Fritsche bindings. I'm still getting used to unclicking the heel piece, but was surprised by how solid the binding is when locked. I am using Garmont Megaride boots and was very secure and comfortable. My skis responded well to turns and overall i really like this lightweight set-up

Skied 10 years on the TLT earlier generations. Now with a couple of weeks on the Verticals they seem stiffer (better). Integrated breaks are far superior. Very pleased.

I have these on one pair, the comfort version on another pair and love them. Best binding in the world, extremely light and still gives you a good locked-in solid feel for the downhill. I can't believe I use to tour in anything else.

These bindings are truly a masterpiece of innovation. I came from using Diamir Freerides and am amazed at how lightweight these bindings are, especially relative to the strength. I ski on the TLT Comforts, but just bought the Verticals for my wife. I love the integrated brakes. You can't go wrong with the Dynafits.

No regrets here, these bindings are great.