I have used many different tele binding but these are by far my favorites. The one downside of this binding is that it switches itself into tour mode unexpectedly. It has happened to me 6 or 7 times now and always catches me by surprise. I now only use this binding in the backcountry because it does not release like it does in the resort. If you want a great resort binding get the Voile SX.

I recently replaced my G3 tele binding (with race cartridge) with the new Voile Switchback. I have used at the ski area on groomed, chopped and powder and have also skinned with it in the backcountry. It is mounted on a pair of K2 WorkStinx (order the longer screws from Voile if using K2 skis). At the area it as good or better than the G3, feels slightly more active. In the backcountry, it rocks! In tour mode it gives you AT binding like freedom and you can take longer strides. My skinning buddy was taking 2-3 steps to one of mine. You definitely will skin on the flats and uphills faster than a tradition tele cable set-up. It switches from tour mode to downhill mode easily with a ski pole. They are sweet!

If you spend any time in the backcountry on tele gear, these binders need to be on your purchase list. Tours like a dream, skis down great as well. Light, simple. No icing even in deep wyoming pow. Simple and easy tour/ski mechanism. Buy them.

Best tele binding available. I've skied the regular Voile Hardwire for 3 years and love the bomber construction and the way they ski, so I chose these over the BD 01's. They ski exactly the same, and the tour mode is AWESOME! Can't believe they didn't come up with this system until 2007! Anyway, these are light, sturdy, and flawless. Look no further.

excellente fix, la plus pratique de toutes à utiliser, simple rapide et fiable.
le seul petit défaut est le blocage en position descente qui pose des fois problème quand la neige est mouillée (sabot)...
sinon que des compliments!!
bravo!

I started touring on a tele setup and did not understand what people meant when they talked about the tip dive, lost energy thing with tele bindings. Then I got an AT setup and it all became clear - yes, much more efficient. So, when I decided to get back into tele, friends said they were a must. Much better in the touring mode, and they ski great. I guess I join the chorus of positive reviewers.

I have been backcountry skiing for 25 years and never knew I needed free pivoting bindings. I just hiked 3 days in a row with these and they really do make a difference. Playing with them locked and free, I noticed that there is little resistance when your heel is lifted only about 1 inch, but it really increases from there. Climbing up steeper grades is a lot easier with these.
I have friends who have some other brands and have watched them take their skis off and chip away at ice in the locking mechanism. This cannot happen on Voile's design.
I would highly recommend these.

downhill performance with easy touring, what more could you ask for? The only tele-touring binding that can be put into ski mode before locking down the pivoting toe piece, makes for easy transitions, and eliminates frustrating screw ups when you peel and squeel only to realize that your toe is not locked down. Voile could move the flex point of the wires back a bit for a more active feel, but it is rigid & solid in all conditions as is. Thanks Voile for continuing to focus your energies where it counts.

on piste i have a problem with the binding not staying in ski mode. on big arcing turns the two prongs that hold the toe piece down cannot handle the pressure and the binding switches to climbing mode. disconcerting.

In choosing a free touring tele binding I looked at the options and found that the Switchback was the most simple, mechanically. It is also the lowest riser off the ski. They also weigh quite a bit less than some of the options. They seem about as active as my Rotte R8s, but they do require more preload.

I am a speed machine on these bindings. I have been backcountry skiing for over 10 years and these bindings are a godsend. Plus, I still feel like they are bomber in all conditions. I would definitely recommend these bindings.

These bindings are awesome, lightweight, tour great, and are torsionally stiff.

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 listed here, 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.