Dynafit TLT Speed Classic Alpine Touring Binding - 2007

I got my first set of Dynafit bindings for racing and never expected to fall so completely in love with them! Like switching from old-style strap-in pedals on a bike to clipless pedals, your initial reaction is "Whoa! These things are ackward and fiddly!" but a week later, once you figure them out, you will never go back as they have so many advantages.

The TLT is the classic Dynafit binding and has been in the line for many years. They are the epitome of simplicity, and, much to peoples surprise, durability. I use to take an entire tool kit and many spare parts of other bindings on expeditions, but after six or more extended trips with Dynafits, all I take is a spare toe piece for the entire group (assuming everyone is on Dynafits, as they should be!). Even then, I've never had one break. As one of the bigger testiments to their burliness, a friend once hung unside down over a yawning crevasse for half an hour by his Dynafit toepiece - something no other binding could have done. As far as high release settings, another thing I love about Dynafits is that you can ski with the toe racheted up if you want to lock out the release, which is a nice feature for steep, committing terrain where you absolutely don't want your ski to come off. With other bindings, if you want this extra security you have to ski with it set on a high DIN all the time, which is not so great for general cruising.

The TLT's forte is minimum weight and maximum tourability. It doesn't have the adjustment range of the Vertical or Comfort and shouldn't be used with brakes as it wears the bearing out.

A fun set of bindings for up and downhill. Too bad you can't easily get a flat heel plate because I don't use heel lifters and find the little post superfluous. Perfect binding for a really light mountaineering setup. Wish there was some color choice ( I am obsessed with red accents on gear ).

They work great, and they're the lightest full function AT binding. But to balance out the highly positive reviews, I want to mention these negatives: clumsy leash that I do NOT trust to release in an avalanche, and lack of ski brake options. I really did not think I would want ski brakes, but have found the leash to be so onerous that I wish I had ski brakes. Be sure you don't want ski brakes before buying this binding. Finally, this is not the binding to get if you want adjustability--once mounted, you'll fit one boot, plus or minus .5 mondo, and that's it. Other than these complaints, it is a fantastic binding.

I tele skied my whole life until last winter when I destroyed my lower leg. This could have been avoided by having a releasable binding but I always felt that the releasable tele bindings were too much of a compromise in weight. So....after much inner turmoil I bought my first set of Dynafits and all I can say is WOW! Incredibly durable and easy to use once you get used to them which doesn't take long. I ski hard as hell and these things feel bomber all the time. They've only released once but it was at a time when I needed it. For any tele tourers who are worried about losing the comfort of a bellow on the up....buy a Scarpa boot with a bellow like the F3 or F1. The feel is even better than a free pivot tele binding. I said I would never be turned to AT gear but I have to say that this binding is an engineering marvel. If you're a serious ski tourer who loves light, bomber gear its a must.

Hands down the best touring binding out there! Zero lifted weight in touring mode in an already super light package. These things are super durable and will last season after season with little maintenance. These bindings have a very low stack height creating a rigid connection between boot and ski. The only drawbacks are the limited adjustment range and shorter heel pins than on the Verticals.

The original dynafit binding is still the best in the line. Durability and lightweight. I have used others in the line and the metal heel riser is absolutely the best feature of this binding. Like Andrew mentioned, a spare toe (perhaps even a heel) is the best option for an expedition repair kit. To give you an idea about there durability, i've seen the heel of a boot break before the binding!

The only drawbacks are the lack of adjustability for using multiple boot sole lengths and the all plastic crampon mount. Confident users, looking for the best touring binding on earth should look no further!