"These bindings changed my life!" - Review of Dynafit TLT Speed Classic Alpine Touring Binding

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.
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