Geoff Darst

Distance and signal strength information makes locating the victim simple. Plus the display tells you when to change your distance attenuation. IMO the M2 is just as easy to use as a Tracker. In practice I found the short range of a Tracker to be limited to slightly less than 40m, while I was getting 80m out of the M2. Does range matter? All I know is I want a signal sooner rather than later. I also found the M2 to be superior in fine-grain searches. The audio tone of the M2 changed noticeably when you were right over the victim while with the Tracker you never know until you probe. The M2 is also much better for multiple burials. You can hear the other beacons and you can adjust the range attenuation to quickly identify the relative distances from the initial beacon.

Believe the hype about the double pivot. The energy savings with this system over the Fritschi is dramatic and you don't need the third step heel elevator. Naxo heel elevators are solid. Stepping down secures them. On my Fritschi it was the opposite--I kept kicking out of them. The binding feels solid in touring mode. There is no side-to-side give and no worries about ripping the toe out when doing kick turns, etc. Downhill performance is equally bomber. Full ski flex, no releases, just rock solid. I've done plenty of resort skiing with no problems. I'll take the Naxo toe piece over Fritschi's any day. Finally, you can adjust the binding size with a simple flick of a lever. Great for switching between DH and AT boots. Whatever you do, don't go buy a Freeride until you've tried this binding--you'll be kicking yourself if you do.