Description
Tour more efficiently, rip on the way down with the Voile Switchback Telemark Ski.
The free pivoting Voile Switchback Telemark Ski Binding has a separate tour and ski mode, enabling tour with zero heel resistance, then switch back into ski mode and rip down hill. In free pivot mode, the Switchback provides an easier, more efficient stride, and your tips won't dive when breaking trail. Included heel elevators and a light-weight design further help conserve energy on the up-track. When you get to the top, you'll appreciate that this telemark binding's enclosed design eliminates ice buildup the 25mm stand height helps transfer your energy to your edge.
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Share your thoughts
What do you think of the
Voile Switchback Telemark Ski Binding
? Share a...
I have a Black Diamond O1 that I would...
jamp80973
Member since
I have a Black Diamond O1 that I would like to replace with the Switchback. Are the drill hole patterns the same?
Has anyone used a soft boot with switchback...
Robin
Member since
Has anyone used a soft boot with switchback bindings?
Great deal, great binding
tri3995379
Member since
I've been using this binding for 3 years and I'm totally satisfied with it. Very simple, reliable and durable. I have had no major problems with them. Every once in a while they get clogged w/ hard snow/ice such that they won't lock down. That said, a quick swipe with a ski pole tip easily removes the junk and it locks down fine. They perform really well in ski mode. These things will serve you well. A great all-around binding.
Mt Lassen
don2998407
Member since
North side of Mt Lassen, California, May 2012
do these bindings have the same mounting...
nic4141686
Member since
do these bindings have the same mounting pattern as the g3 targa?
Arthur Debowski
Member since
Yes it is the same pattern.
Replacing my Voile 3-Pin Cable bindings...
daviswl238572
Member since
Replacing my Voile 3-Pin Cable bindings with a set of these, are the binding mounting holes in the same position?
Jack Wizo
Member since
Yes, they have the same "standard four hole mounting position."
Write your question here...What's the...
Stacy
Member since
Write your question here...What's the difference between the men's and women's versions of the switchback?
Dave Marcus
Member since
The women's version has a lower climbing bar (85mm vs 100mm). I'm guessing, but can't confirm, that the spring tension is different as well.
Only one binding better.
David Kern
Member since
And that's the Switchback X2,
The Switchback family of bindings are the best Telemark Touring binding you can get low on weight most of the binding stays with the ski on your stride and ever since Voile switch to the Heat-treated 410 stainless steel on the toe plates there bullet proof. Get the Switchback if your turn is Medium to high and get the Switchback X2 if you rip as low as a boot will let you go.
I have a mens size 8 scarpa boot do i need...
Rich
Member since
I have a mens size 8 scarpa boot do i need the sort or regular size
Jack Wizo
Member since
Mens size 8 is 26 mondo, right? That would put you in the short rod group. Good luck!
I have a mens size 8 scarpa boot do i need...
Rich
Member since
I have a mens size 8 scarpa boot do i need the sort or regular size
Jeff Blackston
Member since
You need the Short.
I am looking at upgrading from 3 pin...
Judy
Member since
I am looking at upgrading from 3 pin bindings and boots to the switchback. I have leather 3 pins boots and Garmont tele boots. Until I get a pair of touring boots, do you think either one will fit in this binding? .
Vince R.
Member since
Any 75mm boots should be compatible.
pretty good binders
Kate Atha
Member since
I really like how simple and light these bindings are. The free pivot is great. The mechanism that switches between ski and tour mode is kind of wimpy. I guess that's why they're light but I am always afraid it will break. I haven't had the durability issues that some reviewers have mentioned, but know folks who have had them, and they've had some pretty major breakdowns. But, Voile and BC.com are always happy to replace. I have a newer set (purchased in 2011) and the heel throw is a lot beefier and made of black plastic. It looks like the metal cut outs on the toebox have gotten a lot smaller than a pair I had that were a year older. I have the short rod version and it fits my 23 Scarpa T-Races with the right amount of pre-load. I like how these ski for the most part. I don't mind where the pivot is because I have such a small boot. I ski these and 22 Designs Axls.
Best bindings
Arrak
Member since
Dunno how I got around before these. Way lighter than my old Hammerheads. The touring mode rules and allows you to break trail easy in the deepest of snow... your tips always flip up. The best bindings I've tried.
Tour Great
Hank Whynotski
Member since
Voile did well with the Switchback binding. It tours well with my Scarpa T2 and TRace boots. I have these on my lighter skinny skis 110 underfoot and 22Designs Axl under my heavy larger skis. Never had a problem with Voile and I have used the Hardwires, Hardwire 3pin and 3pin mountaineers.
Favorite binding thus far.
Michael Ritucci
Member since
I skied the Axl's and snapped them in half after a month, the Bomber Bishop which looked like it would de indestructible snapped like a twig, the G3 Targa broke more times then I can count and I can't stand the Bdel binding. I have skied every binding on the market and broken every binding on the market. My favorite binding by far is the Voile Switchback, It is a light easy to use binding that skis great on the descent. I have certainly broken this binding many many time but I keep going back to it because I love the feel and flex of this binding. If you want just a resort binding I would definitely go with the SX (same binding minus the tour mode). Another huge factor for me is the fantastic customer service at Voile, they are very quick to get replacement part to me and are actually concerned about their product and satisfaction of their customers (this is quite unusual for a company). If you want an amazing touring binding look no further then the Switchback. If you want just a resort binding Look at the Voile SX. You will not be disappointed!
jmac
Member since
The metal sidewall of my switchback sheared off three miles into the backcountry today. I'm sick of breaking tele bindings, snapping cables, ripping them out of skis. I think I'm done with toy gear and going AT. 25 years of tele skiing...I'm done. The gear is too unreliable.
jmac
Member since
Skiing hard, fast, and low. Real low. However, I'm back on the Switchbacks due to Voile excellent service. On monday my local shop overnighted the broken binding to Voile. They overnighted 2 new toepboxes back, the shop had them mounted by Wed morning. The new toeboxes are beefier and just a tad heavier. I'll give them a few more years.
Can I use a men's short cartridge size 24+...
Backcountry chick
Member since
Can I use a men's short cartridge size 24+ mondo if I am a size 23 for the sx? It doesn't seem to come in a "women's" version.
Jack Wizo
Member since
Yeah, the short rods will work for you.
3 year reveiw
Jeff Mikaelian
Member since
I recently mounted up my second pair of Voile Switchbacks. There was no other choice for my new skis. I purchased my first pair in 08 ( see below). In 3 years, the bindings show no sign of wear or fatigue. I have never switched to tour mode while skiing. Maybe 2 or 3 times they did not immediately lock when i switched to ski mode, but 1 stomp down did the trick. The only nit picky thing i can think of is the tall bar is TALL. One of these years I will get around to buying a medium one.
Does the switchback have the same hole...
mgmatiasek1396438
Member since
Does the switchback have the same hole pattern as the BD O3?
I want to switch out my bindings and want to see if I can avoid drilling holes.
Kate Atha
Member since
Yes. This is the same pattern as all the BD bindings have.
Best cable binding for true backcountry skiing
Bryan
Member since
I use this binding on my lighter 84 waist touring setup with Scarpa T3's. This is the lightest cable binding currently avalable, is simple, sturdy, has tour mode, has 2 different climbing bale heights, and holds the boot solidly. Not as "active", in other words the flex point in the boot sole is more forward than say, BD bindings. With softer boots like T3 this isn't much a performance issue. With stiffer boots, especially on hardpack, you might want more active that some of the heavier, more expensive bindings have. For serious backcountry, like trans Sierra trips or major peakbagging, the light weight and simplicity make this a clear choice. The shortest climbing bale is a slight hassle to pull up and could be redesigned, but that's a rather insignificant point. Have not had the "switch from downhill to tour mode" problem as some have, but if there is snow build up under the binding when you switch back to DH mode, I can see that it might not fully engage and with a big, stiff boot, it might be forced out of position.
I've read that these switch from ski to...
bc-n-resortgal
Member since
I've read that these switch from ski to tour mode while you're skiing. Yikes! These reviews were based on the bindings performance at the area and date back to 2008... Has Voile dealt with & fixed this problem? I only have one pair of skis I will be using both at the area & in the backcountry (equal time). Are these bindings not a good fit for people at the area because of this issue? Thanks for your insights.
Travis Nichols
Member since
I love my Switchbacks... Stone Cold RELIABLE. I've never has a problem with inadvertent switches and they are always as smooth as butta. For what its worth i've not hear of others having problems.
Jonas
Member since
I would like to call them suicideswitch, I just bought them. Took the virgin tour just now. They switched from ski to tour mode about six or seven times on me. Im not extremely experienced with telemark, so the first time it switched I thought it was my lack of skills. Since I was trying out new equipment and the "switch" it self did not change position, but the pieces that keep the binding in place (in ski mode) did not handle the pressure (I guess there is a spring inside). When i stood up everything seemed to be in place, and i doubted my first reaction that it was the bindings fault.
At first it was only my left foot that released, and i kept doubting myself instead of the bindings. But when it happened the third time I took the hole fall and stayed on the ground. So that I would be able to check if it had actually released, and it had.
So then I though maybe it was a production flaw on my left binding, therefore I decided to push the right foot binding to the limit. When i did the same thing happened again, and again. So now Im a bit bruised up.
If you are planning on skiing in the area at all, and not like some old fart that stand up straight and goes no faster then 5 mph, i would recommend you to get something else.
Im gonna try to get my money back tomorrow and se if I can find something to replace them with! They ruined my day, and put a dent in my student economy and in my body as well.
ErnReeders1676056
Member since
The plastic casing needs to be screwed down evenly to get the best performance.
Test it once you've mounted or swapped it.
In 3 seasons I've never had an inadvertant mode switch.
View all contributions... Be patient, it might take a while.

ani3284423
Member since