Fritschi Xenic 10

For the 2019/20 season Fritschi introduced the Xenic 10, a new model in the lightweight binding category, ideal for skis up to 105 mm underfoot. The Xenic 10 weighs just 280 g (560 g/pair) without brakes and will be appreciated above all by the ski tourer who spends more time climbing and watches every gram, yet refuses to compromise on safety and ease of use. The Xenic 10 is the result of a thorough update of existing Fritschi technologies and brings a number of innovations in safety, user comfort and control on the descent.

An all-new toe piece and pin jaws from Fritschi

The toe piece of the Fritschi Xenic has been completely redesigned. This is the first binding whose pins open and close laterally, i.e. sideways, rather than rotating around a fixed point. This mechanism offers two key benefits:

• easy step-in,
• far greater resistance to unwanted release from an impact from below, which can occur at higher speed or when landing on the skis
• vertical release even in walk mode - in an avalanche burial, a loss of balance during the ascent or a fall on short descents with skins on.
• made from carbon combined with proven modern polymers - lighter than metal parts while offering higher strength and a longer service life.

Ski crampons can be fitted to the toe piece and are available in three widths: 85 mm, 95 mm and 105 mm. The toe piece also features an attachment point for a leash when the binding is used without brakes.

Rotating heel with adjustable release value

The heel of the Fritschi Xenic 10 combines low weight with safety features that until now were the preserve of heavier touring bindings. The heel platform is wide, providing optimal power transfer to the ski and therefore excellent downhill performance. The lateral release value can be set from DIN 4 to 10 using the screw at the rear of the binding. Precise adjustment of the vertical release value, from DIN 4 to 10, is ensured by individually free-rotating pins (an advantage over U-shaped pins).

• Switching between walk mode and ski mode is quick and convenient thanks to the rotating heel. The heel of the Fritschi Xenic 10 is easier to turn through 180° using the flipped-up climbing aid, which gives you more leverage.
• The heel can travel up to 13 mm before releasing, preventing unwanted release caused by impacts and vibrations while skiing. Likewise, as the ski flexes and the distance between toe and heel shortens, the heel can slide to prevent unwanted release at critical moments while also eliminating damage to the binding.

Outstanding skiing thanks to the active heel

As the ski flexes while skiing, the active sliding heel adapts to the boot by up to 10 mm and allows the ski to flex smoothly along its entire length - an essential binding feature for perfect skiing. A binding without an active heel stiffens the middle of the ski, which then flexes only in front of and behind the binding, significantly compromising its performance. Fritschi has eliminated this problem, which is why the Xenic 10 also delivers outstanding riding enjoyment.

A light and, above all, safe touring binding

The Fritschi Xenic 10 touring binding is the best choice for anyone who wants a binding that is light yet safe on the descent, with no need to lock the toe. The Xenic 10 is geared more towards climbing, but it handles the descent with ease. It will take you through thousands of vertical metres and plenty of great skiing.

Easy step-in even on a steep slope

The new-generation Fritschi Xenic 10 has an updated toe piece that you can "kick into" even blind, thanks to:

• stops underneath,
• stops on the sides,
• a stop for the boot toe,
• a sensitive trigger.

As a result, the boot toe is guided precisely into the correct position as you step in - it sits between the pins and the sensitive trigger, and even light pressure releases the pins so that they click exactly into the boot inserts.