The Backcountry Skiing Magazine, Community, and Interactive Ski Guide
Skiing the Backcountry Logo
SEARCH BY LOCATION:

2012 22 Designs Axl Binding Review | Reviewed On: December 30, 2011 By teleMatt

OUR ADVICE

Best in Test




AVG USER ADVICE

n/a

Gear Reviews>>Bindings>>Telemark>> 22 Designs Axl Binding Review
  
                                      

The Axl by 22 Designs has received a lot of hype since it came out. It totally deserves it. This is an awesome binding. For me, personally, it was life changing. 
I have been skiing since the 4th grade, and since the 2006/2007 season I have been exclusively on telemark gear. I’m about 5’7” and weigh in at 135, dripping wet. On average I get to ski about 60 days a year with about half of those days in the backcountry. Previous bindings that I have experience with are G3 Targa, Rottefella R8, Hammerheads, Axl, and Voile 3 pins. Now, the only bindings I ride are the Hammerheads and Axls. On days when I don’t make turns I take my 3-pins and leathers out, but that is kind of in a different category. 

The Good: The free pivot range on the Axl is great. The only time I have realized the top of the range is when I tried to see if I could. I don’t think that my skins could handle the terrain steep enough to max them out so it is not even a concern.
The total adjustability of the binding in ski mode is very nice. I feel like the three pivot positions combined with the ability to set the heel-throw tension as loose or as tight as you want makes this binding a completely customizable machine. 
If you do your own mounting, these bindings are pretty easy to mount. All you need are some basic tools and the simple mounting jig that 22 Designs provides as a free download on their website and you’re in business. Two beers later and they’re done!
The tour switch and the heel riser is simple and easy to use. So far I have had no icing issues and no broken pole tips.
The Axl skis amazingly well. I feel like all the power that I can put into these bindings is transferred straight to the ski.
The Bad: There is a little play in the catch for the tour switch when engaged in ski mode. I notice this only on the lifts. It is only a slight up and down movement and when I am skiing I do not notice it at all. I think that the other people on the lifts who notice it are more worried about it than I am. 
The bindings are kind of heavy but still totally worth it because they tour and ski so well.

I think the only thing that people need to know is that these bindings can be very active. If you’ve never skied on the Axl or the Hammerhead then it can be very surprising at first. I don’t think they ski anything like the other bindings I have used. My suggestion is to try all the positions and to fiddle with the heel throw tension until you have it dialed-in to your liking. 
Product Specs:
  • The first free-pivot binding with three cable guide positions.  Optimize your bindings for your skiing style and snow conditions.
  • Super durable: 2000 lb test cable attachments won't break, toepiece forces transmitted steel-to-steel.
  • Over 2" of spring travel for smooth action and durability.
  • The spring-loaded HammerHeel is the easiest to use climber available; Flip it up or down with your ski pole.  Climbing bails available in 3 sizes, standard bail included.
  • Cables routed underfoot for maximum control; plastic boots flex at the bellows instead of tip-toeing.
  • Ultra-secure mounting pattern.
  • Riser height: 1.1" or 28mm at rear, with a 2 degree ramp.
  • Pivot location: directly under pin-line.
  • Weight: 4.0 lbs per large pair, 3.8 lbs for small.
  • Size Small for Mondo 25 and under, Large for 25.5 and up.
  • 2 Year Warranty.
  • Made in the USA.
 
Gear Reviews>>Bindings>>Telemark>> 22 Designs Axl Binding Review


That's Our Opinion. What's Yours?


Name:
Email (will not be published):
Url:
The sum of two plus 5: spam Check
Your Advice? :
Message

Product Search

view all