Shop for Naxo NX01 Alpine Touring Binding
by Louis Dawson
Naxo backcountry ski bindings burst on the
North American rando scene last winter with great expectation.
They appeared as a terrific solution for skiers needing a "one
rig" binding
that allowed them to use the same skis at the resort and in the
backcountry. The Naxo lived up to its promise for many skiers,
but it had a few bugs. Most importantly, durability problems
were too prevalent, and smaller skiers sometimes had problems
with their boots not being retained correctly in the binding.
The concept was stunning -- but its execution left a bit to be
desired.
The 04/05 Naxo NXO1 has been re-engineered
to address all these problems, and appears to be quite the animal
-- a lion ready to gnaw off a big chunk of nieve as that one-rig
dream we've all been looking for. (Be aware that another Naxo
model, the Naxo NX21, was released in 2005, and is beefed to
provide an even more solid boot/ski connection, and may be the
better "one-rig" binding for more agressive skiers).
In 2004 I
received my production model evaluation Naxos for WildSnow.com
and the 04/05 Couloir Magazine AT binding review. (I tested
a pre-production version of this new model, but don't like going
public with such). Here is a first look at the new binding,
with improvements illustrated and documented. For a useful binding
comparo, keep your eyes on Couloir Magazine. For detailed Naxo
information, please click
here for a FAQ.
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Naxo nx01 03/04
model with major parts labeled, the new model looks nearly
identical. Note that the "older" model Naxo is sold in
Europe as a lighter weight version, if you're buying mail-order,
be sure to know what you're getting. |
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| Model name comparo, new model says
"NX01 VRS" on side below toe and heel. |
Identifying Naxo
Binding Models
While the Naxo models look identical
to the casual glance, It's easy to tell the difference between
them. Early versions (and possibly a slighty lighter weight
model sold in Europe) are imprinted with the name NX01 on
the side of the binding below the toe unit, with the words "ROTATIONAL
RELEASE" printed on the side under the heel unit. The 04/05
model has the name "NX01 VRS" printed in the
same spots.
Also, the heavy duty NX21 model (released
in 2005) will have it's name prominently displayed.
Overall Beef
Naxo claims that the plastic used
in all parts of the 04/05 NX01 binding is significantly stronger,
and will thus add overall protection from breakage some users
experienced with the earlier model. More, careful examination
reveals numerous changes in molding and design, all offering strength
improvements. The good news is that despite bulking up, the Naxo
is only 1 ounce heavier than last year's model -- a small price
for ultra reliability. (Again, note that a lighter weight version
is sold in Europe, most likely similar to last year's model
and about an ounce less weight, but probably less durable.
If you're mail-order shopping, be aware that European suppliers
may sell the European version.)
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| Naxo vertical release springs,
photo is slightly distorted, older model at top measures
4 cm. |
Smaller Boot Retention Problem.
When set at lower DIN settings with
smaller boots, early Naxo bindings frequently demonstrated
an annoying rattle and lack of retention.
The O4/05 binding
eliminates this problem by using a longer vertical release
spring assembly in the heel unit. The older model, main
spring is 4 centimeters long, with an internal spring that's
approx. 4.6 cm long.
The newer model main spring is about
a centimeter longer, with a much differently sized internal
spring with a different shaped plastic plunger.
Front Touring Pivot Strength
The much vaunted double pivot of the
Naxo requires a rather meager looking pair of alloy arms that
attach the binding frame (plate) to the ski. I torture tested
this part of the binding in the 03/03 incarnation, and it seemed
plenty strong. Nonetheless,
breakage was reported, and the 04/05 model is beefed in this
area. The new models arms are about a millimeter thicker, with
obvious thickening at the attachment points and a small
seam showing where the mold was modified.
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| Stronger pivot bars for 04/05, arrows point to evidence
of mold modification to allow manufacturing with more material. |
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| Void under height adjustment rod is filled with plastic. |
Toe Unit Strength
The new toepiece appears identical in
dimension and color -- yet does have a somewhat hidden beef.
A void under
the toe height adjustment screw has been filled with plastic
on one side.
The other side
is still open, presumably to allow assembly of the threaded
height adustment rod.
Issues about
toe strength are important to consider for any binding -- examine
all products with care.
I've always
believed that ski shop employees are one of the best sources
for binding durability information. They see the good bad and
ugly, chat 'em up.
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| Obvious shoulder is a major improvement to the cocking
lever. |
Reinforced Cocking Lever
The new model has obvious shoulders added
to the molding of the cocking lever. Combined with better plastic,
these shoulders should add immense strength to the lever. Nonetheless,
it appears this change in the molding does not extend down to
the point where the lever is attached by a metal disk. This was
an area of concern last season, so editorial and consumer testing
will have to prove that the new plastic makes the lever strong
enough.
How much do they weigh?
One size medium 03/04 Naxo binding,
with brake and screws: 38.8
ounces, 1100 grams
One size medium 04/05 Naxo binding,
with brake and screws: 39.8 ounces, 1128 grams
Tour Latch
Careful examination fo the touring latch
reveals thicker plastic in the 04/05 model. I'd not heard any
reports of problems with this part of the binding, but more
beef is always better for bindings in this segment of the market
-- a few grams of plastic go a long way to making the one-rig
binding a reality!
Heel Pad
The plastic pad where the boot heel rests
is about 2 mm thicker than the older model binding. While this
is a welcome improvement for huksters landing 50-foot jumps in
hard sole alpine boots, the extra beef may prevent your ski
boot from triggering step-in closure of the heel peice. See Naxo FAQ for
solutions.
Field Testing
If you didn't notice by now, myself (WildSnow.com)
and Couloir Magazine take a wait-and-see approach before singing
exalted praises for any AT binding. The Naxo might elicit a sustained
3rd octave A note from our pipes, but only after we beat the
tar out of it and see if it holds up.
Keep your ears turned in our direction, with hearing protection
at the ready.
Buying Naxo Bindings
If you're comfortable with mounting backcountry skiing bindings, or have
a friend with a ski bench, Buy
your Naxo bindings online at
Backcountry Store -- please shop using the links here on WildSnow.com, to support
this website. ( See home mounting instructions
here. )
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