Though it doesn't lead in the U.S., Tyrolia claims it is the world's top-selling binding. By trimming weight and allowing skis to flex freely, Tyrolia's rich-looking "Duracoated" bindings are designed to improve the performance of any ski-not only those of sister brand Head. And as skis and boots become softer and "easier," so do Tyrolia bindings. Its Super Flex SX, the latest iteration of Free Flex, is now a hinged bridge between the binding toe and heel. The skier can push down on the hinge to take full advantage of a shaped ski's sidecut.
Cyber Carbon D9 SX
$310
The Super Flex SX feature is designed to let you have more fun with less effort because the ski can flex more easily. The wider toepiece provides improved edge purchase and discourages tip deflection. The hinged bridge allows a round, comfortable turn by letting the ski flex as intended. It's worth the extra $50 to feel the difference between cotton and silk. This binding does a lot of the work for you, and will leave you less fatigued.
Mad-Trix
$950
(includes ski/plate/binding)Jonny Moseley, Tyrolia's U.S. poster boy, asked for a system that was two skis in one: a park-and-pipe ski as well as a big-mountain free ski. The solution was a twin-tip ski with reversible binding. That's right, the binding flips 180 degrees, so that the tail of the ski becomes the tip. The Mad-Trix is a bit awkward to carry and put on a gondola. It also feels like there is a lot of "stuff" under foot, but it is mostly good lift that provides a positive feel. The "Big Mountain" setting skis well, has balanced swing-weight and plenty of flotation. The "switch" setting, Big Air, puts you at the center of the ski. For a guy like Moseley, that means higher jumps and cooler tricks, thanks to the balanced swing-weight. But it's not just for jibbers and halfpipe riders looking for rapid acceleration. The Big Air setting puts you on negative taper-angle geometry-that is, the tip is narrower than the tail. At first, it feels as if it has too much tail, but it is quick like a slalom ski. It drifts, smears and engages easily in bumps, and the added weight underfoot lets it pivot easily. "New-schoolers" are sure to find it appealing.
TD8 TS
$220
Unconnected by any sort of Free Flex bridge, the TD8 has all the other intrinsic features of a Tyrolia, including the T-Shock layer under the binding, meant to absorb shock and increase your stand-height. Without Super Flex SX, however, the TD8 seems to offer a bouncy ride.
Recommended Models
Race Free Flex Plus 7, Free Flex Plus 10
All-Mountain Expert Cyber D8 SX, Cyber Carbon D9 SX
Freerider Free Flex Plus 8, Power Select Freeride D9
All-Mountain Cruiser Cyber SL 110, Power Select Freeride D8
Player SL 100 ABS Carve, TD8 TS
Aspiring Carver SL 100 ABS & CP9, TD8 TS
Women SL 100 ABS, Cyber SL 110
