Fritschi Xenic 7 2024

Xenic 7 Alpine Touring Binding - Fritschi

Fritschi's lightweight "efficient" category binding for skis up to 105 mm at the waist, the Xenic 7 weighs in at only 280 g per ski and incorporates several interesting and unique features that will make these bindings easy to use, with precise downhill control and more reliable safety release.
Fritschi don't produce many different binding models and take the time to develop technical innovations that offer real advantages.                

The innovations start with the toepiece. The Xenic 7 is the first pin binding with jaws that open and close laterally. (All other pin binding jaws open by rotating around an axis). This lateral open and closing mechanism offers two advantages, with much easier boot entry and much greater resistance to vertical upward forces that can cause inserts to open unexpectedly. Boot entry really could not be easier. Simply place the boot toe behind the red blocking plate and you're aligned with the pins. Press down lightly and the jaws slide inwards to clamp the boot toe. This jaw design also makes these bindings more resistant to pre-release. Traditional pin bindings can open unexpectedly when the skis have an large shock from below, for instance when taking a heavy landing. Since the jaws of the Xenic 7 only move laterally, the toepiece is much less affected by vertical forces an so does not pre-release. The toepiece includes a slot for ski crampons, which slide in laterally. It's the same design as Dynafit and we understand that Dynafit crampons will be compatible. Fritschi produce ski crampons for the Xenic in three widths, 85, 95 and 105 mm. The toepiece also includes a slot to attach a ski leash.
The heel unit combines low weight with several features normally seen on heavier bindings, to ensure both good control when skiing and a high level of release safety.
Fritschi have cleverly separated the lateral and vertical release functions, saving weight and improving binding rigidity. The base of the heel unit is wide, giving good stability and power transfer to the ski. Lateral release can be adjusted between 3-7 DIN using the screw at the back of the base. The narrower upper part contains the heel pins. These are separate pins that rotate freely to avoid friction and are more durable than the "U" type springs used on many lightweight bindings. Vertical release is also 3-7 DIN.
Changing between walk and ski modes is quick and easy. Just rotate the heel unit 180° in either direction. In walk mode there are two positions, flat and one heel riser. 

The Xenic 7 is supplied without ski brakes. These are available as options in three widths, 85, 95 and 105 mm. In walk mode the brakes are locked up as the heel unit is turned, it's very intuitive and easy. 

Please note that if you decide to mount a leash, this should be done before mounting the toe piece (as the attachement part is placed under the toe pîece). 

Fritschi have designed the Xenic 7 to combine low weight with a high level of skiability and safety. The heel units can twist 13 mm laterally to absorb shocks before releasing. Fritschi call this higher level of safety "defined release"by which they mean that the binding releases correctly in any skiing situation independently from the flex of the ski. To compensate for changes in length as the ski flexes the heel unit of the Xenic 7 can move 10 mm backwards, the same length compensation as the free-rando Vipec Evo and Tecton bindings.
Many lighter bindings either do not offer any length compensation, or offer insufficient to be considered “defined release” bindings.
Another important safety consideration is forward falling frontal release. First, the boot is released from the heel unit and the boot falls forward. As the boot rotates forward it presses on the toe unit and opens the jaws, letting the boot exit. All Fritschi bindings, including the Xenic 7, free the boot at an angle of about 65 degrees (this does depend on the boot model; for most boots this is 65 degrees). This is earlier than other bindings and offers higher safety. Many pin bindings release at 90 degrees and then you can imagine where your knees and head are.
Weighing only 280 g per ski without brakes, the Xenic 7 is packed with practical innovations to increase ease of use and safety. Built to the usual high Fritschi standards, it should provide many years of reliable use.

Like to know more about this winter's new alpine touring bindings? Have a look at our BLOG: Alpine Touring Binding News Winter 21/22