Is the Naxo really equivalent to a state-of-the art alpine binding?
The honest answer is “nearly, ” especially if you’re talking about the stiffer and stronger NX21 model. Thousands of happy skiers can testify that the Naxo and the Fritschi Freeride certainly come close to the safety and performance of top line alpine bindings. Nonetheless, some alpine bindings offer features such as compensation for upward release forces at the toe (to protect your knees in a rearward fall), and and lighter weight plate bindings such as the NX01 can’t equal the solid boot/ski connection of a regular high quality alpine binding, especially when it comes to sideways twisting forces that tend to deflect the plate. This latter factor is where performance skiers will notice the difference between using the Naxo NX01 and their beefy alpine rig, especially on hardpack. The NX01 will deflect more, and may take some getting used to (while the NX21 is just as stable as a good quality recreational alpine binding, as is the Fritschi Freeride).
