Naxo nx01 Alpine Touring Binding

The Naxo nx01 Alpine Touring Binding returns this season as a new standard in DIN releasable bindings. You can walk in the Naxo equally well in either alpine or AT boots. The crux of its design is an innovative Virtual Rotation System that features three pivot points under the toe piece. This allows for a totally natural stride. You experience less leg strain, so you'll tour farther and faster. This high-performance binding bears a full alpine toepiece, a maximum DIN setting of 12. Super strong Hi-fiberglass reinforced plastic makes the Naxo more durable than ever. The Naxo's bombproof construction features a heel piece that locks down against the boot as opposed to the tail of your ski, preventing an accidental switch into touring mode while you're schralping turns. Adjust climbing posts easily with a ski pole to three different angle settings depending on the steepness of the terrain. Includes standard 94mm brakes. Skis with a waist of 95mm and above require wide brakes, sold separately. The small fits up to 284mm boot soles, medium up to 324mm, and large up to 354mm.

On Sale
~~$334.95~~ $299.95

Pretty much Rules
This is my first AT binding to which I graduated from alpine trekkers. What a joy to leave the extra weight at home. This binding performs extremely well. No unintentional releases, although I had to increase the DIN setting slightly over my normal setting to get the same release pressure of my alpine bindings. I've skied these on ice, bumps, powder and steeps with great results. I notice a bit less response from input when initiating turns, but it is very slight. The simplicity of adjustments is great with a lot of thought having gone into the resistance of snapping the elevators through their different positions. These are a breeze to adjust with a ski pole. The climbing position is very neutral although the forward location of the main pivot makes it hard to step sideways with the heel unlocked, and very hard to regain your feet if your skins slip while climbing leaving you on your toes. I would choose this again for sure.

great design, still some work on durability
Hi all. I would agree --- I love the Naxo's design. I think it's the ideal crossover setup. I had some durability issues last year, but the design and concept are still spot on. I also received good customer service from BCA -- they were great. So check out the following article before purchasing: http://www.feedthehabit.com/gear_reviews/naxo.html

Outstandind Binding
I have both the 04 Naxo and 04 Freeride bindings on different pairs of skis. Each is durable, well constructed, and functions very well in alpine mode. However, the Naxo stands alone in touring mode and ease of use. Gone is the "tromp-clack" of other AT bindings. The stride is smooth and natural, enabling a true glide. Entry and manual exit require minimal force and the binding centers the boot perfectly. One minor criticism: the boot length scale and its adjustment mechanism appear to have been designed by committee. The scale is in 4mm increments whereas most boot soles are sized in 5mm increments. A true 320mm boot sole reads 324mm on the adjustment scale. And because the adjustment mechanism is not continuous but jumps in 4mm increments, a correct forward pressure setting is all but impossible.

This is the binding you want
Believe the hype about the double pivot. The energy savings with this system over the Fritschi is dramatic and you don't need the third step heel elevator. Naxo heel elevators are solid. Stepping down secures them. On my Fritschi it was the opposite--I kept kicking out of them. The binding feels solid in touring mode. There is no side-to-side give and no worries about ripping the toe out when doing kick turns, etc. Downhill performance is equally bomber. Full ski flex, no releases, just rock solid. I've done plenty of resort skiing with no problems. I'll take the Naxo toe piece over Fritschi's any day. Finally, you can adjust the binding size with a simple flick of a lever. Great for switching between DH and AT boots. Whatever you do, don't go buy a Freeride until you've tried this binding--you'll be kicking yourself if you do.

Crapped out On-piste
I took my Naxo's on two light touring trips with no problems, but my thrid time on them I was at a resort and broke the toe piece. When it broke, I was merely carving turns on a groomed run. The plastics just aren't strong enough. I've moved on to the Free Rides. My suggestion, don't buy Naxo.

Training Tips

When buying a new pair of running shoes, bring your old ones with you. You will get a better fit if you know if you supinate or pronate.

Heart monitors are useful for knowing when you are in the right zone for your training efforts. If you understand what your maximum heart rate is, you can set up your monitor to beep at you when you exceed the high or low range of your heart rate for the type of workout you are doing.

Cross training gives your body a chance to recover while still exercising. If yesterday has a hard run day up and down hills, then today's bicycle ride gives your aching knees a well deserved break.

Anaeroic threshold is when lactic acid starts to build up in your body as your muscles are not getting the oxygen they require. This threshold is typically expressed as a percentage of your VO2 max - the amount of oxygen per kilogram of weight that a person can use in converting fuel to energy. Elite athletes threshold might be as high as 90% of VO2 max.