NNN BC bindings: Auto or Manual?

[RussW]

I am getting a pair of Fischer Traverse 78s. What is your preference as far as auto or manual for the bindings? I have read a little of both in my search here. Boots will probably be Alpina Alaskas (if they fit).
Thanks.

Russ

[Musk Ox]

I prefer the manuals because they're easier to get off when you're upside down.

Edit: also, I really like the clunk you get when you close them.

[corlay]

to clarify:
Rottefella makes *three* NNN-BC Bindings:
Manual
Auto
Magnum

Auto and Manual are about the same dimensions, and differ for how you engage binding to boot.

The Magnum is a base plate that is a handful of mm wider - to help control wider skiis.

Think of the Magnum as a wider Manual. Both with the same attachment to boot.

The Auto, is more of a “step-in” boot engagement. Convenient because you can engage/release the binding without the need to bend over and control the binding by hand. But some report this binding can “freeze-up” under certain conditions.

For the TR78, Ive installed Magnums.
They are a very good match.

[lilcliffy]

The Magnum is a base plate that is a handful of mm wider - to help control wider skiis.

To add to this-
Personally, I am not convinced that the wider base plate of the Magrnum increases leverage on the ski- I cannot see or measure any difference-
The wider base plate also does not tighten-up the boot-binding interface- the interface is identical for every NNNBC binding.

Regardless, I always mount the wider Magnum on any ski I am going to push hard downhill.
I do think that the wider plate reduces stress on the binding mechanism.

Personally, I much prefer the manual bindings, but many skiers are perfectly happy with the auto.
There may be some climate and weather variables influencing these differences in experiences with the manual vs auto.

I do very much like the wider binding lever of the Magnum- easier to operate with mitts on.

[corlay]

here is a pic of:
Manuals on TN66
Magnums in TR78

[Krakus]

There is a common opinion that auto bindings are prone to freezing. Personally, I have never experienced that, as I am using only manual versions. I have seen someone struggling with frozen auto binding but it was Salomon XADV.
Saying that I must admit that my Magnums were also blocked by ice once or twice

[John Dee]

Is there any reason at all to mount magnums on the T78's? I have both manual and magnums in front of me.

[lilcliffy]

I have the regular manual on the 78 and the e99/tn66

Magnum on my Ingstad and E109

[lilcliffy]

If you are going to push the 78 hard downhill I personally would mount the magnum- especially if you plan on being many miles from the trailhead.

No difference in skiing performance between them.

[phoenix]

Manuals, to be sure, Magnum's or regular variety. There tends to be more play in the auto's, as well as the icing issue, which happens for sure.