It's also worth mentioning my background a bit. I'm a 150lb male standing at 5'9" who has skiied only with T2s and softer flexing skis. I'm a previous alpine skier. So my experience with this setup is relatively exclusive to me, It's worth taking this with a grain of salt. Additionally, these products are new to me all at once, so my perception of one piece of gear will be associated with the gear paired with it.
NTN Freedom
I'd be lying if i said they didn't feel different. The activity is present through the whole flexing of the binding. For me, this meant that I had to be intentional about weighting my back ski. Consequently, this meant that i had to make sure I wasn't losing balance by shifting my weight back and forth. They did feel a bit robotic in the beginning, and I think the immediate activity might have something to do with that. This may also be why I've heard people say that they are easier to do parallels in(but who wants to do those anyway?). By the end of the day i adjusted to them by moving more deliberately, that is when I started to see the merit in them.
One thing i did like about these bindings were that they did have power. Even though i got stuck with the soft powertubes, they moved my heavy Rossis when i told them to. I have not decided whether or not they are the most precise binding(they certainly are precise and have great edge control), there are a lot of binding out there.
I'm not sure yet if these will be great for touring as well. My Axles, heavy they are, are always reliable and i really dig the free pivot mode on them. I think the freedoms free pivot mode is natural too, and If I'm not mistaken, they're lighter than the axles(plastic), but time will tell.
As of now, the NTNs are my official resort bindings. There are many reasons for that. They have breaks which are simply convenient. They are releasable, which is not crucial for me personally, but it's cool. Finally, these binding are powerful, which is what I like when my focus is to challenge myself for some good laps on the lift days.
Bottom line: I am embracing the NTNs. They, like many bindings, have a place for the telemark skier. Recommend them.
Terminator TX Pros
I really have no complaints about this boot. All of the potential issues I'm facing will either be adjusted to, or will disappear.
First off they are only a little heavier than my T2s (great boots), and for being stiffer, they are very comfortable as well.
Oddly enough, I had a bit of pinch in my foot right on the top of the bellow once they were flexed. Only my left foot experienced this. Anyway, I'm convinced this problem will go away as they break in.
They perform well. I can really feel my ski edge some through these boots. They are more stable that the T2s, that's for sure. I don't think I'll be needing a stiffer boot and i like to challenge myself.
I think the ability to plug up to a TTS is something i might do.
Bottom line: There is a reason they sell so well. They are great, as long as they fit you and have you're preferred flex.
Rossignol SC97
These are in 170cm. They have two sheets of titanium in them and you can tell. They are heavy.
But, there is a reason for this. They hold a grip like no other ski i've skied. As long as you ski them hard, they will not fail you.
The thing is they won't forgive you if you don't ski them hard, they're stiff.
If you have a nice rhythm, they are great in the powder. 97mm underfoot is honestly enough.
Not sure I'd tour with them.
Bottom line: When the handler is on his game, there is no ski more stable and fun.
