Is the Outlaw X an alpine binding?

This is the World Famous TelemarkTalk / TelemarkTips Forum, by far the most dynamic telemark and backcountry skiing discussion board on the world wide web. We have fun here, come on in and be a part of it.
Post Reply
User avatar
jo.hutch.is.on.teles
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Dec 14, 2024 8:44 pm

Is the Outlaw X an alpine binding?

Post by jo.hutch.is.on.teles » Sat Dec 14, 2024 8:56 pm

I feel like I'm going crazy. Everyone everywhere talks about the Outlaw X and it's "Smooth and Copious Flex," and how it's the best tele binding of all time.

I can barely drop a knee in the pair I'm trying, it feels endlessly stiff. I have already removed the small spring and set it to the least stiff setting, and it feels like my heel is barely lifting off of the ski. Am I doing something wrong or could there be something wrong with my bindings? Or does my style of turn just have to change for this binding?

I switched to ntn this year and was expecting it to be stiffer, but my meidjos ski amazingly and I have no problems forming my turns on them. Am I just not built for the outlaws? Appreciate any feedback/ideas.

User avatar
Stephen
Posts: 1507
Joined: Thu Aug 06, 2020 12:49 am
Location: PNW USA
Ski style: Aspirational
Favorite Skis: Armada Tracer 118 (195), Gamme (210), Ingstad (205), Objective BC (178)
Favorite boots: Alfa Guard Advance, Scarpa TX Pro
Occupation: Beyond
6’3” / 191cm — 172# / 78kg, size 47 / 30 mondo

Re: Is the Outlaw X an alpine binding?

Post by Stephen » Sun Dec 15, 2024 9:46 am

More details, like boots, skis, skiing experience and style, weight, height, would help get a better answer.

I ski Meidjo and will be trying the Outlaw X this winter.



User avatar
Montana St Alum
Posts: 1256
Joined: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:42 pm
Location: Wasatch, Utah
Ski style: Old dog, new school
Favorite Skis: Blizzard Rustler 9/10
Favorite boots: Tx Pro
Occupation: Retired, unemployable

Re: Is the Outlaw X an alpine binding?

Post by Montana St Alum » Sun Dec 15, 2024 10:29 am

Yes, additional info can help to understand your perspective.
With older Tx Pros, I could tell a significant difference between the Meidjo and the Ox. On new Tx Pros that difference is harder to feel. If you are also on the new Tx Pro, it takes a few days for the bellows to soften, but even then, the two bindings seem to feel more similar (Ox single spring on 2 and Meidjo with stiffer springs).
Years ago, I had gotten a pair of Rottefella Freerides and I had a similar experience to yours. The first few days I thought I'd had a stroke or something. I just couldn't make them work. For me, the key technique was to ensure that I had significant pressure on the cuff of the trailing ski. Once I got used to that, everything clicked. Also, with the new Tx Pro, both my son and I had that same feeling for the first two days or so because of the greater flex stiffness. I am on the Ox now, with the center spring removed, so only one spring and I have it at about 2 on the adjustment screw.

So, I'd concentrate on the idea of driving the cuff with significant pressure on the trailing ski to start out. I think after a few days of that, you'll begin to have more success.



Post Reply