This is a review of the Telemark binding Lynx from 22 Designs.
A Telemark tech binding made to go touring.
In this video, we are going to be evaluating how it skis, the step in step out, the durability, the tour efficiency and a little comparison with the Meidjo Binding.
The Lynx binding is the latest binding in the 22Designs line up.
22Desings is reputed to build durable bindings, from the HammerHead, Axl, Outlaw X and now the Lynx.
This Lynx binding is made for touring but its telemark descending abilities are quite good as well.
I have mounted my Lynx Telemark binding on the Helio 105 from Black Diamond. Note that Black Diamond does not recommend mounting telemark binding on this ski. If you do, you will void your warranty.
TTS the norm for touring on telemark
The Telemark Tech System family of binding includes the original TTS from OMG, the Meidjo from The M Equipment and now this binding, the Lynx from 22Designs.
The GOOD
Simply put, these bindings are the best at going uphill, touring, skinning. The low resistance of the low tech pin at the toes create this effortless range of movement that no other full frame telemark binding can beat.
So what makes the Lynx stand out?
First, the design of the binding is very innovative with the back link composite construction. This fibreglass link is strong, light and creates good power transfer when skiing. This is really what makes this binding incredible in my mind.
The Lynx binding skis really good. Laterrally, it transfers power edge to edge really good. As you can see in the video, I even tried the Outlaw X to compare bindings. Ofcourse, the Outlaw can be set stiffer, but the engagement and the latteral transfert are on par.
Tension adjustability is one of the most important factors in a modern NTN binding. The fact that you can adjust the Telemark Tele Vector is great, you can dial the amount of activeness you want from three positions, just like on the AXL. Also, you can’t adjust a screw to had or remove tension on the spring, but the addition of a spacer in the spring allows for some adjustability.
When you combine the tele vector and the spacer adjustment, this binding can be adjusted to almost any rider preference.
The BAD
There is not much to say about the bad of the Lynx.
In general it performed really well, was durable, and the design is very good.
I am having some problems stepping in, and I need to be in touring mode all the time, locking the front low tech for my pins to hold my boots.
22Designs is sending me a kit to solving this problem and the 2020 binding shipping now should not have this problem at all.
Also, the second heel anchor didn’t engage all the time and I had to force it in manually a few times.
If you are on the market for a low tech touring binding, I do recommend the Lynx from 22 design as a valid option.
It’s simple, efficient touring, skis really well and should up your game in the backcountry from any full-frame binding.
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Have used Outlaw and Meidjo 2.0 in maritime snowpack. Found the Meidjo to be less durable and constant issues with snow packing underneath the binding. Excited to try Lynx. Any other experience in the tele community?