OUR REVIEW OF THE FRITSCHI XENIC PLUS BINDING
The Fritschi Xenic Plus is now the sole representative of the Xenic range. Available in DIN 10 and DIN 12 versions, it retains everything that made the original Xenic successful while incorporating the features introduced with the Plus version as standard: a third climbing riser and, depending on the model, a release value of up to DIN 12. Despite these additions, the binding remains exceptionally lightweight.
Fritschi has earned a strong reputation in the lightweight ski touring segment by focusing on safety, ease of use and reliability. The Xenic Plus features 10 mm of ski flex compensation, full adjustment options including boot length adjustment and lateral and vertical release settings, as well as an intuitive design suitable for both experienced ski tourers and newcomers.
One of the binding’s biggest strengths is its easy step-in system. The distinctive red toe guide helps align the boot, while a simple downward pressure securely engages the pins. The toe piece also incorporates lateral elasticity, a technology unique to Fritschi that absorbs unwanted forces and helps reduce unwanted pre-releases, contributing to the Xenic’s excellent reputation for reliability.
The heel unit retains its robust design with improved sealing and a metal rotating plate for smooth transitions between walk and ski modes. Every Xenic Plus is equipped with fully automatic ski brakes, which can still be removed without uninstalling the binding by simply sliding the heel unit off the adjustment rail. The three climbing positions remain easy to operate with a ski pole.
With its third climbing riser, 10 mm ski flex compensation, lateral toe elasticity, automatic ski brakes, and DIN 10 or DIN 12 release options, the Fritschi Xenic Plus remains one of the most complete lightweight ski touring bindings on the market. It offers an outstanding balance of low weight, safety, reliability and ease of use for both everyday touring and more demanding backcountry adventures.
weight | price | elastic travel | horizontal pin movement | practical risers
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FRITSCHI XENIC MANUFACTURER’S OPINION
The new Xenic Plus from Fritschi redefines performance in the lightweight binding category. Designed to offer maximum comfort on the ascent while ensuring remarkable safety and precision on the descent, it is aimed at ski tourers who simply want it all: fluidity, reliability, and power. Thanks to careful construction and well-thought-out innovations, long ascents and technical terrains become more accessible, less tiring, and quicker to master.
Equipped with an innovative front toe piece with an extra-wide pedal and a metal insert on the lever, the Xenic Plus ensures quick and secure step-in, even in the most demanding conditions. On the ascent, two heel riser levels (7 mm and 11 mm) allow effective adaptation to all types of slopes, while on the descent, the binding offers precise ski control, impeccable hold, and reliable release, thanks to a 10 mm longitudinal compensation and a widened support at the heel.
Available in two versions, the Xenic Plus 10 (DIN 4–10) and the Xenic Plus 12 (DIN 6–12), it is suitable for both light and powerful skiers, depending on the desired level of support. Weighing only 580 g per pair without ski brakes and 690g with, the binding remains very light while integrating a complete safety package, including an included ski brake (available in 85, 95, or 105 mm depending on the ski width).
With an adjustment range of 25 mm, a height without riser of 3°, and compatibility with skis from 70 to 105 mm in width, the Xenic Plus combines agility on the ascent with true assurance on the descent. It stands out as one of the most high-performing and versatile bindings in its category, designed to tackle all terrains without compromise.
FRITSCHI XENIC FEATURES
- DIN: DIN 4-10 (XENIC PLUS 10) or 6-12 (XENIC PLUS 12)
- Play compensation: yes
- Weight: 690g per pair with ski brakes / 580g without ski brakes
- Length adjustment: 25mm
- Heel risers: 2
- Price: €390
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