From New Telemark Guide

Here is a simple table of generalized attributes between the two boot systems. Readers should be aware that as a group, 75mm bindings can have many different features, but none of them provide all creature comforts in one package. As the saying goes: Between strength, weight, and cheap (inexpense), pick two.

Contents 1 Rottefella NTN vs. 75mm Bindings 1.1 Selection 1.2 Weight 1.3 Tuning 1.4 Downhill Ski Performance 1.5 Ease of Entry 1.6 Releaseability 1.7 Free-Pivot Range for Touring 1.8 Ski Crampons 1.9 Mounting and Binding Placement 1.10 Binding Maintenance 1.11 Boot Selection 1.12 Summary

Rottefella NTN vs. 75mm Bindings

Selection

NTN	Currently, there is only one true NTN binding available for NTN boots from Rottefella. The only other alternative is Burnt Mtn's NTDog but is not truly NTN as it doesn't utilize the duckbutt on NTN boots.
75mm	There is an assortment of 75mm bindings available from multiple manufacturers. Most bindings feature different types of design from 3-pin systems to older heel-cable designs. Currently 22Designs AXL and Hammerhead and Black Diamond's 01 are the most popular.

Weight

NTN	NTN bindings are typically heavier than most modern 75mm bindings. However, many NTN Boots are lighter than 75mm boots so as a system, the package weight is competitive if not lighter in certain cases.
75mm	75mm bindings can vary. 75mm bindings by themselves generally are lighter than NTN.

Tuning

NTN	Skiers can select one of four spring tubes for NTN. Once the tube is installed, the user can adjust the spring preload by turning the tubes to the desired preload number. Also, Rottefella designers believed that binding performance should be built into the boot and not in the binding. This allows the boot manufacturers to dictate more of how the boots determine skiing characteristics.
75mm	Most 75mm binding systems offer a similar number of spring tensions for cable/wire bindings and adjust preload in the same manner. Some bindings, esp the 22Designs Hammerhead & Axl offer a means of changing the pivot point. In general, 75mm bindings dictate most of how a ski feels on the snow.

Downhill Ski Performance

NTN

NTN generally performs exceptionally well and can be compared to the 22 Designs Hammerhead, Axl, and Bomber Bishop. NTN is quickly becoming a new trend among World Telemark Racers.

75mm

Ski performance among 75mm bindings can be mixed, some much better than others (possibly better than NTN for some users). For superior ski performance on 75mm bindings, generally the binding will compromise on some other factor (lack of release, excess weight, etc.). Being that there are a plethora of 75mm bindings, it is easier to find more specialized bindings that perform better than NTN. An example is by comparing the Voile Switchback vs. NTN, where the the Switchback is minimal in weight and offers superior Free Range pivot.

Ease of Entry

NTN	NTN is a psuedo-step-in system. It requires the user to simply close a lever (using their hands, a boot, or the end of ski pole) to being skiing. Release eliminates the need for a ski leash.
75mm	Most 75mm bindings do not offer any sort of step-in. The exceptions are the 7tm bindings and Burnt Mtn's RT and NTDog, with the 7tms offering true step-in.

Releaseability

NTN

NTN offers a non-DIN release system that does not rely on a plate system. Once the boot has been ejected, the user simply opens the release lever, steps into the boot, and closes the lever. This also means that the bindings will likely release in an avalanche situation.

75mm

Release is generally not offered on 75mm bindings with exceptions to 7tm and Voile CRB bindings. These are plate systems and requires the user to reinstall the plate once the boot has released - a process which may have it's own difficulties. Only 7tm offers a DIN rated release system. Regardless, it's generally recommended that all 75mm bindings use a leash when skiing at resorts. With skis that are leashed, there may be complications with the ski still attached to the ski in an avalanche.

Free-Pivot Range for Touring

NTN	For touring, NTN offers a mild free-pivot touring system. For some skiers, the range of movement (ROM) is not enough and can be troublesome in steep climbs. In general the performance is adequate.
75mm	For those 75mm bindings that offer a free-pivot tour, the range is superior than NTN.

Ski Crampons

NTN	NTN is problematic when it comes to ski crampons. The binding frame gets in the way and makes it very difficult to design a efficient ski crampon to use. Currently, it seems that only Voile's fixed ski crampon is suitable with NTN.
75mm	75mm wins when it comes to ski crampons. There are several to choose from and they should all work efficient with all touring bindings.

Mounting and Binding Placement

NTN	NTN features a subplate system that allows bindings to be removed from the ski easily. This allows skiers to have a small quiver of skis while using one set of bindings. Users simply need to purchase a second ski kit for more skis. The sub-plate also has 3 detent positions (spaced 1cm apart) allowing for binding position adjustment by simply working with two screws.
75mm	Most 75mm bindings do not use a subplate system with exception to Bomber Bishop (no longer in production) and the Voile CRB series bindings. There are currently no 75mm binding that allows for fore/aft position adjustment once the binding has been mounted.

Binding Maintenance

NTN

NTN is offered as a single unit package. There is very little maintenance involved and the springs are housed in an aluminum tube that likely keeps them from getting wet and rusting. However, breakages in the backcountry can be problematic since there is no currently adopted means for performing field service for broken parts. Users can only hope to find a means of jerry rigging the binding and some have resorted to carrying an extra binding with them on long tours.

75mm

Many 75mm bindings offer a field kit for servicing bindings the backcountry.

Boot Selection

NTN	Currently, the number of NTN compatible boots are limited but is increasing growing every year. NTN does have a problem with boot sizes as the binding is not compatible with boots below Mondo 23.5.
75mm	There are a multitude of boots in any size with 75mm bindings.

Summary

NTN	NTN is a high performance binding that offers many desireable features. The strength of NTN is in it's skiing performance and releasability. The tourability of NTN is adequate but the release feature can be considered extremely important for release during an avalanche.
75mm	75mm bindings are still important to the Telemark field of bindings. Most notable bindings are the Voile Switchback for it's lightness and free-pivot and the Hammerhead Axl for it's free-pivot and downhill ski performance. 75mm touring bindings are generally more suited for alpine mountaineering than NTN.