As a beta binding you expect some failures. Even when manufacturers don’t acknowledge it, like with first year bindings, it isn’t realistic to expect no problems. It’s worth repeating, 22 Design’s transparency with beta status deserves a medal. With any luck, that medal will be evident with a trouble-free launch and healthy sales of what Backcountry Magazine named Editor’s Choice for 2016.

Outlaw’s beta season saw it’s share of flaws, but none appeared insurmountable even when the flaw revealed was catastrophic like when the butt hook broke, which, depending on when it broke, might cause a little butthurt. The boys from 22D went back to the drawing board, changed a few parameters to beef up the hook, and promptly replaced the entire rear plastic assembly, the cam and hook, with new parts mid-season.

Those changes plus a few others will be incorporated into their inaugural production season for Winter 2016. Besides beefing up the plastic with improved ribbing for strength, they also added ribs and some extra width on the step-in cam switch to make it easier to get your pole on the cam to release it from your boot. It might still fluster you occasionally, but less often than before.

As a binding with a lot of tele-resistance built in to it, the tendency to pitch forward was rare, but the desire to drive low for some remained leading to a fully compressed spring. In the tele world, that’s a “no-no.” Spring travel on this year’s Outlaw will increase by 6mm to allow deeper teles. For large sized bindings two springs will be supplied, with one inside the other to increase travel distance and durability. Stiffy springs will be an available option.

About the only thing not fully tested has been a ski brake. Theoretically this is such a common part the need for testing should be non-existent. Brakes will be available, as an option, for $35. Sadly, there are no brakes for prudes with skis narrower than 100mm.

With a solid steel chassis and a proven mounting pattern, the Outlaw should prove to be the toughest NTN binding out there. With a weight around four pounds it won’t be the lightest, the cost of steel durability, but you’ll hardly notice on the uphill thanks to a 45°+ free-pivot in tour mode.

Availability is scheduled to be just in the nick of time for a gift from St. Nick with bindings shipping by December 10th (cross your fingers).

22 Designs
Outlaw
MSRP: $400
Weight: TBD ~ 4+ lbs. (~ 1.9 kg)
Ski Brakes: $35 110mm, 115mm
Sizes: Small, Large

© 2015