Since its introduction in 2007, Rottefella’s New Telemark Norm (NTN) hasn’t exactly taken the freeheeled market by storm. The step-in boot/binding interface faced challenges ranging from limited boot compatibility to breakage of those boots that do fit into the new releasable bindings designed to replace traditional “duckbill” tele-boot attachments.
Over time, however, the industry has evolved to catch up to the NTN, with boots such as the Scarpa TX Pro (MSRP: $685) entering the game and offering un- paralleled versatility in a boot/binding system.
The sturdy TX Pros manage to match the performance power of the NTN (MSRP: $400) as it transfers energy to ski edges. A reliable walk mode increases uphill touring comfort, and the soles can be fitted for tech-style alpine touring bindings such as Dynafit and G3 Onyx in addition to the NTN.
Those intimidated by the cost of replacing boots and bindings on all their old tele- skis can take some comfort in the $100 mounting plate option that allows you to swap the bindings between skis with the turn of two screws.
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