I got word this week that Naxo has gone out of business. A simple email from the Brand Manager for Rottefella broke the news.
Honestly, it’s not much of a surprise given the troubles that Naxo has seen over the years. Their introduction to the marketplace was problematic at best (broken toe pieces and heel pieces galore) with some improvements in subsequent years (read our NX01 Review), but they never fully recovered from the problems out the gate. When Rottefella purchased Naxo in 2006, I thought maybe they would have a chance at resurrecting them, but alas that wasn’t to be.
I dug up the following quote from Torbjorn Ragg of Rottefella.
“Despite strong sales and marketing support for Naxo since Rottefella purchased it in 2006, the bottom line is that Naxo hasn’t achieved the critical mass worldwide that we needed in a very crowded market,” said Torbjorn Ragg, Marketing and Sales Manager for Rottefella.
The market isn’t nearly as crowded as the alpine ski binding market, but there are two dominant players: Fritschi and Dynafit. However, Marker’s Duke and Baron bindings have also put the hurt on Naxo’s business as the burly touring binding of choice. Those interested in bombproof downhill performance are opting for the Dukes.
Last season, I got the chance to tour on the Naxos for a few months. Their “ergonomic” design, though clunky, really did make for a smoother stride–until things got steep. On steep skintracks and especially switchbacks, the forward pivot point made for serious challenges when needing to step on the edge for traction because the leverage point was so far in front of the toe.
I’m sure someone will pick up the pieces and potentially re-introduce the Naxo platform under a different design at some point in the future, but for now, it’s Fritschi or Duke for those seeking alpine/backcountry crossover ski bindings.
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A Seattle native, Jason developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded
You know, I’ve had mixed feelings about the Naxos I’ve owned over the years. But you are exactly right —- the pivot point way out in front of the toe makes for difficult climbing on steep terrain. Frustratingly difficult climbing, at times. I guess we’ll have to live with the door-hinge swing of fritschis on the uphill now, which isn’t so awful and actually helps a fair bit when climbing steeps.
Do you know anywhere I can purchase extra parts? I have a pair of Naxo 21′s and I need some wide brakes for them. I can’t find them anywhere. Any ideas?
I’d try the last known distributor, Rottefella:
http://www.rottefella.no
Prior to Rottefella, Backcountry Access handled all US distribution, so they may have the inside scoop as well. Good luck!
These bindings are garbage. After 10 uses my heel piece snapped leaving me stranded in deep snow and a long way from the car. Absolute crap. Get them off your skis.
Couple of things. Alpina bought them and have spare parts. The weird bolt on the front can be removed using the “butt” end of a 1/4″ drive socket. Make sure you don’t have snow on your boot sole when stepping in since this increased pressure is likely part of the failures.
I need 110 brakes for my Naxo early tram legend. Any one know where I can find some?
Just found a rather lengthy discussion about Naxo parts here:
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157488
It goes without saying that the peeps at TGR are a little, well, rough around the edges, but some of the good folks over there may be able to help you source some misc parts.