Telemark binding safety?

How come most Telemark bindings don't release? Are telemark bindings safer then alpine? I was thinking about get some  G3 Targa bindings or  BD O1 O2 O3 or even hammerheads but I'm starting worry about injury a little bit.

I'm aware that there are bindings that release NTN (expensive) 7TM & Voile Hardwire CRB.

What peoples option on the hardwire CRB? I know mostly people like hammerheads but I'm form Iowa and going to be a first timer and will hardly if at all see any powder, Just groomers. The CBRs seem really safe but how unsafe are normal tele bindings if at all?  

Also how would they compair to the G3 Targa or black diamond's cable spring bindings? I've been told that there is only one spring tenson. Would be like more like Freeflex, Midstiff, or Ridiculously Stiff .

Thanks Dan

In regards to the voile CRB.....

I bought my first tele set up with these bindings. Great for learning, Will save your knees, and can tour OK if you have the 3pin version. The activity is less than my BD O1s with mid stiff springs. I haven't tried free flex so I cant speak to that comparison.

For years I had them mounted on a K2 world piste (80mm waist) and had no problems. Great set up for beginners.

I recently made the mistake of mounting them on a 125mm pow ski. The binding broke 3 times in 5 days of riding, however I'm 6ft, 190 lbs with a mondo 30.5 boot skiing somewhat aggressively in bounds. Voile has been super awesome sending me spare parts (for free) and recently offered me a free X2 to replace the busted 3pin CRB. Voile is an awesome company as far as customer service and made in USA.

I would recommend that binding based on your info

I skied on HammerHeads for several years and per the instructions in the original Russel Rainey VHS installation video I also trimmed down the duckbills of my boots to be more AT boot shaped.   With that configuration I experienced a welcome "disaster release" from the HammerHead during a number of falls.  The mechanism doesn't work for such things a "hooking a tip on a tree".   But for big tumbles and slow twisting falls, the boot will pull out of the toe piece.   

If you want a true DIN rated release -- the 7TM is the only telemark binding that offers that.   The Voile CRB release system works well -- but doesn't quite have the consistency required to meet DIN standards and/or Voile has choosen not to apply to meet the standards.

I used the 3pin CRBs for several years on Work Stinx (88mm waist), and it worked fine. They're not free pivot, and they're not hammerheads, but they do release and ski well. Most of the skiing was in powder, but some harder stuff. No problems. Telemark Tips has a good thread on the CRBs (you'll have to search).

Because the heel is not fixed, and the system (binding + boots) flexes, release mechanisms do not work that well. That said, because the system has so much flex in it you are less likely to wreck in a position that will hurt you (not that it can't happen). I've skied on O2's and 7tm's (I like underfoot routing of the 'cable'). The 7tm's have only released when the ski tip hits something, not from twisting. I weigh 180 and have the din at 8, I am a fairly aggressive skier for what its worth.

Grab whatever's in your price range and have fun.

The only other thing I'll add is that if you are a beginning/intermediate skiier -- why telemark?

Back in the '70s and '80s in North America telemark was much lighter and cheaper than the Alpine Touring gear availble at that time.

Current Alpine Touring gear allows you to travel in the backcounty just as well or better, is often lighter than telemark gear these days and offer's DIN rated release.

So skiing telemark is really a "style/enjoyment/challenging yourself" question at this point and from a teaching perspective it is actually beneficial to become a decent alpine skier first before freeing the heel.

FWIW: A very cost effective way to have ski gear while learning to ski riding the lifts is renting -- the Summit even offers a "rental seasons pass" for $100 when purchased with any season's pass.