Telemark binding safety?

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.

I've released from my CRBs during crashes, and I've broken ankles with leather boots.  But I went to CRBs for avalanche safety.  But then I now ski Dynafit, and feel better all around.

How come most Telemark bindings don't release? Are telemark bindings safer then alpine?

OP's question was why most tele gear doesn't release. I was just trying to give my perspective on why (flexibility in the system makes it hard to release consistently).

I've released from my CRBs during crashes, and I've broken ankles with leather boots.

A good friend of mine was skiing on 7tm's and hooked a submerged tree and did not release, could have broke his ankle, but only sprained it most likely due to the support of brand new properly fitting 4-buckle plastic boots. Leather boots provide relatively little support. Everythings relative.

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

Because it feels phenomenal!

Knee reconstruction runs at least 20,000 dollars. The most expensive DIN binding is a bargin. Orthopedic surgeons have been frustrated since the reemergence of the bear trap binding . There efforts to create safer bindings were undermined by a new religion. These bindings were less expensive and did not require a shop to have a certified tech. to mount them. They also limited the shops liability by a disclaimer on the packageing stateing that they were not a release binding. Research for studies, and accounts from skiers who have had injuries resulting from non release systems would be worth a lifetime of injury free turns. That feels good too. Good luck . X

I'm not relying on data or scientific testing here, but I'd venture to guess your likelihood of injury during any activity has more to do with athletic ability, genetics, previous injury, circumstance, and risk acceptance than binding choice.

I've been lucky enough to ski many days, and have seen both tele and alpine buddies bust up a knee or ankle. It's a bummer, and it could happen to me, or any of us, the next time out. I just count my lucky stars.

Some may disagree, but I'm convinced the tele binding is more safe due to the forgiveness of the setup. Meaning flexibility of the duckbill, bellows, and binding springs.

Telemark skiing is a totally safe way to participate in the inherently risky sport of skiing. If you want to learn to tele, go for it. It's a blast.

FWIW, I've never used releasable bindings, but nonetheless, have had releases during twisting ugly falls.

For me, snowboarding wreaked havock on my body, but I have since been saved.