Rottefella NNN BC Auto Bindings
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
This light, low-profile Rottefella NNN BC Auto binding system is great for skiers who like to mix up backcountry touring and a bit of track skiing.
Shop newer version- The heel area is flat, which adds to stability when used outside groomed trails, in deep snow and with a heavy pack
- Features a step-in design that closes with an audible click and releases with ski-pole pressure
- Integrated steering plates deliver maximum control
Imported.
View all Rottefella Cross-Country Ski Bindings| Best Use | Backcountry Skiing |
|---|---|
| Cross-country Style | Backcountry |
| Boot and Binding Compatibility | NNN BC |
| Weight (Pair) | Unavailable |
| Gender | Unisex |
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Well-Designed Light Touring Binding
I've owned and used these bindings for 3 years on two sets of cross country metal edge skis: Rossignol BC70s and Fischer E99 Crowns. For beginning and intermidiate cross country skiers, the bindings function very well on both flat and hilly groomed and ungroomed terrain. While advanced cross country skiers may successfully link turns while off-trail in deep powder, intermediate skiers will frustrate themselves trying to push these bindings' capabilities beyond hilly ungroomed logging roads. To be more specific, I use these bindings when I ski Amabilis Mountain in Western Washington state. Its route is a logging road 10 miles (round-trip) in length with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. The lower half is groomed (Nordic tracks) and the upper half is ungroomed. Its steepest section is angled 16 degrees. In all but the iciest conditions, as an advanced intermediate cross country skier, I am able to control my descent speed without difficulties. On (other) ungroomed logging road routes in icy or powder conditions with terrain exceeding 20+ degrees, it is quite difficult to control my descent speed on metal edge cross country skis equipped with NNN BC bindings and NNN BC boots. Reason why, for backcountry skiing not on logging roads, I use my Alpine Touring (Randonee) gear. Other reviewers have rated these bindings low per their tendency to "ice up." During the past three years, I've never experienced this problem despite using the bindings in a variety of conditions and terrain.
Good Bindings-Ice up is user error
I've used NNN-BC bindings for almost 20 years. I've never had them ice up. If you clean the snow out of the grooves on your boot behind the toe bar before you step into the bindings you won't have a problem. The key is to keep snow out of the binding (note: this applies to any binding).
Weird, horrible experience w/ Manual BC
Weird, I have had way more trouble with manuals icing up, but that was with older models. I have been skiing NNN/BC Autos since they came out; 10-12 years ago? Skiing in western Montana with its wide variety of conditions, I have never been frozen in or out with these. With the older NNN/BC Manuals I have been forced to remove my boot with the ski still attached, due to being iced/locked into the binding just to drive home! Stamping my ski repeatedly, flicking the lever over and over, and cursing did not get it open. I have five pairs of Rotte BC Auto's on various skis and I have never iced up. If your getting iced in or having hints of it with any NNN binding; one trick is to warm and dry out the binding indoors. Use a Que Tip or whatever and work water resistant silicone grease (any auto parts store) into the sliding portion of the binding as best you can. I agree, these bindings are not for cranking out turns or for advanced terrain or nasty snow conditions. I use 75 mm three pins and/or cables for difficult conditions.
Ices up in the bc
I lead backcountry nordic skiing trips, so I see a lot of different types of gear. I've noticed people with Auto step-in bindings often have trouble with their bindings getting clogged with ice buildup. This means you may have trouble getting back into these bindings after taking off the skis for climbing, getting across open streams, etc. I recommend *manual* bindings for trips deep into the backcountry. Much more reliable. The Auto version is only good for the nordic center, where you can take your skis into a warming hut to melt the ice out of them.
Too wide, Too plastic
The NNN Auto Backcountry measures about 55mm wide. Though far less wide than other backcountry bindings on the market this width limits what skis or roller skis can be mounted to this binding. In no way did I find that the width added to stability. The plastic is thin and having the heel pad slide out of the binding base only adds to the flimsiness. Many argue that “auto” bindings have less play than manual bindings. Owning some of both I agree. I chose these bindings because even though I find them overly bulky and plastic they were less bulky and plastic than most manual NNN BC bindings. The NNN backcountries of yesteryears were simpler, slimmer, stronger and were compatible with most any ski.
Ices up easily
On really cold days these bindings ice up as soon as you get out of the car. On other days, these will ice up after some use and taking them on and off. Be careful going out into the backcountry with these on long day or multi-day tours. They will ice up on you and you will have a really hard time getting into the binding if at all. The ice is very frustrating.
Auto bindings ice up
As a longtime Nordic instructor, I do not recommend auto step-in bindings to students. These bindings have a significant problem with icing up and can be extremely difficult to deal with. Manual bindings are far superior.