22 Designs Bandit – A Beast In Bounds

All-New for the 2024-2025 Season: The 22 Designs Bandit

Introducing the 22 Designs Bandit, an NTN telemark binding developed with a singular purpose: ripping turns in-bounds. Sharing much of its design with the popular Outlaw X, the Bandit completes the NTN binding lineup from 22 Designs, based in Driggs, Idaho.

The 22 Designs NTN lineup now features three bindings: the all-new Bandit, the tried-and-true Outlaw X, and the lightweight Lynx.

The NTN Lineup Overview

Lynx: A backcountry/uphill-focused NTN telemark binding, the Lynx is lightweight and features a tech toe interface for fully free-pivot touring.

Outlaw X: Known for its classic toe cage style, the Outlaw X combines a powerful, resort-ready design with the free-pivot touring mechanism from the iconic 75mm AXL. It’s versatile enough for both resort laps and skin track adventures, making it a favorite among telemark skiers.

Bandit: Purpose-built for lift-served skiing, the Bandit lacks a touring mechanism, offering the most direct connection to your telemark skis. It also introduces a never before seen on telemark bindings feature: retractable brakes that move up and inside your ski edges, similar to alpine bindings.

The Bandit in Detail

The Bandit is available with three spring sets—Softie, Standard, and Stiffy—allowing for incredible customization. Each spring set is adjustable from 1 to 5 in terms of preload, offering 15 unique tension settings to suit your preference. Brakes are available in four sizes (80mm, 95mm, 110mm, and 125mm).

This binding is designed specifically for riding chairlifts, gondolas, and rope tows. Its lack of a free-pivot touring mechanism enhances lateral control and creates a more precise connection with your ski edges. For downhill enthusiasts, this translates to a powerful and seamless telemark experience.

Another standout feature of the Bandit is its innovative brake design. Unlike other NTN bindings, which use a simpler brake mechanism that moves up when the boot clips in, the Bandit’s brakes retract into the ski edges, akin to alpine bindings.

Key Takeaways from Testing

Having spent time on the Bandit, here are my impressions:

1. Enhanced Lateral Control: The Bandit provides more precise edge connection than the Outlaw X, thanks to its simplified design. While the Outlaw X is excellent, its touring mechanism can develop side-to-side play over time as bushings wear. The Bandit eliminates this issue, delivering consistent power.
   
2. Refined Step-In Mechanism: The Bandit features a slightly different brake design compared to the Outlaw X. While 22 Designs markets the Bandit as a “step-in binding,” I’d describe it more as a “slide-in binding.” Aligning the boot with the toe cage and claw requires precision, but the molded plastic on the Bandit’s brakes makes this process easier than the wire bend design on the Outlaw X.
   
   However, the stiffer springs in the Bandit’s brake mechanism can make stepping in more difficult if the boot isn’t properly aligned. When lined up correctly, the binding is effortless to engage.
   

Mounting Considerations: The Bandit shares the classic 6-hole 22 Designs mounting pattern. However, if you’re using binding inserts (e.g., Quiver Killer or Binding Freedom) originally drilled for the Outlaw X or Lynx, note that the Bandit shifts your boot center forward by 1.3cm. For new ski mounts, this is a non-issue but requires slightly different positioning of the jig or paper template.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an NTN telemark binding with serious downhill power, the Bandit is the answer. It delivers the same smooth and powerful telemark sensation as the Outlaw X—but with improved precision and control. For those who value lift-served performance above all else, the Bandit is a game-changer.