Fritschi Vipec review thread

[LeeLau]

So I went through the same interaction with BD back in March; heard nothing and assumed nothing would happen; then, in october - hey presto - a package with a high heel riser arrived Thank you, BD.

But now I have no idea how to fit them. I'm scared to try and force them open enough to insert the pins in case it snaps. Maybe I have to press the pin out and then in again (but worried I might break them this way too) - Anyone know the secret to attaching the new riser?

You have to press the pin out. It won't break them

[SchralphMacchio]

Anyone lubricating the lateral release track on the toe?

Mine is sticky … as in I can slide it left and right and get it to not return to center. And it’s not a toe pin adjustment problem. Wondering what I should try first - I’m thinking silicone based due to how tight everything is in there but not totally sure. This is a new to me binding that otherwise visually looks in good shape.

[caulfield]

hesitant to quote either of us, but yes I've lubed mine with white lithium spray. I posted in this thread in 2018 that BD told me to pressure wash it and then lube with the spray. I dunno if the high pressure is really a good idea, but mine were pretty dirty from what I recall. The spray-on grease didn't last long but it's easy to reapply at least

[Muggydude]

If anyone is looking for some cheap Vipec Blacks or some Vipec Evos I’m going to be listing some pairs shortly

[SchralphMacchio]

hesitant to quote either of us, but yes I've lubed mine with white lithium spray. I posted in this thread in 2018 that BD told me to pressure wash it and then lube with the spray. I dunno if the high pressure is really a good idea, but mine were pretty dirty from what I recall. The spray-on grease didn't last long but it's easy to reapply at least

Thanks for this note!
I got to play with a brand new Tecton in the shop yesterday, and despite it being ultra smooth and easier to manipulate the lateral slider by hand than mine (at same release setting) - it had a notch point exactly where mine is getting stuck, though the new one would only stick for about 1/2 second before returning to center on its own.
So clearly I just need to clean and lubricate, I’m glad BD said to use white lithium based grease.

Just to add to this -
I do not think that I will buy a BD item that isn’t a soft good or skin anymore, given how terrible their support is. I tried calling them, and was routed to a phonebank call center that sounded like it was based in the Philippines- when I asked specifically for technical support on the binding, the agent had me ask them the exact question, and then they started reading generic marketing copy about the lateral release function to try to answer me. I finally had to stop the agent and ask, “have you ever actually physically held this binding?” “I’m sorry sir I have not.”
So the agent directed me to email BD as they don’t provide actual service support on the phone. I emailed BD this exact question with pictures, and it took over a week for them to respond …
“I recommend you open a warranty claim on our website so that you can get in touch with the Warranty/Service Department.”
I opened a Warranty claim and have yet to hear back from them, though it’s “only been a couple of days.”

Pretty sad private equity downfall for a once great brand.

[Muggydude]

Interesting, I had to warranty some poles a year ago and it sounded like a us based person who knew what they were talking about was helping me. Did take a bit of time in the end to get a store credit since the replacements were out of stock


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