How to Choose Between Switchback and Switchback X2

The Scarpa T2 occupies a different lane than lighter crossover plastics. It is a true four-buckle 75mm telemark boot with real lateral support and a defined bellows flex, built to drive skis with authority while offering a functional walk mode for backcountry travel. In the XCD Crossover category, that matters.

When you pair the T2 with the right ski and binding, you get a system that tours efficiently but does not flinch when the terrain gets steeper or the snow gets variable. Below, we break down the two 75mm binding options that make the most sense in this category:

• Switchback
• Switchback X2

Each section includes guidance for both the Endeavor BC (narrower, lighter) and the UltraVector BC (wider, more stable).

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The Decision Framework

The Scarpa T2 is a more supportive boot than lighter crossover plastics. It has the stiffness and lateral support to drive most skis with confidence.

That means the boot is not the limiting factor in this system, and we can approach ski and binding selection from a very practical angle:

Ski Choice

Your ski choice should reflect where you ski. Narrower and lighter for covering distance and lower-angle terrain. Wider for more stability and float when conditions soften or terrain steepens.

Binding Choice

Your binding choice should reflect how you ski. How active you want the binding to feel, how hard you drive the ski, and how direct or forgiving you want power transfer to be.

Once you separate those roles, the rest of the decisions become much more straightforward.

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Know Your Ski Platform

Before we talk about bindings, understand the difference between these two skis.

Endeavor BC

• Narrower (78–86mm waist depending on length)
• Lighter overall
• Faster edge-to-edge
• More travel-oriented
• see more

UltraVector BC

• Wider platform (90–98mm waist depending on length)
• Slightly heavier
• More stability in soft snow
• Requires more leverage from boot + binding
• see more

Construction philosophy is consistent between the two. Both use Voile’s lightweight cap construction and a traction-pattern BC base designed to cover ground efficiently without constant skin transitions.

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The Switchback is built around one key advantage: a true free-pivot tour mode. When unlocked, the binding removes resistance at the toe, which noticeably reduces fatigue over distance.

With the Scarpa T2, this pairing becomes a very efficient, powerful touring system. The T2 supplies strong cuff support and lateral stiffness. The Switchback keeps the stride natural.

On the Endeavor BC

This is a balanced, distance-friendly setup.

The Endeavor BC does not require massive leverage to come alive. It responds well to a supportive boot like the T2, and it does not need the most aggressive binding option to feel controlled. With the Switchback, you get strong downhill control from the boot and ski combination, while the binding prioritizes touring efficiency.

For skiers covering rolling terrain, linking low-angle glades, or stacking vertical without chasing resort-style aggression, this pairing makes sense. The system stays light on its feet and efficient over long days.

On the UltraVector BC

This pairing works well for soft snow touring and mixed terrain, but the ski’s width becomes more noticeable.

The UltraVector BC has more surface area and more torsional demand. The T2 is capable of driving it, especially in soft conditions, and the Switchback tours extremely well on longer approaches. In powder, this combo feels composed and confidence-inspiring.

On firmer snow or steeper lines, however, many skiers will probably find themselves wanting more binding activity to match the ski’s platform. The T2 can supply the boot power. The question becomes how much binding support you want behind it.

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2. Switchback X2 + Scarpa T2

The Switchback X2 builds on the same free-pivot touring design but adds more binding activity and power transfer. Stiffer cartridges and a longer toe plate increase leverage, and the pivot point position enhances control through the turn.

You still get the same efficient uphill experience. The difference shows up when the ski is tipped on edge.

With the Scarpa T2, the Switchback X2 creates a noticeably more powerful system. The boot and binding work together to transmit energy more directly to the ski.

On the Endeavor BC

The Endeavor BC is lighter, narrower, and inherently quicker edge-to-edge. It doesn’t require a highly active binding to feel controlled. In fact, part of the appeal of the Endeavor platform is how well it responds to moderate input while remaining efficient over distance.

Pairing the T2 with the Switchback X2 on this ski can start to feel like overbuilding the system for most XCD Crossover skiers.

That does not mean the pairing is wrong! It simply shifts the personality of the setup. Instead of a fluid, distance-first crossover tool, you get a far more turn-driven interpretation of the ski. For skiers who prioritize edge hold on firmer snow, ski with more speed, or simply prefer a stronger tele engagement, the X2 can make sense.

On the UltraVector BC

The X2 & T2 pairing feels PERFECTLY at home here.

The UltraVector BC’s wider waist responds well to added leverage. The T2 has the structure to push it, and the X2 ensures that effort translates directly into edge control. In variable snow, wind-affected surfaces, or steeper terrain, this setup feels planted and supportive. We can’t think of conditions that this pairing couldn’t handle, (except maybe waist-deep Hokkaido powder).

For skiers who view the UltraVector BC as a true backcountry daily driver rather than just a soft-snow quiver tool, the Switchback X2 and T2 pairing helps the system stay composed across a very broad range of conditions.

So What Should You Choose?

• Switchback – Smooth, neutral, and fluid. A binding that stays out of the way and lets the ski flex naturally.
  
• Switchback X2 – More active and authoritative. Stronger leverage, quicker engagement, and a more driven tele feel.
  
• Endeavor BC – Light, quick, and travel-focused. Built for covering ground and making clean turns in rolling terrain.
  
• UltraVector BC – Wider, steadier, and more planted. Designed for stability and confidence when snow gets deeper, steeper, or more variable.