ISPO NEWS 2019 | Ski touring boots & bindings

When it comes to bindings, some manufacturers are broadening their range and offering an increasing selection of pin bindings for different market segments. When it comes to boots, there is a noticeable trend towards "classic" ski touring boots. This means that many manufacturers are once again focusing on 4 buckles, often in the classic overlap style.

Another trend is that more and more manufacturers (including big names such as Salomon and Atomic) are staying away from ISPO altogether and prefer to present their new products elsewhere. A truly complete overview is therefore no longer possible with just one visit to the trade fair.

We were particularly impressed by new bindings from Fritschi, B.A.M and ATK, as well as new boots from Scarpa and Dalbello.

Bindings

ATK
There are some new products from ATK. In general, the stoppers have been completely redesigned and are now located where they belong, namely on the rear jaw. A small lever must be pressed in to lock them. How well this works in practice remains to be seen.

The two new bindings, the R12 and the FR14, also feature new, more solid-looking toe pieces. These are still made of milled aluminum, but the entry is said to have been significantly improved. In addition, the hardness can now be adjusted in three stages with a small adjusting screw when locked, i.e. for the ascent.

The FR14, which with a Z-value of 8-14 is probably currently the "strongest" pin binding, also has a new type of freeride spacer, which is intended to further improve power transmission. Thanks to laterally mounted, gliding elements, the release remains unaffected.

B.A.M.
After some time of waiting, Bavarian Alpine Manifest has now brought the Pindung to series production with a new investor. The Pindung is now finally in the starting blocks and makes a solid impression. The solid rear jaw, the convincing system, Z-value 14 and Made in Bavaria (some parts come from the Zillertal) make a good impression. A little fine-tuning is still needed in a few areas, but nothing should stand in the way of the sales launch for the coming season!

Fritschi
With the Xenic 10, Fritschi is launching a completely newly developed binding onto the market. At just 280g each (without stoppers), this is not only the lightest binding from Fritschi, but should also generally not give rise to any complaints about high weight. In addition to the low weight, the Xenic scores points with numerous innovations which, as usual from Fritschi, are aimed above all at high safety with high ease of use.

For example, the pins on the toe piece do not fold away from the boot at an angle, but move to the side. This not only makes it easier to get on, but also prevents false releases on the descent. Thanks to a length compensation of 10mm on the rear jaw, there is also enough elasticity to prevent false releases. The "Core Tower" in the rear jaw should also ensure optimum power transmission.

The Xenic 10 has a Z-value of 4-10, will be available with stoppers of 85mm, 95mm and 105mm width and will retail for just €330.

The toe piece of the Vipec Evo and Tecton has been slightly redesigned so that boots now have a little more space at the front, which allows the skis to be folded down further, especially on hairpin turns.

Marker
Marker is launching the new KingPin M-Werks, which is equipped with the toe piece of the Alpinist and a slightly modified Kingpin rear toe piece.The combination of the two bindings makes sense, thanks to the light weight, detail improvements to the now carbon-reinforced rear jaw, a Z-value of 12 and great power transmission, we see another exciting binding for the coming season.

Look
No, Look is not launching a new touring binding, but we would like to mention that practically all Look bindings, including the popular P18, will be Grip-Walk compatible from the coming season.

La Sportiva
There's no big news from La Sportiva, with the company continuing to rely on the top model Spectre 2.0

Nordica
Nordica isn't bringing any big innovations this year either and is continuing to rely on the "Strider" series for downhill-oriented ski boots. However, from the coming season, all models in the range will have inserts.

Rossignol
Rossignol has given the Alltrack touring boots an update, which has above all made them a little lighter. The top model, the Alltrack 130 Pro, comes with pin inserts, 4 buckles and a decent flex.

Scarpa
Scarpa is launching a new boot, the Maestrale XT, which joins the well-known Maestrale RS. In contrast to the latter, however, the XT does without the characteristic instep buckle and instead has two buckles and a little more material on the upper. The shoe is therefore a little stiffer than the Maestrale RS, which is also helped by the locking system from the Freedom series, and should ride more like an alpine shoe. The XT also has a kind of booster strap. It weighs around 1500 grams.

Scarpa will apparently be dispensing with the Dynafit-licensed Quick-Step inserts in future and, like most boot manufacturers, will be using cheaper inserts without a guide rail.

Scott
The Superguide Carbon also remains the top model at Scott. No more traces of the S1 have been spotted, it seems as if the project has really been buried.

Tecnica
There is also little news to report from Tecnica. Everything remains the same for the Cochise and Zero G series.