Market overview | Freeride touring bindings

So it's only logical that the equipment has also evolved. Five years ago, most people were still using boots and bindings, which today could at best be described as an emergency solution, but the range of equipment is now so wide that everyone can find the right material for them.

Touring bindings were problematic for a long time, especially for freeriders who are fans of higher speeds and also take the occasional (higher) drop. However, there are now a number of alternatives, which we present here as an overview. This is not about classic touring bindings, but about downhill-ready models for freeriders.

These can still be divided into two categories: firstly, frame bindings and secondly, pin bindings 2.0, i.e. Bindings that are fixed to the boot via inserts, but also go more or less beyond the classic pin binding concept (which is often inadequate for freeride use).

The frame and pin concept

In general, frame bindings have the advantage that they can usually be used not only with most touring boots, but also with alpine boots. In addition, they all guarantee an adjustable safety release on the front and rear jaws and are priced well below the pin competition. However, the disadvantages of the frame concept weigh heavily in the literal sense. The weight is many times that of some pin models. This is particularly unfavorable as a lot of weight has to be lifted with every step, which has an even greater impact. Due to their design, frame bindings also have a weak point with their hinge, which cannot help but wear out with frequent use (especially on wide skis). Power transmission is limited to varying degrees both on the ascent and descent, and the standing height is naturally higher than with alpine or pin bindings.

Marker Duke EPF, Baron EPF and Tour 12 EPF

Of the major manufacturers of alpine bindings, Marker was the first to enter the market for freeride bindings with ascent function. The Marker Duke EPF is the current top model and is correspondingly widespread. On the descent, the power transmission is on a par with most alpine bindings and thanks to a maximum Z-value of 16, even high drops are no problem for heavy skiers. However, with the Duke EPF you stand higher above the ski. The weight (2790 grams/pair in size L) has to be moved and switching the climbing aids or from ascent to descent mode is not exactly comfortable. In addition, the binding is anything but torsionally stiff on the ascent.

The Baron EPF, the little brother of the Duke, is only imperceptibly lighter (2480 grams/pair in size L) and offers no serious advantages over either the Duke or the Marker Tour EPF. However, it is very affordable for a binding with ascent function. Compared to the Baron and Duke, the Marker Tour F12 EPF is almost a lightweight (2180 grams/pair in size L), with hardly any noticeable loss of power transmission on the descent. However, with a maximum Z-value of 12, the binding is designed for less demanding use.

Marker Duke/Baron EPF: Ascent * Descent **** Handling **

Marker Tour EPF: Ascent ** Descent **** Handling ***

Find out more about the Duke on the manufacturer's website...

Find out more about the Baron on the manufacturer's website...

Find out more about the Tour F12 on the manufacturer's website...

PG test report of the Marker Duke

PG test report of the Tour F 12

Salomon Guardian

Not so long ago, Salomon followed Marker's lead and launched the Guardian, a serious model for all freeriders. Both the design and the values are quite reminiscent of the Marker Duke, but the Guardian is the heaviest of the bindings presented here (2990 grams per pair), but has the lowest stand height of all frame bindings and, as expected, the power transmission during the descent is also impressive. Unfortunately, the Guardian is only recommended for alpine soles and Salomon's own WTR soles, not for touring soles, due to the lack of a glide plate on the toe piece and its small adjustment range. In addition, the Guardian is not designed with a flat climbing aid; the heel is always slightly higher, which can be quite uncomfortable when walking on flat terrain for long periods. Similar to the Marker Duke, switching the climbing aids and activating the walking mode is anything but comfortable.

Accent * Descent **** Handling **

The Salomon Guardian is also available from Atomic under the name "Tracker", and there is also a Guardian 13, which is identical except for a few grams and the lower release value.

Find out more on the manufacturer's website...

The Salomon Guardian in the PG long-term gear review

Dynafit Beast 14, Beast 16

On the market since the 2013/14 season, the Dynafit Beast 16 has already gained a fan base. The binding offers great downhill performance and the other advantages of a pin binding and is also suitable for aggressive skiing and higher drops. In addition, the rear jaw enables length compensation of the ski bend and thus enables a more reliable release. However, at 1880 grams (per pair), it is also the heaviest pin binding. Added to this is the high price, the somewhat awkward changeover from ascent to descent and the fact that you have to make do without a flat climbing aid.

The Beast 14 differs from the Beast 16 in that it has a slightly lower maximum release value and the front jaw. This allows you to save some weight (1590 grams/pair) without losing much downhill performance. To use both the Beast 14 and the Beast 16, a special "insert" must be fitted to the heel of the boot, which is included with the binding. This is done quickly and is not a problem in principle, unless you also want to use the same boot in the Marker Kingpin or frame and/or alpine bindings. There are also problems with some boot models with interchangeable soles...

Originally announced for this season (2014/15), the equally interesting Radical 2.0 will not make it onto the market until next season.

Beast 14 Ascent *** Descent **** Handling *

Beast 16 Ascent *** Descent ***** Handling *

Find out more about the Beast 16 on the manufacturer's website...

Find out more about the Beast 14 on the manufacturer's website...

The Dynafit Beast 14 in the PG short test

Gear of the Week - Dynafit Beast 16

Diamir Fritschi Vipec

The Fritschi Vipec differs from the competition above all in that it enables a defined release on the toe piece - a real safety plus. The binding is also very easy to use, allowing you to switch from downhill to uphill mode (and vice versa) without having to take off your skis or bend down (something only some frame bindings and the G3 Onyx can do). The whole thing weighs less than a kilo (940 grams without brakes) per pair. The Vipec is the only pin binding on the market that cannot be locked at the front when climbing, which can of course be an advantage in the event of an avalanche, but can also lead to the loss of a ski on hard traverses or similar.

Uphill ***** Downhill **** Handling ****

Find out more about the Diamir Vipe on the manufacturer's website...

G3 - Ion, Onyx

The Canadians from G3 also have two classic pin bindings in their range. Although the Onyx scores neither with its stylish appearance nor its very plastic construction, it has proven to be very reliable. The pre-tensioned pins on the toe piece take some getting used to, but prevent the pin 1.0-typical false releases. The binding is also quite comfortable to use, more durable than it looks and allows the mounting point to be moved. At 1280 grams (per pair, without stopper), it is in the mid-range in terms of weight.

The new Ion is slightly lighter (1170 grams incl. stopper) and has a classic-looking toe piece, which has only been slightly optimized compared to the traditional shape of the Dynafit TLTs. However, the adjustable contact pressure of the rear jaw allows for compensation of the ski bend, which is already a step ahead.

Why G3 did not combine the innovative rear jaw of the Ion with an Onyx-style front jaw will probably remain a mystery...

ION Ascent ***** Descent **** Handling ***

Onyx Ascent **** Descent **** Handling **

Find out more about the Onyx on the G3 website...

You can find a detailed PG test of the Onyx here...

Find out more about the Ion on the G3 website...

Marker Kingpin

One of the most interesting new products in the binding sector this season was definitely the Marker Kingpin, the first time one of the major binding manufacturers has launched a pin binding on the market. Unlike the competition, no inserts are required at the rear jaw, the mechanism is similar to that of an alpine binding and snaps into place at the edge of the boot, while a classic pin front jaw connects the boot to the ski at the front. The rear jaw ensures elasticity and high ease of use, while the front jaw is light and uncomplicated. At 730 grams (per piece including stoppers), the Kingpin is not the lightest, but also not the heaviest of the pin bindings presented here. It impresses with high comfort and good downhill performance, but long-term experience is still pending.

The Marker Kingpin is available in two versions, one with a release value of 5-10 and one with 6-13.

Uphill **** Downhill **** Handling ****

Find out more about the Kingpin on the manufacturer's website...

The KingPin in the PG short test...

Trab TR2

The TR2 from the small Italian ski and binding manufacturer Trab has made it onto the market this season after several years of development. Despite the limited selection of suitable boots (only 2 Scarpa models have the necessary special inserts ex works, other touring boots have to be modified by certified dealers), it quickly established itself on the market. It also has a defined, adjustable release on the toe piece, a contact pressure for length compensation on the rear toe piece and weighs just 1160 grams per pair (including stopper). The main problems with the binding lie in its availability and the limited range of matching boots.

The Trab TR2 is also available in two versions, one with release values between 7 and 13, the other with 5 to 11.

Ascent **** Descent **** Handling ****

Find out more about the TR on the website of the manufacturer Trab...

Conclusion

All bindings have advantages and disadvantages. Pin bindings are currently "in", but frame bindings still have a right to exist, especially due to the significantly better selection of shoes and the safety release. They are particularly recommended for heavy use in the ski area with only occasional ascents or for problematic feet.

For long tours where weight and ascent performance play a role (at least to a certain extent), there is hardly any way around the new pin bindings. They can all cope with faster skiing and, with a few restrictions, are also fully suitable for action!