Pinbindung

Many ski tourers still leave the fitting and adjustment of bindings to the specialists, although at least the adjustment of bindings is not particularly complicated. But are you actually allowed to adjust bindings yourself? Legally, this is a grey area. In theory, insurance companies can demand proof of binding adjustment by a specialist in the event of a claim, but in practice this happens extremely rarely. Adjusting your own bindings helps you to better understand your own equipment and to be able to help yourself in the case of a problem in the terrain. So it's worth trying at least once. And in case of doubt? You can always ask a specialist for help.

With the Dynafit Youngstar touring ski set, the renowned brand with the snow leopard has closed a gap in the ski touring market: a lightweight set specially designed for children that makes the joy of ski touring accessible to the youngest members of the family.

The name PLUM, derived from the French "plume" (feather), is a symbol of innovative quality. This is because Plum focuses on simplicity, durability and lightness in its bindings.

We at PowderGuide have a long-standing partnership with the binding specialists from Fritschi in Switzerland. Fritschi is (and has always been) an important player on the touring binding market, which is why we are always happy to test the new products from the Kandertal. For the current season, Fritschi has significantly revised its range, which is why we are testing the latest generation of the Tecton.

With the new Crux series, Head is launching a very light freetouring ski onto the market, which are intended to stand out from the competition in particularly through its downhill performance. At the same time, Tyrolia is launching new pin bindings. We have tested how the widest ski in the series, the Crux 105, mounted with the top Almonte 12 PT binding performs on snow.

Pin bindings are becoming more and more widespread and have almost replaced the good old frame binding. But how do they actually release and what do you need to bear in mind?

For some years now, ATK has had pin bindings with a high Z-value and very low weight in its programme, which are aimed at ambitious ski tourers. This season we were able to test the ATK Raider 13 Evo, which also offers an adjustable DIN setting on the toe piece.

ISPO, an interesting but also very exhausting trade fair, has been postponed from January to autumn. However, at PowderGuide we still do our best to provide you with information about the material for the coming season. However, the information is largely based on information we received from manufacturers - after all, we weren't able to scrutinise the new products ourselves at ISPO.

When I saw the Duke last year, I knew I had to test it and it had to go on the Rustler 11. I had already bought the first Duke back then and was a big fan, but then switched to ATK as the material developed.

With the FR 14, ATK is continuing its series of high-performance, lightweight freeride bindings. With a maximum Z value of 14, the binding is also one of the strongest pin bindings on the market. You can read about how the binding performs in practice and what else I can think of here.

With the Xenic, Fritschi is launching a new, particularly lightweight pin binding onto the market. Despite its low weight of just 280g (per unit without stopper), the Xenic scores highly in terms of ease of use and numerous safety features, as you would expect from Fritschi.

The pin technology, which was once only of interest to very experienced tourers and above all racing bunnies, has now become an integral part of the touring boot market.