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PartnerNews | Presentation Marker Alpinist binding

PowderGuide has already taken a closer look at the new binding in Courmayeur

by Sebastian Siep 01/16/2018
The Upper Bavarian equipment manufacturer is upgrading with a new ascent-oriented binding for ski tourers of all kinds. The Straubing-based company has expanded the horizons of its binding world: in addition to the Duke for big mountain and the KingPIN for all downhill-oriented "freeski mountaineers", the ALPINist is now a fully equipped Pintech binding that is available from just 300 euros and weighs just 245g (without suspension line and without ski topper).

The binding was presented exclusively at Monte Bianco in an impressive atmosphere and the developers faced the international trade press, including PowderGuide.

The development of the binding, which consists of 80 parts, was correspondingly complex due to the objective of low weight and uncompromising functionality. New manufacturing processes, for example for the front jaw base plate or the new design of the pin mounts made of forged aluminum (similar to the Kingpin) mean high tooling costs. The development of functionalities such as the integration of the ski stoppers, the three climbing aids or the solid closure of the toe piece, which leads to a noticeably high closing force, repeatedly presented the developers with exciting challenges.

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In contrast to the Kingpin, only a single, larger pair of springs is installed in the front jaw, which leads to a stronger lock with a modified angle of attack on the pin mounts. This, coupled with the new base plate made from a carbon composite material with a relatively wide 38 mm hole pattern, contributes to a particularly torsion-resistant construction. There is also a new feature hidden under the springs: an elastic plate inserted in the base plate is designed to protect the closure from icing up through vibration on the descent and ascent. A mount for the Kingpin's hardest points is included in the scope of delivery and can be screwed in during assembly.

On the rear jaw, you can choose between 0° and 9° climbing aids on the ascent, or between downhill and just a single 5° climbing aid by turning the tower into "race" mode. The specified angles of the climbing aid are given for a ski boot shell size of 26.5. The rear jaw has an elastic length compensation of 4 mm in downhill mode. The length setting for the standard version is specified as 15mm.

Ski stoppers are available in three sizes. The widest will probably initially be available up to 115mm. To fit the 90g ski stoppers (catch line 21.5g), the back jaw must be removed and screwed back in, which an experienced developer can do in around 2 minutes. The deactivation of the stoppers for the ascent is independent of the adjustment of the tower. The stopper is switched to downhill mode by a bracket behind the tower, which can be pushed forward with the shoe or glove. By pulling a small tab on the bracket, the stoppers are deactivated again for the ascent.

The binding will be available in different versions. With a Z-value range of 4-9 in blue and 6-12 in red. Both versions are also available in silver-grey. The longtravel versions of both Z-values intended for rental are always silver-grey and have a minimum length adjustment range of 30mm.

In view of the facts and figures, the developers have succeeded in creating a promising product with this binding. Thanks to the competitive price, the new Alpinist will probably be seen frequently on ski tours from next season and PowderGuide is excited to see how the binding performs in the long-term gear review. The first tours on the Grand St. Bernard Pass and on the Tour Ronde under the Monte Bianco left a promising first impression of a versatile binding.

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This article has been automatically translated by DeepL with subsequent editing. If you notice any spelling or grammatical errors or if the translation has lost its meaning, please write an e-mail to the editors.

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