After only a short test last season, several PowderGuide testers are now out and about with the Marker Kingpin and have gained some experience with the binding. This test report therefore includes the impressions & opinions of various people. The good overall picture of the binding remains.
Test conditions and testers
For this report, the Kingpin was tested by four different people, which meant not only different snow conditions, but also different skis (Völkl BMT 94 and 108, Downskis ThrowDown 110, Line Sick Day Tourist), different weight riders and therefore of course different riding styles. The bindings were used from A for Aosta to Z for Zillertal and were mostly used for touring, but there were also a few days in the ski resort...
First impression
Of course, not much has changed here since the short test. The binding already makes a solid and confidence-inspiring impression in terms of feel, especially when you are used to the usually much more delicate competition with pin bindings. However, anyone coming from a frame binding such as the Salomon Guardian or Marker Duke will probably want to take a closer look at how the pins work now... Another advantage of the Kingpin is its ease of use, it is also very easy to adjust to the boot and the large adjustment range of the rear jaw allows you to change boots from time to time.
In addition to the Kingpin 13 we tested with a Z-value of 6-13, the Marker Kingpin is also available as the Kingpin 10 with a Z-value of 5-10 for lighter skiers. Although the rear jaw is visually reminiscent of an alpine binding, both release values are set on the rear jaw. The lateral release works in a similar way to the original low-tech concept by turning the rear jaw.
Test report
What is striking about the Kingpin is how easy it is to use and how quickly you get used to it. Getting on is very easy. The boot can be easily positioned in the toe piece (you can adjust the "stops" individually to the boot to make it easier to place) and - "clack"- you're in. Another "clack" when you go down with your heel and that's it.
To get into ascent mode, open the rear jaw and flip the lever located under the boot. As soon as the skins are on the ski, you step into the toe piece and lock it by pulling up the lever, as is usual with other pin bindings. The stoppers fold away easily and off you go. On the uphill, you are naturally pleased with the low weight compared to a frame binding and the favorable pivot point when walking. Adjusting the climbing aids is quick and easy with the ski pole, all you have to do is "slide along" the corresponding side of the rear jaw. The weight of the rear jaw helps when making sharp turns, as the ski folds away so easily. The stiff toe piece allows precise walking, especially in hard crossings you can apply a lot of force to the edge and don't slip away so easily.
On the descent, the Kingpin conveys a lot of confidence. As expected from a pin binding, the power transmission is very direct, which is of course more noticeable on hard snow or the piste. Here it quickly becomes clear that you are not in an alpine or frame binding. However, the downhill performance is quite impressive. It is always possible to control wide and long skis reliably. The Kingpin also scores in its most important function on the descent: releasing in the event of a fall, but not too early. We didn't notice any false releases during the test period, and the binding can generally take a beating. You can really step on the gas, even drops or the odd freestyle turn in powder don't cause the binding to release incorrectly. Locking the toe piece on the descent and the associated switching off of the lateral release, as practiced by some users of typical low-tech toe pieces, is definitely not necessary with the Kingpin.
Conclusion
The Kingpin performs well. The binding works as it should and inspires confidence on the ascent and descent. For many people who have previously used frame bindings, this is certainly the perfect introduction to the world of pin bindings. None of the testers had any problems during the test period.
Advantages & disadvantages
+Easy handling
+Super downhill performance
+Low moving weight
-Not exactly ultra-light
Details
KINGPIN 10
Brake width 75-100mm / 100-125mm
DIN RANGE 5.0 - 10.0
Emf. Rider weight 30 -105
Stand height without ski 21mm
Toe Kingpin PinTech toe
Step-in heel Kingpin heel
Color combination black - gold
Weight without / with brake 650g / 730g
KINGPIN 13
Brake width 75-100mm / 100-125mm
DIN RANGE 6.0 - 13.0
Emf. Rider weight < 120
Stand height without ski 21mm
Toe Kingpin PinTech toe
Step-in heel Kingpin heel
Color combination black - gold
Weight without / with brake 650g / 730g
*per piece with screws
Here is the manufacturer's website and here you can buy the Marker Kingpin at our partner store Bergzeit.de!
