$399.95
This binding maintains the stability and strength of the Pure Freeride, but on a lighter scale. Instead of solid carbon rails, this binding has carbon tubes to skimp on weight but not on performance. A DIN of 3-10 covers a wide variety of riders. This binding is ideal for the skier who wants maximum performance and minimum weight.
$434.95
Designed for durability and strength, this binding comes with the same DIN (4-12) as it’s beefier competitors, but is significantly lighter. This binding boasts solid carbon rails, a reinforced toe, and UV stabilized plastic all to make your climb and your ride as stable as possible.
$569.95
The vertical Free Tour offers increased downhill performance thanks to a glass carbon binding plate underfoot that connects the toe and heel pieces for increased power transmission. And it’s still the lightest binding out there.
$389
A woman’s AT binding? Don’t worry, this isn’t just “pinking and shrinking.” The nx22 White might be a smaller and lighter version of the nx22 Black, but they don’t wince on power transfer and security. Plus, the Naxo’s Virtual Rotation System (a three-point hinge for a smooth, ergonomic skinning motion) allows the ski tip to remain higher on the surface when breaking trail in tour mode.
$450
Keeping with the light is right ethos of the backcountry, Dynafit introduced the ST (Ski Tour) boasting a 20 percent increase in durability from their flagship TLT Comfort. Our testers liked the integrated third climbing post, smoother, more user friendly, ski-tour lock lever, and redesigned brakes. That, and Dynafit’s tried and true, frictionless pivot makes for the most ergonomic ascending binding on the market.
$340
A lighter version of the Freeride, the Explorer doesn’t charge or huck, but it does climb and can power most skis. Though its DIN maxes out at 10, it’s still compatible with both AT and Alpine boots and you can throw a crampon on them for those ice ascents.
$450
Unchanged from last year the Freeride Plus continues to be a go-to binding for skiers who want to go everywhere with one pair of skis. The new-last-year Power Transmission Control (a plate that augments torsional stiffness and power transmission) adds stability for alpine aficionados, while the adjustable toe height allows for switching out lighter AT boots for longer backcountry tours.
$435
Last winter, the DIN 16 Marker Duke blew off the shelves as the only alpine touring binding that truly skied like a real alpine binding. This year, Marker debuts the Baron, which has the same burly performance as the Duke, but is 150 grams lighter (thanks to the use of nylon instead of magnesium), $60 cheaper, and has a DIN range of four through 12.
$495
$570
If weight matters to you, opt for the new, ultra-light, low-profile Vertical FT 12, which now comes available with a DIN range of six through 12 for stronger downhill capabilities. And at just 2.2 pounds, you’ll feel like you’re floating uphill.
Copyright © 2008 Bonnier Corporation
