Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!
I've spent a shitload of days skiing hardpack on pow skis (between 115 - 123 waists) and never had pull outs on FKS or Markers. In fact I can't think of anyone I know who charges on fat skis in resort and have had pull outs. If they're mounted properly this really shouldn't be your primary concern.
In terms of the better binding I would definitely recommend FKS over Marker unless you need a touring option. The only advantage to Markers is the Duke being a solid touring binding for short tours. Otherwise I find the retention on FKS way better than Marker especially on drops.
Having switched from FKS to Dukes I regularly find myself longing for the reliabilty of my FKS in keeping my skis on when I want them to stay on. I am intrigued by the Salomon/Atomic touring binding coming out but kind of skeptical as i've had nightmares with Salomon bindings in the past.
This applies only when the shop is out of FKS and trying to sell you something else instead.
Or when someone has tried to buy FKS but settled for a cheaper alternative