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February, 2025

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Marker Duke/Baron vs regular binding

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s.oksen
Posts: 36 - Karma: 66

Hey!

I am close to buying the Atomic Blog as my pow ski. I am not sure which binding to choose, but my friend is trying to convince me buying Marker Duke/Baron, so we will be able to tour together. I am not sure how much touring i wanna do next year, but maybe a bit. I was wondering if I sacrifice some downhill performance by choosing the Duke/Baron over a regular alpine binding and will I still be able to throw some backflips and fun stuff on the Duke/Baron.

So the real question will be, is the Duke/Baron worth it if I am not gonna tour a lot?

Mar 18 2014 9:52AM
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b-kul
Posts: 4350 - Karma: 1,111
one of the best touring bindings in regards to alpine capabilities on the market. whether or not it is worth it is up to you.
Mar 18 2014 12:31PM
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Sparta
Posts: 228 - Karma: 336
One of the biggest differences between an alpine binding and touring binding (besides the obvious) is the difference in stack height between the two. Alpine bindings have a lower stack height so they sit lower to the ski, giving you better snow/ski feel. The higher up you are off the ski, the weirder it feels.

So, if you are wanting the most alpine feel out of your touring binding, I would actually go with a Guardian or Tracker binding. Lower to the ski and more metal in the construction than a Duke...it will feel the most alpine of any of the touring bindings.
Mar 18 2014 2:09PM
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s.oksen
Posts: 36 - Karma: 66
Thanks for the replies guys, probably gonna go for it!
Mar 18 2014 5:46PM
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gnartogue
Posts: 1005 - Karma: 417
stack height is so over rated. you are literally less that 1cm higher off the ski. I've been riding dukes on my pow skis and I don't notice a difference at all. I can't find the thread but i read somewhere that the binding would have to be like 6 inches off the ski for you to notice a real difference
Mar 18 2014 6:27PM
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Substitute
Posts: 1378 - Karma: 2,275
If you have the money and are going to do any back country stuff get AT bindings. Dukes and barons are my favorite. As far as normal skiing is concerned I have never heard of any compromises from normal bindings. The one thing is that your are higher up in the ski.
Mar 18 2014 6:34PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6731 - Karma: 11,641
This is something that every freeski athlete we've ever worked with complains about- being too high off the ski, in regards to both boots and bindings. When you are fit well into your boots and have a good connection to the ski, you for sure feel it. If you were to ski a Fritschi Freeride then a Duke then a Tracker/Guardian, you would for sure feel a difference in how they ski.

If you couldn't feel that difference, then you probably wouldn't feel changes in ski flex while skiing either.
Mar 19 2014 4:29AM
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