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Which Binding? AT edition drafting

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Literature
Posts: 13673 - Karma: 3,085
Alright you uphill savants. Now that we've got our own place to put things, we need an AT Binding thread to make into a sticky and serve as testament to future generations.

Basically, anyone who has feedback to contribute, let's use this thread to get our ideas down. Then, I'll compile it all, we can look through that, and when it's all generally agreed upon, I'll make a new thread that we can sticky and be happy with. Sound good?


Things to think about:

When, and who should be using:

Alpine Trekkers

CAST System

Various swap plate systems, or inserts

Plate bindings:

Duke
Adrenaline
Guardian/Tracker
Fritschi Freeride

Tech bindings:

Dynafit Race
Dynafit Vertical
Dynafit Radical series
Dynafit Beast series
Diamir Vipec
G3 Ion
G3 Onyx
Plum Guide
Plum Yak


I'm sure I'm forgetting something important.
POLL
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Dec 23 2014 11:42PM
66 5
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erica
Posts: 3450 - Karma: 24,083
I fully support this.

As a minnesotan who got this crazy idea to start pouring my excess money into gear for skiing upward (I understand that in my home state I can neither go up or down, but merely forward as it's flat as a pancake), you guys are my main source for advice & knowledge, and stuff like this would be really helpful.
Dec 24 2014 12:05AM
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JAHrig
Posts: 738 - Karma: 2,649
Go back to the mountains Steele!!!
Dec 24 2014 12:50AM
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Literature
Posts: 13673 - Karma: 3,085
And I forgot the Market F10 and F12 in the plate bindings part.
Dec 24 2014 10:37AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6656 - Karma: 10,862
small point but for sake of sticky's usefulness & longevity, we should refer to the "plate" bindings as "frame" bindings. This tends to be their industry nomenclature so if people are searching they will more likely come across it this way.
Dec 24 2014 10:46AM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,142
LiteratureThen, I'll compile it all, we can look through that, and when it's all generally agreed upon, I'll make a new thread that we can sticky and be happy with. Sound good?


Sounds good.

I think you can sort of put the Marker touring frame clamps under one header. The baron, duke, tour F12 and F10 and the EPF versions are all fundamentally the same binding.

Was messing with the Kingpin yesterday, seems pretty solid, should go on the list.
Dec 24 2014 3:46PM
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CB_Radio
Posts: 197 - Karma: 39
Don't forget the MFD plate for actually plate and binding interechange ability. But sticky for this would be good.
Dec 24 2014 6:46PM
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Literature
Posts: 13673 - Karma: 3,085
onenerdykidsmall point but for sake of sticky's usefulness & longevity, we should refer to the "plate" bindings as "frame" bindings. This tends to be their industry nomenclature so if people are searching they will more likely come across it this way.


Good call.

J.D.Sounds good.

I think you can sort of put the Marker touring frame clamps under one header. The baron, duke, tour F12 and F10 and the EPF versions are all fundamentally the same binding.

Was messing with the Kingpin yesterday, seems pretty solid, should go on the list.


Oh, there's that too. I have a feeling this sort of sticky will be obsolete shortly after it gets going.
Dec 25 2014 12:08AM
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p-fo
Posts: 9372 - Karma: 6,155
So as far as I can tell, these are Guardians with Look branding. Wut...

http://www.look-bindings.com/US/US/xm-16-l-c130-bk-wht_FCCW101_product_open-bindings-1314.html



I feel like we should try to include as much of the cross-branding weird shit that goes down with bindings as we can in here too to help new people.
Dec 25 2014 3:31AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6656 - Karma: 10,862
p-foSo as far as I can tell, these are Guardians with Look branding. Wut...

http://www.look-bindings.com/US/US/xm-16-l-c130-bk-wht_FCCW101_product_open-bindings-1314.html



I feel like we should try to include as much of the cross-branding weird shit that goes down with bindings as we can in here too to help new people.


There are lots of rebranded versions of bindings that will change every few years. Tracker/Guardian is rebranded for Look and for Scott. Tyrolia's bindings are rebranded for Head, Fischer, and 4Front. And it will only get more like that in the future, trust me. Once the sticky is "officially" launched, it will be out of date in 2 years just like the "How to Buy Ski Boots" thread.

Perhaps what we should do in the sticky is form general classification headings for bindings, with some examples but not all of them. This way the general information will be useful for a longer period of time and some examples will help spell it out. Specific examples of the current year will come out in the thread replies.

The general headings are that are in the OP are a good start. Maybe they get called the following (only a suggestion, please feel free to comment):

Alpine Binding Adapters, such as Alpine Trekkers, allow you to keep your existing alpine binding yadda yadda yadda

Frame Bindings, such as the Atomic Tracker, allow you to use your standard alpine boots yadda yadda yadda

Pin Bindings, such as the Dynafit Radical, require you have a special boot and binding combination different from alpine but allow for a lighter and more natural touring experience yadda yadda yadda

Ski Trab is a unique binding manufacturer similar to the Pin style but unique in its own way yadda yadda yadda

Perhaps something like this could be more useful? The OP explains the pros/cons associated with each design and gives a specific example from a manufacturer. I'm sure I left out something, but what do you guys think of that approach?
Dec 25 2014 6:32AM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,142
I think we're covering the generalities in the "what do I need to get started" thread. I gather this is supposed to basically be a binding compendium. As a result, if it gets outdated, we can just add to it or edit it - or delete it and post a new sticky.
Dec 25 2014 12:50PM
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Lucas
Posts: 4881 - Karma: 1,575
I feel like a small write up by each type of binding would be helpful so the new guys can distinguish between Frame, Pin, and MFD/Trekker style add ons.
Dec 25 2014 2:40PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
LiteratureWhen, and who should be using:


Alpine Trekkers - fucking no one

CAST System - people who think they need to get supper rad in the BC, or a tech binding to tour 50 vertical feet out of the gate. Or just be a special fucking snowflake.

Various swap plate systems, or inserts: people that need to be a special fucking snowflake.

Plate bindings:

Duke - Marker affectionatos - people who get great deals on them.
Adrenaline - any one who has realized that the Salomon and marker options are second best at best.
Guardian/Tracker - Damn, bro I need to get fucking rad. Mounting these on my 120mm + big skis.
Fritschi Freeride - Old purists who are too cheap to upgrade their K2 Mount Bakers mounted with these contraptions of worthlessness.

Marker Tour - need a plate binding, but understand you don't need a din 16 million in the backcountry.

Tech bindings:

Dynafit Race - eursos
Dynafit Vertical - people who are too cheap to upgrade.
Dynafit Radical series - everyone who can get over their need for the latest and new shinny (radical speed's are the best out there right now)

Dynafit Beast series - morons with lots of money

Diamir Vipec - unnecessary risk takers

G3 Ion - 'but the orange matches my skis' and 'dat ramp angle doe'

G3 Onyx - 'I'm broke and these were 95% off.

Plum Guide - those who want to be euros.

Plum Yak - those who want to be more bad-ass euros

Marker KingPin - those who can get them and don't mind being test dummies. If I could get a pair I would.

La Sportiva - but it pairs so well with my pinot.

Scarpa/Trab - These look cool and I only ski scarpa boots. Like seriously, these look really fucking cool and they need to make a converter for other boots. Or use that toe on a marker kingpin heel.

Moral of the story:
Buy the radical speed
Dec 25 2014 8:26PM
11 1
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CB_Radio
Posts: 197 - Karma: 39
p-foSo as far as I can tell, these are Guardians with Look branding. Wut...

http://www.look-bindings.com/US/US/xm-16-l-c130-bk-wht_FCCW101_product_open-bindings-1314.html



I feel like we should try to include as much of the cross-branding weird shit that goes down with bindings as we can in here too to help new people.


Yep you got it the look XM
Dec 25 2014 10:29PM
0 0
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CB_Radio
Posts: 197 - Karma: 39
Maybe classify different bindings by specific uses.... Example lite weight backcountry ( long tours); pin bindings compatible boots ext, Short tours: frame binding normal alpine boots, tour mode..... something along those lines.

after all it is the AT Backcountry Forum so this is what to expect anyway. so just simple strait to the point clarifications for the new comers.
Its will be hard to get a good organized layout considering how the technology changes.

Anything to do with beacons would be maybe explain antennas and outdated gear, and how recco is not even sufficient for being considered a beacon. And the most important thing is to have one YOU KNOW how to use and are comfortable with.
Dec 25 2014 10:41PM
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tBatt
Posts: 9632 - Karma: 580
Nailed it.

cobra_commanderAlpine Trekkers - fucking no one

CAST System - people who think they need to get supper rad in the BC, or a tech binding to tour 50 vertical feet out of the gate. Or just be a special fucking snowflake.

Various swap plate systems, or inserts: people that need to be a special fucking snowflake.

Plate bindings:

Duke - Marker affectionatos - people who get great deals on them.
Adrenaline - any one who has realized that the Salomon and marker options are second best at best.
Guardian/Tracker - Damn, bro I need to get fucking rad. Mounting these on my 120mm + big skis.
Fritschi Freeride - Old purists who are too cheap to upgrade their K2 Mount Bakers mounted with these contraptions of worthlessness.

Marker Tour - need a plate binding, but understand you don't need a din 16 million in the backcountry.

Tech bindings:

Dynafit Race - eursos
Dynafit Vertical - people who are too cheap to upgrade.
Dynafit Radical series - everyone who can get over their need for the latest and new shinny (radical speed's are the best out there right now)

Dynafit Beast series - morons with lots of money

Diamir Vipec - unnecessary risk takers

G3 Ion - 'but the orange matches my skis' and 'dat ramp angle doe'

G3 Onyx - 'I'm broke and these were 95% off.

Plum Guide - those who want to be euros.

Plum Yak - those who want to be more bad-ass euros

Marker KingPin - those who can get them and don't mind being test dummies. If I could get a pair I would.

La Sportiva - but it pairs so well with my pinot.

Scarpa/Trab - These look cool and I only ski scarpa boots. Like seriously, these look really fucking cool and they need to make a converter for other boots. Or use that toe on a marker kingpin heel.

Moral of the story:
Buy the radical speed
Dec 26 2014 1:59AM
0 0
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Literature
Posts: 13673 - Karma: 3,085
Four categories seem to help when I'm helping friends make a decision:

-How far they're actually planning to tour (short walks vs long walks)
-On how many days (you can deal with shitiness only so much)
-In terrain that is of a certain degree of complexity to skin through (because steep, icy, tight corners)
-And are they jumping off of stuff (durability, more or less)

From those four questions, you can create a general picture of the usefulness of the various binding systems for different needs. For example:

Minimum binding to meet your needs:

1-5 or non-complex terrain or less than 1000ft per day or sending hard: Trekkers
5-10 or medium up terrain or 1000-3000ft per day or sending hard or also using it inbounds: Frame binding, MFDesque systems
10+ or complex up terrain or 5000+ ft per day BUT staying more grounded: most pin systems

And while Cobra distilled things rather nicely, I'd like to give the full spectrum of thinking.

I like the general categories idea, as that will make the sticky more durable as things more forward in binding technology. Within that, we should be clear to note certain things (for example, some frame bindings don't have a flat walk mode.

Thoughts?
Dec 26 2014 10:49AM
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Lutsenwreck
Posts: 27 - Karma: 10
ok, i continue to be a lone advocate of north shore BC in MN. The rest of the state is flat yes, but we do have tons of unexplored terrain along the sawtooths and superior highlands. Dont write off BC in MN!!!
ERICA.MNI fully support this.

As a minnesotan who got this crazy idea to start pouring my excess money into gear for skiing upward (I understand that in my home state I can neither go up or down, but merely forward as it's flat as a pancake), you guys are my main source for advice & knowledge, and stuff like this would be really helpful.
Dec 27 2014 1:46PM
0 0
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,142
cobra_commanderMarker KingPin - those who can get them and don't mind being test dummies. If I could get a pair I would.

What do you mean "get a pair"? They're everywhere. There are three stores that sell them within walking distance of my house - possibly four, I haven't checked SkiWest.
Dec 27 2014 3:35PM
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grifrowl
Posts: 200 - Karma: 471
cobra_commanderScarpa/Trab - These look cool and I only ski scarpa boots. Like seriously, these look really fucking cool and they need to make a converter for other boots. Or use that toe on a marker kingpin heel.


I have so many questions about these that the Scarpa rep just kind of mulled over.
Dec 27 2014 10:42PM
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erica
Posts: 3450 - Karma: 24,083
Lutsenwreckok, i continue to be a lone advocate of north shore BC in MN. The rest of the state is flat yes, but we do have tons of unexplored terrain along the sawtooths and superior highlands. Dont write off BC in MN!!!


Doooood. Tell me more, show me around, please! Shoot me a PM sometime
Dec 27 2014 10:56PM
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tacotom
Posts: 454 - Karma: 479
Lutsenwreckok, i continue to be a lone advocate of north shore BC in MN. The rest of the state is flat yes, but we do have tons of unexplored terrain along the sawtooths and superior highlands. Dont write off BC in MN!!!


ERICA.MNDoooood. Tell me more, show me around, please! Shoot me a PM sometime


well this has got me intrigued about what lies north of Iowa.. speak sir
Dec 27 2014 11:49PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
cobra_commanderMoral of the story:
Buy the radical speed


but but but i love my radicals
Dec 28 2014 7:10PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
J.D.What do you mean "get a pair"? They're everywhere. There are three stores that sell them within walking distance of my house - possibly four, I haven't checked SkiWest.


almost unobtanium in Seattle. I believe only three or four shops got theme, and all got single digit quantity. Most places had a wait list exceeding their quantity before they arrived.
Dec 28 2014 7:53PM
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Lutsenwreck
Posts: 27 - Karma: 10
get a usgs 7.5 or a mackenzie map of the section with lutsen for starters, east of eagle and trappers pass, west end of moose, oberg and northwest of leveaux. Nothing is good yet. Most of the BC is in old growth sugar maple glades along the sawtooths. mostly rolling hills but some nice steeper spots here and there. Most descents average 150-450. one of the best spots is where the highline passes over a ridge 12miles NW of Finland. theres also tons I havent explored in tettegouche state park,
Dec 28 2014 10:54PM
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PeterWojnar
Posts: 3937 - Karma: 678
I'd like to put in my vote AGAINST the Diamir Vipec. Unnecessary risk takers is right—they just aren't a good binding, between known problems with pins unthreading (caused me to eat shit and tomahawk on the singing pass trail, solved now with loctite) and other things like being pointlessly difficult to step into (dangerous in steep areas or no fall zones). Add the prerelease thing (happened to me twice at release value 12, that's more than enough to scare me) and you've got yourself a binding you can't trust in a no-fall zone, on solo trips, or on hard snow.

Excellent binding for meadow-skipping and comparing weight against your friend's dukes. (they actually are really light.)

Black Diamond (American distribution for the bindings) is an awesome company and keep their shit straight on the customer service end, but the bindings are crap. I wanted to believe and gave them more than their fair chance, but if you're considering them, just take my word for it.
Dec 29 2014 7:36PM
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EthanH*
Posts: 375 - Karma: 129
cobra_commanderalmost unobtanium in Seattle. I believe only three or four shops got theme, and all got single digit quantity. Most places had a wait list exceeding their quantity before they arrived.


I work at the REI in downtown Seattle and we had a couple pairs- or at least did a week or so ago. That said, I was talking to the head shop tech, and when mounting a pair the entire heel piece fell apart and he had to put the whole thing back together. After he did that though they tested a bit better (release/strength wise or whatever) than most other tech bindings apparently.
Dec 30 2014 1:31AM
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bnewbs6
Posts: 1919 - Karma: 1,463
This kind of goes over everything
http://www.evo.com/how-to-buy-alpine-touring-at-randonne-bindings.aspx
Jan 9 2015 3:13AM
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gnarballsianm
Posts: 621 - Karma: 703
So I will enjoying my first setup within thenext month or so and I am gonna go withthebaron or guardian on atomic blogs. I would consider this setup a hard hitter in the way it will take a lot of abuse, all my buddies who have this type of setup and use it go hard and send big. So its safety saythatthe. Guardians or the baron style setups are meant for the hackers or am I just blabbering?
Jan 9 2015 11:38AM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7480 - Karma: 11,475
Well it seems like your space button broke on a few of those words but a Baron or Guardian/Tracker will be fine, no, perfect, for what you are doing (assuming you aren't some 250lb behemoth)
Jan 9 2015 2:58PM
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Nati513
Posts: 679 - Karma: 25
Alright so I just purchased some 2013-2014 Armada JJs and I need some advice on some At capable Bindings. They will mostly be used on days with a good amount of new snow ( I live in Montana ) at the local Mountain but i want to be able to get some skins for these and take them into the backcountry every once and a while. SO which bindings would you guys suggest?! also where would you mount them? about 5 7 145 been skiing for about 20 years now and really enjoy going as fast as possible. dropping smaller sized cliffs. This will be my first AT possible setup and I am very stoked so please let me know what you think!
Jan 15 2015 3:03AM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7480 - Karma: 11,475
Nati513Alright so I just purchased some 2013-2014 Armada JJs and I need some advice on some At capable Bindings. They will mostly be used on days with a good amount of new snow ( I live in Montana ) at the local Mountain but i want to be able to get some skins for these and take them into the backcountry every once and a while. SO which bindings would you guys suggest?! also where would you mount them? about 5 7 145 been skiing for about 20 years now and really enjoy going as fast as possible. dropping smaller sized cliffs. This will be my first AT possible setup and I am very stoked so please let me know what you think!


A frame-style binding for sure.

Guardian/tracker 13, F12, Baron, or the Tyrolia binding are all a good option with each having its own shortcoming.
Jan 15 2015 6:16AM
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roundabout
Posts: 18 - Karma: 16
Would you say likely an 80% lift serviced new snow, 20% backcountry split? Using your existing downhill boots? As mentioned before, frame bindings would likely be the best bet if you're charging inbounds. Sounds like you could probably get away with something like an F12 to save a bit of weight, but all the frame bindings have advantages/disadvantages depending on what attributes you go for.
Feb 13 2015 10:46AM
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Pudge
Posts: 3718 - Karma: 3,117
cobra_commanderG3 Ion - 'but the orange matches my skis' and 'dat ramp angle doe'


Sorry for the late reply, but I think you are writing off a lot of key things the Ion has that make it a straight up better radical

-ice clearing channel in toes
-stronger toe springs
-no tech gap putting stress on pins
-no tech gap causing a release as a result of a decambered ski

It is a Radical, for sure. G3 wasn't trying to make a brand new binding as many others are doing and failing miserable (looking at you Marker), they were just making a Radical but in a noticeably better fashion at a competitive price point.

The brakeless Ion is a huge contender to mount rather than a shimmed Speed Radical, for my sticks at least
Feb 16 2015 11:14PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
I agree on the ion. I was keeping it brief, and respecting the fact that it is a first year tech binding.

If it continues to work well, I will be looking at the ion lt as my next touring binding. Along with the improved kingpin.
Feb 19 2015 10:48AM
0 0
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jynx81
Posts: 359 - Karma: 479
Marker kingpins are horrible.
Mar 2 2015 9:26AM
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VD.
Posts: 4054 - Karma: 4,565
Probably going to upset a few people, but tech bindings are overkill for medow skipping and tree laps. Sure it's nice to have something lighter on your feet, but it's a lot of money to drop for a 'granny touring' set up.
Mar 2 2015 4:56PM
1 0
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
JibLaMarker kingpins are horrible.


I respectfully disagree, and respectfully think you are a fucking moron.
Mar 2 2015 4:58PM
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VD.
Posts: 4054 - Karma: 4,565
VD.Probably going to upset a few people, but tech bindings are overkill for medow skipping and tree laps. Sure it's nice to have something lighter on your feet, but it's a lot of money to drop for a 'granny touring' set up.


Moral of the story: For a lot of skiers F10/12s will balance weight/price/genuine requirements best.
Mar 2 2015 5:00PM
1 0
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SFBv420.0
Posts: 2539 - Karma: 3,124
cobra_commanderAlpine Trekkers - fucking no one

CAST System - people who think they need to get supper rad in the BC, or a tech binding to tour 50 vertical feet out of the gate. Or just be a special fucking snowflake.

Various swap plate systems, or inserts: people that need to be a special fucking snowflake.

Plate bindings:

Duke - Marker affectionatos - people who get great deals on them.
Adrenaline - any one who has realized that the Salomon and marker options are second best at best.
Guardian/Tracker - Damn, bro I need to get fucking rad. Mounting these on my 120mm + big skis.
Fritschi Freeride - Old purists who are too cheap to upgrade their K2 Mount Bakers mounted with these contraptions of worthlessness.

Marker Tour - need a plate binding, but understand you don't need a din 16 million in the backcountry.

Tech bindings:

Dynafit Race - eursos
Dynafit Vertical - people who are too cheap to upgrade.
Dynafit Radical series - everyone who can get over their need for the latest and new shinny (radical speed's are the best out there right now)

Dynafit Beast series - morons with lots of money

Diamir Vipec - unnecessary risk takers

G3 Ion - 'but the orange matches my skis' and 'dat ramp angle doe'

G3 Onyx - 'I'm broke and these were 95% off.

Plum Guide - those who want to be euros.

Plum Yak - those who want to be more bad-ass euros

Marker KingPin - those who can get them and don't mind being test dummies. If I could get a pair I would.

La Sportiva - but it pairs so well with my pinot.

Scarpa/Trab - These look cool and I only ski scarpa boots. Like seriously, these look really fucking cool and they need to make a converter for other boots. Or use that toe on a marker kingpin heel.

Moral of the story:
Buy the radical speed

ind of curious how many days a season do you tour?
atk race freeraider 14 blows speed radicals away
less weight more din keep it simple stupid design your weighting the volcano downward vrs. side weighting and tourquing the heel to he point of failure
dyna/swalea still rule the warrunty and plum cs and service sucks but par for the frogs
oh and la sportiva are rebadged atk race binders
Mar 3 2015 8:16AM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
only got a handful of days of up hill travel in so far this season. adding one today. Its been a bummer season up here. Normally I try and get about 6 days a month though, Dec-Jul. so 40 or so, not a ton, plenty of people get more.

I've no experience with the atk, but my speed radicals have never failed me, and don't break the bank, so I generally recommend them to others. Although, now that they have had some time to prove themselves, I'm eyeing the ion lt when it becomes avalible.
Mar 3 2015 9:55AM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
.MASSHOLE.Well it seems like your space button broke on a few of those words but a Baron or Guardian/Tracker will be fine, no, perfect, for what you are doing (assuming you aren't some 250lb behemoth)


So what would you recommend for a 250lb+ behemoth? If I'm looking for deals on stuff over summer to build a touring set up, what should I be looking for as a big dude? Chances are for next season, most touring I do will be side country/meadow skipping kind of stuff.

I was leaning towards a higher DIN frame binding (leaning towards Tyrolia/4frnt/etc). Would that work or should I be going a different route?
Mar 3 2015 12:47PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7480 - Karma: 11,475
saskskierSo what would you recommend for a 250lb+ behemoth? If I'm looking for deals on stuff over summer to build a touring set up, what should I be looking for as a big dude? Chances are for next season, most touring I do will be side country/meadow skipping kind of stuff.

I was leaning towards a higher DIN frame binding (leaning towards Tyrolia/4frnt/etc). Would that work or should I be going a different route?


Oh boy. I would say a Duke/Aaadrenalin 16/Guardian 16. Someone your size obviously needs a big binding. Try to stay away from "Used" with the Duke obviously because of the toe-slop problem that occurs after a few years. I haven't heard many bad things about the Tyrolia binding so perhaps go for that?
Mar 3 2015 5:20PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
.MASSHOLE.Oh boy. I would say a Duke/Aaadrenalin 16/Guardian 16. Someone your size obviously needs a big binding. Try to stay away from "Used" with the Duke obviously because of the toe-slop problem that occurs after a few years. I haven't heard many bad things about the Tyrolia binding so perhaps go for that?


Because I've already got an am ski (Jmo's) and a dedicated deep day ski (New Life's) and would now been looking for a dedicated touring set up to complete my quiver, would there be any advantages in going with a tech set-up over a frame? Obviously weight savings will be a huge advantage, but are tech bindings/boots designed with guys my size in mind? Is reliability going to be an issue?

If I'm going to be dishing out the money for a touring set up (even if I do find deals), I want to do it right and not over.
Mar 3 2015 5:40PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7480 - Karma: 11,475
saskskierBecause I've already got an am ski (Jmo's) and a dedicated deep day ski (New Life's) and would now been looking for a dedicated touring set up to complete my quiver, would there be any advantages in going with a tech set-up over a frame? Obviously weight savings will be a huge advantage, but are tech bindings/boots designed with guys my size in mind? Is reliability going to be an issue?

If I'm going to be dishing out the money for a touring set up (even if I do find deals), I want to do it right and not over.


Um, perhaps. Obviously it saves weight but to be honest, tech setups are not designed for guys like you. The beast 16+Dynafit Vulcan/Khion may be, but that is a pricy set up and is not proven for guys with your build
Mar 3 2015 8:48PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
.MASSHOLE.Um, perhaps. Obviously it saves weight but to be honest, tech setups are not designed for guys like you. The beast 16+Dynafit Vulcan/Khion may be, but that is a pricy set up and is not proven for guys with your build


Ha ha. That's kind of what I've been assuming. Little pieces of metal and a couple of pins doesn't seem super confidence inspiring (not that I'm planning on hucking with them).
Mar 3 2015 10:21PM
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Dirty.Harry.
Posts: 1779 - Karma: 351
cobra_commanderPlate bindings:

Duke - Marker affectionatos - people who get great deals on them.
Adrenaline - any one who has realized that the Salomon and marker options are second best at best.
Guardian/Tracker - Damn, bro I need to get fucking rad. Mounting these on my 120mm + big skis.
Fritschi Freeride - Old purists who are too cheap to upgrade their K2 Mount Bakers mounted with these contraptions of worthlessness.


I won't quote the whole thing but I'll add my $.02:

Duke - I like tits-deep transitons and fumbling around in the snow - CLACK, CLACK, CLACK

(Couldn't agree with the Adrenalin one more)

Guardian - I hike in alpine boots and don't mind hauling the extra 10000 pounds on my feet.

MFD - I hike in alpine boots and don't mind hauling the extra 10000 pounds on my feet, but I'm too poor or cheap for Guardians. I also don't mind skiing on a fucking I-beam.

Fritschi Freeride - Rock skis, let's go find some fast grass for day 150, bro.

ATK - I'm way to fucking rad for all that Dynafit crap and too hipster for Plum since it went mainstream like 3 years ago
Mar 10 2015 10:46AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
cobra_commanderAlpine Trekkers - fucking no one

CAST System - people who think they need to get supper rad in the BC, or a tech binding to tour 50 vertical feet out of the gate. Or just be a special fucking snowflake.

Various swap plate systems, or inserts: people that need to be a special fucking snowflake.

Plate bindings:

Duke - Marker affectionatos - people who get great deals on them.
Adrenaline - any one who has realized that the Salomon and marker options are second best at best.
Guardian/Tracker - Damn, bro I need to get fucking rad. Mounting these on my 120mm + big skis.
Fritschi Freeride - Old purists who are too cheap to upgrade their K2 Mount Bakers mounted with these contraptions of worthlessness.

Marker Tour - need a plate binding, but understand you don't need a din 16 million in the backcountry.

Tech bindings:

Dynafit Race - eursos
Dynafit Vertical - people who are too cheap to upgrade.
Dynafit Radical series - everyone who can get over their need for the latest and new shinny (radical speed's are the best out there right now)

Dynafit Beast series - morons with lots of money

Diamir Vipec - unnecessary risk takers

G3 Ion - 'but the orange matches my skis' and 'dat ramp angle doe'

G3 Onyx - 'I'm broke and these were 95% off.

Plum Guide - those who want to be euros.

Plum Yak - those who want to be more bad-ass euros

Marker KingPin - those who can get them and don't mind being test dummies. If I could get a pair I would.

La Sportiva - but it pairs so well with my pinot.

Scarpa/Trab - These look cool and I only ski scarpa boots. Like seriously, these look really fucking cool and they need to make a converter for other boots. Or use that toe on a marker kingpin heel.

Moral of the story:
Buy the radical speed




10/10 would die again giggling
Mar 12 2015 12:38PM
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RDem
Posts: 646 - Karma: 183
So I'm a total noob at this. But if I had a pair of the frame bindings, say like the Salomons, and lets I wanted to go in the park once or twice, would this be absolutely devastating to the bindings?
Apr 5 2015 12:23PM
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Pmoore
Posts: 1802 - Karma: 1,246
Don't Overlook trekkers if you are someone who breaks even burly bindings.

I primarily hit jumps and ski minigolf style zones in the wasatch on FKS 18's or 15's and Alpine Trekkers.

Why I do this - I break plastic bindings, even plastic fks toe pieces. (6' 1" 185 pound.)

They are not horrible on the way up because I don't care about weight. They are bad on kickturns, and side hilling but I am not setting any uphill records so I don't care at all and there are always established skin tracks in the Wasatch.

The best way to make sure they do not live up to their nickname (daywrekker) is to get 2 replacements for every screw on the trekker. Takes 30 min and 5 bucks at your local hardware store.

I will probably get a lighter setup for long walks but I will never hit a jump or cliffs on anything other than a full metal downhill binding. Plus it keeps me in shape.

tldr- Trekkers are good for people who put bindings through the wringer and actually hit features in the backcountry.
Apr 7 2015 9:06PM
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RDem
Posts: 646 - Karma: 183
PmooreDon't Overlook trekkers if you are someone who breaks even burly bindings.

I primarily hit jumps and ski minigolf style zones in the wasatch on FKS 18's or 15's and Alpine Trekkers.

Why I do this - I break plastic bindings, even plastic fks toe pieces. (6' 1" 185 pound.)

They are not horrible on the way up because I don't care about weight. They are bad on kickturns, and side hilling but I am not setting any uphill records so I don't care at all and there are always established skin tracks in the Wasatch.

The best way to make sure they do not live up to their nickname (daywrekker) is to get 2 replacements for every screw on the trekker. Takes 30 min and 5 bucks at your local hardware store.

I will probably get a lighter setup for long walks but I will never hit a jump or cliffs on anything other than a full metal downhill binding. Plus it keeps me in shape.

tldr- Trekkers are good for people who put bindings through the wringer and actually hit features in the backcountry.


I am considering getting this. I'm from Minnesota so obviously I won't be doing anything crazy steep and deep. I would be using Salomon Rocker2 108's and still would like to occasionally use them on jumps.

Would you say this is a better option than the Salomon Guardians? I really only plan on using this once in awhile mostly for fun and good exercise.
Apr 8 2015 10:06AM
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