Dirty.Harry.Tech bindings are sometimes tough to predict and take a little while to inspire confidence in the skier on them. They have a learning curve and a lot of the retention problems that one experiences right off the bat have to do with user error. When skiing the softer conditions often experienced in the backcountry I haven't seen nor experienced much prereleasing when the bindings are set properly. That last part is obviously important for tech binders because of their finnicky nature sometimes. On lift-served terrain the story changes though, since tech bindings and hardpack are not good friends and sometimes cause problems for the skier. Hard moguls is just about the worst thing you can ski in tech bindings. That said, it can be done.
There are a few new innovations to try to address this shortfall with tech bindings and I'm sure you've heard, seen, or read about them. I have not skied any of them though, only fondled them at SIA this January.
-The Kingpin is the most hyped binding for this year because it has a traditional style heel (with DIN spring) and a tech toe and is the first ISO-certified tech binding. It adds some forward pressure and elasticity to help keep the skier attached to the ski through larger jolts.
-The Radical2.0 is the same as the Rad ST but has a toepiece that turns, similar to the Beast 16 toe but less beefy.
-The Beast is pretty excessive but is also ISO-certified. The 14 variety has the Beast heelpiece and Radical2.0 toe, while the 16 goes full ham on both ends. It requires some boot modification and does not have an easily-accessable flat touring mode.
-The G3 Ion looks like a reverse-enginnered Radical. It has a very similar look but introduces a little forward pressure to the system as well.
So you can look at those 3 and determine if they are worth it for your desired application. I have decided that the Beast is too clunky, the Kingpin is too new and untested, the Ion is sweet but not quite elastic enough for everyday use at a resort, and I already own and like the original Radical. If or when I ski each though, I will obviously reevaluate them but I'm not dropping hundreds on any until that happens.
Even though I just typed paragraphs on the 'new' tech bindings coming out, the Radical ST or FT would work for you just fine in the backcountry. They are on sale on Steepandcheap/Backcountry.com and from the TGR gear swap section pretty frequently for under 400. I have 150+ days on them with few problems. I have a friend with 2 rebuild ACLs that trusts them for all his touring and they should work just fine.
On a side note, the Guardian bindings are not designed for tech soles and may not release properly or consistently. If you are worried about ACL tears, I would not ski on that combination.
Thank you so much +K, getting rid of my guardians asap
