Marker Kingpin?

Lots more info in tgr, some problems in the first gen (pins wiggling loose) but seem solid other than that

One friend has been skiing them this winter. He's not the greatest skier but says they feel "noticeably more solid" while skiing, compared to his previous bindings (pretty sure those were Radical STs).

Whether the price and weight is worth it over other options is your decision to make.

has anybody got a chance to ride these yet? 2015 release turned out to be pretty damn limited

IMO the whole concept of this binding went to shit when they couldnt work out a real toe release (or there was something with certification, what ever) and just added extra springs to a standard tech toe. To get full function and advantage of the release and elasticity of the heel piece you need a rotating toe piece.
Yes, this heel piece design gives better power transfer and a more solid feel. The two pins on the heel of a standard tech binding are the weakest design point of those bindings. So if thats what you are after, shure get them..allthough I would wait for Marker to solve all problems first.. Toe pins get out and there was a new problem posted on TGR.
BUT because the Kingpin has a standard type of toe release (just extra springs) it is not any safer than a standard tech binding.

Best option now IMO is the TR2. Safety release in the toes + same wider power transfer on the heels. Simple, easy and light. Just limited boot options, but more options next year..