Dynafit Radical FT12 2013

*This was the first 'tech' binding I have tried, and to this day, the only. Based on that, this review is more comparing the FT to downhill bindings instead of other tech bindings.*

I have been wanting to give tech bindings a try for a few years now, and moving to Revelstoke where the mountains are big, and the climbs are long finally made me make the switch. At first I was apprehensive about if they would stay on my feet and if they would break. At 6'1", 190lbs and a very aggressive skier, I had my doubts. By the end of the season though, I was dropping pillow lines with no hesitation about if the bindings could hold up. With a DIN up to 12, they aren't going to hold up through everything - being smooth with your skiing will allow you to push them further than you would ever think. Also, due to the nature of tech bindings, a stiffer ski will prevent any unnecessary releases. I have a few friends who use them inbounds, but they aren't as aggressive, nor as tall and heavy - I would never ski to my fullest on these things inbounds, ever. I would also never hit a jump and try to spin with them - straight flips seam to work just fine, but a 360 or the like is just asking for your bindings to release.

As far as the uphill goes - does this really need to be said? These babies were designed for uphill travel. Pivot point is perfect, weight is almost non existent, and the risers work quick and with minimal effort. If I didn't have so much fun on the downhill, these bindings might make me turn into one of those dudes who's all about traverses and shit. If you want to get into ski touring at a level that isn't just slackcountry at your local hill, you really need to take a serious look at these bindings - they will change the way you look at backcountry travel.

• Terrain
  Park
  Pow
• Design
  Clean
  Busy
• Durability
  Fragile
  Durable
• Weight
  Light
  Heavy
• Style
  Uncool
  Cool
• Reliability
  Sketchy
  Trustworthy