With the diversification of styles, what is the best binding solution? | '25-26 Pro Shop Selection

We often hear people say, "I've decided on the skis I want, but choosing bindings is tricky and I don't know what to choose." The staff at a pro shop have a wealth of expertise and can help you choose bindings that suit your needs, taking into consideration the match between your skis and boots. So, let's ask them to recommend some recommended binding models for the 2025-2026 season.

INDEX

ATTACK 14 GW | TYROLIA

DIN: 4-14
Weight: 865g (1/2pair)
Color: pink, sand, solid black, matt white, green, red, gray (7 colors in total)
¥41,800

◆ Official HP / https://www.tyrolia.com/ja_JP/

In terms of performance and safety, if you choose the right release value, I think it will be comparable to other manufacturers' products, so this time I would like to recommend the pink color that will be released for the 2025-2026 season. This is a color that has rarely been seen before, so please take advantage of this opportunity.

Reviewer
OFF-1
Staff / Keiji Takagi

FREETOUR 2.0 PIVOT 15|CAST

DIN: 6-15
Weight: Walk mode total weight: 1,016g / Glide mode total weight: 1,343g
\132,000

◆Official website: https://casttouring.com/

The CAST FREETOUR is a backcountry-ready version of the LOOK PIVOT, sold by CAST. Simply change the PIVOT for skiing and the tech and toe piece for climbing with a single touch. This is especially great for skiers looking to tackle backcountry skiing who already have tech-compatible boots.

Also, starting with the 2025-2026 release, update and 2nd kits will be available, meaning PIVOT fans who currently own a PIVOT 15 or higher can upgrade to the FREETOUR by purchasing the kit. In the Kanto region, the product is only available at Mt. Peaks, so be sure to check it out!

Reviewer
Mt.Peaks
Staff/Hoshi Yamato


 GRIFFON 13|MARKER

DIN: 4-13
Weight: 1,030g (1/2pair)
¥49,500

◆Official website: https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/brands/marker-bindings?lang=ja

These bindings are heavy, sturdy, easy to use, and reliable. MARKER has a large market share, so there are many shops that will help you if you need to change bindings, so you can feel at ease.

ReviewWorsky
Pro Shop Azumino
Owner/Fujita Tatsuya


 SQUIRE 11|MARKER

DIN: 3-11
Weight: 820g (1/2pair)
¥35,200

If you're looking for lightweight, safe, and reliable bindings, try Marker's Royal Family series (DUKE PT, JESTER, GRIFFON, SQUIRE). For light skiers, choose SQUIRE. For powerful skiers, we also recommend GRIFFON.

Reviewer
CYCLE COMMUNICATION NATURAL
Staff/Hoshiko Tsuji

JESTER X|MARKER

DIN: 6-16
Weight: 1,130g (1/2pair)
¥63,800

The "JESTER X" will be available from the 2025-2026 season. Its stand height is the lowest of any binding on the market today. It's ideal for freestyle and freeride. It maximizes the flex of the skis and is easy to shift. You'll feel the pressure of the board more directly, and you'll feel like your feet are firmly planted on the ground when riding in the park or powder. This is definitely a binding to watch for the 2025-2026 season.

Reviewer
TRUNKBASE
Owner / Mikiya Tanno

It's also my favorite!

To match the excellent snow contact of the STRIVE, the stand height is significantly lower than previous models! The toe piece is the lowest in the world at 9mm! The heel piece is set at 14mm, 10mm lower than previous models! This provides overwhelming stability and responsiveness. The same can be said for the GRIFFON 13.

Review War
Sanwa Sports WEBSPORTS
Staff/Shinji Oguchi


KINGPIN 13|MARKER

DIN: 6-13
Weight: 715g (1/2pair)
¥121,000

◆Official website: https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/brands/marker-bindings?lang=ja


I believe that the bindings you use will vary greatly depending on the area and style of your activity. With that in mind, my recommendation is the "KINGPIN." It's a very well-balanced binding that offers excellent tail grip on groomed runs and excellent gliding performance in backcountry areas.

Reviewer
Ishii Sports Yodobashi Kofu
Staff / Yuki Amari


KINGPIN M-WERKS 12|MARKER

DIN:5-12
Weight:655g (1/2pair)
¥126,500

◆Official website: https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/brands/marker-bindings?lang=ja

This series maintains the same maneuverability as the KINGPIN, but is lighter. The toe area has been hollowed out to make it lighter, but the strength and gliding performance remain the same, allowing you to enjoy a variety of snow conditions.

Reviewer
Ishii Sports Links Umeda Store
Staff/Yanagida Yasunari


PIVOT 2.0 15 GW PURPLE GOLD|LOOK

DIN: 6-15
Weight: 1,245g (1/2pair)
\64,900

◆ Official HP / https://rossignol.co.jp/

The insert screw in the heel piece is located under the heel, so the tail of the ski can be used long and like a whip, which is a great feature.

Reviewer
Xraeb sports
Staff / Taketo Yamada


SHIFT² 13 MN|ATOMIC

DIN: 6-13
Weight: 920g (1/2pair)
¥110,000

◆ Official HP / https://atomicsnow.jp/

I recommend these bindings because they are easy to put on, with a shape similar to alpine bindings. Pin-type bindings take some getting used to, and the ease of fitting them varies on steeper slopes, so I recommend them even for those who aren't used to them. The walk mode is also easier to put on than the first generation, and the climbing aids are higher, making it easier to climb steeper slopes than previous models.

Reviewer Shugakuso
Hokudai Store
Staff / Climbing and Ski Manager - Mr. Minoru Kojiguchi


STRIVE 14 GW|ATOMIC

DIN: 5-14
Weight: 1,002g (1/2pair)
¥38,500

◆Official website/ https://atomicsnow.jp/

The slant toe piece inherited from the SHIFT binding and the acclaimed WTR heel piece! While the stand height isn't actually low, it provides excellent snow contact and is lightweight! This model achieves all the important elements of a binding at a high level, making it the best! Its great value for money is also a big attraction! (Available from ATOMIC, ARMADA, and SALOMON)

Review War
Sanwa Sports WEBSPORTS
Staff/Shinji Oguchi


Tecton 13|FRITSCHI

DIN: 5-13
Weight: 600g (1/2pair)
¥87,890

◆Official website: https://www.lostarrow.co.jp/brands/fritschi.html

With a highly refined step-in system and a release mechanism that releases the toe and heel independently, these bindings are comfortable to use even when transitioning from alpine skiing. They are also lightweight and durable. While they are a trusted backcountry touring binding that has been widely chosen on the market, they are also recommended for use on the slopes.

Reviewer
Ishii Sports Kanda Main Building
Staff Makoto Shimoyama

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