Every few years, innovative gear that revolutionizes the binding scene appears. For the 2021 season, one such piece is the globally popular "DUKE PT" from MARKER
INDEX
- DUKE PT: Revolutionary gear that will revolutionize the sport
- "DUKE" and "JESTER" changed the freeskiing scene
- Lineup and topics by category
"DUKE PT" is a revolutionary gear that will revolutionize the sport
What has remained unchanged since its inception is that the "DUKE" is designed for skiers who want to perform jumps and tricks on natural slopes like the backcountry, and push themselves to their limits. The "DUKE PT" inherits this concept, and its strong rigidity and structure set it apart from lightweight touring bindings.
Watching this promotional video makes it easy to see what kind of binding it is aimed at.
Compared to the previous "DUKE," the stand height (the height from the top sheet of the ski to the sole of the boot) has been lowered from 36mm to 24mm, which is a welcome change. This is the same height as the "JESTER."
The general outline of the system is that when skiing, the bindings hold the welt of the boot down like traditional alpine bindings, and when climbing, the tech pins hold the boot in place
What's interesting is its structure. When skiing, it looks almost the same as an alpine binding, but to switch to hike mode, unlock the toe piece and rotate it forward, revealing the pin tech underneath the toe piece. Removing the housing reduces the weight per foot by 300g. The video below provides more details on how this works
The DUKE PT is a reliable binding for strong skiers who want to jump and perform tricks on natural terrain and gain speed on steep slopes. It is available in two release sizes: 16 and 12
"DUKE" and "JESTER" changed the freeskiing scene
Marker Bindings was founded in 1952 and has a long history, making it a familiar brand loved by many skiers who enjoy park riding, freeriding, and backcountry skiing
The epoch-making bindings for such skiers were the "DUKE" and "JESTER," released in 2007. The revolutionary feature of these bindings was that, for the first time in history, the toe spring was mounted horizontally instead of vertically. This technology made the binding more compact, lighter, and shifted the center of gravity closer to the center of the ski, providing the enormous benefits of easier control
The JESTER, a favorite among park skiers, moved the center of gravity closer to the boot, lightening the swing weight and encouraging trick evolution. Freeride skiers welcomed the arrival of the DUKE, a dual-purpose binding that allowed them to climb with alpine bindings while still taking advantage of the skiing performance.
The new DUKE PT is a product at the forefront of these advancements.
Lineup and topics by category
Here we will organize and introduce the bindings for each series
RIDE & HIKE
The highlight of the lineup is the "DUKE PT" in the RIDE & HIKE category. It's aimed at hardcore freeride enthusiasts, and the ever-popular frame type "BARON EPF 13" is still available
| Category Name | Model name |
| RIDE & HIKE | DUKE PT 16 |
| DUKE PT 12 | |
| BARON EPF 13 |
FREERIDE & FREESTYLE
The FREERIDE & FREESTYLE category is a series aimed at park, pipe, and freeride use. Lightweight and highly rigid, the excellent swing balance and swing weight that help with foot control allow for free-riding freedom. No matter which model you choose, you'll be able to maximize your safety and performance for any level
| Category Name | Model name |
| FREERIDE & FREESTYLE | JESTER 18 PRO ID |
| JESTER 16 ID | |
| GRIFFON 13 ID | |
| SQUIRE 11 ID |
The toe and heel pieces for the FREERIDE & FREESTYLE category, including the BARON EPF 13, have been completely redesigned. The new "Triple Pivot Elite 3 Toe" toe mechanism provides strong holding power. The spring is positioned laterally to the ski, providing release performance and power transmission. The heel piece, called the "Interpivot 3 Heel," positions the spring vertically, strengthening holding power while allowing for easier step-in with less force. The center of gravity is closer to the boot than ever before, further reducing swing weight
In addition, both the RIDE & HIKE and FREERIDE & FREESTYLE categories are equipped with SOLE ID technology that complies with alpine, tour, and GripWalk standards
TOURING
The TOURING category now has a wide variety of models, so the options are wider and once you can imagine what kind of field you are looking for and how far you will be walking, you will be able to determine the bindings you need
| Category Name | Model name |
| TOURING | KINGPIN M-WERKS 12 |
| KINGPIN 13 | |
| KINGPIN 10 | |
| F12 TOUR EPF | |
| F10 TOUR | |
| MARKER ALPINIST 12 | |
| MARKER ALPINIST 9 | |
| MARKER ALPINIST 8 |
- MARKER ALPINIST Ultra-lightweight pin binding ideal for high altitude climbs and long hikes
- KINGPIN Combines the light climbing ability of pin bindings with the powerful gliding performance of pin bindings
- TOUR A wide frame that transmits power to fat skis reliably. An orthodox frame tour binding with a plate that helps ski control
For a full look at the Maker lineup, please see this link
MDV Sports Japan | Ski equipment specialty brand including bindings and boots