Ski bindings to watch out for at pro shops on the 26th-27th

easy toe piece replacement and satisfying rigidity
. Its innovative toe piece replacement system is remarkably user-friendly, making it ideal for those who frequent backcountry skiing but find tech bindings lacking in rigidity.

Junichi Sato, Staff member at outdoor shop Permark　

The surprisingly low stand height is a major surprise.
The "GRIFFON X," which is available in the 25-26 size range (where 26-27 sizes offer different levels of stiffness), features an incredibly low stand height compared to other bindings, and I was truly amazed!

For the 26-27 season, the "GRIFFON X" from the 25-26 season will be renamed "GRIFFON X MWERKS," and the newly introduced "GRIFFON X" will be available at a lower price. The difference lies in the rigidity of the heel piece

In short, you can choose between the more rigid "GRIFFON X MWERKS" and the moderately rigid "GRIFFON X". Generally, the "GRIFFON X" is recommended because it offers sufficient performance and a lower price. The wide variety of colors is also a nice bonus

PAPASU
owner / Toshiya Ikeda

The sluggishness of edge control has been improved.
 This model retains the reassuring stability and reliability of the "GRIFFON," which allows for aggressive skiing, while lowering the stand height by nearly 1 cm. The sluggishness of edge control when using wider skis has been improved, making it possible to ski more aggressively from one end of the ski resort to the other, whether on groomed snow, powder, in trees, or in the park.

Narrows
Staff / Takao Ban

In addition to their appealing low center of gravity
, the new 25-26 models, "JESTER X MWERKS" and "GRIFFON X MWERKS," feature a wide range of colors. The "GRIFFON X" retains the low center of gravity design while being even lighter. The wide range of colors offers even more choices. There are also limited edition colors that match the graphics and colors of skis, so be sure to check them out at your local shop.

TRUNKBASE
Owner / Mikiya Tanno

Introducing the ultimate high-spec tech binding
! A hybrid binding that surpasses existing tech bindings has arrived. Weighing in at an ultra-light 675g per foot, it features two levels of climbing support. With rigidity ensured by machined aluminum parts, this is a truly high-spec binding!　

There are no noticeable drawbacks, though if I had to mention one, it would be that the price is commensurate with the specifications, making it more expensive than other bindings. Another positive point is that the main parts are made of aluminum, which means it's less susceptible to hydrolysis-induced degradation, a common problem with plastic parts, making it reliable to use

With a wide variety of colors available, you can choose a shade to match your chosen skis. While only the HY11 was available in Europe last year, the HY13 will be making its debut in Japan for the 26-27 season

I tried them out and even when skiing with full power, there were no accidental releases, and I really felt the powerful edging and high-speed stability. In walk mode, my toes moved smoothly, so I felt less fatigued when sliding. I would definitely recommend these bindings to skiers who have used various bindings and still haven't found their best binding!

Mt.Peaks
Staff / Hoshi Yamato

Robust yet the lightest. An outstandingoverall balance:
lightness, functionality, and design are all perfectly balanced. Among the ever-evolving hybrid bindings, it boasts a robust, machined aluminum body while remaining among the lightest. In terms of overall perfection, it stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Fullmarks Daikanyama Store
Staff / Masatoshi Kokaji

Despite incorporating advanced technology,simple, intuitive, and stylish to use!
The machined aluminum construction provides overwhelming rigidity and a sense of security. And the mode switching is simple and straightforward. It's just plain cool! The weight is almost the same as the KINGPIN. Note the advanced design, such as the deliberately raised toe position in walking mode which assists with stride.

Sanwa Sports WEBSPORTS
Staff / Shinji Oguchi

Completely overcoming the weaknesses of the Shift series. The most noteworthy model for 26-27!　
The holding power, which was a weakness of previous Shift models, has been completely covered. Most skiers probably found the previous Shift² series to have sufficient holding power and gliding performance, but in some freestyle skiing styles or hard use, there were quite a few cases where the ski would release on the backseat upon landing.

This time, not only has the release value increased to 16, but there have also been updates to the heel piece structure and various other parts, making it what I consider to be the most noteworthy binding for the 25-26 season. Just keep in mind that it is heavy

SKI SHOP VAIL
Staff / Sota Unno

Increased rigidity thanks to the use of metal. Competitive specifications for high speeds.
The usage and functions are the same as conventional shift bindings, but it is an expert specification that covers release values ​​up to 16. A release value of 13 is generally sufficient, but unlike the resin material used in the main body of conventional bindings, the use of a large amount of metal material increases rigidity. This binding is for competitors who ski down rough slopes at high speeds.

Shugakuso Hokkaido University Store
Staff / Mountaineering & Skiing Manager - Minoru Kojiguchi