Pro Shop Expertise #3 | 2020-21 Season's "BINDINGS that will change your skating - you just have to try them out"

Store Manager
Fujisawa

ATOMIC ｜SHIFT MNC13

Recommended:Ishii Sports Sapporo Store

I've used the SHIFT for two seasons myself, and I highly recommend it to anyone who isn't satisfied with the performance of pin bindings or is concerned about stability. The secure feeling of a firmly fixed toe piece is ideal for experienced racers, powerful skiers, and skiers who can tilt their body axis. This year's color is all black, giving it a luxurious feel

Manager Fujisawa again

MARKER ｜DUKE PT16

Recommend:Ishii Sports Sapporo StoreThis is another item we highly recommend you try. The Marker DUKE, which has pioneered the history of backcountry freeride skiing, has been fused with pin technology to create a completely new binding. It brings out 100% of the ski's performance while providing reliable hold and recovery. This high-performance binding combines the safety binding function that protects the skier to the fullest extent with high release performance in the event of a fall, with the light and easy walking feel provided by pin technology.

The sense of security you feel from the moment you put them on is sure to give you confidence. This binding will become an essential item for riders who want to enjoy the snowy mountains in an aggressive yet cool way

Mikiya Tanno

Owner & rider
Tanno-san

MARKER ｜KINGPIN13

Recommend:　TRUNKBASEThis is a minor change from last year's "KINGPIN". The toe piece spring has been changed from three to one, making it lighter. The KINGPIN is lightweight and has good boot hold balance, making it suitable for a wide range of uses from groomed slopes to backcountry fields. It is recommended for skiers who want to perform well with tech bindings and want to keep the weight as light as possible.

　What are the key points when choosing bindings?

When choosing bindings at a shop, it's important to know what the customer prioritizes when selecting equipment. Whether it's "prioritizing gliding performance," "prioritizing climbing (hiking)," or "prioritizing lightness," knowing what you prioritize is a crucial pointトです。

Store Manager
Tatsumi

ARMADA ｜N SHIFT MNC 13

Recommend:SKI SHOP Vailbindings that balance skiing and walking. When walking, they offer the same comfortable walking experience as other tech bindings, and when skiing, they hold your boots with the same system as alpine bindings, resulting in high skiing performance and safety.

While regular tech bindings don't have a release value, SHIFT does, so skiers can use it safely on the slopes. It's also easy to operate and use

　What to look out for when choosing bindings!

We often recommend bindings based on how long you plan to walk for. For example, if you plan to walk for about an hour or two after getting off the lift, we recommend bindings with high performance and safety so that you can continue to enjoy skiing on the same boards after returning to the slopes

Many tech bindings do not have a release value on the toe piece, which can cause anxiety for many people. When it comes to safety while skiing, we often recommend bindings that offer the same safety features as alpine bindings, such as the MARKER TOUR F12 and TYROLIA AMBITION, which have been in the lineup for some time

If you don't want to sacrifice your ability to walk, we recommend bindings such as SHIFT, TECTON, and DUKE PT, which ensure safety when skiing

Staff　
member Amari

FRITSCHI｜TECTON12

Recommend:Ishii Sports Shinjuku West Exit Store"I just want you to try it out," so I thought about going with the popular "DUKE PT" this year, but I'm going for something a bit more niche (lol). The binding I recommend is the "FRITSCHI TECTON12".

The toe piece uses the PIN Tech system, and the heel piece is designed to hold the welt of the boot in place.The great thing about this binding is that even though the heel piece uses the same system as alpine bindings, the front and rear weight balance is almost even!　

What are the benefits? I'm sure there are many skiers who don't want to sacrifice their skiing performance even when choosing a tough climbing line. I'm one of them. These bindings have a light heel, even when the ski is strapped to your backpack, so the tail swings very little from side to side. They're especially useful when climbing steep slopes with an axe stuck in the snow. Unstable balance can be frightening... They really make climbing easy! And yet, the skiing doesn't disappoint. That's what these bindings are like

What to look out for when choosing bindings!

To be honest,choosing bindings is the most difficult part of selecting equipment for me too.In the past, I've spent three months agonizing over it only to end up making a mistake (laughs).The two things I value most when choosing bindings are the following:

① What style of backcountry skiing do you want to do with the skis and boots you choose this time? What kind of challenges do you want to take on?
② Is the overall balance of skis, boots, and bindings maintained?

Regarding ①,it's difficult for people who are just starting out in backcountry skiing to imagine this. However, please do your best to expand your imagination by making use of the web, print media, media information, advice from acquaintances, etc.!

For me, choosing skis and bindings is almost the same as buying a car. Because they are partners that will be with you on the mountains for many years. If you envision your future self and convey the VISION you are aiming for to our staff, you will be less likely to make a mistake. Your VISION is very important!

Regarding point ②, it's about "whether the overall balance of the equipment is right." Of course, there are exceptions depending on the skier's physical strength and the style they aim for, but I do place importance on the balance between the boots and bindings.

Lightweight touring skis weighing around 1kg are an exception, but for other skis (approximately 1.4kg and up), you can choose your preferred combination. The key factors are the weight of the boots and the sole shape

The boots are heavy, and if they're Alpensole Gripwalk boots, they offer excellent maneuverability and power transmission. There are a variety of binding combinations you can create. If you're looking for a more solid walking style, you can go for the Pintec type, or if you're looking for a more manly setup, you can go for the cool "Marker Duke + Dukept" or "Marker Jester + Daymaker" setup

Conversely, for lighter boots (approximately 1.5kg or less), the rigidity of the skiing is weaker, so I recommend the PINTEC type. When skiing with light boots and frame bindings, the movement of the skis and boots doesn't match, which feels uncomfortable.
　
Finally, and this is obvious, skis "flex".If you want to take advantage of the flex of the skis, separate bindings (such as "DUKEPT SHIFT") are an option,
but if you want to add strength to the flex of the skis under your feet, you can choose frame bindings like "MARKER DUKE". The feel of the skis changes considerably depending on the bindings you install, so it's a good idea to choose while also considering the change in flex!

Staff
member Wasshi

DYNAFIT｜ST ROTATION 12

Recommend:BLACKDIAMOND -Lightweight, strong, and affordable, this is the perfect tech binding with all three qualities. TUV safety certified, it's impeccable in terms of safety, and it's a great product that automatically adjusts the toe piece's center position during climbing, reducing fatigue even on long ascents.

This is recommended not only for those using techbins for the first time, but also for skiers who say, "I don't want to compromise on either going up or downhill!"

 What to look out for when choosing bindings!

For customers (skiers), the most important factors when choosing bindings are:
① lightness, ② holding power, ③ price, and ④ ease of use　
. Which of these four points is prioritized will vary from customer to customer.

We have a wide range of customers, from gear connoisseurs who already have their preferences to those who don't know yet what kind of skiing they want to do. When customers come to our store, we talk to them about what kind of skiing they are currently doing and what they want to do in the future. Bindings are the "connector" between the skis and boots, so we consult with them to choose bindings that are compatible with both, and also take into consideration compatibility with the user

Lightweight, sturdy, affordable, and easy to use, we strive to select gear that will make customers smile and say, "These bindings are great!" or "I'm glad I bought these!" when they return to the store