Freeride bindings, including touring models, can be broadly divided into five types. From freeriding on any slope, to backcountry tours, parks, and cruising on the slopes, choosing the right binding for each purpose will lead to comfortable and safe use. We will introduce recommended bindings for each category
*Binding specifications: DIN (open value), W (weight per foot)
Adjustable freeride tour binding
The original CAST system, a garage brand, is the origin of the dream-like adjustable freeride touring binding, which allows you to use separate bindings for downhill and tech bindings for hiking. This system uses Look's Pivot bindings and a unique mount under the toe piece, allowing you to use two toe pieces: Pivot for downhill and tech for climbing
Salomon's much talked about "Shift" bindings are basically touring bindings with the same concept, but the reason for their success is that rather than replacing the toe piece, they have an internal tech pin for a variable structure. And this season, Marker has released the "Duke PT." Its concept is different from the Shift, as it is aimed at harder backcountry freeriding rather than backcountry touring
MARKER｜DUKE PT 12
DIN=4-12 | W=1150g, 850g (hike mode) | 93,500 yen
The Duke, which revolutionized the backcountry scene with the world's first frame-type hike system, has undergone a complete model change. While maintaining the powerful performance and safety of a race binding, the new binding can now be quickly converted into a tech binding by simply removing the toe piece. Will this create a new trend in the world of backcountry freeriding?
https://steep.jp/catalog/marker/
SALOMON｜S LAB SHIFT 13 MNC
DIN=6-13 | W=885g | 93,500 yen
This innovative touring binding combines the benefits of both alpine bindings for downhill riding and tech bindings for hiking thanks to its adjustable toe piece. It's recommended for backcountry skiing near ski resorts, where you can access the lifts and gondolas, rather than long tours requiring long hikes. It's compatible with two ISO sole standards
https://steep.jp/catalog/salomon/
The differences between the Shift Binding and the Duke PT are explained in detail in this article
Hybrid tech bindings
These two hybrid models combine the toe piece of a tech binding with a heel piece similar to that of an alpine binding. The heel piece, which uses a strong spring to hold the boot welt like an alpine binding, provides the same level of recovery as an alpine binding and effectively handles board flex. The heel grip is far superior to traditional tech bindings, allowing you to ski comfortably on the slopes
MARKER｜KINGPIN 13
D=6-13｜W=690g｜93,500 yen
The original, innovative hybrid pintech binding with a heel piece that uses almost the same system as an alpine separate binding. The heel piece has a built-in spring as powerful as an alpine model, providing heel hold and recovery function that you wouldn't expect from a pintech tour model. There is also a "KINGPIN 10" with a release value of 10
https://steep.jp/catalog/marker/
FRITCH | TECTON 12
DIN＝5-12｜W=630g｜72,600 yen
This hybrid tech binding is the only tech binding with a Flitsch design that has independent release mechanisms for the toe and heel, and a vice-type heel piece that presses down on the boot welt from above. This season, carbon material is used for the toe and heel pieces. The shape of the parts has also been revised to increase the rigidity and strength of the binding
https://www.lostarrow.co.jp/brands/fritschi.html
Tech Bindings
The first tech binding was Dynafit's "TLT (Tour Light Tech)" released in 1982. Over the past decade, it has rapidly gained popularity as most ski touring boots have become compatible, and it can now be said that it has become the mainstream of touring ski bindings. Not only is the binding itself lightweight, but it also reduces the strain on the body during long walks and hikes by allowing the natural walking motion of lifting the heel with the toe of the boot as the fulcrum
All models require the toe piece to be locked in hike mode, but it's essential that it's left unlocked when skiing, allowing the heel piece's safety release function to function properly
G3 | ION 12
DIN=5-12 | W=579g | 63,800 yen
The most difficult part of tech bindings to get used to is putting on the toe piece, but everyone agrees that the G3 binding is the easiest to put on. It also features a forward pressure function in the heel piece, ensuring reliable recovery and release, and is packed with functionality and ease of use that only a brand following in Dynafit's footsteps can offer. There's also a model with a release value of 10
https://www.caravan-web.com/brand_g3/product_list03/
MARKER | MARKER ALPINIST 12
DIN=6-12 | W=335g | 60,500 yen
These skis are intended for climbing and riding in steep mountainous areas. They combine lightweight performance with the ability to glide smoothly over long routes. You'll notice their light weight not only during long skin-ups, but also when climbing with skis on your back. Anti-ice pads are placed under the spring in the toe piece and around the heel piece to prevent problems caused by snow clogging and icing. A dedicated leash is available separately
https://steep.jp/catalog/marker/
DYNAFIT｜ST ROTATION 12
DIN=5-12 | W=605g | 72,600 yen
This lightweight touring binding is a classic. It features a centered toe hub and is TÜV certified, certifying safety and quality in Germany. From a mountain race model weighing just 108g per foot to a freeride model that supports powerful riding, the lineup is as impressive as you'd expect from the original tech binding brand
https://steep.jp/catalog/dynafit/
PLUM｜SUMMIT12
DIN=5.5-12｜W=550g｜75,000 yen
This touring binding brand was born in France. Its greatest feature is that almost all parts are machined from aluminum alloy, which makes them far more reliable than resin-made bindings. The center of the heel piece is made from a hard resin called POMC. The lineup is extensive, and the Summit 12 is a simple, basic touring model that continues to be a long-time bestseller
Frame Tour Bindings
Frame touring bindings, such as the Marker Tour F12/10, have a similar mechanism to alpine bindings, where the heel is raised along with the frame on which the binding sits. This means that they are just as user-friendly as traditional alpine bindings, and their greatest advantage is that they can be used with your existing ski boots. These touring bindings are ideal for those who primarily ski on the slopes or who want to get into backcountry skiing
TYROLIA | ADRENALIN 14 MN
DIN=4-14 | W=1210g (short, no brake) | 55,000 yen
Although it's a frame touring binding, its unique low-floor design gives it a feel similar to a separate binding. It also offers direct power transmission and a safety release function on par with alpine models, making it ideal for those who prioritize riding. By adjusting the AFD height, it can accommodate two ISO standard soles: alpine and touring
https://www.tyrolia.com/ja-JP/home/
Alpine (separate) bindings
The reliable mechanism and safety release mechanism have been cultivated over the history of ski bindings. Anyone can easily attach and remove them, and the separate type allows you to utilize the natural flex of the skis, which is a major advantage
MARKER｜JESTER 16 ID
DIN=6-16 | W=1070g | 48,400 yen
This high-end model from Marker's Royal Family line boasts a dominant share in the freestyle and freeride scene. Its compact, lateral-spring toe piece and highly restrictive heel piece deliver exceptional swing weight. With its magnesium components and numerous original mechanisms, this model revolutionized freeski bindings
https://steep.jp/catalog/marker/
LOOK｜PIVOT 15
DIN=6-15 | W=1245g | 47,300 yen
The Pivot series is popular among mogul skiers in the World Cup. Look's traditional turntable heel piece, with a rotation axis located directly under the tibia, reduces stress on the bones during a fall. Other key factors in its popularity include long elastic for a wide recovery range and short mounting that maximizes the ski's flex while providing excellent swing balance
SALOMON｜WARDEN 13 MNC
DIN=4-13 | W=1132g | 38,500 yen
This freeride model features a separate type with a horizontally mounted spring toe piece for good swing balance. The MNC system allows you to adjust the height of the sliding AFD on the toe piece to accommodate both alpine and touring ISO soles. It's also compatible with GripWalk soles
https://steep.jp/catalog/salomon/
TYROLIA | ATTACK 12 GW
DIN=3.5-12 | W=1010g | 28,600 yen
The AAA series is a freestyle and freeride model from a trusted and traditional binding specialist brand with over 70 years of experience. Among them, the Attack is a separate model perfect for park riding and cruising on the slopes. The lineup includes four models, ranging from 11 to 14, with different release values
https://www.tyrolia.com/ja-JP/home/