SKI SHOP VAIL is a renowned ski pro shop that focuses on freeride. The high-quality selection, carefully selected by staff with extensive expertise and experience on snow, has earned the shop the trust of many users. From among the selection, store manager Ikeda has carefully selected the bindings he "most highly recommends!" from among the many available
1. A revolutionary binding that combines high levels of performance and safety
SALOMON｜S/LAB SHIFT MNC 13 Review
DIN=6-13
Weight=885g
"SHIFT" is a common design for SALOMON, ARMADA, and ATOMIC. Its advantage is that the toe piece can be transformed into walk mode when hiking uphill. Whereas previously you needed to carry your skis or use some other tool, the big difference is that you can climb with the bindings on while still enjoying the same skiing performance. Some people worry about whether the pin type will be safe when skiing, but there's no need to worry as it feels just like a regular separate binding when skiing
This binding truly allows you to ski and walk at the same time. When walking, it is just as comfortable as other tech bindings, and when skiing, it holds your boots in place with the same system as alpine bindings, so it offers high performance and safety. While regular tech bindings do not have a release value on the toe piece, SHIFT does, so skiers can use it with confidence on the slopes. It is also easy to operate and use
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https://vail.white-cliff.net/shop/shopdetail.html?brandcode=000000003037&search=SHIFT+MNC13&sort=
② Ideal for those who are worried about a perfect pin but want to make it a little lighter
MARKER｜KINGPIN 13 Review
DIN= 6-13
Weight=670g
The KINGPIN is extremely popular. Many people choose touring bindings because they want something light. That's where the KINGPIN excels. The toe piece has been reshaped compared to the previous model, making it significantly lighter, at 60g per side. Some people may be a little worried about the change from two springs to one, but each spring has been made stronger, so there's no need to worry about that. The rubber at the bottom also tends to clog less snow, which is another major improvement
This is perfect for those who want to use pin-type boots but are unsure about full pin-type boots. The pins only support the boots at the four corners, so the boots float. This means that when you ski, they can twist and some of the force can be lost, which can be a cause for concern. However, with KINGPIN, the front is pin-type, but the back firmly holds the welt, making it very easy to transmit force. I think it's a great choice for those who are unsure about full pin-type boots but want to make them as light as possible
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https://vail.white-cliff.net/shop/shopdetail.html?brandcode=000000003021&search=KINGPIN+13&sort=
3. Highly secure and shock-absorbing alpine bindings
MARKER｜GRIFFON 13 ID Review
DIN=4-13
Weight=1030g
This alpine binding is trusted by users who seek outstanding stability and a direct feel underfoot. The GRIFFON 13 ID is a continuing model, but the heel piece has undergone a major change since last year. It requires a bit of skill to put on, and some people previously found the heel piece too stiff to fit properly, but now it takes nearly 30% less force to put on the boots than before
It comes in four colors: black, white, teal x flow yellow, and anthracite x black x red, so it's fun to choose one that matches your board
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https://vail.white-cliff.net/shop/shopdetail.html?brandcode=000000003018&search=GRIFFON+13+ID&sort=
4. For those who want a higher level of safety with the toe-piece release function
FRITSCHI｜TECTON12 Review
DIN=5-12
Weight=550g
The Flitsch bindings are from Diamir, a brand famous for its touring bindings. While you may not be familiar with them yet, they're a big seller in our store. This season, the model has undergone a change. The shape of the toe piece has been significantly redesigned, making it much sturdier than before. The addition of carbon fiber to the material increases its strength, while still maintaining the same weight as the previous model
One of Flitsch's unique features is that it has a release mechanism on the toe piece. While other brands' pin-type bindings, both front and back, do not have a release mechanism on the toe piece, Flitsch's TECTON and Vipec EVO 12 are the only ones that do. With a pin at the front and a press at the back, it's on the same level as the KINGPIN, but it's popular with people who want a lightweight touring binding and want to increase safety even a little
*Blue is included as an accessory part
◆Click here for
https://vail.white-cliff.net/shopdetail/000000003694/ct626/page1/order/
summary
When choosing bindings at a shop, it's important to consider what you value. Everyone's reasons for joining a BC vary. Are you primarily going to be climbing or skiing? If you're going to be skiing, you'll need bindings that transfer power well, so pins won't be an option. You can make a good choice by clarifying what you can't compromise on, such as "prioritizing glide performance to pursue ski quality," "prioritizing climbing (hiking) for enjoying tours," "prioritizing lightness in consideration of physical strength," or "prioritizing safety to avoid injury." In addition to considering the skis and bindings, matching them with the boots and overall balance are also important considerations
VAIL's online shop offers more detailed information, so please feel free to refer to it. Of course, if you come to our store in Kanda, our experienced staff will be happy to help you with any questions, including matching your skis and boots, so please do stop by!
VAIL ONLINE SHOP
https://vail.white-cliff.net/
The person who taught me
Store Manager MakotoIkeda
He is 37 years old and has been working at SKI SHOP VAIL for nine years. He mainly does installation work and is knowledgeable about binding functions and compatibility. He can also provide customer service in English and French, so even if you are not good at Japanese, please feel free to visit us
Information
SKI SHOP VAIL
VAIL is a pro shop located in Kanda, Tokyo. It boasts the largest selection of freeskiing and backcountry skiing items in Kanda! With a wide selection from major brands to core brands, the shop is packed with popular and rare products from over 100 brands across two floors. Thanks to the knowledgeable and experienced staff who provide accurate advice, VAIL has a large fanbase
http://www.shop-vail.com/
[INFO]
2-1 Kanda Ogawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Kimura Building 1F
Tel: 03-5577-6411
(Business Hours) Weekdays 11:30-20:00,
Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 10:30-20:00
[Brands we carry]
Atomic, Salomon, Majesty, K2, Line, Rossignol, Armada, Volkl, Head, Faction, G3, Dynafit, DPS, Moment, FT, Dalbello, Oakley, Smith, Giro, Pock, Hestra, Sweet Protection, Norrøna, FW, Teton Bros, Patagonia, Peak Performance, and many others.
VAIL's recommended ski boots are here
