Recommended Bindings | 2023-24 Season Must-See! 15 Bindings with Highly Rated Reviews from Pro Shops

Professional shops are a great source of help when choosing new gear. They combine their extensive knowledge with user feedback to compare and evaluate products from multiple angles, making their advice persuasive. Choosing bindings that are compatible with your skis and boots is no easy task. Here we introduce the bindings that professional shops have selected as "highly rated" for the 2023-2024 season

TYROLIA | ATTACK 11 GW

If you're just starting out, this is all you need

◆Official Website:https://www.tyrolia.com/ja_JP/

I think many high-end models are featured in articles on this topic, so I'd like to introduce a binding that's a "standard choice that's good enough for now."
The TYROLIA ATTACK 11 GW is lightweight and offers efficient performance. Bindings are difficult to compare, but for beginners, you don't need to overthink it; just use a standard binding in a color you like.

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MARKER｜Duke PT13

No need to compromise on gliding even on hard packed runs

◆Official Website:http://www.mdvsports.co.jp

A long-awaited new model with a release value of up to 13. In skiing mode, it's almost identical to the GRIFFON13, and there's absolutely no need to compromise on skiing even on hard-packed slopes. The biggest weakness of typical tech bindings is their low reliability when skiing, so if you mainly ski but also do backcountry skiing, you can't go wrong with the DUKE PT series.

There are many pin-compatible boots that are also geared towards skiing, and if you're using a ski that's strong in speed, the balance with the binding becomes even more important. A commonly cited drawback is the single-stage climbing support, but it's not a problem from gentle slopes to moderately steep ascents. The height is just right, and I don't think it's a point that bothers you much when using it.

The perfect hybrid for those who don't want to compromise on gliding

The DUKE PT series is the perfect hybrid binding for those who want to use alpine bindings for downhill and tech bindings for hiking and don't want to compromise on their riding. If you're worried about using pin bindings, then the DUKE PT series is the perfect choice. Whether hiking or gliding, you can perform at your best without any worries

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MARKER｜Duke PT11

Combines direct gliding performance with smooth walking performance

◆Official Website:http://www.mdvsports.co.jp

The innovative DUKE PT series bindings, which combine alpine bindings for downhill skiing with tech pins for uphill climbing, now have a new addition: the "DUKE PT 11"! It offers
the same strong, stable, and direct skiing performance as traditional alpine bindings, while providing smooth walking performance when using tech pins. A must-have for skiers seeking both! Furthermore, the heel shape has been redesigned with a lower release value setting, resulting in a lighter weight.

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MARKER｜GRIFFON 13

A binding that combines high performance and practicality

◆Official Website:http://www.mdvsports.co.jp

MARKER's ROYAL family was one of the earliest bindings for freeskiing. Among them, the GRIFFON is lighter while retaining the performance of the higher-end JESTER. It also provides excellent boot hold, allowing you to ride with confidence. In short, it's a binding that combines high performance with practicality

It provides stability at speed and holds the boots securely

Despite weighing just 1030g, it offers stability at high speeds and gives the impression of holding your boots securely. It comes in six different colors, so you can coordinate it with your skis

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MARKER｜KINGPIN 13

High-level walking and gliding performance for peace of mind on the slopes

◆Official Website:http://www.mdvsports.co.jp

This hybrid binding has a tech binding for the toe piece and an alpine binding for the heel piece, achieving a high level of both walking and gliding performance. Some people may think that it's fine for the backcountry, but on the slopes, the tech binding for the toe piece is weak, but unless you actively use it in the park, you probably won't notice any weakness in its holding power

A model that balances the lightness of the pin type with the stability of the edge stopper

The toe is fixed with a pin and the heel is fixed with a welt, so this model has a good balance of lightness due to the pin type and stability due to the welt. Switching between ski mode and walk mode requires little action, so you can change modes quickly

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LOOK｜ PIVOT 15 GW

A complete binding that combines safety and performance

◆Official Website:https://www.look-bindings.com/jp/

This binding is so classic it needs no further explanation. It's been perfected for years. This LOOK heel piece provides secure grip and a turntable that significantly reduces accidental release, making it a binding that combines safety and performance

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ATOMIC｜SHIFT 13 MNC

High performance skiing takes any skier to the next level

The incredibly popular SHIFT hiking binding is a hybrid design that utilizes a TEC system for hiking and an almost alpine binding for skiing. For aggressive skiers, its superior gliding performance will boost performance, while also providing solid support for less aggressive skiers. This binding will take your skiing to the next level

Highly rated for its comfort and ease of installation!

This binding is recommended for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers in the backcountry. The SHIFT10, with its smaller release value, is ideal for lighter individuals and women. The SHIFT13 is a great option for men and advanced skiers. A

key selling point of this binding is its high rigidity and resistance to twisting, as it secures the boot to the front welt like a regular binding while skiing. This is especially beneficial on groomed slopes, icy conditions, and even on slushy spring snow, allowing you to apply power to your skis effectively.

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SALOMON｜S/LAB SHIFT 13 MN

Can be used optimally in each situation

◆Official Website:https://timetoplay.salomon.jp/

This hybrid model allows you to switch between touring and gliding modes. It's a binding that can be used optimally for both situations, with pins for touring and welts for gliding. Welts provide excellent gliding performance when gliding. The lightweight binding is also comfortable for touring. Compatible with multiple sole standards

For those who want to hike the slopes now, but want to try hiking later on

Both the toe and heel pieces are secured at the welt, making them ideal for those seeking stability while skiing. Additionally, in ski mode, they can be attached and detached using the same procedure as alpine bindings, offering ease of use for those primarily using them on groomed slopes.

Raising and lowering the climbing support in walk mode is very easy. Since they can be used with non-Pintech compatible boots for skiing only, they are also recommended for those who want to use them on groomed slopes now, but later want to try hiking and climbing.

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SALOMON｜STRIVE 16 MN

The low center of gravity allows you to quickly detect the snow surface conditions

◆Official Website:https://timetoplay.salomon.jp/

The extremely low center of gravity allows you to quickly grasp the snow surface conditions. The quick response allows you to ski according to the conditions. The lightweight binding makes it extremely easy to handle

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ARMADA｜ N STRIVE 14 GW

Although it is the latest model, it is also very cost-effective at around 30,000 yen!

This is the latest freestyle binding, a long-awaited first in a binding market where full model changes are rare. Its low center of gravity provides a great sense of unity with the skis, and while it's a vertical spring binding, it's easy to operate like a horizontal spring binding. It's lightweight (960g 1/2 per) for a binding with a 14-speed. Despite being a cutting-edge binding, its retail price of less than 30,000 yen makes it an attractive choice for its excellent cost performance

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SALOMON｜STRIVE12 GW

Another recommended point is that it is cheaper than the best-selling models of competing brands

The STRIVE series, released in the 2022-23 season, received high praise at test rides for its clean design, low stand height, and direct contact with the snow surface. For the 2023-24 season, an even more affordable version (though still with a release value of 12!), the STRIVE12, will be released!　
It feels the same as the STRIVE14 and other models, but is easier to handle and lighter! Another reason to recommend it is that it's cheaper than the best-selling models of competing brands!

ARMADA｜STRIVE12 GW

Available in three colors and great value for money

We've released the new "STRIVE 12 GW," which retains the basic performance and structure of the STRIVE 14 GW that debuted last year, but with a release value of 4-12. The key feature of the STRIVE is its low center of gravity! By bringing the boot sole and ski closer together, you can feel the contact with the snow surface, achieving direct control and power transmission!
The wide toe piece design allows for more precise turns, and it's also designed to withstand the strong impact of landings. It comes in three color variations and offers great value for money!

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DYNAFIT ｜ST ROTATION 14

This is definitely the spec that all skaters have been waiting for!

◆Official Website:https://rexxam.com/dynafit/

Many skiers have undoubtedly been waiting for these specifications! This might just be the ultimate TEC BINDHING, combining safety, lightness, and riding performance! We're seeing more and more riders both domestically and internationally using it on social media, and its reliability is undeniable, as they're using the ROTATION14 even in situations where conventional freeride bindings would be preferred. These

specifications are sure to attract attention from "climbers with a strong focus on skiing." The weight distribution between the toe piece and heel piece is almost 1:1 compared to sole-type bindings, making it easier to balance when attached to a backpack. In addition, the added safety features during riding may bring about changes in conventional climb & ride, ski riding conventions, and even ski setups! While this is a slightly extreme example, there's no doubt that these are the specifications that many skiers have been waiting for.

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ARMADA｜ N TRACER TOUR

These are full-pin bindings machined from aluminum. Because they are almost entirely made of metal, they are less prone to sudden breakage due to deterioration, making them safe to use even in the mountains. They are extremely lightweight and easy to operate.
Among full-pin bindings, they offer high holding power and rigidity, allowing for enjoyable riding. Full-pin bindings are ideal for long hikes. These bindings are now commonly used on touring skis with a width of 80-150mm.

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TYROLIA | TX 10 GW

It is lightweight and reasonably priced!

◆Official Website:https://www.tyrolia.com/ja_JP/

It is characterized by its lightness, yet it is sturdy. It is Grip Walk compatible, so it is compatible with most boots. It is also reasonably priced!!!

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