'24-25 What ski bindings do pro shops recommend?

The staff at professional shops have a keen eye for quality, having a cross-sectional view of various brands, test-riding on the snow themselves, and gathering feedback from users. So, we asked them to tell us which bindings they most highly recommend from the new 2024-2025 models. If you're interested in multiple models but can't decide on one, or if you're looking for something highly rated by experts, this is the place to start!

*All prices include tax

ATOMIC｜SHIFT2 13 MN

◆Official Website:https://atomicsnow.jp/

The "SHIFT" has been revamped. The wings that open when putting on the boots in walk mode are now wider than before, making them easier to put on. The AFD mechanism under the toe has been updated to an aluminum micro-adjustable AFD power block, allowing for more precise adjustments and improving power transmission. The climbing support height has been increased by 4mm compared to the previous model. ...These functional updates have improved performance and made the boots easier to use

The SHIFT, like regular alpine bindings, holds the front and rear edges of the bindings when skiing, so it's renowned for its grip, but it's also lightweight. Tech pins can be used in hike mode, allowing for smooth, agile movement. This binding is ideal for those who use it both on the slopes and in backcountry skiing. The 2024-2025 season sees improvements, including increased durability and a 4mm higher heel support

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ATOMIC・ARMADA・SALOMON｜SHIFT2 10MN

DIN=4-10
Weight=915g (1/2pair)
￥93,500

◆ATOMIC Official Website:https://atomicsnow.jp/
◆ARMADA Official Website:https://armadaskis.jp/
◆SALOMON Official Website:https://salomon.jp/

The innovative PINTECH binding, "SHIFT," has been updated! While the frequent mode-changing action is a drawback, the SHIFT binding offers a sense of security when skiing and a lightweight feel when walking. For the 2024-2025 season, the toe piece has been updated, improving the boot's hold and the sense of unity with the skis! I actually tried it out and it felt even more secure than the previous model

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DYNAFIT｜ST ROTATION 10 BINDING

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

The "ST ROTATION "binding has an extremely low mount height, providing a strong sense of unity with the skis among pin-tech type bindings. Needless to say, its rotation system ensures excellent boot tracking and release precision.

In recent years, this binding has even been seen in overseas skiing scenes, demonstrating its exceptional versatility. The ability to choose between release strengths of 10 (ST ROTATION 10 BINDING) and 14 (ST ROTATION 14 BINDING) to suit the skier's preferences is another welcome feature.

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DYNAFIT ｜RIDGE BINDING

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

When switching to walk mode, rotating the heel piece 180 degrees was a little stiff and required a lot of force, but this model allows you to turn it without much force. It's also easier for women to use. The release value has a wide range from 4 to 12, making it suitable for everyone from beginners to experts

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G3｜ZED12

◆Official Website:https://www.caravan-web.com/brand_g3/

G3's "ZED Series" is renowned for its ease of use in the lightweight touring binding genre. It also features a two-stage heel lifter and an optional brake (sold separately). It's packed with all the essential features you need, even in its ultra-lightweight form. It also offers a wide range of adjustment, so you can rest assured even if your boot size changes

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LOOK｜PIVOT2.0 15 GW

◆Official Website:https://rossignol.co.jp/

This new model from the "LOOK PIVOT" series is the only turntable-type binding that is popular with a wide range of skiers, from freeskiers to moguls. While maintaining the same basic performance, it has been improved in every detail for ease of use. It solves the minor complaints of previous PIVOT bindings!

"PIVOT" has been updated to "PIVOT 2.0"! The curved heel arm allows for smoother removal and attachment of boots. It also provides a tighter fit with the boot for improved maneuverability. The adjustment range has also been increased to 20mm. The new blue color scheme makes it easy to coordinate with simple skis. Furthermore, the use of metal parts in the heel has improved durability

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MARKER｜DUKE PT 13

◆Official Website:https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/

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. The single-stage climbing support is often cited as a disadvantage, but it's not a problem for climbing from gentle slopes to moderately steep slopes. I don't think it's a point that bothers you that much when using it.

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MARKER｜DUKE PT 16

◆Official Website:https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/

To be honest, changing modes on the DUKE PT 16 is a bit of a hassle, but the stability it provides when skiing is unmatched among tech bindings! I think it's the only tech binding that lets you rail with confidence

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MARKER ｜JESTER 18 Pro

◆Official Website:https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/

Separate bindings are the best way to maximize the performance of your skis. The toe piece has a horizontal spring, which helps balance the weight more towards the center of the ski. The heel piece also presses the boot diagonally, providing a good hold. They are also suitable for hard riding and park jumps. The good thing about them is that they give you a sense of security knowing that your boots are firmly held in place

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MARKER｜GRIFFON13

◆Official Website:https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/　

For experts. Lightweight and reliable boot retention. Available in six colors for the 2024-2025 season, so you can enjoy coordinating it with your skis

This series is neither too light nor too heavy and comes in a wide variety of colors. Brake widths are available in 90, 100, 110, and 120, making it a binding that can be easily adapted to any ski or skier, from intermediate to expert

No explanation is needed! "GRIFFON" is a freeski binding that is supported by many freeskiers. Its popularity stems from its high performance as a binding, such as its retention and release, as well as its good design and wide range of color variations. Choosing "JESTER" or "SQUIRE" depending on the release value setting is also a good option!
*Note that the basic shape and performance of SQUIRE are different!

MARKER｜KINGPIN13

◆Official Website:https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/

Above all, the balance between weight and gliding performance is exquisite. 3D movement in the snow. Turn grip. Tail slide control. This binding has a feeling that passes all the test. We especially recommend it to users who want to carve turns on the slopes. We especially recommend it to users who ride powder skis with good carving performance

These bindings are ideal for backcountry tours. Not only are they lightweight, but the weight balance between the front and rear bindings is also excellent. They also have two levels of climbing support, so you won't feel stressed when climbing. The heel piece firmly grips the boot welt, so there's no distortion when turning, and they offer excellent gliding performance. Recommended for skiers who enjoy both slopes and powder skiing while maintaining gliding performance

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MARKER｜SQUIRE 11

◆Official Website:https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/

With an increasing number of young people, women, and active seniors taking up skiing because they think "freeskiing is so cool!", we would like to recommend this for those looking to get their first ski set. Lightweight yet boasting MARKER's reliable release performance and outstanding stability, it's perfect for injury-free freeskiing for adults. ♪ Try falling or plunging into the air, but enjoy freeskiing with peace of mind. ♡

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SALOMON｜S/LAB SHIFT 13 MN

◆Official Website:https://salomon.jp/

These bindings are designed for backcountry skiing. They are extremely lightweight and stable, making them perfect for both hiking and skiing. They offer exceptional stability and performance, especially when skiing

The long-awaited update to the "Shift" skis! The climbing support is now higher than the previous model, making climbing easier. The switch between walk and ski modes is now made of machined aluminum, improving rigidity, durability, and power transmission. The new purple color is a perfect match for SALOMON's new "QST" skis for the 2024-2025 season