'24-25 What "ski bindings" does the pro shop recommend?

Pro shop staff have a strong ability to discern quality products by looking across a variety of brands, test riding them on snow themselves, and accumulating feedback from users. So, we would like to ask you to tell us about the ``most recommended bindings'' from the new models for the 2024-25 season. If you have multiple models you're interested in but can't decide on which one to go for, or if you prefer something that has been highly rated by experts, this is a great reference!

*All prices include tax.

ATOMIC｜SHIFT2 13 MN

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

"SHIFT" has been renewed. The wings that open when putting on the boots in walk mode are wider than before, making them easier to wear. The AFD mechanism under the toe is now an aluminum micro-adjustable AFD power block, allowing for finer adjustments and improved power transmission. The height of the climbing support is 4mm higher than before. I think the updated functionality has improved performance and made it easier to use.

"PIVOT" has been updated! The curved heel arm increases the range of adjustment of the boot's sole length, reducing the chance of your hands getting caught when putting on and taking off the boots. In addition, the unprecedented blue color scheme makes it easy to match the color with simple skis. In addition, its high rigidity allows it to be used for a long time.

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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! The problem with the SHIFT binding is that it requires a lot of action when changing modes, but the advantage of the SHIFT binding is that it gives you a sense of security when sliding and feels lightweight when walking. The toe piece has been updated mainly for the '24-25 season, increasing the holding power of the boots and the sense of unity with skiing! When I actually skied it, I felt even more secure than the previous model.

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DYNAFIT｜ST ROTATION 10 BINDING

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

``ST ROTATION '' has a very low mount height and is a binding that gives a strong sense of unity with the ski among pintech type fittings. In addition, it goes without saying that the rotation system improves boot tracking performance and release accuracy.

In recent years, this binding has even been seen in landing scenes overseas. It can be said that this is a binding that is very versatile. Another nice feature is that the release strength can be selected from 10 (ST ROTATION 10 BINDING) and 14 (ST ROTATION 14 BINDING) depending on the rider's wishes.

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DYNAFIT ｜RIDGE BINDING

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

When turning the heel piece 180 degrees when switching to walk mode, it was a little stiff and required a lot of force to turn, but this model allows you to turn it without much force. It has become easier for women to handle. The release value also has a wide range of 4 to 12, making it a binding that can be used by everyone from beginners to experts.

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G3｜ZED12

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

G3's "ZED series" has a reputation for ease of use in the lightweight tour binding genre. There are also two stages of heel lifters, and an optional brake is also available. It is packed with the minimum necessary functions even though it is ultra-lightweight. There is a wide adjustment range even if your boot size changes, so you can rest assured.

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LOOK｜PIVOT2.0 15 GW

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

As the only turntable type binding, this is a new model of the ``LOOK PIVOT'' series, which is popular with a wide range of people from freeskiers to mooglers. The basic performance remains the same, but the details have been improved to make it easier to use. The slight dissatisfaction with the PIVOT binding has been resolved!

“PIVOT” has been updated to “PIVOT2.0”! The curved heel arm allows for smooth putting on and taking off the boots. Furthermore, the degree of closeness with the boots increases, improving operability. Also, the adjustment range has been changed to 20mm. The unprecedented blue color scheme makes it easy to match with simple skis. Durability is also improved by using metal parts on the heel.

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MARKER｜DUKE PT 13

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

When in sliding mode, it is almost the same as "GRIFFON13", and there is no need to compromise on sliding even on hard roads. The biggest weakness of general tech bindings is their low reliability when sliding, so if you mainly ski and also go to the backcountry, you can definitely choose the "DUKE PT" series.

There are many pin-compatible boots that emphasize gliding, and if the board is also a type that is resistant to speed, the balance with the binding becomes even more important. The one-stage climbing support is often cited as a disadvantage, but there is no particular problem when climbing from gentle slopes to moderately steep slopes. I don't think it's a big concern 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 when sliding is outstanding among the tech bindings! I think it's the only tech binding that you can put on the rails with confidence.

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MARKER ｜JESTER 18 Pro

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

Separate bindings are the best way to get the most out of your board. The toe piece has a horizontal spring, which allows the weight to be more balanced in the center of the ski. The heel piece also presses down on the boots from a diagonal direction, giving it a good grip. Suitable for hard riding and park jumping. It's good that you can feel the security of holding the boots firmly in place.

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MARKER｜GRIFFON13

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

For experts. The lightness and reliability of the boot holding power are ◎. There are six color variations for the '24-25 season, and you can enjoy coordinating with the board.

This series is neither too light nor too heavy, and comes in a wide variety of colors. Brake widths can be selected from 90, 100, 110, and 120, making this binding easy to match for any skier and any person, from intermediate to expert.

There's no need for any further explanation! "GRIFFON" is a freeski binding that is supported by many freeskiers. The reason for its popularity is its high performance as a binding such as retention and release, its rich color variations, and its good design. It is also a good idea to select “JESTER” or “SQUIRE” for the release value setting!
*Please note that the basic shape and performance of SQUIRE will change!

MARKER｜KINGPIN13

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

Above all, the balance between weight and glide performance is exquisite. 3D movement in the snow. turn grip. Tail slide control. This is a binding that has a feel that will give you a passing grade no matter what. We especially recommend this target to users who want to carve turns even on the slopes. It is especially recommended for users who ride powder skis with good carving performance.

The perfect binding for backcountry tours. Not only is it lightweight, but the weight balance between the front and rear bindings is also good. There are also two levels of climbing support, so you won't feel stressed when climbing. The heel piece firmly holds the edge of the boot, so you won't feel any distortion when turning, and the gliding performance is high. Recommended for skiers who like both slopes and powder while maintaining glide performance.

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MARKER｜SQUIRE 11

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

With an increasing number of young people, women, and active seniors who are starting to ski because they think ``freeskiing is so cool!'', we would like to recommend this when getting your first set of skis. Although it is lightweight, it has MARKER's reliable opening performance and outstanding stability, so it can be used for freeskiing by adults without getting injured ♪ Try falling or diving, please enjoy freeskiing with confidence ♡

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SALOMON | S/LAB SHIFT 13 MN

◆ Official HP / https://salomon.jp/

Binding for backcountry use. With its outstanding lightness and stability, this binding can be used with confidence when hiking or skiing. It has outstanding stability and performance, especially when sliding.

“SHIFT” is a long-awaited update! The climbing support is higher than the previous model, making climbing easier. In addition, the switch between walk mode and ski mode is machined from aluminum, improving rigidity, durability, and power transmission. The new color purple is also perfect for SALOMON's ``QST'' skis, a new model for the 2024-25 season.