Ice Sports

Flexible Ski Bindings To Keep You Safe

By Biraj Khanal / 31 January 2024 10:24 AM

Source : puckpath

For freestyle skiers craving playful pops and buttery presses, traditional alpine bindings can feel restrictive.

What defines "flexible"? Imagine bindings that bend and absorb impact, letting you initiate tricks intuitively and hold presses longer.

Enter the world of flexible ski bindings, where creativity knows no bounds.

These bindings ditch the rigid design in favor of controlled flex, allowing for smoother tricks, effortless switch landings, and a more connected feel with your skis.

1. Marker Griffon 13 ID

Source : puckpath

Price

DIN: 4.0 - 13.0

Sole compatibility: Alpine, Touring, WTR, GripWalk

Brake sizes: 90, 100, 110, 120mm

The Marker Griffon 13 ID is a popular choice for advanced to expert skiers looking for a versatile and reliable binding for all types of terrain.

It has a DIN rating of 4-13, which means it is suitable for skiers who weigh between 45 and 130 pounds.

The Griffon 13 ID features Marker's Triple Pivot Elite toe and Inter Pivot 3 heel, which provide excellent power transmission and edge control.

It also has Sole.ID technology, which makes it compatible with all major ski boot sole norms.

2. Look Pivot 15 GW

Source : puckpath

Price: $429.95 on Look Bindings and Evo

DIN: 6-15

Sole compatibility: Alpine, GripWalk

Brake sizes: 95, 115, 130mm

With a DIN range of 6-15, Look Pivot 15 GW caters to intermediate and advanced skiers seeking responsive control across varied terrain.

Full metal construction and a turntable heel deliver exceptional durability and shock absorption.

The innovative turntable heel design minimizes unwanted pre-release while ensuring reliable release in critical situations.

Tool-free DIN adjustment allows for on-the-go fine-tuning to match your skiing style and conditions.

3. Tyrolia Attack 11 GW

Source : puckpath

Price

  • $229.00 on Evo
  • $149.00 to $229.99 on Amazon

DIN: 3-11

Sole compatibility: Alpine, GripWalk

Brake sizes: 85, 95, 110mm

The Tyrolia Attack 11 GW is a compelling option for intermediate to advanced skiers who prioritize control, performance, and user-friendliness on all-mountain terrain.

It strikes a balance between stability and a touch of flex, making it suitable for various skiing styles and snow conditions

Its FR PRO 3 Toe guarantees constant release values and easy adjustment to different boot sole heights.

Also, GripWalk Compatibility works seamlessly with both GripWalk and traditional alpine boots.

4. Fritschi Tecton 13

Source : puckpath

Price: $679.95 on Black Diamond

DIN: 5-13

Sole compatibility: DIN ISO 9523 for Touring Boot Compatibility

Brake sizes: 90, 100, 110, 120mm

The Fritschi Tecton 13 is a high-performance, pin-tech binding designed with a blend of lightweight efficiency for the uphill and powerful stability for the downhill.

Crafted from high-strength aluminum and reinforced plastic, the Tecton 13 strikes a balance between durability and weight, tipping the scales at just 550 grams per binding.

Features a fixed-height heel with lateral and vertical release capabilities, ensuring confident edge control and safety.

Stepping in and out is made effortless with the user-friendly heel lever and automatic toe lock/unlock.

5. Salomon S/Lab Shift MN 13

Source : puckpath

Price: $599.95 on Salomon

DIN: 6-13

Sole compatibility: Alpine, Touring, WTR, GripWalk

Brake sizes: 90, 100, 110, 120mm

The Salomon S/Lab Shift MN 13 is a unique ski binding that blends the efficiency of a pin binding with the power and stability of an alpine binding. 

Pin-tech toe provides efficient power transfer and easy transitions between ski and walk modes.

Alpine heel offers stability and control during downhill skiing. Full diagonal release ensures consistent release in all directions for improved safety.

Suitable for skiers weighing between 100 and 230 pounds.

6. Marker Kingpin 13

Source : puckpath

Price: $699.99 on MARKER Bindings

DIN: 6-13

Sole compatibility: Touring, Freetour

Brake sizes: 75-100mm, 100-125mm

The Marker Kingpin 13 is a popular choice with a blend of lightweight efficiency for uphill travel and powerful performance for downhill descents.

It strikes a good balance between these two often-conflicting goals, making it a versatile option for skiers.

Constructed with high-strength aluminum and reinforced plastic, it weighs around 350 grams per binding without brakes, making it one of the lightest alpine touring bindings.

Employs Marker's proven pin-toe design for secure boot retention and efficient power transfer during skiing.

The heel lever is user-friendly and makes transitions between ski and walk modes effortless.

7. Salomon STH2 16 MN

Source : puckpath

Price:

  • $349.95 on Evo and eBay
  • $360.00 on Freeskier

DIN: 7-16

Sole compatibility: Alpine, Touring, WTR, GripWalk

Brake sizes: 90, 100, 115, 130mm

The Salomon STH2 16 MN is a high-performance alpine binding designed for advanced to expert skiers who demand power, precision, and reliability.

With a DIN range of 7-16, it's suitable for skiers weighing between 130 and 320 pounds.

The Full metal construction delivers exceptional durability and shock absorption for confident skiing in any condition.

Its Triple Pivot Elite toe provides precise release and minimizes unwanted pre-release whereas the InterPivot 3 heel ensures consistent release in all directions for improved safety.

8. Atomic Strive 14 GW

Source : puckpath

Price:

  • $300.00 on Atomic
  • $259.95 on Evo

DIN: 5-14

Sole compatibility: Alpine, GripWalk

Brake sizes: 90, 100, 115, 130mm

The Atomic Strive 14 GW is a versatile ski binding designed for various skiers, who seek the balance of performance, comfort, and affordability.

It boasts a DIN range of 3.5 to 14, making it suitable for skiers weighing between 70 and 230 pounds.

The low-profile design and shock absorption features help to provide a comfortable skiing experience.

Low Center of Gravity LDN Toe places the binding closer to the ski for a better feel and quicker response.

Automatic Toe adapts to different boot heights and widths for a consistent release.

9. Marker Jester 16 ID

Source : puckpath

Price

  • $399.99 to $429.99 on MARKER Bindings
  • $399.99 on Line Skis

DIN: 6-16

Sole compatibility: Alpine, Touring, WTR, GripWalk

Brake sizes: 90, 100, 110, 120mm

The Marker Jester 16 ID is an all-mountain/freestyle binding designed for advanced to expert skiers who prioritize power, stability, and versatility.

It boasts a DIN range of 6-16, catering to skiers weighing between 60 and 130 kg (132-286 lbs).

Features a gliding plate for compatibility with GripWalk and alpine soles, ensuring consistent release and minimizing unwanted pre-release.

Ensures compatibility with all major ski boot sole norms, including GripWalk, alpine, and touring boots.

10. Atomic Warden MNC 13

Source : puckpath

Price:

DIN: 4-13

Sole compatibility: Alpine, Touring, WTR, GripWalk

Brake sizes: 90, 100, 115, 130mm

The Atomic Warden MNC 13 is a popular ski binding with strength and precision for the piste and smooth progressive power transfer for deeper snow.

It caters to intermediate to advanced skiers who crave confident performance across varied terrains.

With a DIN range of 4-13, it's suitable for skiers weighing between 75 and 230 pounds.

A superwide platform allows for maximum lateral power transitions, especially for wider skis.

11. Marker Squire 11

Source : puckpath

Price: $229.99 on Evo and MARKER Bindings

DIN: 3-11

Sole compatibility: Alpine, GripWalk

Brake sizes: 90, 100, 110mm

The Marker Squire 11 is a lightweight and user-friendly ski binding designed for lighter-weight skiers and rookies who are ready to progress their skills on the slopes. 

With a DIN range of 3-11, it's suitable for skiers weighing between 75 and 200 pounds.

Triple Pivot Junior Toe ensures consistent release and minimizes unwanted pre-release for a safe and enjoyable skiing experience.

Compact Heel delivers efficient power transfer and a comfortable fit for various boot types.

GripWalk Compatibility helps to work seamlessly with both traditional alpine and GripWalk boots, offering wider compatibility.

12. Tyrolia Ambition 10

Source : puckpath

Price: $379.00 on Evo

DIN: 3-10

Sole compatibility: Alpine, Touring, GripWalk

Brake sizes: 85, 95, 105, 125mm

The Tyrolia Ambition 10 is a dependable and user-friendly ski binding designed for intermediate to advanced skiers who prioritize comfort, ease of use, and reliable performance on groomed runs and gentle terrain.

With a DIN range of 3.5-10, it's suitable for skiers weighing between 75 and 220 pounds.

Easy Step-In Toe ensures effortless entry and exit from the binding, making it ideal for skiers who value convenience.

Automatic Height Adjustment adapts to different boot sole heights for a secure and comfortable fit.