This winter has seen several interesting developments in binding designs, with models that are ever lighter, safer and easier to use.
ATK
More and more ski tourers are using ATK bindings since they are strong yet light, well designed and reliable. For 2020 ATK have several new models.
For skimo racers the SL World Cup and SL Lightweight World Cup have upgraded “U” springs featuring ATK’s patented Rolling-In System®.
Two small hardened steel bushings only 0.4 mm thick have been added to the front ends of the “U” springs to protect the titanium from wear and tear.
Also new for 2020, ATK’s premium lightweight RT 8 and RT 10 have the same features as the Crest bindings, plus two additional features, Magneto Heel Flaps and the Up-Hill Hardness Variator. The magneto Heel Flaps use small magnets to position the climbing bars, it’s neat and works well, while the Up-Hill Hardness Variator allows the user to adjust the toe piece jaw closure for boot wear.
The new freerando bindings are a massive success this winter. The R12 and FR 14 combine low weight and super efficient climbing with bombproof downhill performance yet weigh only 660g and 720g per pair respectively.
See our BLOG ATK 2020 Binding News for full details of this winter’s ATK updates
DYNAFIT
Dynafit have updated the Low Tech Race and PDG models, now called the Low Tech Race 105 and Low Tech Race 115. The older bindings suffered from heel units that were too flexible and weak. The new heel units have been reinforced with a metal exoskeleton while the toe unit has a more angular design.
The Speed Superlite bindings have also been updated with minor changes that reduce the weight by 30 g. The Speed Superlite 175 Z10 and Z12 have the same angular look as the race bindings.
The original insert binding, Dynafit’s TLT Speed Turn 2.0 stays the same for this winter, while the best selling TLT Speed Radical is now available in three colours
Dynafit’s under appreciated ST Rotation 10 and ST Rotation 12 bindings stay unchanged this winter. These excellent bindings have a sophisticated release mechanism with the toe piece sliding 30° laterally to facilitate boot exit. The heel units have one of the best designed systems for absorbing ski flex, giving these bindings superb progressive power transfer to the skis.
FRITSCHI
While the Vipec Evo and Tecton 12 bindings stay unchanged this season, Fritschi have introduced a new lightweight binding, the Xenic 10. Designed for classic touring, the Xenic 10 has a unique toe piece design with jaws that slide laterally rather than rotating around an axis. Step-in is easy and very quick and does not require pushing down on the ski, a big help in soft snow conditions.
Read TP’s Test Report BLOG for full details on the Xenic
G3
G3’s Zed 12 is now available in Europe, a well designed lighter version of the excellent Ion bindings that weighs only 716 g a pair. Built to be light yet strong, the Zed 12 has a wide hole spacing for mounting on wide skis, 10 mm heel movement to absorb ski flex and powerful toe piece springs to clear snow out of the boot holes.
KREUZSPITZE
Kreuzspitze is a small Italian company specialised in lightweight insert bindings, Kreuzspitze’s SCTTT Lady is designed for lighter skimo racers and has “U” springs with DIN 7 release. The Kingpin M-Werks 12 shaves 260 g off the Kingpin bindings for more efficient touring
PLUM
Plum have updated their lightest race binding, the R99, with a modified toe lever mechanism, and have produced a new race binding, the R120
The Oazo has been renamed the Oazo 8 (DIN) and Plum now make a version for lighter skiers, the Oazo 6. Plum have also produced a new freerando binding, the Summit 12, with a very solid brake mechanism.
