Marker Alpinist 8 2024

Marker Alpinist 8

The Alpinist bindings are Marker's lightest insert bindings weighing only 270 g / ski and available with a choice of  3 DIN settings. The Alpinists have gained a loyal following since they are light, laterally stiff and easy to use and the Alpinist 8 is a great choice for lighter skiers or skiers who prefer a binding that releases easily.
With a relatively wide hole 38 mm hole drill pattern the Alpinist has sufficiently wide footprint for good power transfer and we'd recommend these bindings for skis up to 115 mm at the waist.
For 2023 Marker have updated the toe piece with their ISI 'Instant Step-In" design, with a wider step-in platform for the boot and enlarged contact area for the boot sole when stepping in. The boot toe is positioned correctly by a rubber stop so that the boot toe clicks into place intuitively faster and with less effort. 
To provide reliable release and control, the heel unit contains a small recoil spring for active length compensation..

The Alpinist heel unit has climbing aids with a choice of 0°, 5° and 9° angle for comfortable climbing.
On the ascent changing between climbing modes is easy and the three climbing heel positions are well designed, with a choice of flat, a low "race" position with a 5° ramp which covers the inserts without turning the heel unit, while turning the heel unit gives the  3rd high position with 9° ramp.
In use the “race” position will be used most and the simplicity of using this without having to turn the heel unit is well thought out.
Switching between hike and ride mode is simple and easy. 
You do need to remove boots from the bindings to easily swap between modes but in practice this is not an issue -  most skiers will be doing this anyway to remove or add skins.

Ski crampons are available four widths, 80, 90, 105 and 120 mm.
Attaching them to the skis is easy, using the same attachment method as the industry standard Dynafit crampons, sliding into the crampon slot from the side.

The Alpinist bindings are available with three different DIN settings.
The Alpinist 8 has an adjustable lateral release of 3-8 DIN while the vertical release is fixed at 6 DIN by the use of lightweight "U" springs, as used on most race bindings.
Should you require stronger vertical release then "U" springs with 8 DIN or 10 DIN are available as accesories.
These "U" springs do wear faster than independent pins as used on the Dynafit Speed and Plum Guide models, so should be checked from time to time for wear.

The Alpinist 8 is available without brakes or with 90 mm ski brakes. Other brake widths are available as accessories. The bindings do not come supplied with a leash, which should be bought separately.
The heel unit of the Alpinist 8 has 15 mm of length adjustment for different boot sizes  (+7.5 mm/-7.5 mm).

Marker Alpinist 8 Features:

ISI Instant Step-In
The toe piece has a wider step-in platform for the boot and enlarged contact area for the boot sole when stepping in. The boot toe is positioned correctly by a rubber stop so that the boot toe clicks into place intuitively faster and with less effort. 
Hiking Uphill
Ultra light construction for efficient climbing. Only 270 g / ski.
Easy to use climbing aid (0°/ 5°/ 9°)
0° walking mode for long, slightly elevated ascents
Climbing lifts are easy to use and quick to change according to slope angle
Easy mounting of the crampon, available in 4 widths 80, 90, 105 and 120 mm.
Downhill 
Perfect power transfer thanks to a 38 mm drill pattern
Maximum stiffness due to carbon-reinforced toe components
Active Length Compensation. A spring in the heel unit allows it to move back up to 4 mm when the ski is flexed.
Adjustable lateral release with range 3-8 DIN
Fast and simple switching between hike and ride mode.