ATK HY 13 Free - White 2027
Description
ATK HY 13 Free - White 2027
Combining tech toe units for more efficient uphill travel with alpine toe and heel units for the descent, Hybrid bindings have become popular the last few seasons, providing alpine levels of control and release security. The Atomic/Armada/Salomon Shift was the first hybrid binding and soon became a best seller. Marker's Duke PT bindings have also been popular and we've been wondering when ATK would respond. And now we know.
The ATK Hy is a beautifully made all-metal hybrid binding that showcases ATK's expertise in producing exquisite bindings from CNC machined aluminium. Each binding contains no less than 22 metal components providing precise control and durability with minimum weight. The ATK Hy 13 Free offers downhill performance on par with alpine bindings, delivering maximum responsiveness and precise power transfer to the skis while keeping weight down to only 675 g per ski.
Changing between ski and walk mode is extremely easy. Simply raise the toe arms for walking or rotate them forward and down for skiing. It's simple and quick to swap between modes.
In walk mode the toe unit arms project upwards, so that the boot toe is suspended above the ski and the boot heel in 18 mm lower. There are two heel lifts that give +10 and +42 mm of lift.
In downhill mode the toe unit releases laterally and the heel unit supplies the vertical release, just like alpine bindings. The Hy 13 has a range of 6-13 DIN for both lateral and vertical release.
These bindings have been tested by the world's most extreme skiers, notably Nikolai Schirmer, who appreciate the fact that the boot is almost flat on the ski.
We see hybrid bindings as being exactly that - a mix of the best both alpine and touring bindings. These bindings excel in providing both good uphill and downhill performance and are a good choice for side country exploration, also for tourers wanting the very best control and alpine level release capability. While relatively light for an alpine binding, 675 g per ski is still 70% heavier than the 395 g per ski of the Freeraider 15 EVO. The walk mode with the boot toe suspended above the ski is less efficient / comfortable than having the boot toe just above the ski. (we remember well how the original Marker plate bindings were found to provide better uphill movement than the Fritschi Diamir bindings).
The Hy comes into it's own on the descent, combining lightweight design with alpine-grade downhill performance. The ATK Hy 13 Free is an great binding for skirs wanting to combine freeride and touring using the same set of skis. Beautifully made, with a very attractive design, these bindings will certainly be very popular this winter.
See our TABLE ATK 2026 Binding Specifications for a technical comparison of all ATK 2026 bindings.
Features
Features ATK HY 13 Free
Toe piece:
Alpine performance: The Hy 13 Free delivers the responsiveness, control, and confidence of an alpine binding. The boot sits flat on the ski in ski mode, eliminating the pin-height differential typical of standard PIN bindings for a true downhill experience.
Compatibility: The Hy is compatible with most alpine skiing, ski mountaineering, and freeride boots. To ensure safe and high performance, the Anti Friction Device (AFD) slider on the toe piece must be adjusted with various sole types. To achieve this, ATK have developed specific spacers that fit between the sliding section of the AFD and its underlying structure. These spacers ensure proper boot-to-binding contact while accounting for the sole's thickness. Thinner plastic soles provide a stiff connection with the binding. For this reason, ATK have designed softer spacers that also serve to dampen vibrations. Thicker rubber soles require little to no spacers, as their rubber composition inherently provides vibration absorption.
Seamless transitions: Switching between ascent and descent modes is effortless. Simply raise the toe arms for walking or rotate them forward and down for skiing. The intuitive design ensures reliable performance in all conditions with no needs for interchangeable parts.
Heel piece:
Negative steps: For uphill efficiency, the Hy Free includes a unique “negative” walk mode that allows the boot heel to drop slightly below the toe level. This reduces strain and improves stride efficiency, especially for freeride boots with limited cuff mobility and during long flat approaches.
Walking modes: The Hy also features two heel raisers for easier uphill progress, both activated easily even with the pole.
Hy Brake System: The rear ski brake locks automatically when the heel piece is in walk mode. This means that when the real lever has been pushed fully forward the ski brake can be locked in position with a simple press of the rear paddle. When transitioning to ski mode, it seamlessly unlocks by pushing the rear lever backwards, ensuring hassle-free use.
Performing Through Lightness:
ATK took its first steps in this industry by developing lightweight race bindings, and now, as then, lightness is key to achieving what athletes crave: speed. Therefore, it's easy to understand why “performance through lightness” has been the mantra that has accompanied ATK's growth in its early years.
As they expand their catalogue to include the speed touring, touring, and free touring categories, ATK remained steadfast in their commitment to enabling an ever-wider range of ski mountaineers to achieve performance through lightness.
Durability:
The Hy is a masterpiece of minimalist engineering. Weighing only 675g, it offers a remarkable balance between lightness and strength. All of the binding’s structural components (22 per half pair) are crafted from 7075 aluminum, ensuring that every component is both lightweight and incredibly durable. This thoughtful design maximizes performance on both ascents and descents, giving freeriders an edge in challenging conditions.
Specifications
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