Best bindings 2025

The selection of full-pin options is larger and more diverse than ever before. Plus they're becoming ever more reliable, and include a range of big-mountain hybrid versions for burlier skis. It's the only category in which one brand really dominates, thanks to their particularly large catalogue (27 models excluding rental versions versus 20 for their nearest competitor).

Year after year, it dominates as the most balanced solution for the highest levels, with maniacal attention to detail and manufacturing of the highest quality. The inclusion of the brake (with significant spring strength in relation to its diminutive shape and size) typifies the focus on functionality. And, price apart, it’s not only an option for top racers.

As we will continue to repeat, Light means first and foremost simplicity and clean styling. And above all, no frills. And now, with its new Speed toe piece with hybrid holes, combined with a heel piece featuring the CAM release system, it epitomizes Chamonix-styled lightweight touring. Doesn’t have a brake? For less extreme options consider the Kuluar SL or Timepacer...

Yes, this was last’s year’s Light binding of the year (in the 10 version). But that one point increase in release value (coupled with the lower minimum release value), combined with the overall completeness of the offering, with adjustable toe piece values, in relation to its weight, make this the ideal candidate as a modern one-binding quiver.

For ascending with a pin binding and descending with full-pin on burly skis and arcing powerful big-mountain carves nothing beats it. And this year it’s received some small upgrades to improve reliability and durability.

With its 4 mm rise at the toe, freeride toe piece spacer as standard, and adjustable toe piece release values, this is the best full-pin solution, and an ideal choice on almost all the skis tested which are climb capable, or even something more than a simple ascent.