The best bindings of 2024

Pin systems still dominate a ski touring world looking to do (big) vertical. And with the latest generation, it looks like they’ve reached their peak in terms of design. When it comes to freeride, there are two options: hybrid if you don’t plan to tackle long ascents and are used to resort-style step-ins, and the new TR1 from Ski Trab, which could well become the benchmark for those transitioning from pure pin bindings and expert tourers.

It’s the skimo racing world’s equivalent of a Formula One car, which always makes the podium with just a few tweaks. The Revolution Brake World Cup is the winning pin binding which, after the last upgrades, represents the state of the art. Much like the Stratos VI among boots, this is an emblem of minimalism at the service of results and functionality, with every last detail scrutinized with maniacal obsession.

If your aim is to shave the grams and maximize speed (and in particular to have clean lines—that essential element in the Lightweight category), then your go-to is the Haute Route 10. But for most other tourers, this is a great choice (in particular with the metal flap that helps on the uphill in the Plus version). It features a new automatic ski stopper and the tried-and-trusted heel piece with CAM release system.

Not so much for the 13 setting, but more for this binding’s ‘EVOlved’ design: The automatic ski stopper and release value adjustment of the heel piece set this apart, making it the most complete binding in the Touring category, as well as the state of the art when it comes to pin-based binding technology.

The years roll by, but for the huge tribe of freeride enthusiasts—resort skiers who are happy to put in a little uphill effort to maximize downhill pleasure—this binding remains a firm favorite, albeit one that’s starting to show its age and perhaps is in need of a makeover.

Paradoxical perhaps to award a product that seems to have turned back the clock on design. But Trab have done this precisely because technological advances have reduced material weights to the point where this idea has become feasible. For traditional pin-binding tourers seeking something new, and expert skiers and alpinists who know what they’re after, this binding is unmatched for its practical features for challenging situations and superlative downhill performance.