The state of the art in bindings
Ski touring bindings are at levels that would be hard to surpass
- Author: Davide Marta
- Photographer: Nicola Damonte
Bindings may be the component that reached the highest state of the art in skimo, so there is greater stability in the offering here.
The strength of the springs, the ability to adjust the release strength, increasingly effective ski stoppers, constant improvements in locking mechanisms, and a wide range of heel lifts put a great many models (ATK first and foremost) at levels that would be hard to surpass. Hooking into a pin binding is no longer so hard, even for newcomers to the sport, and with their wider bases to better relay your movements to the ski, touring bindings have reached the height of their technology.
Ski Trab’s decision to (finally) release a version of their TR1 binding with a heel piece that’s no longer only compatible with specific boots (or boots that have undergone modifications that few technicians are able to do) opens up interesting opportunities for anyone looking to push harder on more robust skis. Of course, it does weigh more than a traditional pin-tech binding (with all that means for the climb), which is why we think it’s the perfect binding for backcountry freeriding, where as for ski touring it’s better suited to expert skiers in great physical shape.
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Materials are evolving, which is increasing the opportunities for pushing the boundaries of mountaineering splitboarding. It’s no longer just about easy tours, a few jumps and a beer. Thanks to innovative new setups and growing knowledge within the community, long ascents and steep terrain no longer intimidate.
Weighing from less than 100 grams to nearly a kilo, the common denominator are the pins into which you stick your boots and that enable you to climb. From the revolution of the pin binding to the latest hybrids for freeriding, here are all the best bindings the skimo market has to offer.
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