Last tested
2024
Status:ongoing
2025

Kuluar 12 SL

The most budget-friendly model from the speed touring line becomes an all-rounder with brake. New toe piece
  • Buyer’s Guide reviews
  • In words
  • Technical specifications

Buyer’s Guide reviews

Comfort / Dynafit inserts
Step-in
Release with pole
Release with gloves
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The charts show our impressions from testing
Product info
Category average
Release test / Dynafit inserts
FRONT R + L average
Poor
Heel cap
Good
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Release test / Other inserts
FRONT R + L average
Poor
Heel cap
Poor
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Comfort / Other inserts
Step-in
Release with pole
Release with gloves
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In words

Intro
The new catalog sees the Kuluar lineup reduced to a single model, with some new details: this is the SL (though don't be fooled by the name, as it doesn't have the Speed toe a the other SLs do). Up front, it retains the toe with Monolink technology with double spring on one arm only introduced last year, and now comes as standard with the R01 plate at the heel allowing 30 mm of adjustment. Lightweight and reliable, perfect also for Cham-style mixed terrain and couloirs. The binding embodies a ‘light’ philosophy, with removable ski crampon slot and brake only available as an optional extra; it shares much with the Haute Route, but includes the patented CAM System in the heel unit.
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Fit
Not just for skiers seeking to shave grams, but it does have some limitations compared to the Haute Route 10 in terms of edge performance at the heel. It features their historic U-spring technology, which in this case provides good support against any tendency for the pins to twist. That said, it’s still more prone to this than the patented ATK Cam Release, but not noticeably so. The 12 release value also contributes to the strength of the system. Naturally this spec means the price is significantly lower than the HR 10. It makes it an easier choice without compromising the final performance—even for demanding, performance-sensitive skiers. This remains a binding for lovers of long ascents, but also skis very well. Drop similar to the HR 10, offering a well-balanced boot positioning.
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Technical specifications

Materials
Alu 7075, stainless steel
Type
full pin
Ski brake
yes, with adjustment plate (75, 86, 91, 97, 102, 108, 120 mm)
Number of mounting screws
8
Crampon slot
Yes
Adjustable release range
Yes
Available versions
Kuluar 9 Brake, Kuluar 9 LT, Kuluar 12 LT
Walking modes
flat, +34, +48 mm
Released in
2024
Price
449 €
Declared specsMeasured by us
N/A
Drop
XXXXX
180 gr
Individual weight
XXXXX
N/A
Toe cap weight
XXXXX
N/A
Heel cap weight
XXXXX
N/A
Mounting screws weight
XXXXX
N/A
Front pin height
XXXXX
N/A
Rear pin height
XXXXX
N/A
Minimum release range
XXXXX
N/A
Maximum release range
XXXXX
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