The Best Ski Bindings do so much more than simply attaching the boot to the ski; they play an integral role in the transfer of energy and precision steering and control.
Before buying it’s important to know exactly the type of skiing that you plan on doing as many are designed to cater exclusively to alpine, alpine touring or telemark. Some designs do cater for more than one sort of skiing so if you think you are likely to indulge in more than one, looking for a multifunction design could save you some money.
The DIN setting is important as it dictates how quickly the bindings will release and should be calculated using various factors including your experience and also your bodyweight. You should ideally be at no more than 75% of the maximum DIN; if you’re higher than this, it might be an idea to get a different binding.
Telemark skis don’t require a DIN setting as the heel is already free, so there tends to be less variety in the market. The main differences focus on stiffness and design preference.
We’ve done some research, so you don’t have to and below you’ll find 10 of the best ski bindings for all types of skiing. You’re welcome.
For freeskiers who want a binding that they can rely on, take a look at the Marker Griffon Ski Binding 110mm ($229) a sturdy binding suitable for the mountain. The Griffons are particularly suited to the lower weight skier due to the DIN settings being at the lower end of the range, stretching from 4-13. With a gliding plate made from stainless steel, a triple pivot toe, and inter-pivot heel, it’s a flexible design that will keep every freeskier safe without inhibiting their movement on the snow.
For lower weight skiers who don’t want a bulky and heavy binding dragging them down, a sturdy yet lighter weight binding is just what’s needed. The Mountain Sports Squire Ski Binding 110mm ($140) provides the perfect combination of solidness and flexibility, with a toe height that is adjustable to accommodate boots as they wear out. With a DIN range of between 3 and 11, the recommended weight for these bindings is 60-110kg and skis with a width of greater than 76mm.
If you’re looking for a premium design with a strong coupling, the Look SPX 12 Ski Bindings White/Blue Men’s ($150) could provide the solution. With a dynamic interface between the boot and binding, you’ll be in complete control at all times. Superior shock absorption reduces any unwanted release and with simple step-in technology, you’ll be ready to hit the slopes in next to no time! With a DIN rating of 3.5 and 12, these bindings are ideally suited to lighter weight skiers, delivering precision, power and performance.
If you’ve ever suffered the irritation of your skis flying off when you’re trying to navigate through a narrow pass, you’ll appreciate the importance of bindings which only release at precisely the right moments. The Look Pivot 18 Ski Bindings 2016 ($400) provides the longest elastic travel currently available in the market and promise to deliver a binding that keeps you safe but won’t release unless you want it to. Seven points of contact between the boot and the binding and a superior foot position mean that you’ll get the best out of your snow time and can simply forget about what’s on your feet.
Beginners need bindings that are wider but secure and the Tyrolia SL100 Ski Bindings ($190) are perfect for this. With a set-up that suits beginner to intermediate skiers, the DIN setting is from 3-10, making them suitable for lighter weight skiers. The focus of these bindings is firmly on safety and lightweight, with brakes incorporated that are designed to eradicate any unwanted sliding away. The distinctive diagonal toe release featured in these bindings allows multiple angles for release as required.
Advanced skiers will appreciate the power that’s offered by the Salomon Warden MNC 13 Ski Bindings 2016 ($280), combining the benefits of traditional downhill with a touring boot sole. With a pad that absorbs extra vibrations beneath the binding platform, there’s additional power transfer to wide skis for those runs that run deep and steep! With a maximum DIN setting of 13, the suggested weight of skiers is from 41kg to 124kg. Automatic adjustment, precise steering courtesy of the power toe and an anti-friction system for safe release are just some of the technical features that set these bindings ahead of the pack.
The Black Diamond O1 Telemark Ski Binding ($225) provide the option to toggle between touring and ski modes through a toe piece button while variable stiffness options allow you to select the right tension for your style. With a smooth and consistent performance, there’s a one-piece toe mount made from stainless steel and a heel with a solid wire yoke to make sure your foot stays in position. Award-winning and acclaimed throughout the industry; the product is supplied complete with climbing wires and bindings.
Telemark bindings that offer security but minimal resistance, the Voile Switchback Binding ($298) allows easy switching between uphill and downhill modes with just the flick of a ski pole. It also has the added benefit of dual height heel elevators (65mm and 100mm) and a riser height of 25mm. The toe plate is a wraparound style made from stainless steel while the overall design is enclosed to minimise the build-up of ice. With a moderate flex to the tension and lightweight (just 1362g), you won’t feel like you’re dragging two boots made of concrete as you glide through the trails.
A design from one of the most esteemed manufacturers in the field, the Rossignol Axial3 120 Ski Bindings Black/White Men’s ($140) is a high-performance model designed for alpine skiing. With a super strong power transmission and an immense coupling strength, skiing on these bindings offers the ultimate in control and drive. An improved shock absorption panel combined with an upright skiing position and a lighter weight means that all skiers will benefit from less fatigue and a more upright stance. Suitable for freeride, freestyle and all-mountain skiers of all abilities, Rossignol has created another sterling product.
The upgrade to the Griffon model, the Marker Jester Ski Bindings ’15 ($379) is the choice of freeskiers and freestylers who demand superior performance. The bindings offer an enhanced performance without any greater weight thanks to the magnesium components while a centralized swing weight makes tight turns simple. A DIN setting of 6-16 allows the bindings to be used by skiers of a great range of weights while reducing the likelihood of unwanted pre-release. A dual screw brake pad and inter-pivot step the heel make the bindings easy to use without compromising on quality.
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