DEFINE YOUR BINDING

Which touring binding is right for you and your ski largely depends on your personal preferences. Our binding guide helps you filter and find your suitable binding.

Find out more about the evaluation criteria.

The following criteria are taken into account:

LOW WEIGHT

The binding’s weight (per pair) including brakes and screws, are evaluated in this criterion. Our lightest binding (Fritschi Xenic) weighs 325 grams; our heaviest binding (Tyrolia Adrenalin) weighs 2,720 grams. All other binding models are in between in terms of weight.

HIGH SKIING PERFORMANCE

The following items are taken into account for the evaluation of the skiing performance: (1) elasticity and restraining forces, (2) maximum DIN setting (Z value), (3) stiffness.

GREAT EASE OF USE

The following items are taken into account for evaluating the binding’s ease of use: (1) number of climbing aids, (2) simple functionality of climbing aids, (3) clearly understandable and simple switch between Ski/Walk mode, (4) simple handling of crampons, (5) logical product identification, (6) low operation forces, (7) for PIN bindings: easy step-in.

HIGH SAFETY

Two factors are considered for the evaluation of the binding’s security:

First, does the binding comply with one ore more of the applicable ISO norms (ISO9462, ISO9383, ISO12992) or not? A ski binding that meets the ISO standards conforms to international standards, especially in regards to replicable, constant release values and in regards to a reduced-friction and contamination-resistant release system. In addition, the production facilities of normed bindings are under periodic supervision by the TÜV.

Second, the elasticity values measured by us are taken into account. Bindings with high elasticity secure the boot longer when exposed to hits, bumps, and improper strains before the binding’s kinematic opens to release the boot. Bindings with little elasticity work based on a binary principle, basically like a buckle, i.e. they are either closed or open. That means they don’t provide a lot of safety margin. The binding elasticity is only partly considered in the ISO norm, but it is actually a very important real-life security feature. The G3 Zed binding offered by us does not comply with any ISO standard, for instance, but comes with a market-leading elasticity.

LOW PRICE

The binding’s recommended purchase price is evaluated in this criterion. Our lowest priced binding (Tyrolia Ambition 10) costs € 160,-, our most expensive bindings (Fritschi Tecton 12 and G3 Zed 12) € cost 460,-. All other binding models are in between in terms of price.

Your preferred binding technology

PIN

Pin bindings secure the boot via two small metal pins at the toe piece of the binding. That means you need a touring boot with tec inserts for the pins to engage. In comparison to frame bindings, pin bindings are considerably lighter, better to walk with and provide better power transmission. The downside: In terms of release, pin bindings are slightly inferior and they are not as easy to handle.

FRAME

Frame bindings are closer to regular alpine bindings: The ski boot is fixed in the toe and heel piece and they are pretty easy to use. The pros of frame bindings include: strong downhill performance and control as well as good release values. The cons: Frame bindings are considerably heavier than pin bindings and less comfortable for walking. Frame bindings are compatible with most alpine and touring ski boots and comply with all DIN and ISO norms.