Best AT bindings out there?

SnifterHoppiness

SnifterHoppiness

Member
I'm looking to get into the touring world and do not know much about the gear. Looking for your opinions on favorite bindings. I'm currently looking at Dukes as I am a fan of Market products. Thanks
 
That depends on what your definition of 'best' is. it completely depends on what you want from a touring binding, what your intended use is, and how much you're willing to spend.

I suggest you browse through the threads in this forum that concern 'framed' AT bindings (like the Duke), 'tech' bindings (Dynafit, etc), and the comparisons of the two. I've already written a lot about both and so have a bunch of other, very knowledgeable members. If you still have any questions you could post them in here or PM me if you'd like to, I'm happy to help.
 
After finally committing to AT this year in the Alps, I did an ungodly amount of research on these guys. If you want to save weight and have a dedicated boot for AT, go with Tech bindings. They are killer for the hike. However, if you are just dabbling, The Dukes, Tyrolia Adrenalin's, and maybe the Atomic Tracker 16's will be your best bet If you don't want to pony up for boots with Pin inserts. Weight is kind of the big thing here. Something with a little more plastic will be lighter, (Obviously) but I've been a big fan of metal. I don't mind a little bit heavier binding if it means more stability and toughness, hence the reason I went with the Atomic Tracker's. Marker bindings are sweet, so if you've already put hands on, go for it. Listen to Harry though, I did a little bit of lurking on his input, and it definitely made an impact on my decisions. Good luck and welcome to the world of sweating for like 4 turns.
 
Depends on the intent like the others has said. What will you be doing? I am a big fan of the atomic tracker ( guardian ) but you won't catch me putting in any real vert on them if I don't have too. You don't use a sledgehammer to tighten a screw, yeah it will work but good lord. Same idea.
 
topic:SnifterHoppiness said:
I'm looking to get into the touring world and do not know much about the gear. Looking for your opinions on favorite bindings. I'm currently looking at Dukes as I am a fan of Market products. Thanks
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If you have to go with a frame binding, I think the Dukes are great. I had an older pair, and my only complaint was that there was some lateral play in the frame in tour mode (not sure if this is still a problem).. in fairness it never caused me any real issues, but felt kinda sketchy at times.

I used guardians for a year, and couldn't wait to get rid of them. they balled snow under the toe, causing mad frame flex. I was worried I would snap them... I understand they did some work on the newer model to avoid this, but I want interested in finding out. They had amazing downhill performance, much stiffer than the previous years Duke (IMO).

I have now gone to G3 Ions, on all my skis and I love them. Super light, super strong. Tour really well, and ski amazing.... I would look into a Pin style set up over a frame binding ... but you are probably going to need a new boot, so shits starting to get expensive.
 
I appreciate everyones words of wisdom. I found a pair of brand new 2014 Dukes for 200 so i hopped on it. Wishing everyone a happy shredding season
 
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