Marker kingpins without brakes

[bardissono]

Just finally upgraded my bc bindings to a pair of marker kingpins and I see they have a leash hole but haven't been able to find any reference to anyone skiing them without brakes, is that possible or would that mess up the heel piece function? It would be nice to be able to drop some weight off of the bindings but isnt a deal breaker for me.

 

[blazeonyia]

I have had the kingpins in different generation releases since they first came out. The one issue I could see you running into is the brake being such a large part of the binding that it may not function properly without it on there. Additionally, the part of the brake that goes under your heel would be missing which may cause you some trouble. If you have the brakes perhaps there is a way to put it on there, then put it into hike mode so the sides are up -- then you could clip the metal sides off to shave down the weight a bit. Just some thoughts.

That aside, you'll definitely enjoy them. The new generation is very well made. I had an issue with the first pair I bought and their customer service was excellent. Overnighted a new piece for them.

 

[.nasty]

The AFD on the brake of a kingpin is part of its design, I wouldn't ski it without them.

If you're going to go the whole no brake/leash route just go with the alpinist, a binding designed for such use