Backcountry Skiing Bindings

Virtual Museum (museum index)

Ramer Model MT-2000 Backcountry Skiing Alpine Touring Binding

(reviewed by Louis Dawson, videography by Louie and Tapley Dawson)

MT-2000 was the last in the lineage of Ramer backcountry skiing binding models. It was first released in 1993 and attempted to solve problems with the rather archaic mode clamp of the Universal/Classic model. Most importantly, the MT-2000 allowed precise and independent adjustment of vertical release. Beyond that, the binding offered a heel lift and mode latch that was much easier to operate. The odd looking toe clamp was designed because a normal heel clamp sometimes interfered with the rear release/lift/mode machinery. Unfortunately it looked funny, and tended to distort the toe of the boot when it pressed down the sole rocker. Check out the intro video -- I hope the late Paul Ramer is amused by it.

Ramer MT-2000 was the last in the Ramer model line. The front pivot latch looked goofy but worked for some users if it was set up correctly. Binding uses the same style plate and touring pivot as all other Ramer models. Click image to enlarge .See video of release action.

Detail of toe latch. Watch the video showing how this works.

Detail of heel unit. As I wrote in a 1994 Couloir Magazine review: "To engineers this binding is a work of art. To others it can be a frustration." Perhaps the most interesting feature of this heel latch is that it allows "trapped" modes that offer a small range of movement so you could control your skis during backcountry skiing maneuvers such as side stepping.The light colored triangular object on top of the rear part is actually a retrofit/repair done by the previous binding owner. See video of heel unit in action.

Weight: 30 oz, 852 g (one binding, with screws)

These bindings were donated to the collection by Jeff Connor, Thanks Jeff!