The right binding will give you the security to ski how you want in all terrain. Gary Smith found that it in Dynafits new for 20/21 Superlite 150 binding, winner of our best weight-savor category. Photo: Gary Smith
Shopping for binders? Here’s our favorites, somewhat categorized, in no particular order. We avoided debut, non consumer vetted 2020-21 rigs (with the exception of Dynafit 150, which Gary tested last spring). Most of those below have at least a season of proven performance — given you slot them into the correct category, and you’re aware of any quirks or borderline defects that have gone uncorrected. For those of you on the info quest, each binding title is linked to our site search.
Best Jack of All Trades
Is my love of the Atomic Backland (Salomon MTN) a bias, or rooted in solid performance? You’d have a tough time arguing me out of the latter. These grabbers do a brilliant job of combining classic tech binding mechanicals with current standards of performance. As proof this is a viable design, the Backland has now been in retail since 2015, albeit with “in line” improvements. Keep that in mind if you’re shopping. The best Backland at this time is the latest version, which you can identify using the info in this blog post.
Atomic Backland/Solomon MTN, classic mechanicals and excellent performance.
Favorite features: Non-rotating heel lifter; tenacious toe springs; optional non-integrated brake (I happen to think is the best tech binding brake in the universe).
Weight (one binding no brake): 283 grams.
Best Weight Saver
In his review, Gary Smith says this revamp of the venerable Dynafit Superlight is “Fantastic…the The 80 cm long body is easy to grab and rotate. Race style (pins forward with flap, 41mm off the ski) is great for a lap track. Step in is easier than the [former] Superlite…The low and compact heel skis very well as it did in the 2.0, noticeably better than taller binders in firm snow.”
Dynafit Superlite 150, evolution of the Superlite 2.0.
Favorite features: good compromise of weight vs everything else; low foot position.
Weight: 150 grams.
Shop for Dynafit Superlight 150
Easiest Step-In
Improving on the already classic G3 Ion binding, Zed strips out all extra material, leaving itself looking like a sleek sports car of lightweight bindings. And despite the trimming, Zed remains fully featured.
G3 Zed, sleek ski touring machine.
The Zed heel provides vertical and lateral release-value adjustments (although not independent) and a ski flex compensation system. Upon entry, the the strong toe springs close with a reassuring snap. Didn’t hear that snap? A common reason for failed binding closure — and subsequent pre-release — is ice or snow building up in the space between binding toe springs and ski top. To remedy this, G3 provides a cavernous cleaning slot under the Zed toe unit, big enough for a ski pole tip.
Zed, G3’s attempt at a somewhat classic style tech binding, got off to rocky start in its first iteration. An admittedly rare, but possibly serious breakage problem alarmed us, but more importantly the binding heel shifted noticeably fore/aft when used by all but the lightest weight skiers. The 2020/2021 version is a major improvement. Any abnormal breakage is a thing of the past. A stiffer flex compensation spring eliminates excessive heel movement for average to lighter weight skiers (we don’t recommend for heavier users).
Favorite features: G3’s proprietary toe geometry and strong toe springs prevent accidental release, and allow lighter weight skiers to tour without locking toe; best-in-industry release values calibration; one tool for all adjustments.
Weight (one binding, no brake): 376 grams.
Best Freeride Touring
Going for human powered, high-speed-wide-ski-video-worthy powder blasts and big drops? Fritschi Tecton’s combo of alpine-like heel with Fritschi’s chart busting lateral toe elasticity is your ticket to ride. The toe — pretty much the same as that of the Fritschi Vipec — is particularly attractive. First, know that it allows lateral safety release to occur at the toe, as with alpine bindings (most tech bindings do their lateral release sideways at the heel). This is important. If a binding releases sideways at the heel, and you ski hard — thus applying a lot of sideways force at the heel — the only way to prevent accidental lateral release is to dial up your binding’s lateral release value, which compromises safety. Thrust your heel to the side in a Tecton and you’ll be solid.
Fritschi Tecton — best in elasticity class.
Instead of the Tecton toe pins residing on the usual wing-like configuration of most tech bindings, they’re track mounted. This allows as much left/right elasticity as binding and ski width allow engineers to create. In this case 17 millimeters, nearly the 20 mm average of alpine bindings. I could go on. Check our reviews.
Favorite features: alpine-like heel; amazing lateral elasticity.
Weight (one binding, with brake): 678 grams
Best Hybrid
The hybrid Solomon Shift is ready to get rowdy.
Looking for the alpine binding that tours? Look no farther than the Salomon/Atomic Shift. Because of its weight, 884 grams, mere mortals won’t be doing lengthy tours on this guy. But hop off the ski lift, charge a sidecountry run, tour a short distance back to the gasthaus. Perfect. The name, Shift, references the transformer nature of this clamp. You convert to touring mode by flipping a hidden set of tech pins up from the toe unit. Ingenious.
Favorite features: no compromise alpine binding; does short tours.
Weight (one binding, with brake): 886 grams
Shop for the Salomon/Atomic Shift
Best Tour That’ll Race
The Black Diamond Helio 145 — good for a ski mountaineering race or light weight speed touring.
Yes, it’s a rebranded ATK binding. So much the better. We love everything about ATK. Well, nearly everything. I could do without the midday grappa river that flows through their ISPO booth. But visiting these Italian “artisti” is worth spending the afternoon wandering in buzzed jetlag. I call their booth “the jewlery shop,” it’s that tasty. Kudos to BD for partaking of the glitter. We’ve not yet reviewed the Helio 145 — that’s coming — meanwhile we do have experience with the little thing. It’s proved to be durable, a good call for the the backcountry skier who wants something that’ll survive somewhat wider skis while adding virtually no weight. Look closely and you’ll notice the classic style tech toe has springs on only one side. Interesting!
Favorite features: strong for its weight; simplicity.
Weight (one binding, no brake): 145 grams.
Shop for the Black Diamond Helio 145.
23 comments
Looks like the Blacklights are in use in the picture. Would love to hear more on how those skis perform, read the exclusive sneak peak from last season, but am interested in profile pics, how easy is it to brake loose the tail, stiffness, stability, do they have to be on edge?. How do they compare to other in kind options?
Is G3 doing anything to improve the brake on the Zed this year? I’m on the fence about buying them but everyone seems to complain about the brake falling off
Fritschi Xenic didn’t make the list?
I’ve been using my Xenics for one season and find them great. Light, effective and affordable, they definitely belong to this list. Only problem with mine: ski/walk lever is too hard to switch.
I have two sets of ZEDs and yes the brake moves around a little, but has new come off. Works perfectly!
I have last yrs updated model and have had no troubles with brakes. heel lifts do shift variably on me in moist conditions.
What about the new Marker binding?
Haven’t reviewed it yet. More info to come.
Perfect. Thanks
Powbanger, do you have a take on it? And bear in mind what we’re doing here is presenting, mostly, bindings that have been thoroughly consumer vetted.
If something didn’t make the list, it either wouldn’t fit, or wasn’t one of our faves.
Ben, I heard conflicting reports on that. I don’t see why they wouldn’t fix the problem, but I don’t want to make a statement about it until we actually test the change.
Lou
I have been hearing complaints about the G3 Zed brake since it was released in 2018, and as far as I know it has not changed since, and 2020 Zed bindings still included the wonky brake. I’m sold on the binding but want a functional brake.
I have last yrs updated model and have had no troubles with brakes. heel lifts do shift variably on me in moist conditions. not constant, but occasional and still a bit frustrating.
Hi Lou. I don’t have any on snow experience with it, but I have spoken with a number of shops and reps about it. I’ve read a lot about the Radical 2.0, Backland, and Shift bindings on Wild Snow before they hit the market, so I assumed Cripple Creek or Wild Snow might have tested the Marker.
I’ve skied a couple of years on the ATK Trofeos, aka Helio 145s, and love them. No adjustments whatsoever. Who needs to adjust their bindings? Who needs heel lifts? Your touring boots should give you all the ankle motion you need to ski uphill. My question now is why are good skins so heavy? Mine outweigh the Trofeos (aka Helio 145s) nearly two to one.
These bindings belong on lightweight skis. Pointless otherwise.
I adjust my bindings if I switch boots. Most people like this feature.
Amazing and great to see that there is only one Dynafit binding on this list! Fantastic that the concept has taken off like this!
Will the superlite 150 be compatible with the superlite 2.0 brakes? looks like the same mounting platform.
Will the Superlite 150 be compatible with the Superlite 2.0 brakes? looks like the same mounting platform. Glad they finally figured out that you shouldn’t have to rotate the heel to go into tour mode. Once they figure out how to make a 150g MTN they’ll be set!
If they are compatible the superlite 2.0 brake needs the heel to be rotated to keep from being engaged. Using them would make the new version function the same and you would be unable to use the race mode or flat mode heights that the 150 offers.
Lou Dawson,
Have been trying to contact you via email. Wanted to gift a set of 2000 tele bindings/crampons, not shown on your museum.
Set belonged to our deceased son, his website: cascadeclassics.com. Can send photos, but need an email to do so. We don’t use various social media links on your websites. Yakima, WA phone 509 453-9787./John and Candace Manfredi
Can anyone compare the toe retention of the Atomic Backland/Salomon MTN to the G3 Ion/Zed? I have Ions, and love the toe retention strength. I never lock the toe when skiing, and never pre-release at the toe even skiing hard. I’d seriously consider the Atomic Backland for weight savings, but not if it means I have to worry about the toe piece.
Maybe time to update this post: https://www.wildsnow.com/18803/comparo-toe-jaw-closure-strength-marker-g3-dynafit/
Hi Original, I have a vague recollection of testing the Backland, not sure where that information is, but it would be dated anyhow. I’ll see if I can find time to revisit my test rig. I can tell you that the Backland/MTN toe springs are quite strong. Just as with the G3, I can tour them in mellow terrain without locking.
I just took a Dremel to my zeds to grind off the heel lifter anodizing and apply a layer of sikaflex (marine caulking adhesive) with the notion that there will be more friction reducing the tendency of my Gen 2 bindings to slide under pressure in moist snow conditions. Felt a bit odd the be grinding off the green to apply gooey black…