About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the bindings, which I tested for three days in December of 2021.

My take

The Look SPX 12 GW are great all-mountain ski bindings in a brake size that allow me to surf some powder. These bindings are perfect for a skier who wants to send it hard off-piste. The only difference between the 22 and 23 versions are color options.

About the bindings I tested

• Model: Look SPX 12 GW bindings (120mm) 2022

About me

• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 190lbs
• Preferred DIN range: 11
• Experience: 2 years of skiing

Test conditions

• When I tested these: December 2021
• Days tested: 3
• Boots: Technica Cochise 120
• Boot Size: 27.5
• Skis: Elan Dead Man Walking
• Where I’ve used it: Lake Tahoe area
• Terrain: Powder, off-piste, some groomers

How they perform

What I was looking for

I bought new powder skis (Elan Dead Man Walking) and needed a binding with a big enough brake that allowed me to hit some hard lines and float fresh powder.

Why I chose to test this gear

I wanted to try Look bindings for comparison, as most 120mm bindings were out of stock, and this seemed the best option with what was left around. I considered buying the Marker Griffons or Jesters, as well as the Atomic Wardens. These came in at a price point, thanks to a local ski shop, that was competitive but also gave me all-mountain performance.

What I love about them

• Release Reliability: This binding releases exactly when I want it to and never when I don’t. This is due to the releasable wings and 180 degrees of release potential. This is handy when I fall in powder but do not lose my skis in it.
• Downhill Performance: These are safe, high-performing bindings that allow skiers to test their limits. I have used these to ski double-black runs and in powder at the resort.
• Durability: This binding is thick and made of quality materials that have withstood the tough conditions I threw at them. There is very minimal wear after riding them for a whole season. It is a very sturdy binding.
• Power Transfer: This binding has a snug fit and holds my boot firmly in place to move exactly where I want it to go when I drive the ski. The oversized heel piece also helps with this. My turns feel fluid and exactly when I want them. They grab the boots and drive power exactly where I want it.
• Other: The SPX 12 GW bindings can accommodate GripWalk soles (my main/only boot), so it's nice I can use my touring-style boots in these.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Weight: As I mount this binding on a fat powder ski, weight is not a concern, but this binding is not too heavy. The weight means it is thick, definitely holds my foot, and makes for a solid-feeling binding. Skiers looking for a lightweight setup may not enjoy these based on their weight and size.
• Versatility: These bindings are only put in one position and used for alpine skiing. They are good for what they are designed for but cannot be used for backcountry, so their use is a bit limited.

Favorite moment with this gear

This past December in Tahoe, we got a winter storm that dumped 10 feet in 10 days. It was amazing conditions to be out in. This powder was like nothing I had experienced before, so I was a bit nervous about how I would be able to handle it, especially considering my new setup. This binding made me so comfortable. It felt like my other all-mountain bindings, and I was ripping through the powder like any bluebird day. This was probably one of my top three days skiing.

Value for the money vs. other options

I also own Marker Griffons and was considering getting those in a 120mm just because I love them so much. I got the Look bindings for a sale price, and I love these just as much as my Griffons due to the feel. They feel just as solid as my Marker bindings. The value and how they perform make them worth the money I paid.

Final verdict

This binding unlocks full all-mountain potential with no worries. Classic to the Look brand, these bindings perform great in any condition and release just when I want them to. But they will handle quite a bit before I pop out of them.