About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the ski bindings, which I purchased with my own money in November of 2021.

My take

The Look SPX 12 GW is an excellent choice for front-side resort skiing. These bindings are geared for a skier who is at an intermediate to an expert level.

About the gear

• Model: 2021/2022 Look SPX 12 GW

About me

• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 175lbs
• Preferred DIN range: 9-12
• Experience: 26 years skiing and 16 years ski racing

Test conditions

• When I bought these: November 2021
• Days tested: 30+ days
• Boots: Salomon S/Race 130 and Rossignol All Track Elite 130 LV
• Boot Size: 26.5
• Skis: Rossignol Sender, Rossignol Experience 82
• Where I’ve used it: Mt. Bachelor, Mt. Hood, Mt. Baker
• Terrain: Powder, groomer, mixed snow

How they perform

What I was looking for

I was looking for an ultra-safe and reliable brand of binding that was great for resort skiing. I needed these bindings to be able to go to a high DIN setting but allow me to stay in with no chance of coming out while resort skiing.

Why I chose this gear

I chose the Look SPX 12 because the DIN set went up to a 12, which is high enough for me while I resort ski. I also like the heel piece with the high-tension spring. Not only does it come down on the back of the heel of the boot, but it also makes me feel safer. It allows 27mm of elastic travel for best-in-class shock absorption and retention. I chose these because the long elastic travel ensures me, as a rider, more reliable retention, so I don’t release out of my bindings. Look SPX has the most elastic travel, both lateral and vertical, and the quickest recentering prior to release.

What I love about them

• Release Reliability: The Look SPX 12 binding has releasable wings with 180 degrees of release potential. This keeps the skier safe as they ski down the fall line and move side to side. They are GripWalk compatible, so one can use alpine soles or GripWalk-style boots. The oversized heel pivot is great for providing power and stability from boots to skis.
• Downhill Performance: The SPX 12 is an excellent and secure binding. From the moment I click into them to the movement across the hill, the SPX 12 makes me the best skier I can be while feeling safe.
• Durability: Look has always been known for great quality products. These bindings are easily repairable and have a great warranty.
• Weight: There are lighter options on the market, but these give a skier a good feel of security and safety. Weight isn’t any heavier than the average binding.
• Power Transfer: The SPX gives the heel an extra ramp forward, and the power transfer is better for me, as it allows me to get a more forward angle on the ski.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Other: Tough to put these on in deep snow, as the snow crowds the heel piece. Tough bindings to push into unless one is at the correct angle. These bindings don’t pre-release, like ever. So these are great bindings if one doesn’t want to come out.

Favorite moment with this gear

Having skied for many years, it has always been nice to feel safe and secure from the bindings I know I’ll stay in. They will release, don’t get me wrong, but it is nice to have a little travel in the binding when jumping cliffs or landing a jump wrong, and I can stay in. It is no wonder that a majority of professional big mountain and park skiers use Look bindings. When I was jumping a sizable cliff at Mt. Baker, Washington, I landed a little off-center, and the SPX 12 allowed me to stay in and keep skiing. I know if I had another brand of bindings, I would have been hiking up the hill to find my skis. The forgiveness of these ski bindings is incredible. I have skied these bindings for years, and most of my bindings still look brand new.

Value for the money vs. other options

Compromising safety is never an option for me, so I have always and forever purchased and rode Look bindings. Safety and reliability are always worth the money. Some other good options are the Look Pivot, which is more of a freeride or park rider style of binding. They allow even more travel and forgiveness. Or from another manufacturer, the Warden 13 MNC is also a great binding.

Final verdict

For every condition, the Look SPX 12 GW is the best binding to do it all. From high-speed groomer skiing to stomping big cliffs, the SPX 12 is a great binding for any skier. They offer the most travel for a binding and are GripWalk compatible, offering superior shock absorption and great retention.