Review: Marker Squire 11 Ski Bindings · 2023
Published on 07/27/2023 · 3 min readCurated Ski Experts share their experience with using the 2023 Marker Squire 11 Ski Bindings. Note that experts are not sponsored by any brands; these are their honest opinions.By Curated Experts
Leo Cocchiara and Joshua Brower
5 photos
The Curated Take
4.5/5
The Marker Squire 11 ski bindings are ideal for light to mid-weight skiers, offering reliable power transfer similar to comfortable midsized SUVs. With a DIN setting range of 3-11, these durable bindings ensure reliable release for most skiers. Still, they might release sooner for heavier, expert skiers. Suitable for any resort skiing style, they are compatible with alpine or GripWalk boots. They offer longevity, often outliving their skis, and can be safely remounted. The Marker Squire's user-friendliness, durability, and versatility make it a popular choice for young teens and lighter skiers of all levels.
Ideal for
- Versatile to a variety of ski styles, boots, skis, and snow conditions
- Minimal force required to step into the binding
- Lightweight
- Durable for long-term use
Not ideal for
- Powerful skiers might overpower the retention reliability
- Power transfer can feel lackluster
- Due to its DIN range, not be a good option for a very advanced skier
Power Transfer
The nuanced differences in power transfer between binding models are difficult for most skiers to pick up on. I like to compare the differences in feeling between styles of cars....Read more
Release Reliability
The release tension that skis bindings are set to is described as one's DIN setting. The DIN setting is calculated based on age, height, weight, boot sole length, and self-selected...Read more
Durability
Certified ski technicians follow the guidelines of binding manufacturers when determining whether or not a binding is safe to use. Bindings need to be indemnified by the manufacturer (typically about...Read more
Versatility
The Marker Squires are perfectly suitable for any style of resort skiing and snow conditions skiers might encounter. They're compatible with alpine or GripWalk sole ski boots, which are mostly...Read more
Expert Reviews of the Marker Squire 11 Ski Bindings
Joshua Brower The Marker Squire is a great and affordable option for the beginner or intermediate skier. The binding is lightweight at 820g per binding, yet still offers very reliable releasability DIN up to 11. The 2023 Squire currently comes in five colors, allowing skiers to customize their setup. If this is a binding skiers are looking to add to their quiver, it is also compatible with GripWalk boots.
Leo Cocchiara The Marker Squire has been a gold standard in the world of ski bindings for as long as I can remember. It's been largely unchanged for the past decade with minor tweaks to appearance, but otherwise, it's as reliable and steady as ever. It's perfect for lighter-weight skiers, from beginners to experts for all-mountain resort skiing. The current iteration is compatible with GripWalk and alpine boots, foregoing an MNC rating in favor of user-friendly automatic toe height adjustments. It's one binding I've had trouble pre-releasing when getting rowdy as a heavier, more aggressive skier with a high DIN setting. Stronger and heavier skiers should look to the Marker Griffon for the next step up in more reliable retention and superior power transfer. Still, most average skiers are going to do great with the Squire. Also a popular choice for young teens who like to take on the terrain park since the Squire's construction is one of the most durable options in the 11 DIN category.
Review Ratings
Power Transfer
4/5
Leo Cocchiara gave 4 of 5 stars. The nuanced differences in power transfer between binding models are difficult for most skiers to pick up on. I like to compare the differences in feeling between styles of cars. A binding with top-quality power transfer will feel like a sports car with tight, twitchy, premium handling that is more than many people want or need. The Marker Squire is like the RAV4 or Honda CRV of ski bindings—a midsized SUV that is equal parts comfortable and capable of handling whatever comes one's way.
Release Reliability
4/5
Leo Cocchiara gave 4 of 5 stars. The release tension that skis bindings are set to is described as one's DIN setting. The DIN setting is calculated based on age, height, weight, boot sole length, and self-selected skier type to determine how easily someone's bindings release in a fall. A beginner will have a lower release setting than an expert. In general, someone can safely assume that if their DIN setting is within the binding's range—in this case, 3-11—they can expect proper retention and release reliability. However, as a 200lb+ expert skier, I've had times where the Marker Squire lets go sooner than I would like, even when cranking them up to 10. This results from less elastic travel, which one can think of as wiggle room for extra force, than other bindings in its class. Consider going with the Griffon if one is stronger.
Durability
5/5
Leo Cocchiara gave 5 of 5 stars. Certified ski technicians follow the guidelines of binding manufacturers when determining whether or not a binding is safe to use. Bindings need to be indemnified by the manufacturer (typically about a 10-15 year window), pass a visual inspection, and pass a torque test in addition to being compatible with the skier's boots for them to be deemed a safe and appropriate ski binding. The Marker Squire has notable longevity in this regard. This binding is especially popular with lighter women and younger teens. It is easy to carry forward and remount to two or three pairs of skis within its lifespan.
Versatility
5/5
Leo Cocchiara gave 5 of 5 stars. The Marker Squires are perfectly suitable for any style of resort skiing and snow conditions skiers might encounter. They're compatible with alpine or GripWalk sole ski boots, which are mostly on the market outside of telemark and touring ski boots. It's a popular choice for young teens, especially those who like to play in the terrain park and lighter-weight skiers of all levels.
FAQs
Why did you choose this product?
Leo Cocchiara The Marker Squire has been a gold standard in 11 DIN bindings for as long as I can remember. It's been largely unchanged for the better part of a decade, and it's a binding that stands up to hard use for many years. It's not uncommon to have this binding outlive a pair of skis and be remounted on the next pair.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Leo Cocchiara The Marker Squire hits the mark for what the majority of recreational skiers are looking for in a binding—lightweight, durable, easy to step into, reliable release, compatible with any alpine or GripWalk boot, and several colors and brake widths to accommodate a variety of skis. Its user-friendliness and longevity make it a great choice for just about anyone outside of very heavier skiers or aggressive experts.
Leo Cocchiara
Ski ExpertJoshua Brower
Ski ExpertShare article:
