An Expert Guide to Look Ski Bindings


Look Pivot 12 mounted on the Nordica Unleashed 98. Photo by Lauren Dobbins
TL;DR: When buying Look ski bindings, consider your skiing level, style, boot compatibility, and binding size. Look offers series like Pivot (professional, high performance), SPX (balanced power and lightness), and NX (recreational to intermediate). Unique features include a turntable heel design, a 180-degree release toe piece, and high elasticity.
Shopping for ski bindings might not be the fun and glamorous part of buying a new setup, but it is a very critical component! Bindings connect you with your skis, and having a high-quality pair of bindings helps keep you safe and having a good time. If you have opened this guide in hopes of learning more about Look bindings, then you have already found a brand that produces some of the best bindings in the industry! Look no further than Look (pun intended).
I’m Lauren, a Ski Expert here at Curated and a bonafide Look fanatic. I’ve helped hundreds of skiers find the right gear for them, and Look bindings are always an easy recommendation for me to make! I have the Look Pivot 12 bindings on both of my pairs of skis, and Look is easily my favorite binding brand. I’m not paid or sponsored by Look or their parent company, and my opinion is based on my own skiing experience. Are you ready to find your own pair of Look bindings? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty!
Note: For the sake of time and typical product consideration, I will be focusing on Look’s all-mountain, alpine series designed for adults. If you are interested in touring, race, or junior bindings, head to Look’s website for more information.
Who Is Look?
From left to right are the original Nevada II toe and Grand Prix heel, the Nevada T (for Teflon) and N17 heel, a N57 pair in orange with the optional ski brake under the toe (they dropped separate naming for heel and toe at this point), the similar N77 with integrated brake, and finally the 89RX, typical of the late-model "99 series". The red button in the toe piece of the 89RX releases tension and allows the binding to release more easily in the event of a forward fall.
Since the release of the 89/99 series, the toe piece of the Look bindings has changed. The two-finger design evident in all of these examples has been replaced by a single cup-like device able to slide to the sides. Photo by Rossi Smash
Look is a French sporting goods manufacturer established in 1951, renowned for pioneering the modern ski binding. Hailing from France, they're credited with the first safety bindings, significantly reducing ski-related injuries. Look's commitment to innovation, performance, and safety in ski bindings has positioned them as an industry leader. Skiers favor Look for their reliable products that combine technical prowess with ease of use, enhancing their skiing experience. Whether a novice or an expert, considering Look means investing in a rich history of breakthroughs and quality craftsmanship.
What to Consider When Buying Look Ski Bindings
Lauren on the Look Pivot 12. Photo by Lauren Dobbins
1. What type of skiing will you be doing?
Different bindings perform optimally in specific terrains. Look's range includes options for all-mountain, freeride, race, and touring. If you ski in parks and off-piste, consider bindings with high shock absorption. For groomed runs, you might want something lightweight and efficient.
2. What is your skiing ability level?
Your skiing ability plays a significant role in choosing the correct DIN range. All bindings have a range of DINs that they can accept, with the number in the name of the bindings being the highest DIN acceptable. Your skiing level, your size, and your skiing style directly affect the DIN setting (binding release force) you require. Always consult with a professional to determine your appropriate DIN setting.
3. Are the bindings compatible with your ski boots and skis?
Compatibility between your boots and bindings is critical. Some Look bindings are Alpine, Touring, or GripWalk compatible or some combination of these types. Make sure your boots align with the binding type. For the three Alpine bindings in this list, they accept Alpine or GripWalk soles.
Ski binding size is also crucial for compatibility with your ski boots. Look bindings come in various brake widths to fit different ski sizes. Brakes should be at least the same width as your ski and up to 15mm wider.
4. How much should Look ski bindings cost?
Look ski bindings range from approximately $150 for entry-level models to $400+ for professional-grade options. At the lower end, you can expect reliable, user-friendly bindings suitable for casual and beginner skiers. Mid-range bindings offer enhanced performance and more adjustability, while premium models feature advanced materials and technologies catering to high-performance and competitive skiing.
If you're an occasional skier, investing in a budget-friendly, durable binding should suffice. But for those hitting the slopes regularly, investing in more durable, performance-oriented bindings could pay off in the long run.
What Are the Different Types of Look Ski Bindings?
There are several types of Look bindings designed for different skiing disciplines and preferences. Each type of Look binding has its own benefits and downsides based on their design and intended use. The main types include:
1. Pivot Series
The Look Pivot 12 GW
The Look Pivot series is the brand's flagship line, favored by professional skiers and freeriders globally. Renowned for its exceptional elastic travel and the iconic "turntable" heel design, the Pivot series offers unrivaled shock absorption, minimizing unwanted pre-releases to ensure top-tier safety and performance. Pivot bindings feature a low stand height for better snow feel and come in various DIN ranges to cater to all skiing levels.
- Benefits
- Superior shock absorption prevents accidental binding release
- Low stand height enhances snow feel
- Variety of DIN settings suits all skier levels, especially experts
- Keep in Mind
- On the higher end of the price spectrum
- Too robust for casual or beginner skiers
2. SPX Series
The Look SPX 12
The SPX series offers a balanced combination of power, precision, and lightweight functionality. With features such as the Full Action toe piece and the SPX heel design, these bindings provide a high level of elasticity, reducing the risk of pre-release for safe and responsive skiing.
- Benefits
- Combines power, precision, and lightweight functionality
- High elasticity reduces risk of pre-release
- Keep in Mind
- Not as robust as the Pivot series
- Might not suit expert and extreme skiers
3. NX Series
The Look NX 11
Aimed at recreational to intermediate skiers, the NX series offers lightweight, user-friendly bindings without compromising on safety or performance. With features like the Full Drive Concept toe and a lightened design, these bindings deliver an accessible, reliable skiing experience.
- Benefits
- Lightweight and user-friendly
- Suitable for recreational to intermediate skiers
- More price-friendly than other options
- Keep in Mind
- Might not meet the demands of advanced skiers
- Lower elasticity compared to Pivot and SPX series
Features to Look for When Buying Look Ski Bindings
There are unique features and technologies that make Look bindings stand out. Here are some specific ones you should consider:
- Pivot Turntable Heel Design: This innovative design, found in the Pivot series, offers increased elasticity and shock absorption. It's unique as the binding rotates directly under the tibia, reducing injury risk during falls. I've found this design exceptionally reliable in preventing an unwanted pre-release, particularly in rugged terrain.
- SPX Heel Technology: Featured in the SPX series, this technology offers a lightweight yet robust heel piece. It's great for all-mountain skiing (especially on-piste), as it provides solid power transmission and shock absorption. It balances performance and weight really well, making it ideal for long skiing days.
- Full Action Toe Piece: Found in the Pivot and SPX series, this toe piece offers an impressive 45mm of elastic travel. This toe piece also has a 180-degree multi-dimensional release as well as a true vertical release. This technology also promises maximum power delivery from boot to ski. If you are an aggressive skier like me, this feature is a must-have.
- Full Drive Concept Toe Piece: Utilized in the NX series, this toe piece design provides multi-directional release in a lighter design. It delivers top-level retention for a secure downhill experience. This feature provides an extra safety net without restricting performance.
- Long Elasticity: Look bindings are known for their high elasticity, significantly reducing the risk of pre-release. This means you can confidently tackle more challenging slopes knowing your bindings will release only when absolutely necessary. This is one feature I wouldn’t compromise on, especially when skiing in varying conditions.
- Low Stand Height: Many Look bindings feature a low stand height, increasing the skier's contact with the ski for better control and sensation. I love this feature, as it provides an excellent “feel” of the snow and allows more precise skiing.
As you consider these features, remember to align them with your skiing style, experience level, and personal preferences to ensure you get the most out of your Look bindings. Happy skiing!
How to Choose the Right Look Ski Bindings
The Look Pivot 15
Let’s cover a few examples of real skiers to help pinpoint the right bindings for you.
Raphael: The Freerider
Needs: Raphael skis the whole mountain, and he loves all things off-piste. He lives in Wyoming and often skis the expert terrain at Jackson Hole. He is a big guy who loves big mountain skiing. He regularly does cliff drops and usually sticks the landing. Raphael needs a binding that is capable of supporting him in the sketchiest of conditions.
Products to consider: Raphael is a prime candidate for the Look Pivot series. As someone who regularly skis off-piste conditions, he would really benefit from the turntable-style heel that the Pivot series offers. As a big guy who is an expert skier, he would be a good match for the Look Pivot 15.
Rebecca: The Frontside Ripper
Needs: Rebecca lives on the East Coast (aka, the Beast Coast). She consistently skis on icy groomers, and she loves to fly down them! Due to her location, she doesn’t experience much powder and rarely hits off-piste terrain. Rebecca needs a binding capable of handling high speeds and has a reliable retention.
Products to consider: Rebecca needs the maximum power delivery of Look’s Full Action toe piece but doesn’t need the shock absorption of the Pivot series. She would enjoy the Look SPX 12.
Randy: The Casual Skier
Needs: Randy is an occasional skier who primarily enjoys his local Midwestern hill. He travels every other year, but he is happy staying on easy-groomed runs. Randy doesn’t want to break the bank, but he wants a quality binding that will last him for many seasons.
Products to consider: As a casual skier, Randy doesn’t need the bells and whistles of Look’s more expensive bindings. He would have everything he needs with the Look NX 11.
Find the Right Look Ski Bindings for You
Where will your Look bindings take you? Photo by Lauren Dobbins
Look offers uncompromising quality for just about any skier. Freeriders and park skiers will appreciate the turntable heel and reliability of the Pivot series. Skiers who want strong power delivery for more on-piste-focused skiing with all-mountain capability will enjoy the SPX series. Casual skiers will find a perfect balance between quality and price in the NX series. Still not sure which pair of bindings are right for you? Chat with me or another Ski Expert here on Curated, and we will find the right gear for you!