Review: Marker Jester 16 ID Ski Bindings · 2023
By Curated Experts
max pilling and Cody Olsen
Marker Jester 16 ID Ski Bindings · 2023
$257.99
$429.99
40% off
13 photos
The Curated Take
5.0/5
The Marker Jester 16 ID Ski Bindings are ideal for heavier, aggressive skiers who must trust their gear on challenging terrain. With the ability to crank up the DIN settings, these bindings provide excellent power transfer and a smooth, reliable release. Constructed with many metal components, they are durable and designed to last many seasons. They are versatile enough for various conditions and ski types but may not be suitable for lightweight or beginner skiers due to their focus on high performance and security.
Ideal for
- Great for heavier, aggressive skiers
- Excellent for skiers who need to really crank the DINs up
Not ideal for
- Not for lightweight or beginner skiers
Release Reliability
I do not eject often, but when I have, it was only when not ejecting would end in injury. When cranked up to higher DIN settings, these bindings will withstand...Read more
I have never had an unexpected pre-release in over 10 years of using the Marker Jester 16 ID platform. I needed the binding to release a few times, and it...Read more
Durability
This is my second pair of Marker Jesters. The first set lasted me six seasons before I sold them; they would have lasted many more, too. The 2023 version is...Read more
I've never had a single issue with the Jester 16 ID. I've spent hundreds of days on these bindings over the years, and they continue to work. I've only gotten...Read more
Versatility
These bindings are great for skiers who need a DIN above 6. Because of the excellent power transfer, these work great in all conditions. They will help skiers charge through...Read more
I've used Jester 16 ID bindings with numerous types of boots. I've used them with traditional DIN boot soles, set them up to fit my touring-specific boots, and now use...Read more
Power Transfer
This binding enables me to rip and ski aggressively with wider securing bolts and a slightly raised toe. While the AFD smooths out the ride, it also ensures I don't...Read more
My favorite thing about the Jester 16 ID is how it skis. It drives the ski better than any other Alpine binding I have used, and I severely miss its...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
max pilling
Cody Olsen
About the bindings
- Model: Marker Jester 16 ID Ski Bindings · 2023
Test conditions
- When I bought these: December 2022
- Where I’ve used them: Alta, Utah
- How many times I've used it: 60
Expert Reviews of the Marker Jester 16 ID Ski Bindings
max pilling The Marker Jester 16 has been my go-to binding for when I want to send. I ski a lot of bigger terrain, and this binding helps me trust I will only pop out when I really need to. The forward stance helps me ski aggressively, and the ability to turn the DINs up helps me be confident when sending cliffs. I'm around 200lbs, and I appreciate being able to crank them up. When I release, they have a smooth release, and the binding does a great job of dampening my ride. This is a great binding for heavier, aggressive skiers who like to send and who really need to trust their gear.
Cody Olsen The Marker Jester 16 ID is a great binding for advanced and expert skiers and/or skiers over 175lbs. The Jester is built to be tough, handle anything that's thrown at it, and release reliably when it needs to. More importantly, it won't release when it isn't supposed to.
I've been skiing Marker's Jester 16 ID for over 10 years and have had three different years/versions of it. I've always been extremely happy with the binding's performance and durability, and the 2023 version continues to impress.
One of my favorite features of the Jester is the large number of metal components the binding is constructed from. Many ski bindings, even those in the same high DIN rating range, use a lot of plastic pieces, which can flex more than metal and are more prone to breaking.
Breaking a binding can be extremely dangerous and cause injury to the skier. In my 10+ years of skiing different versions of the Jester 16 ID, I have never broken a pair or had a single issue at all. I can't say the same for other bindings I've used in the same DIN range.
Another great feature is the broad range of boot types the Jester 16 ID will work with, including Alpine DIN (ISO 5355), Alpine Touring (ISO 9523), GripWalk, and Walk-To-Ride (WTR). This makes the Jester ID a versatile binding that can be adjusted to be used on resort boots, hybrid boots, or even many touring-focused boots.
Product Specs
| Gender | Unisex |
| Model year | 2023 |
| Ski binding type | Alpine |
| Skill level | Advanced, Expert |
| Din release - low value | 6 |
| Din release - high value | 16 |
Review Ratings
Averaged between reviewers, view below how all experts voted.
Release Reliability
5/5
max pilling gave 5 of 5 stars. I do not eject often, but when I have, it was only when not ejecting would end in injury. When cranked up to higher DIN settings, these bindings will withstand backseat landings, cliff drops to flat, and charging through rough terrain. Knowing they will only pop out if necessary helps me have confidence when riding riskier terrain.
Cody Olsen gave 4 of 5 stars. I have never had an unexpected pre-release in over 10 years of using the Marker Jester 16 ID platform. I needed the binding to release a few times, and it did without any injuries sustained. I truly trust this binding and never have to think about it while skiing any terrain.
Durability
5/5
max pilling gave 5 of 5 stars. This is my second pair of Marker Jesters. The first set lasted me six seasons before I sold them; they would have lasted many more, too. The 2023 version is no different. Rocking a mostly metal design, these bindings can handle being dinged, banged, and thrown. The design ensures that ice doesn't get stuck inside, limiting the amount I'll need to kick and scrape ice out and increasing durability.
Cody Olsen gave 5 of 5 stars. I've never had a single issue with the Jester 16 ID. I've spent hundreds of days on these bindings over the years, and they continue to work. I've only gotten rid of older versions because I sold them with a pair of skis I was parting with. These bindings are absolutely bombproof.
Versatility
5/5
max pilling gave 5 of 5 stars. These bindings are great for skiers who need a DIN above 6. Because of the excellent power transfer, these work great in all conditions. They will help skiers charge through crud, carve groomers, stomp landings, and keep them safe in the park. Because of that, they can be used anywhere, making these bindings very versatile.
Cody Olsen gave 4 of 5 stars. I've used Jester 16 ID bindings with numerous types of boots. I've used them with traditional DIN boot soles, set them up to fit my touring-specific boots, and now use them with a GripWalk hybrid Alpine touring boot. They're easy to adjust. Once, I forgot my Alpine boots on a ski trip that the binding was set up for, but I had my touring boots with me and could adjust them quickly in the parking lot, so I didn't miss out on a ski day.
Power Transfer
5/5
max pilling gave 5 of 5 stars. This binding enables me to rip and ski aggressively with wider securing bolts and a slightly raised toe. While the AFD smooths out the ride, it also ensures I don't lose power on my turns. I feel super responsive with these on my feet, making me more comfortable charging harder. The forward-leaning design really benefits those who already ski aggressively.
Cody Olsen gave 5 of 5 stars. My favorite thing about the Jester 16 ID is how it skis. It drives the ski better than any other Alpine binding I have used, and I severely miss its power transfer whenever I'm on a touring binding. Whether railing turns on a groomer, blasting through chop, or skiing deep pow, the Jester will put all of one's input energy directly and predictably into the ski.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
max pilling Standing above a sketchy line, looking down at these burly, beefy bindings gives me the confidence to go all out. The anti-friction device helps smooth bumps in the ride and makes the release smooth to keep my knees safe. At 200lbs, being able to turn up the DIN gives me more confidence to send it.
Cody Olsen I love this binding because I can fully trust it in any terrain at any speed. I ski hard, fast, and weigh 215lbs, so I need a sturdy and trustworthy binding.
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
max pilling While skiing at Alta, I over-rotated slightly on a backflip, and if I were in other bindings, I would have popped out and tomahawked, but in the Jester, I was able to wheelie out of the flip, and it ended up being really cool. These bindings hold up to much more than most other bindings while keeping my knees safe.
Why did you choose this product?
max pilling I chose this product because I gained a bit of weight after I got married, and I needed a beefier binding. Before, the Griffon was enough for me, but after a few premature releases, I decided to get the beefier Jester. I stuck with it because it gave me confidence to send it, knowing my knees were safe.
Cody Olsen I've been using the Jester 16 ID for over 10 years. I've had three different versions/model years, and they have always been fantastic. I need a burly binding, and this is the one I pick every time.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
max pilling At almost $300, these are not cheap bindings. But the added security and confidence makes that extra bit worth it. I feel almost invincible with these on my feet. On top of that, these bindings are ultra-durable, enabling me to ride them for many seasons. My dad is still riding a 10-year-old pair of Jesters. These things last when other cheaper bindings won't.
max pilling
Ski ExpertCody Olsen
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