Review: Black Diamond ATK Raider 13 Evo Ski Bindings · 2024
By Ski Expert
Colin Grey
Black Diamond ATK Raider 13 Evo Ski Bindings · 2025
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The Curated Take
5.0/5
The Black Diamond ATK Raider 13 Evo Ski Bindings are exceptional for skiers seeking a lightweight touring setup without compromising downhill performance. These tech bindings stand out for their excellent power transfer and durability, thanks to their almost entirely metal construction. They are the lightest tech bindings with reliable downhill performance and release, ideal for skiers who prioritize both lightness in ascent and robustness in descent. While they are pricier than some alternatives, their versatility for both resort and backcountry use, coupled with their durability and performance, make them a valuable investment for avid skiers.
Ideal for
- Tech bindings with great power transfer
- Lightweight but still durable
- Ideal for lightweight touring setup that doesn't sacrifice the downhill
Not ideal for
- Can be harder to get in and out of than other tech bindings
Release Reliability
Tech bindings are not usually the most reliable when it comes to releasing when they are wanted to, but the Raiders are as reliable of a tech binding as I...Read more
Durability
The Raiders are made almost entirely of CNC aluminum, which makes these bindings both light and durable. The only place that is plastic and is a concern for failure on...Read more
Power Transfer
The freeride heel spacer is a piece that is mounted under the binding. It is adjustable in height to make contact with the heel of the boot, which means that...Read more
Versatility
The great boot contact and high DIN range make these bindings great in the resort and the backcountry. As long as one has tech-compatible boots, these could be a great...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Colin Grey
About the bindings
- Model: Black Diamond ATK Raider 13 Evo Ski Bindings · 2025
Test conditions
- When I bought these: 2023
- Where I’ve used it: Wasatch mountains
- How many times I've used it: 10
Expert Reviews of the Black Diamond ATK Raider 13 Evo Ski Bindings
Colin Grey Not only are these the lightest tech bindings I have ever used, but they are also somehow the tech bindings with the best downhill performance and the most reliable release. To say these are the perfect touring binding is not hyperbole — for me, they blow away all of the competition, and it is not even close. The freeride spacer that comes with these bindings provides excellent heel contact that translates to great power transfer. These bindings are ideal for someone looking for a lightweight touring setup that doesn't sacrifice any downhill performance. The all-metal construction of these bindings doesn't add any excess weight to the bindings and makes them as durable as any tech binding.
Product Specs
| Gender | Unisex |
| Model year | 2025 |
| Ski binding type | Tech, Alpine Touring |
| Skill level | Advanced, Expert |
| Din release - low value | 5 |
| Din release - high value | 13 |
Review Ratings
Release Reliability
5/5
Colin Grey gave 5 of 5 stars. Tech bindings are not usually the most reliable when it comes to releasing when they are wanted to, but the Raiders are as reliable of a tech binding as I have ever used. The DIN setting performs to a much higher standard than Dynafit bindings, and the ability to go up to a 13 DIN is much better than other similar tech bindings.
Durability
5/5
Colin Grey gave 5 of 5 stars. The Raiders are made almost entirely of CNC aluminum, which makes these bindings both light and durable. The only place that is plastic and is a concern for failure on these bindings is the freeride spacer, which makes contact with the heel of the boot. I have not had any issues with this piece breaking, though.
Power Transfer
5/5
Colin Grey gave 5 of 5 stars. The freeride heel spacer is a piece that is mounted under the binding. It is adjustable in height to make contact with the heel of the boot, which means that the boot is resting on more than just the pins. This ensures less lateral flex when making turns on these bindings.
Versatility
5/5
Colin Grey gave 5 of 5 stars. The great boot contact and high DIN range make these bindings great in the resort and the backcountry. As long as one has tech-compatible boots, these could be a great everyday binding for a skier who wants a do-it-all binding. These bindings exceeded all of my expectations for a pin-touring binding.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Colin Grey I was blown away when I first got these out of the box and felt how light they were. I was even more surprised when I felt how great they skied. A binding this light has no business skiing this well.
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Colin Grey The first tour I did with these bindings felt lightning fast. On the track I barely felt like I had skis on my feet, and my legs were a lot less tired than they usually would be at the top. The ski down was amazing.
Why did you choose this product?
Colin Grey I wanted a light ski touring binding that had a reliable release and performed really well on the downhill. The freeride spacer that comes with this binding that is mounted under the heel piece provides great boot contact, so the power transfer on these bindings is great.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Colin Grey These bindings are more expensive than similar Dynafit bindings, but they are worth the money in my opinion.
