Expert Review: Marker Griffon 13 ID Ski Bindings · 2022
Pointing out my line at Snowbird Resort. All photos courtesy of Galen G.
About this Review: This review is my own honest opinion of the bindings, which I bought with my own money in September 2020.
My take
The Marker Griffon 13 ID bindings are perfect for everyday use at the resort for the moderate to aggressive skier. They provide the ideal performance for a wide range of skiers without compromising on anything. A larger-built expert skier may need something more robust.
Getting high up at Snowbasin Resort!
About the gear
- Model: Marker Griffon 13 ID (2021)
About me
- Height: 5ft 10in
- Weight: 150lb.
- Preferred DIN range: 8-11
- Experience: 20 years
Test conditions
- When I bought these: September 2020
- Days tested: 50
- Boots: Tecnica Mach1 LV 130 (2021)
- Boot Size: 26.5
- Skis: Bluehouse District 176
- Where I’ve used them: Resorts in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and California
- Terrain: Groomers, hardpack, chunk, moguls, powder, park
How they perform
What I was looking for
I was looking for strictly downhill ski bindings that could handle all types of snow and conditions in the western U.S. that had a DIN range of at least 12. I really wanted bindings that keep my foot close to the skis and make turning and carving feel as easy as possible. I also wanted the bindings to hold up to a lot of abuse and be able to handle small to medium cliff drops at the resort.
Why I chose this gear
The Marker Griffon bindings have a sturdy build that really makes it easy to transfer one’s leg power to the skis. The ID feature and easy adjustability are great for when I want to swap out my boots and keep the same skis and bindings. The DIN range is perfect for my ability and size. I ski fast and hard, but I don’t weigh that much so it didn’t make sense to buy bindings with a 16+ DIN range.
The other options I mainly considered were the Tyrolia Attack 14 GW bindings and the Look Pivot 14 GW bindings. I felt that the Marker Griffon ID 13 bindings were more durable and stable than the Tyrolia Attack bindings because they used less plastic parts. The Look Pivots were a good option, but are less versatile when using multiple pairs of boots.
About to rip a groomer!
What I love about them
- Release reliability: I have fallen off rocks and in the park in these bindings. They always seem to release at the perfect time. I have never twisted a knee and can’t remember the last time I pre-released.
- Downhill performance: They feel great when carving and skiing moguls, groomers, powder, anything! This is due to Marker’s Triple Pivot Elite Toe technology that allows my toe to move the slightest bit without pre-releasing.
- Weight: The weight on these is on-par with the rest of the bindings in this downhill category. They have a central swing weight, which is great for throwing tricks in the park.
- Power transfer: These allow great power transfer, straight from my quads down to the skis. I always seem to feel the burn in my legs after everyone else in my crew already has.
- Other: I’ve had issues with other binding brakes catching together if they are wider than the skis, but haven’t had any problems with these brakes.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Durability: I am very tough on my gear. Considering that, these have held up really well, but there was one cosmetic part that fell off on maybe Day 10 of riding that I don’t think should have that early on in the binding’s life (see photo below). The part that fell off does not affect the performance when riding at all. It does affect the ability to correctly adjust the DIN setting of the heel. All of Marker’s warranty claims are handled directly through their dealers. I could have gone through the dealer who I bought and had the bindings mounted from, but because the part was not impacting the performance I opted not to.
Wear and tear
Favorite moment with this gear
I’ll never forget the moment at Solitude Resort in Utah that I skied my first run on these after I had been riding on some older Salomon Guardian AT bindings, and WOW, the power transfer and downhill performance was so incredibly much better.
Value for the money vs. other options
I think at least a progressing intermediate skier would do well in these bindings, and they are worth the money. They have great performance and are right in the middle of the pack for price. There are cheaper options (Tyrolia Attack 14 GW) and more expensive options (Look Pivot 14 GW), but I think the Marker Griffon is the perfect option. If you have had knee issues, it may be worth looking into the Look Pivot line because of the added heel technology, otherwise go with the Marker Griffon ID 13.
Final verdict
Get the Marker Griffon 13 ID bindings! I got the confidence I needed to drop cliffs and hit features without worrying about blowing out my knee. They are great for every terrain that resorts offer.
