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The Alpinist 12 is the perfect binding for a lightweight touring setup. It sits very close to the ski and has a really stiff feel, which I love in choppy snow and in high-stakes spots. This year's Alpinist has a toe guide that makes stepping into the toe much easier. I've really appreciated how well these bindings tour. They're light, they have a decent heel riser option that's easy to use, and the minimal contact between boot and ski makes skinning simple and easy. Transitioning takes very little work and is conducive to skimo-style ripping.
I haven't had too many serious crashes on these bindings, but I've been impressed with how they release. In comparison to alpine bindings, they're definitely not super smooth, but as far as tech bindings go, I feel comfortable pushing these bindings hard. The only issue I've ever seen with durability is in the plastic surrounding the pins of the heel piece. In heavy landings, the metal U that forms the heel can break out of the plastic. Hasn't happened to me, and I've only seen it once.
For people who are new to touring, I might suggest a binding with a brake. These don't come with any feature to stop the ski from running if a release occurs, which also makes stepping in precarious in certain spots. Even despite this, I love both the skinning and skiing feel of this binding, and I'm excited to keep pushing them in the backcountry!
- Super lightweight and simple
- Rigid feel and close fit to the ski
- Simple transition
- Plastic construction
- No brakes
The Marker Alpinist 12 Ski Bindings are the perfect choice for experienced touring skiers who demand ultra-lightweight equipment without sacrificing performance. With a weight of just 270g (without brake), these bindings offer active length compensation that doesn't affect the ski's flex, making them ideal for those who want to push their limits on the mountain. The ISI front is very stiff, making it easy to step into, while the wide footprint with integrated stop automatically positions and aligns your boot. The kinematically optimized pin levers allow the pins to snap shut with just a gentle push, ensuring a secure fit every time.
Key Features:
- Ultra-lightweight design at just 270g (without brake).
- Active length compensation without affecting ski flex.
- Stiff ISI front for easy stepping in.
- Wide footprint with integrated stop for precise alignment.
- Kinematically optimized pin levers ensure secure fit.
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