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Gear Review
Marker Baron Ski Binding
Just get the Duke..come on
By D. Joshua Christensen
September 8, 2010
I have not used the Baron. But I have seen it many times, and I personally own the Duke. If you are a serious skier that wants a binding that feels like an alpine binding..then why are you even considering the Baron. If you don't want as burly of a binding as the Duke, then why are making yourself carry around as heavy of a binding as the Baron?
The Duke/Baron line does not go uphill as easily as some other touring bindings. The Marker touring line of bindings is still a Marker binding, which means you will still have some pre-release issues, etc. The Duke is barely burly enough to really handle what you want to throw at it. Sometimes I forget I am on a touring binding while I am skiing my Dukes...that is a GREAT thing. No other touring binding will allow you to feel that way.
View Details: Marker Baron Ski Binding
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- Plastic, stainless steel, aluminum
- DIN:
- 4 - 13
- Boot Compatibility:
- AT, alpine
- Brakes Included:
- Yes
- Brake Width:
- 110mm
- Gliding AFD:
- Stainless steel, height adjustable
- Heel Elevators:
- Yes, 5 and 10 degree positions
- Weight:
- [Pair - Small] 5lb 6.4oz (2450g); [Pair - Large] 5lb 7oz (2480g)
- Recommended Use:
- Backcountry, resort skiing
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- 1 Year
Change me.
12 Comments Last Reply: January 11, 2011 By: Phil Santala
elace3733: The barons would be better if the DIN isn't an issue and you don't plan on skiing on them a ton, if the DIN is an issue, or you plan on skiing on them A LOT spend the extra $ and get the Dukes, if your not going to put a lot of days on them, maybe save some $ and get the slightly lighter, less durable Barons (they have more plastic and less metal in their construction) Both work great for what they are designed to do, ie slack-country
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
The reviews for this product suck. So I was looking at getting these because I only weigh 120 lbs and want one setup that I can take touring as well as to the resort. I was under the impression that this is essentially just a lighter version of the Dukes. i don't fall into the recommended weight category of the Dukes so I thought these would be more ideal since they seemed similar. Can you explain a little more clearly why the Barons are such bad bindings? Do you think they are worthless for everyone or just certain people?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
John. Baron is basically the Griffon on the baseplate of the Duke. I own the Dukes. Have used the Jester and Griffon more times than I can count. Therefore, I know what I do and do not like about the Baron. Its called deductive reasoning.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
If you have not used the Baron Do not review them!!
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
Phil. Bottom line is that Marker's elasticity is way too low which causes the binding to release when it should not. That means that even cranked to 12 the binding comes off way too much. Add to that more plastic parts on the baron, and you get a crappy binding with a crappy din that is prone to breaking.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
If you don't ski at a din above 12 I really don't see why there are any issues with buying the baron... I have dukes and barons, and just by which ski I got first (mantras) and mounted with the duke (only AT marker binding that year) they are skiied more than my Barons on my Blizzards. The Dukes have taken a beating, but I've never had any issues where I felt like O pre-released out of the Barons, or the Dukes. BIG ASTRIX on this comment I DO NOT really huck a ton of shit. I'll hit some stuff here or there if I'm feeling edgy..but that's about it. I have toured 16 and 12 mile tours on my Barons...sure they are not as comfortable as my Dynafits... but wheteves
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
hikermike... the Baron sucks. End of story. Only two DECENT bindings by Marker's Royal Family line are the Jester and Duke.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
I can't get any Marker 12 Din bindings to stay on my feet. Their elasticity sucks and so does this binding. I am only 170lbs. Seems like if you hit even the smallest bump at over 30mph the binding will come off and you will either have to finish your line on 1 foot or stop to get your ski.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
This review=EPIC FAIL!
Helpful Votes: 5 Yes
the barons are brutal uphill, but i do not need the extra din of the dukes, so leaving a few grams behind, and saving some coin is totally worth it for me. having said that, the weight savings from the dukes are very minimal, and i think marker could do better
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
I have handled the baron, and have skied on the griffon quite a few times. I don't get anything out of you buying he more expensive binding, so if you want, go ahead and buy this piece of crap. The nice thing about the Duke is that it actually solves the old problem of not being able to rely on your AT binding for a good downhill ride. Sure you have to crank the DIN in order to get that feel but it is the best feel you can currently have on an AT Binding. The bad thing about the Duke is that it harms your uphill ride, as the ski has a lower kick height and is much heavier. Like I always say though, if a touring binding is not great on the uphill it will only make you stronger. If a touring binding is not great downhill then good luck. The problem with the Baron is that it is one of the worst AT bindings for uphill as well as downhill...SOL.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
So you work for Backcountry.com and recommend going with the more expensive and heavier binding... I see where you are coming from, especially never having used the Baron but still giving it 3 stars?
Helpful Votes: 15 Yes