Marker

Kingpin 13 AT Ski Binding

Marker found the sweet spot with the Kingpin 13 AT Binding, which cribs plenty of reliable tech from classic two-pin bindings, takes cues traditional alpine blindings, and adds a whole mess of brand new to create a clamp that's lightweight and efficient on the climb as well as powerful and reliable on the down.

The toe uses spring-loaded pins to secure your boot, has a locking ski/walk switch, and sports adjustable boot stops for easy step-in. Six steel springs provide greater energy absorption and contact pressure than a four-spring setup, reducing unwanted release in ski mode and giving you a smoother ride. There's also an integrated crampon adapter for stress-free ascents up bulletproof snow or in no-fall zones.

Like an alpine binding, the Kingpin's heel features a step-in function, has a beefy anti-friction device, and rocks alpine-style brakes that lock up in walk mode. To further distinguish the Kingpin from traditional tech bindings, it's TUV-certified, meaning that it has real, measurable, and repeatable DIN settings, not just release values. The heel also pivots laterally to provide consistent release and retention, with plenty of vertical elasticity as well, so you have a powerful alpine connection instead of that rattly tech-binding feel.

To engage the walk mode, just flip the underfoot lever to slide the heel back and step down, locking the brakes in a raised position. That'll give you a free, flat heel, and the dual risers can be flipped down with a pole to give you 7 and 13 degrees of climbing comfort. Reverse the process to engage ski mode with the flick of a lever, and get excited to rip the biggest, baddest, most remote lines you can find.