Light and dependable backcountry bindings
This is the second pair I buy (the first one in the larger size for a broader ski): I base this review on three years of use (about 5 back-country outings a year while I also ski resorts on traditional alpine bindings). The bindings' first quality is their lightness: the comparable kingpin 13 is listed at 715g and the smaller kingpin 10 weighs 695g, while this one runs at 620g: the difference is immediately noticeable out of the box, yet it's on the long climb up that I came to appreciate the weight savings. :-) At the same time, the binging feels super solid. I found them very dependable in the field: they never pre-released yet saved my skin the few times when I needed them to do so. Entry into the binding is the same as other models - and much easier to work than the "convertible" models (from armada, atomic and salomon). Just don't forget to pull on the front tab into the "walk" position when climbing (haha!). The alpine style back piece is a definite plus, holding the boots firmly when transitioning to bumps, deeper pow or hard pack snow. Friends of mine whose bindings have the more traditional "back pins" sometimes have to try readjusting the fit in the field to prevent early releases. Bottom line: these bindings were my first choice for a second pair of skis, as I want to go out more often and leave resort skiing behind.