12/11/2022 0 Comments Print hang tapes with lightwright 5![]() ![]() ![]() On the one hand it does prove the binding behaves in certain ways. (Kingpin only weighs a ‘chocolate bar’ more than competitor equivalent in a ‘tech freeride binding,’ yet is quite a bit heavier at 650 grams (no brake) than super-light options - which of course leads me to suspect Marker probably has some sort of superlight version in the works.)ĭIN/ISO certification to standard 13992 by TUV. Sure, I’d perhaps choose something lighter for core touring in my home range, but this really does appear to be a binding you could travel the world with and use for everything from a day of blasting the pists of Sun Valley to slogging the passes of the Silvretta Traverse. Instead, I’ve been on-snow with the Kingpin for several days of real ski touring that included excellent testing such as skiing icy snow as well as walking in areas that required many cycles of clipping and removing bindings. While I suppose they could be squirting some kind of brainwashing gas into the air ducts here at Rocanegra Mountain Lodge, that doesn’t appear to be the case. ![]() I’m writing this post while still in Chile at the Marker Kingpin binding introduction event. Importantly, or not (depending on your views) it has TUV certification to the appropriate DIN/ISO standards - the first tech binding to achieve this as far as I know and proved by the certificate in images below (dated July 17, 2014). Overall, it is very “put together” in appearance and during my on-snow testing performed well. Real life advantages? While the Kingpin weighs a bit more than what could be considered equivalent competitors, it does appear to offer the retention and shock absorption of a full-on alpine binding, as well as offering easy operation. A viable width selection of ski crampons and brakes rounds out this tour-de-force. Word is that you do NOT have to lock the toe for fear of accidental release during aggressive skiing (sometimes a concern with many other tech binding offerings). In this case a claimed 16 mm of vertical travel, which is several times the vertical heel release travel of most tech bindings.Ĭlaim by Marker is that Kingpin is the quiver of one and will function equally as well on/off the resort, in aggressive skiing or mellow touring. A large vertical release spring that’s reminiscent of the Marker Tour F10 and F12 models provides that ever desirable and somewhat rare vertical elasticity and travel in a tech binding. In terms of lateral release, the heel opens to the side, similar to alpine toe jaws (with a “second stage” lateral release happening as the toe wings open, as with most tech bindings).įancy doodads such as roller bearings on the heel cup and a beefy AFD on the brake actuator pad are intended to reduce the friction problems created by rubber soled or dirty boots - as well as providing a general reduction in friction overall. In terms of how it clamps your boot to the ski, it’s an over-center pivot lever that snaps down on your boot heel when you step in - pretty much identical to most alpine bindings. Instead, the heel operates as a virtual combination of alpine binding toes and heels. Heel unit is the big change, Kingpin operates without the “pins” all other tech bindings on the current market insert in your boot heel for alpine (downhill) mode. ![]() The Kingpin binding toe unit is somewhat similar to other tech bindings, but boasts three pairs of springs (the Six Pack!) that are said to offer better “energy absorption.” After about three years of secret development, Marker releases a “pintech” modified tech binding with alpine-like elasticity and step-in comfort. Heel flat on ski is available and the two lifts heights are similar to most other tech bindings. Print hang tapes with lightwright 5 full#The King in full touring mode, lift engaged. ![]()
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