Marker Touring Bindings
Marker has two bindings that are designed to be suitable for everyday alpine inbounds skiing as well as backcountry touring if desired. The heart of the system is a hinged frame that allows the whole binding to hinge when released. There are two heel stop positions at 5° and 10°. The frame type AT binding is not unique but Marker says its design is the lowest of all at only 32mm at the toe and 34mm at the heel. Another feature worth noting is that the two Marker designs (Duke and Baron) are designed for skis with a minimum width of 76mm. That makes the binding more stable and powerful on the modern, wider skis according to Marker; however it precludes mounting them on narrower skis. Hidden under the boot to prevent accidental opening is the touring/skiing lever that releases or secures the hinged frame. As the lever is opened it also moves the skier’s weight back 30mm which improves ski swing weight for easier striding and kick-turning. Skiers must remember that changing from tour to ski mode requires taking the boot out of the binding so they must plan ahead to avoid taking the skis off in an awkward spot.
Both bindings are very robust designs with all the safety features expected in a normal alpine binding.
Duke 16
DIN index 6 – 16, recommended skier weight 130+ pounds (60 kg)
Weight 2600g for small binding, 2630g for large binding.
Baron 12
DIN index 4 – 12, recommended skier weight 80 – 250 pounds (36 kg – 114 kg)
Weight 2450 for small binding, 2480 for large binding.
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