Marker Kingpin 13 Touring Binding 2022 – 2023 | Review - Mpora

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Marker Kingpin 13 Touring Binding 2022 – 2023 | Review

Combining the traditional touring specific pin toe piece with a spring loaded alpine heel piece that Marker is famous for, you can be certain of maximum uphill efficiency and unmatched downhill performance with this revolutionary binding

Why we chose the Marker Kingpin 13: Reliable, safe, powerful

Boot Type: Dynafit inserts
Toe System: ISI Toe
Walking Modes: 0°, 7°, 13°
Brake Width: 75mm, 100mm, 100mm & 125mm
Weight : 715g
Price: £480

MORE INFO

Marker have for a long time been at the top of the game when it comes to producing bindings throughout all the different areas of skiing, and they are nothing short of that status when it comes to the backcountry either. The lightweight ISI pin toe piece, commonly found on the popular Alpinist binding, is paired with a modified alpine heel piece with built-in climbing aids. They’ve done this as a way of providing a secure heel lock during downhill performance, but also exceptional versatility when the skins are on. 

Focusing on ease of use, Marker have introduced an easy step in toe piece through the use of enlarged contact areas for the boot when stepping in and a rubber stop pad.  This prevents some of the awkward hassle that comes when trying to step into tiny pin bindings in deep snow. A gentle push through the forefoot is all that is required to activate the pin in the toe piece, from there the adventure can begin.

The revolutionary heel construction of the Kingpin binding sees the spring-loaded heel piece, found in Marker’s alpine binding fleet, brought into the fold. This is known for delivering maximum power transmission and firm heel hold. This drastically improves performance in the binding, but also is much safer in the event of an accident in the deep snow (thanks to the lateral release function).

With a small degree of lateral movement in the heel piece, you can be confident that the binding, when set-up correctly, will release in extreme circumstances but also not pre-release in the event of a heavy but controlled impact. Attached to the heel piece you will find 2 walking aid levers that provide optional 7 or 13 degree walking aids. This will reduce strain on the back of the legs when touring up steeper terrain. Operating these levers is as easy as reaching down with your ski pole. When neither are in use, the heel piece offers 0 degrees aid for flatter terrain. The levers, you’ll be glad to hear, tuck away seamlessly into the top of the heel.

Touring bindings are becoming ever-more popular amongst big mountain skiers searching for bigger cliffs to drop and steeper terrain to ride. The technology that goes into such a lightweight binding is still guaranteed to give maximum downhill performance, and that’s something everyone can get on board with. 

Commonly seen drilled to the skis of the biggest backcountry names on Marker’s team, athletes of the highest calibre can be seen pushing these bindings to the limits. The Marker Kingpin 13 suits backcountry riders who want to prioritise uphill efficiency and downhill performance. It will also suit someone who isn’t afraid to take some big impacts, and everything that goes with that. A binding that can be trusted by the skier to retain the foot in gnarlier circumstances, but also light enough for good efficiency on the uphill; what’s not to like? 

The Kingpin will be best suited to all-mountain/backcountry skis with a lightweight design. This will match up nicely with the binding’s ability to perform uphill. The narrower brake option for this binding would best suit skis less than 100mm wide. It’s also worth keeping in mind that the wider brake here provides the option for this binding to be attached to a wider powder ski; something to consider for the riders that want to ski the steepest and deepest terrain with trustworthy equipment. 

What Is The Kingpin 13 Good At?

Versatility: 8/10
Uphill Efficiency: 9/10
Soft Snow: 9/10

Topics:

Marker Ski 100 2022/23 Ski Bindings Ski Touring
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