Aside from the traditional manufacturing process and design of these bindings, they also feature a few handy features that make them the first choice for many high-mountain guides of the Alps. First of these is the ‘Too Facile’ entry which, like many other modern pin bindings, offers an easy step into the toe thanks to the location of the toe pins and step in strength of the toe springs. This is a feature that you’ll be grateful you’ve got when you find yourself looking to click into your bindings on a steep slope.

If you’re someone who usually likes to switch out your boots depending on your day’s objectives, then you’ll be a fan of the impressive 30 mm of fore/aft travel in the heel. That’ll be more than enough room to make up the difference in BSL between a freeride and traditional ski touring boots.

The binding offers an adjustable (lateral and vertical) release value of 5.5 – 12. That’ll be suitable for skiers ranging between 70 kg to 120 kg, depending on ability level and ski style. A Plum Guide 7, with a release value of 3.5 to 7, is available for lighter weight skiers.

The Guide series doesn’t come with the option of a brake (although a leash is included). If you’re after a similar binding with a brake then we’d recommend the 550 gram Summit 12, or 365 gram Pika (with the additional brakes).

Who Is The Plum Guide For?

If you put a lot of value on durability and reliability with your tech bindings (I mean, who doesn’t?), then the Guide’s certainly a binding to get on your radar. After ten years of bashing, braking and tuning the Guide around the French Alps, Plum has created a fine example of that classic tech binding design.

What The Plum Guide’s Good At

Durability: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Weight: 8/10