ATK C-Raider 12 Binding
Like the renaissance in Europe, we too, as the backcountry skiing community, are experiencing a renaissance in technology after enduring the dark, dark years that saw the usage of such torture devices known as “frame bindings.” Front and center in this rebirth is ATK, who with their introduction of the Raider series, delivered a durable and lightweight binding that could satisfy the appetite of even the most demanding skiers. Fast forward in time, and they have delivered yet again with the introduction of the C-Raider 12. By utilizing more carbon in its construction, the binding artisans have produced an even lighter version -- for ATK, carbon means bombproof at the lowest weight. The designers kept the same wide mounting pattern, 12mm of rearward heel travel, and stalwart construction that made the original immensely popular. If you are done using torture devices masquerading as ski bindings and want a light binding that packs a punch, the ATK C-Raider 12 won’t let you down.
- Release values range from 5-12 to accommodate a wide range of skiers.
- Five riser heights ensure you get the right efficiency level for whatever the day has in store.
- 12mm of travel in the Elastic Response System gives you plenty of cushion for the pushin’.
- Easy Entry System makes stepping into your toe piece, well, easy.
- Snowpack Proof keeps snow buildup to a minimum.
- Cam Release System in the heel piece guides your boot in place for a more consistent vertical release.
- Magneto Heel Flaps keep the heel risers where they are needed.
- 25mm of adjustment accommodates a wide range of boots.
Specifications | |
Weight |
326g [97mm] |
Weight (pair) | 652g [97mm] |
Boot |
Tech |
Brakes |
86, 91, 97, 102, 108, 120 |
BSL |
25mm |
Riser |
4 + flat |
Vertical |
5-12 |
Lateral |
5-12 |
Crampon |
Included option |
Specs Verified | Yes |
Design | |
|
7075 aluminum, stainless steel, POM, 30% carbon fiber composite |
Skimo Co Says | |
Usage | All day everyday touring binding |
Notes | Sturdy lightweight tourer |
Bottom Line | Generously blessed with features but not grams |
Compare to other Full-featured Bindings |
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Questions & Reviews
Steve
I've had no issues while skiing these - they perform about the same as the free raiders (fantastic).
I have had an issue with locking the toe piece into walk-mode - seems like the mechanism on the toe lever that rides on the carbon piece can become stuck and not allow you to pull completely into locking out. It has only happened once, but was particularly annoying to get un-stuck. I also have a small ding in the carbon portion from a ski edge of a previous owner - it's not getting any worse, but makes me wonder about the longevity of these vs a metal alternative.
These issues don't discourage me from recommending this binding to anyone who wants a full featured tech binding with a slightly lighter toe piece.
Thanks,
Pat
The 102mm brake will work, potentially requiring a little tweaking. The 108mm will fit out of the box with a little extra room. If you/your shop is comfortable bending the brakes a bit, go 102mm.
Is this something that I should be concerned about? I haven't had any pre-release to speak of so everything else seems solid.
I can't see any way this impacts release characteristics but I've taken to pushing the lever all the way down until it touches the ski to eliminate flop regardless.
Thanks
Want to remove the brakes on mine and replace with the brake seat cover.
If I do that, would the Freeride Spacer be redundant? Relatedly (?) would also like to shim the toes 4.7mm. Does this affect the stomp pad accessory decision?
Thanks
The brake seat cover doesn't function as a freeride spacer, it just covers the track so you don't tear up the sole of your boot in flat mode. Shimming the toe wouldn't noticeably change the way the freeride spacer and brake seat cover function.
Remove brakes
Add Seat Cover
Also add freeride spacer
Shim toe
Do you have all of these items in stock for my application (ATK C-Raiders)?
2. I see a C-Raider 10 which would be more in the range of my usual DIN setting of 6. Is it otherwise identical to the C-Raider 12?
The C-Raider 10 and 12 are identical other than the release values.
I found the weight savings to be ~37g with the 91mm brakes. Thanks!
Could I make a 102mm brake on the C-Raider work with a 105mm underfoot ski? I know sometimes there is some wiggle room depending on brand. Thanks!
I thought this binding was mostly aluminum. How is ATK deal with galvanic corrosion between aluminum and carbon? This can happen pretty quickly when exposed to water (snow).
Best, Jesse
thanks
Yes, they are compatible with the Raider freeride spacers!
Im planing on putting these (Atk raider 12 c) on a pair of Ripstick Tour 94 s and was wounding with break length to go with (91 or 97)?
Short form review: strong, easy to use, very well made, and light enough.
Stepping into the toe is intuitive, and without skins on made easier by brakes holding the ski in place (relative to no brakes/leashes). Even on day one I had better than 80% success stepping into the toe in on first attempt. The hike mode lever is easy by hand and doable with the top nub of ski pole grip (especially with the Dynafit poles). Satisfying click sound and feel when locking in hike mode.
The heel in hike mode gives more riser heights than may be necessary, but it's nice to have the higher height riser without spinning the heel piece. Except for long flat approaches, hiking is comfortable on the flap over the heel pins on lower angle climbs and the higher height for steeper sections. Stepping into the heel for ski mode requires noticeably less force than other tech heels I've used (Dynafit, Ski Trab). Again, with a smooth, satisfying and confidence-inspiring sound and feel. The brakes are super slick and easy. For this ski and how I'll use them (shorter and softer tours + ~30% lift-served), I'm willing to carry the added grams in trade for convenience of brakes.
How do they ski? So far they've been flawless in a range of conditions, including aforementioned refreezing mank, 6" of fresh on a carvable base (both dry north face and wet south face), lift-served spring, and lift served firm. I haven't released yet, but also haven't fallen where I wanted to release. Maybe the most I've tested them - laterally, at least - was entering too fast into a narrow chute in the area with bigger and firmer moguls than I expected. I barely held it together as I got bounced around and scrubbed speed chattering on a steep icy patch, but the bindings held tight; hard to know, but guessing the elasticity in the heel helped matters.
All in all these are rock solid Italian jewelry. I'm psyched to have them.
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