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.
Stock Note: If we are mounting your setup and you don't see the desired brake size available, we can swap brakes for you.
- 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
3/19/2022
Is there an ATK binding comparison chart available? So confused by all the variations of the ATK raider series accross ATK, Hagan, Black Diamond, DPS, etc. branding. How does the this version of the raider compare to the non carbon version of the ATK raider 12? Worth the extra $ for more durability?
3/19/2022
Hey Travis, click here for a comparison between the Raider series of bindings. In essence, the Raider type binding for DPS, ATK, and Hagan are all the same binding with different badging (though some of the bindings may come with freeride spacers and or toe shims in the packaging). The C-Raider uses a different toe piece compared to the other bindings, and it seems to be holding up quite well! If you're after most of the functionality of the Raider series, but want a little less weight, go with the C-Raider 12. If you like the idea of having an aluminum toepiece and or the added features found in the aluminum toepiece (such as the uphill hardness variator), go for any of the aluminum versions that match your desired release value.
Answer this question:
I've only skied these three days so far, but in a variety of late winter PNW conditions, including some great conditions for "testing" a binding: boot deep refreezing mank (yum!). I have them on Ogso Couturiers (185cm, 108mm underfoot) and skied mostly with Scarpa Maestrales and a half day of touring in Scarpa F1s. I'm 5'10", 175lbs, aggressive skier (but no big drops) and have them set at 7 on the release scale.
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.
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.
Comment on this review:
3/11/2022
Can you remove the brake from the atk raider 12c?
3/11/2022
Hi John,
Yes you can remove the brakes from the ATK C-Raider 12! All you need is a small torx screw driver, and a brake seat cover from our ATK Binding Parts listing.
Yes you can remove the brakes from the ATK C-Raider 12! All you need is a small torx screw driver, and a brake seat cover from our ATK Binding Parts listing.
Answer this question:
3/6/2022
Has anyone noticed a discernable improvement in dampness using these carbon-infused toe pieces in comparison to the standard metal Raider toes?
3/8/2022
Hey Ben, no one has commented that there is any improvement with dampness between the two toes. The purpose of the carbon-infused toes is purely to save weight.
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1/18/2022
Hey, do these work with Dynafit ski crampons?
1/18/2022
Hi Luca, they sure will! The Dynafit bar gets along nicely with the ATK crampon receptor.
Answer this question:
1/7/2022
Atk raider 12 c
Not sure if a should use brakes , and is the free ride spacer that much better .
What’s your pro and cons
Thanks
Rob
Not sure if a should use brakes , and is the free ride spacer that much better .
What’s your pro and cons
Thanks
Rob
1/7/2022
Thanks for your question, Rob. Typically, brakes are useful for helping arrest a runaway ski and to keep a ski in place when clicking in. The downside to brakes is that they provide the aforementioned benefits with irregularity, making their complexity and weight unattractive to some. Regarding the freeride spacer, it acts to transmit power to the ski, which would be noticeable in more variable conditions, or if you're driving a bigger ski. If you find yourself hucking cliffs or driving hard through variable conditions, go for the spacer. If you aren't doing big airs and mostly ski in more forgiving snow types (powder or corn) you should be fine without it. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Answer this question:
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