ATK Freeraider 15 Evo Binding
Built for the hardest chargers amongst us, the Freeraider 15 Evo is designed to provide the confidence needed to send it in the backcountry, while still being friendly to haul far away from the trailhead. Setting itself apart from other Raider bindings is the adjustable toe piece and Evo Brake system.
With the adjustable toe piece, we should note it shouldn't be thought of as a lateral toe release, like that of an alpine binding. Instead, the adjustable release of the toe works in conjunction with the heel, allowing the binding to cover a wide range of release values, which in this case is between 7-15. With the Evo Brake system, the brakes engage or disengage automatically as you rotate the heel piece 180° to enter or exit ski mode. While this doesn't allow the user to ski with the brakes disengaged, it does ensure that brakes will be active during all descents.
With the intended use of freeride touring, the Raider 15 Evo has 14mm of rearward heel travel, allowing the ski to flex naturally while helping prevent pre-release. 25mm of BSL adjustment accommodates multiple boots without having to remount while the Cam Release System ensures easy step-in, even in deep snow. The Snow Pack Proof system helps prevent snow and ice buildup under the toe wings, keeping the toe piece reliable during long days with many transitions.
Finally, the Freeraider 15 Evo comes with an included freeride spacer and toe shim. The freeride spacer eliminates the gap between the heel of the boot and ski, helping with power transfer and more powerful skiing. The toe shim raises the toe piece, helping reduce the ramp and provide a more neutral stance on the ski.
With the Freeride 15 Evo, ATK has created a binding that can venture far into the backcountry and send just about anything you set your eyes on.
- Comes with AL14 and AL13 shim and freeride spacer respectively.
- Toe Piece works together with the heel to provide a wide range of release values.
- Magneto Heel Flaps resist accidental engagement and are quite cool to show off.
- Evo Brake System means the brakes automatically engage/disengage when rotating the heel piece, saving time on transitions.
- Easy Entry System helps provide easy and hassle-free step-in of the toe piece.
- Cam Release System requires less pressure to step into the heel piece, which is especially nice in deep snow.
- Snow Pack Proof toe piece keeps snow out from under the toe wings, allowing you to step into the toe piece every time.
- Heel pins are laser etched so you can eyeball the heel gap [2024+].
- A binding for hard-charging individuals!
Update 2024/25: ATK is now making the heel baseplate out of aluminum and is laser etching the heel pins to show the recommended heel gap, which has slightly shrunk to 3mm. In addition, the freeride spacer was beefed up, which accounts for most of the 12g increase in weight.
Specifications | |
Weight |
427g [97mm - 2024+] 415g [97mm - 2023/24] |
Weight (pair) | 854g [97mm - 2024+] 830g [97mm - 2023/24] |
Boot |
Tech |
Brakes |
97, 102, 108, 120 |
BSL |
25mm |
Riser |
2 + Flat |
Vertical |
7-15 |
Lateral |
7-15 |
Crampon |
Yes |
Specs Verified | Yes |
Design | |
|
ALU 7075, POM, Stainless Steel |
Skimo Co Says | |
Usage | Free touring, general backcountry skiing |
Notes | Everyday touring binding |
Bottom Line | Full-featured binding without compromise |
Compare to other Full-featured Bindings |
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Questions & Reviews
Thanks!
Do the free raiders still come with a shim to set the binding gap or is it just based on eyeballing the laser etchings now? what side of the etching should the boot heel insert be on?
Thanks!
You can take the brakes off, but you'll need the brake seat cover. We don't have them yet for the season, but should see them at some point this winter. We'll have them here when they arrive. We can add you to an email notification list if you'd like, shoot us an email at help@skimo.co.
These bindings can stand up to that use! They are designed to be free touring bindings for aggressive skiers, without weighing as much as hybrid alternatives like the Shift, Duke, and Cast.
I think the Freeraiders will provide a much better uphill experience overall than any of the hybrid systems - they are half the weight, and much more ergonomic and easy to use in the backcountry. They do have better risers as well. I think hybrid bindings are a better solution for people who will be putting significant resort milage on their setup as well as touring, which accelerates wear and tear on the binding. Alpine bindings are more durable for this type of use. But for a dedicated backcountry free-touring setup, these are sweet!
The craftsmanship on these is noticeable and they're extremely high quality - also fun to have some colors to choose from.
Of course I'd love to save some money and go with the Ridge or even last year's Freeraiders 15's but considering these are my brand new skis, saving a hundred bucks isn't a deal-breaker. I would just like to know the differences and if the extra cost is really worth it?
My current backcountry set up is the Dynafit Denalis with the ST Radicals (5-6 years old) and I've never had any issues. This set up has always been solid for touring but I'm looking forward to a more hard charging ski in the Citadels.
I'm an aggressive skier. 5'11" - 190lbs and I wouldn't say I'm easy on gear.
Would appreciate any thoughts!
Of course both are great choices. The updated Freeraider 15 has an aluminum baseplate and beefed up Freeride spacers, which can be a nice upgrade.
The new Ridge binding is designed to be easier to use, so easier transitions and brake use compared to your Radical. And the toe piece is the nicest to step in of any binding. Dynafits also come with a lifetime warranty.
If you want to get into it deeper, please email us.
These are just as Sweet.
My buddy gave me a great deal on his Freeraiders 15. The problem is that the breaks are 102 and my skis are 108s do you think those brakes will play the trick or should I get a pair of wider brakes?
Cheers!
You should be able to bend them enough to fit. Not necessarily ideal, but should work! Otherwise, swapping the brakes is super easy.
I would go with the wider brakes, it will be simpler and easier. If you really didn't want to buy new brakes you could probably get away with bending the 102mm, but not really the "easy" solution. Then you can hang onto your 102mm as a backup. Brakes are the only part of these bindings that can have durability issues. Just the nature of having a big wire sticking off your binding. I've heard of the freeride spacer having issues VERY occasionally, but I wouldn't worry about carrying a spare, as the binding is plenty functional without them.
Yes, you should be able to make it work. The ATK brakes run a little bit big, you may need to bend them slightly but this wouldn't be too much.
If you are willing to use a shim that is not cut for the exact shape of this toe piece, you can reduce the delta by 6.4mm, which will leave you sitting at around +5mm. With the factory shim, which matches the binding and is included, it sits at +7mm. To get it any flatter, you would need to start stacking shims, which we generally don't recommend.
We generally say the overhang starts to become an issue around the 93mm mark. Much narrower and you'll run the risk of breaking the spacer with a ski edge or snagging something. Keep in mind that the power transfer benefits of the spacer also decrease a bit on narrower skis, since narrower skis have less leverage and require less force to put on edge.
I would go with the 102mm brakes and tweak it outwards just slightly.
I’m 6f 210lbs and ski quite fast & enjoy charging. I also, sometimes, like do a bit of fast early morning groomers to warm up. Will these be a good option? Cheers!
These would be a great option for a freeride-oriented tech binding. They should be durable and reliable for lots of hard skiing in the backcountry. They won't be the same as a Look Pivot in the resort, but for human-powered skiing, these are some of the best hard-charging bindings you can get.
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