ATK Hy Free 13 Binding
Taking the backcountry world by storm, ATK has become synonymous with class-leading bindings that are durable and performant. With its exceptional design and exquisite attention to detail, the Hy Free 13 binding promises to yet again be the binding that all others (in its category) aspire to be. Machined from solid aluminum, ALL structural parts (22 per half pair) are made with metal, ensuring these stand up to the hardest skiing, as proven by one of the world's best skiers, Nikolai Shirmer. With its emphasis on skiability, ATK designed the Hy Free to be virtually flat in ski mode, to the delight of many who enjoy flatter alpine bindings, such as the Look Pivot series.
While heavier than other bindings, such as the Raider Evo 13, the Hy Free 13 binding, for the class that it is in, has extremely polite skinning mannerisms. In flat mode, the heel is purposefully situated -18mm below the toe. When used with boots with lesser cuff rotation, this allows for easier walking and stride extension. When the skin track changes from flat to uphill, two heel risers are present to provide relief to weary legs.
Once atop your descent, transitioning between tour and ski mode is simple and intuitive, leaving behind the clunky operation and additional parts of other, lesser systems. To transition into ski mode, simply tilt the toe wings forward 90 degrees, push the heel lever back, and get ready to ski.
While there are many different hybrid bindings to choose from, with some even claiming to be royal, it is clear that all hybrid bindings must now bend the knee to the Hy Free 13 binding from ATK.
- 25mm BSL adjustment provides ample adjustment for your boot quiver.
- -18mm, +10mm, +34mm touring heights make short work of all potential skinning situations.
- Metal construction emphasizes durability, ensuring these stay around for the long term.
- 7mm of elastic travel smooths over rough terrain.
- Transitioning between ski and touring modes has been designed to be intuitive and simple.
- Vertical release in the heel and lateral release in the toe function similarly to an alpine binding.
- Flat skiing position works well with modern ski shaping.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
675g |
| Weight (pair) | 1350g |
|
Boot |
ISO 9523, Grip Walk |
|
Brakes |
97, 108, 120 |
|
BSL |
25mm |
|
Riser |
2 + flat |
|
Vertical |
6-13 |
|
Lateral |
6-13 |
|
Crampon |
Yes |
| Specs Verified | |
| Design | |
|
|
7075 aluminum, POM, stainless steel |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Charging |
| Notes | Predominate metal construction emphasizes durability |
| Bottom Line | The ultimate hybrid binding |
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Questions & Reviews
Despite their similarities, this binding is in a different category than the TR1! The TR1 uses a tech toe piece, albeit one which has been designed with lateral release and elasticity (unlike most tech toes). This binding converts to an alpine-style toe piece with wings to grab onto the toe welt of your boot. The HY binding will be more analogous to a Shift than to a TR1, Tecton, or Kingpin, as in ski mode, it will function like an alpine binding.
The exciting thing about this binding is that it is much lighter than any alpine-style hybrid that has come out so far! It is more competitive with the TR1 and Tecton in terms of weight.
I can confirm that the hole pattern is not the same as the Raider, so you will need to redrill at least some holes. However, I can also confirm that it will be mounted using the same jig, and that (assuming that there are no other mounts to interfere) you will be able to re-mount without the holes interfering with a previous Raider mount, and keeping the position of the boot the same. Not bad!
We're hoping to see them mid to end of February. I can add you to a notification list if you'd like, shoot us an email at help@skimo.co.
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