ATK Raider 13 Evo Binding
The Raider 13 Evo is ATK’s new flagship binding, and it’s ready to take you to the top of the mountain and get you down in just about any manner you desire. A couple of key features make it stand out from past models and the competition: automatic ski brake retraction and a toe release adjustment, respectively.
After testing for a season in Europe, ATK is releasing into the US the Evo brake system in lieu of the push-button mechanism found on other Raider models. Simply turn the heel 180 degrees when transitioning and an internal mechanism will do the rest. When heading uphill, step or push on the brake to make it auto-lock into place. At the top, spinning the heel again will auto-deploy the brakes so you’ll never forget. While you’ll no longer have the option of skiing with the brakes up, ATK makes plenty of brakeless bindings for that.
ATK also added lateral release adjustment in the toe of the Raider Evo series. This, to be clear, does *not* mean that the binding releases laterally at the toe like alpine bindings. Experienced tech binding users know that toes and heels work in conjunction during lateral release, evidenced by the fact that locking your toe effectively disables the release. The new lateral toe adjustment means that both are adjusted in unison which expands the range of release values available: in the case of the Evo 13 a whopping 5-13 adjustment will work for most backcountry skiers out there.
The new features combined with ATKs renowned precision machining makes the ATK Raider Evo 13 a supremely functional and reliable touring binding at a weight that is unmatched in the category. This is a gear choice you won’t likely come to regret.
- Exquisitely machined 7075 aluminum, POM, and stainless steel for a rock-solid build.
- Adjustable lateral and vertical release over a wide range of 5-13 due to toe spring adjustment.
- Optional freeride spacers support your heel while having a decent anti-friction mechanism.
- Evo autobrake system means no fuss transitions…the brakes lock and deploy automatically.
- Snowpack proof toe piece is relatively sealed to prevent dangerous snow creep under the wings.
- 25mm adjustment in the heel track so you can adapt to a few boots with one mount.
- Magnetic risers offer multiple climbing heights with a flick of your finger or pole.
- Cam release heel pins work independently for smooth step-in and vertical release.
- 14mm elastic travel in the heel means you won’t eject if you overflex your skis.
- Uphill Hardness Variator lets you tweak the toe tension for skinning.
Update 2024/25: The baseplate is now made from aluminum for even more durability. Heel gap markings have been laser etched on the heel pins to help adjust for different boots. Total weight including screws is within a few grams.
Specifications | |
Weight |
382g [97mm] |
Weight (pair) | 764g [97mm] |
Boot |
Tech |
Brakes |
97, 102, 108, 120 |
BSL |
25mm |
Riser |
2 + flat |
Vertical |
5-13 |
Lateral |
5-13 |
Crampon |
Yes |
Specs Verified | Yes |
Design | |
|
Aluminum alloys, POM, stainless steel |
Skimo Co Says | |
Usage | Free touring, general backcountry skiing |
Notes | Toe adjustment offers a wide range of release values |
Bottom Line | The "Evo"lved flagship ATK binding |
Compare to other Full-featured Bindings |
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Questions & Reviews
The 102mm brakes would work great for you. They would not require bending and maintain a tight, secure fit. Thanks!
No, it does not - only the Freeraider 15 from the Evo line includes the Freeride Spacers. We do sell them separately on our ATK Binding Parts listing.
Thanks,
Andrew
Looks like we might be able to. Please contact us at help@skimo.co and we will look into it.
I've used the non-EVO version of the freeraiders for the past few seasons. Upgraded to these ones to test out the auto-locking brakes. I think the feature does add value/ease to the binding, but it's not a huge change. Does make it slightly easier to transition while keeping the skis on - spinning the tower vs pushing a "button". The manual brake locking feature of non-EVO models was a little finicky, but easy enough once figured out. Admittedly nicer to just spin the tower and "stomp" on brake when clicking in for uphill.
The added release value adjustment for the toe is a great idea - I haven't had any crashes or pre-releases though, so can't really comment on a noticed difference. Appear to have the same performance of previous toe pieces. Anyone know what the equivalent release value was on previous (free)raider toes?
TL;DR: EVO has a few nice-to-have features compared to non-EVO versions, but if you can find a deal on non-EVO bindings, you may not notice the difference. Still the best full-featured binding around in my opinion.
We've found the normal ATK bindings (non-Evo) to be quite reliable in our testing. Overall, I would say that the skiers most likely to benefit from the adjustable toe spring are those at either the very bottom of the release range or near the top, where being able to tune the release characteristics of the toe might help ensure the consistency of the release. In your case, I think you could use either with good confidence.
Yes and no. It is technically possible to mount them without the brake, but ATK does not recommend it, and we do not mount them this way. There is no brake cover available for them, so you would have an exposed brake mechanism and a hole in your binding where the brake was. If you want a brakeless Raider, I would look at the non-Evo options, which can be set up brakeless and have a brake seat cover available for them!
I plan to build a wide AT setup that I can occasionally use in the rare resort pow (read: crud) days. Haven't clicked the button yet but very likely I'll be buying the Pagoda tour 106 C2 from you guys.
Weighing the binding choice now. From the resort downhill performance, sensation, and safety perspectives, how much do I lose by going with these Raider instead of the Shift? Thank you!
The Pagoda skis make for great crossover skis. Fun everywhere.
Is the spacing of the mounting screws the same as in the R12 binding?
What is the delta? Do these come with toe shims? Thank you.
They are both burly, freeride-oriented tech bindings! The main difference will be the weight. The ATK is 377 grams per binding, compared to the Rotation at just over 600. So a pretty significant weight savings. Much of that weight is in the rotating toe of the Rotation, which offers some extra lateral elasticity and very secure retention. However, the Raider Evo bindings also have good lateral elasticity in the heel, and adjustable release in the toe makes them very reliable. I would not hesitate to ski either quite aggressively. The Rotation is also a truly gapless binding - while the ATK Raiders do have elastic travel in the heel to allow for length compensation during ski flex, they are still set with a 4mm gap. So they are not technically gapless.
One other formal difference is that the Rotation is TUV certified - this makes it unique among tech bindings. But in our experience, both release very accurately.
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