ATK RT 10 Evo Binding
If the ATK Crest 10 is a base model Subaru Outback, the RT 10 is the Subaru Outback - Wilderness Edition. Both are highly functional, but the latter has more bells and whistles that result in a more refined user experience. Rest assured that neither the RT 10 nor Crest 10 will experience any head gasket issues, thank goodness!
While the Crest 10 requires the manual engagement/disengagement of ski brakes (occasionally resulting in forgetting to activate the brakes for skiing), the RT 10 has the Evo braking system, which means the brakes automatically adjust to skiing or climbing based on the heel turret position. For climbing, simply rotate the heel turret 180°, step in, and you're ready to go. When ready to ski, simply reverse the process for a quick and easy transition. While the single riser of the Crest 10 is sufficient for climbing, the RT 10 has two risers, providing more options to tame steep skin tracks. Unlike the Crest 10, these risers utilize ATK's magneto technology, which is a simple but ingenious way to ensure the risers stay secured when not needed, even after many seasons of use.
Similar to the Crest 10, the RT 10 features the same durable metal toe piece and Cam Release System technology in the heel, helping make the binding easy to step into. The RT 10 also keeps the 12mm of total rearward heel travel (elasticity) which compensates for ski compression, serving to prevent you from prematurely releasing during aggressive ski descents.
With its generous feature set and a wide array of brake size options, the RT 10 is a smart choice for almost everyone.
- Evo brakes automatically deploy to ensure you never ski with brakes.
- Cam Release System in the heel means less force is required to enter the heel.
- Magneto Heel Flaps keep the heel flaps from flapping around, even after many seasons of use.
- Adjustable vertical and lateral release values between 5-10.
- 20mm of BSL adjustment accommodates a flock of boots.
- Aluminum, POM, and stainless steel make for an exceptionally durable construction.
Specifications | |
Weight |
293g [97mm] |
Weight (pair) | 586g [97mm] |
Boot |
Tech |
Brakes |
86, 91, 97, 102 |
BSL |
20mm |
Riser |
2 + flat |
Vertical |
5-10 |
Lateral |
5-10 |
Crampon |
Yes |
Specs Verified | Yes |
Design | |
|
ALU 7075, POM, Stainless steel |
Skimo Co Says | |
Usage | Ski touring, mountaineering |
Notes | Light and fast binding with all the features |
Bottom Line | Great feature to weight ratio and easy to use |
Compare to other Full-featured Bindings |
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Questions & Reviews
I'm also wondering about the DIN. I typically use DIN 10. Is there any concern about using the RT10 at the edge of it's DIN range for durability (eg if the "true" DIN slips somewhat over time due to wear and tear), or will I be happy keeping the RT10 at its top DIN setting all the time?
It is really hard to feel a performance difference with the wider mounting pattern. For power transfer, you are unlikely to notice much difference especially if you are using the optional freeride spacer in either case. Both bindings have two flippable magnetic risers plus a flat mode. Some of the Raiders have the ability to run the risers facing in either direction, so technically they have more options, but in practice this does not really give you any more or less riser height. The RTs have a bit (3mm) more ramp angle to them which some may feel.
Regarding the release values, if you ski at a 10 normally, you might be better served by a binding that has higher release values. There is nothing wrong with maxing out the release on an RT Evo, and it won't wear out the binding prematurely, but having a little bit of room to go up, on an adjustable binding, does make sense to me.
Can you add the free ride spacer?
It is physically possible to remove the brake, but ATK does not recommend it and there is no cover for the hole that would be exposed without it. You can add a freeride spacer. You would want the Crest Freeride Spacer listed here .
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