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.
Yes, the 102mm brake will fit fine over a 104mm ski! There is a bit of wiggle room with ATK brakes. Sometimes they require a tiny bit of bending, but you can comfortably get 2-3mm.
Answer this question:
10/10/2024
Question from
Taylor
would the 91mm brake be too wide for a dynafit speedfit 84 ski?
Hi Taylor, a bit. We could swap in the 86mm brake on an order. Reach out to help@skimo.co.
Answer this question:
4/28/2024
Question from
Michael
What is the effective difference between this and the C-Raider 10 ? The only differences I see is a few grams in weight, BSL adjustment 20 vs 25mm, and release range 4-10 vs 5-10, which seem to be immaterial. Why two different models for the with practically identical specs; or am I missing something?
Hi Michael, ATK loves to offer many variations of their bindings so you can find the exact feature set you want. The Evo brake system is an auto-deploy design that releases the brakes when the pins are forward. The C-Raider has the push-button system that lets you manually control whether the brakes are retracted. The Evo heel also has a bit more lateral elasticity in ski mode. It loses the ability to flip the heel flaps over the pins for uphill, however.
4/30/2024
Answer from
Heiko K
Thanks, jbo. To add to the confusion, it looks like there is also a new Crest AP and Raider AP in Europe, possibly coming to the U.S. First I thought it's the European version of the EVO; but Europe has both AP and EVO. I spent significant time trying to understand the nuances of the different models, which make my head spin ;)
Hi Michael, the AP versions pre-date the Evos, which are the latest in ATK brake tech. Until next time they reinvent the wheel, that is.
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4/28/2024
Question from
Michael
"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." - But you are listing "riser heights: 2 + flat. Shouldn't it be 4 + flat, or is it not the same system as the Raider with 2 more riser positions when turning the heel piece?
Hi Michael, with the Evo brake system, the pins need to be facing rearward to keep the brakes retracted. The Evo bindings do no have flap-over-pins riser options.
How does this pair with a Black Crows Solis? I noticed ATK site has ski weight listed between 900-1500gms. I was also thinking of the Titan Vario 2 but the lack of adjust-ability is what holding me back. Recovering from an ACL injury so you can say PTSD from binding not releasing. :(
3/27/2024
Answer from
Gabriel I
Hi Subho, that combination will work well! We're fans of lighter bindings on larger skis. The adjustable release of the RT 10 would allow you to dial it in. With the Vario.2 you can get fairly close to what you need with the 3 release variants but sometimes isn't spot on if you're between those options.
Hi! I'm trying to parse the differences between the RT10 or something in the Raider series for a couple wider skis with 106mm and/or 112mm width. I've read that the wider screw pattern on the Raider series could help increase power transfer to the edge for a wider ski. On the other hand, both bindings have a freeride spacer which might be more important. In the case that the performance differences are subtle, it would seem the extra risers on the Raider bindings are their main advantage?
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.
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2/1/2024
Question from
Will
Dumb question: If my skis are 85 waist (Blizzard ZeroG 85), is the 86 brake the right size, or will that be "too tight" of a squeeze, and I should go 91?
Hi Will, definitely go with the 86s, will be an easy fit.
Answer this question:
10/29/2023
Question from
Conrad
Do you think the 102mm brakes could fit on the 107mm waist of black Crows Corvus Freebirds? Looking for the lightest binding I can find with this feature set.
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 .
Would this piece fit in place of the RT 10 evo brakes ? https://atkbindings.com/en/products/brake-seat-cover
2/12/2024
Answer from
Justin B
Unfortunately no. I emailed ATK about this last year. Basically to go Evo we need to sacrifice removing the brake.
4/30/2024
Answer from
Heiko K
I researched this some more as I'm in the market for an ATK binding. I found this information for Hagan's version of ATK bindings: "The bindings can be used without the AL11 ski brake cover just fine, but if you would like to 'complete the look,' they add just 3 grams and do provide a broader platform if you climb a lot in flat mode." Here is a picture of the situation. To me it would appear that in walk mode the boot sits on the main part of the rear piece housing, and the look without the brake cover exposes 2 more screws; but there are plenty of other exposed screws on both toe and rear pieces of most of ATK's bindings. I would conclude that the brake cover is not needed if someone wants the features of the Evo bindings without the brakes. I'm happy to stand corrected.
The heel height is 44.5mm and the toe height is 30mm, so the delta is 14.5mm. These bindings are compatible with the B&D Classic Shim , the 6.4mm is the biggest option which would bring you down to a delta of 8.1mm.