Marker Alpinist 12 Binding
Marker had something impressive brewing in their secret lab: introducing the Marker Alpinist binding. The Alpinist brings release characteristics reserved for heavier bindings to the sub-250g category. The heel piece incorporates a spring-loaded track that keeps the heel piece flush with the heel of the boot, eliminating release-value fluctuation when the ski flexes. That, combined with high-tech materials and secure geometry lets you ski with confidence. You can also get more in tune with your skis due to the low ramp-angle enabled by the race-inspired heel piece. The binding is well-featured with BSL and lateral release adjustments, two riser positions, and optional brakes. If you have been on the fence about lightweight tech bindings, we encourage you to try the Marker Alpinist 12.
- Dynamic Length Compensation in the heel piece eliminates ski flex from the release value equation.
- 15mm of boot sole adjustment in the heel so you can use multiple boots.
- Adjustable lateral release from 6-12 means you can ski at your chart value.
- A “High” U-Spring controls vertical release and is swappable with Low and Medium springs, available separately.
- Wide 38mm hole pattern in toe piece means more ski-hold and power transfer.
- Rubber stops on the toe piece aid step-in so you can get to skiing faster.
- Heel flap rests on U-Spring for fast transitions, but when spun 180° it will offer extra riser height.
- Optional brakes come in 90mm, 105mm, and 115mm sizes.
- Available Pintech ski crampons fit snugly in the receptors.
Update 2022/23: ISI (Intuitive Step In) toe piece has a rubber bumper and wider platform for easier step-in that requires less force.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
297g 272g [2021/22] |
| Weight (pair) | 594g 544g [2021/22] |
|
Boot |
Tech |
|
Brakes |
Accessory 90, 105, 115 |
|
BSL |
15mm |
|
Riser |
2 + flat |
|
Vertical |
Fixed |
|
Lateral |
6-12 |
|
Crampon |
Included option |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Forged aluminum, carbon fiber reinforced polyamide |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Touring |
| Notes | Crazy light for a "gapless" binding |
| Bottom Line | Light-weight adjustable touring binding |
| Compare to other Lean Bindings | |
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Questions & Reviews
Hands down my favorite touring binding. Lightweight, simple, and they ski very very well. Put in over 100 days on 4 different pairs and never had anything break. Only downside is the heel riser height, but for the price and how well they ski it doesn’t bother me that much. Definitely recommend these to just about everyone
Comment on this review:
I’ve been using these for two seasons on Scott Superguide Freetours with Zero G Tour Pro boots. I haven’t pushed them super hard but I haven’t had any prereleases or durability issues and they ski great.
Comment on this review:
12/19/2023
Has anybody found an aftermarket adapter that attaches to the climbing riser, in order to make it taller? Not sure if the B&D Nubbins would fit? It would be nice to have something more than the 9 degree "high" position for certain tours.
12/19/2023
Hi Sam, there is a prototype product over at Tahoe Trail Tools that addresses just this. We carry some of their odds and ends, so it's possible we'll carry this in the future, too. I don't think there any Nubbins style products that fit, though.
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12/16/2023
What is the vertical release value of this binding? I am trying to find the most durable/highest retention 200-250g binding to drive a backland 107 189cm.
I am 6'5", 210 lbs and have been on the superlite 150 w/ k2 wayback 106.
I am 6'5", 210 lbs and have been on the superlite 150 w/ k2 wayback 106.
12/16/2023
Hey Tom, from our testing the Alpinist 12 realses vertically at around 10-11. Sounds like the Alpinist could be a great choice if you are looking for a binding just a bit beefier!
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12/15/2023
I’ve got a pair of original kingpins and the toe pieces are nonstop trouble. Sheared one pin off skinning (wasn’t a recall model), Marker replaced the pin and now the toe lever won’t stay locked in walk mode. I’m going to replace the toes. I see the mounting pattern is the same between the Alpinist and Kingpin (thanks to your nifty guide). Are there any issues with using an alpinist toe and a kingpin heel? Do you sell toe pieces? I saw the other brands on here, but not Marker standalone pieces. Thanks!
12/15/2023
Hi Simon,
I think an Alpinist toe would be great for that use. The M-Werks version of the Kingpin uses the Alpinist toe. We might be able to break up a set for you - shoot us an email at help@skimo.co and we can figure out prices!
I think an Alpinist toe would be great for that use. The M-Werks version of the Kingpin uses the Alpinist toe. We might be able to break up a set for you - shoot us an email at help@skimo.co and we can figure out prices!
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3/18/2023
Hi, I have Alpinist 12's which I had mounted to accommodate both Tecnica Zero G Tour Pros and the La Sportiva Skorpius. On paper the 15mm adjustment range of the Alpinist should not be able to accommodate both boots, 333mm and 317mm, but when I did a mockup mount on a 2x4 I could just make them both work a turn or two from each end on the adjustment. The shop tried to do this for me when mounting, but ended up with the heel piece 1/2 cm too far back, so the binding easily accommodates the Zero G's with several mm to spare, but I have a 1mm gap with the Skorpius, slightly less when the boot is weighted. How much of a deal is that? I know with the kiss gap you are supposed to have the heel piece just shy of touching .15mm or the thickness of a piece of paper. It looks like there is plenty of pin length inserted in the boot fittings.
3/18/2023
Hi Brian! Personally, I would be hesitant to ski with that gap. The release values will certainly be affected. Could you get away with it? Maybe, while skiing very conservatively (no fun). Ultimately I would strongly suggest leaving the Skorpius at home when using this setup.
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2/28/2023
Brian
(used product a few times)
I had one heel piece fail on the first day out. The heel position screw is held in place by a tiny metal clip fitting into a groove in the screw. On my binding, the screw punched thru the metal clip, resulting in insta-tele. Marker warrantied the part, but I lost all confidence to ski these fast or in consequential terrain. It’s too bad, because they do actually feel better than other lightweight pin bindings.
Comment on this review:
2/26/2023
Does the heel base plate on the standard Alpinist have the same hole pattern as the long-track heel plate? Friend of mine is going to give me a pair of skis that were mounted for long-track Alpinists but he is keeping the bindings. We have the same bsl
2/27/2023
Hi Tom, yes those heels have the same mounting pattern.
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2/12/2023
Has anyone effectively warrantied these for the heel towers coming loose or lifting? You can effectively snug them back down by removing the riser and tightening the small torx bolt underneath but they still have enough slop to be concerning while skiing... I've tried to get in contact with Marker about this but no luck. This is on a pair a few years old with 125+ days. Mainly concerned as I have a few pairs of these.
2/12/2023
Hi Will, we have not seen that particular issue but we're happy to play intermediary if you shoot us an order #.
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2/5/2023
How does the heel riser compare to the ATK C-raider 12?
I am between these two bindings
thanks!
I am between these two bindings
thanks!
2/6/2023
Hi Pete, if you mean heightwise, we have an article listing all the riser heights. They both require a heel turn to access the highest position. I find the Alpinist a bit easier to flip.
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1/1/2023
I'm trying to parse the release values on this. I typically set mine around 9, and I see that's right in the middle of range for lateral release for the Alpinist 12. But the vertical release is fixed on these, it seems, so should I be looking at the Alpinist 10 instead?
1/2/2023
Hey Patrick,
The 10 should work just fine for you! However, if you do really want to be in the middle of the lateral spring range you can always purchase the 12 and also buy a medium-strength U-spring from the Marker Binding Parts page to swap out with the 12 spring.
The 10 should work just fine for you! However, if you do really want to be in the middle of the lateral spring range you can always purchase the 12 and also buy a medium-strength U-spring from the Marker Binding Parts page to swap out with the 12 spring.
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This is the most sleeper binding on the site. I do unspeakable skimo things like skiing 2000g skis inbounds with these. Never had a prerelease. Havent had a breakage. I don't baby kit. They are very damp, like actually noticable, not hype. Trabs feel slightly better than other pins. These feel noticeable better than that. Are they heavier? Not practically compared to a vario 2. And also they are truly gapless unlike atk pseudo not really gapless (you are still grinding directly on pins). You get the only things you need, 1 riser, 15mm of travel (there is a 30mm version) and most importantly, a ramp suitable for human beings. Not built in stiletto 10mm+ atk trash. My fears of a plastic binding were totally unfounded. If you feel like you need more risers, then skin better. If you want a flat mode, get xc skis. These are for up and down, not flat walking. It's called the alpinist, not the flatlander. These are also cheap and often on sale which is even cooler.
Improvements? I still prefer trab reverse step in which is still number one choice for security in sketchy transitions I still mentally prefer more metal even with no real world reason to. I still want it lighter, if it wouldn't break. Don't compromise the dampness, or true gapless, or ramp or single riser tho...
Full disclosure I have many pairs, so I probably only have like 30 days on a single pair. Will update if I make one explode.
Improvements? I still prefer trab reverse step in which is still number one choice for security in sketchy transitions I still mentally prefer more metal even with no real world reason to. I still want it lighter, if it wouldn't break. Don't compromise the dampness, or true gapless, or ramp or single riser tho...
Full disclosure I have many pairs, so I probably only have like 30 days on a single pair. Will update if I make one explode.
10/11/2023
At the end of the day, “carbon infused plastic” is still just plastic…
10/11/2023
I broke a pair too, review still stands. Everything breaks. Metal shears. Here's everyone's "bombproof" all metal atks sheared. The primary difference is that the marker 12 toe pieces hold in a 200 lbs person with 30+ lbs kit whereas skinning with an atk toe piece you'll pop out immediately.
Comment on this review:
10/14/2022
Why did the weight increase by 50g this year?
10/14/2022
Hi Ben, when comparing apples to apples, the weight increased by 25 grams due to the wider platform and ISI bumper. I believe one of our previous measurements did not include the crampon receptor so I just re-weighed both versions.
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10/3/2022
Can the 90mm brake option be sufficiently bent to fit a 95mm ski width, or is a better to go with the 105mm brake?
10/3/2022
Hey Jim,
Yes, that brake should bend to fit 95mm just fine!
Yes, that brake should bend to fit 95mm just fine!
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9/5/2022
A trusted friend who has tried everything tells me that the Alpinists are the best skiing light tech binding and make a noticeable difference in feel. I am interested in trying them out, but when I borrowed a pair of skis with alpinists last spring I noticed that when used with my la sportiva skorpius boots, the toe lug on my boot bumped against the toe piece when walking. I could walk with them but with every step the boot would lightly bump against the plastic on the toe piece right above the springs. Has anyone else had this issue, and can you solve it by shaving off a few mm of rubber from the toe lug of the boots?
9/6/2022
Ben, the Marker Alpinist is a great bindings! La Sportiva's have an aggressive sole rocker. It is very common to shave soles from boots so that they are clear of rubbing on anything.
9/6/2022
Hi Ben, yes, you do have to remove a bit of sole rubber with 2021/22 and prior Alpinist bindings. It's not an unusual procedure since there are many such toe/boot combos that experience rubbing. We check for freedom of motion as part of our mounting process.
For what it's worth, the 2022/23 Alpinist does not have this issue with the Skorpius...the new bumper / trigger plate accommodates that shape no problem.
For what it's worth, the 2022/23 Alpinist does not have this issue with the Skorpius...the new bumper / trigger plate accommodates that shape no problem.
9/6/2022
Thanks for the quick reply! I didn’t know this was a common issue. Are there any other changes to the binding for 22/23?
9/6/2022
Hi Ben, no it was just that "Intuitive Step In" design change on the toe.
Answer this question:
9/30/2021
Are these bindings compatible with Dynafit ski crampons ?
9/30/2021
Hi Oliver,
Dynafit ski crampons will work with these bindings, though they can be tricky and fiddly to get in.
Dynafit ski crampons will work with these bindings, though they can be tricky and fiddly to get in.
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2/15/2021
I have the Lange XT Free 130 LV alpine touring boots with both the Alpine Soles (ISO 5355) and the Gripwalk Soles (ISO 9523). Would my boots and these bindings be compatible with both soles, just the gripwalk soles or neither?
I also see the question from BK7 on the necessity of heel pads if installing without brakes, do these come with the bindings or do they need to be purchased separately?
Thanks!
I also see the question from BK7 on the necessity of heel pads if installing without brakes, do these come with the bindings or do they need to be purchased separately?
Thanks!
2/16/2021
Bobby, you would need to use the Alpine touring soles with the Tech inserts. If you get this one, it comes with the heel pad. They are necessary to mount without a brake.
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6/15/2020
Hy . I want to ask you if it is indicated to mount an adjustment plate to these bindings?. And second there is a difference whithout the brakes? Wish you well
6/15/2020
Mihai, The Alpinist does come with an integrated adjustment plate. It has 15mm of travel. The optional brakes would go on during mounting. If you need a longer adjustment plate and want the brakes, you can get that here Alpinst Long Travel.
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So far a pretty good binding that I've found easy to use. Really low ramp angle; so low, in fact; I've added in heel wedges inside my boots to get a little increased forward lean! I've found the toes fairly easy to step into, about as easy as my Ions, maybe a little less easy than Dynafit Radicals. Stomping in to the U-springs takes a little more effort than pins.
If your DIN/RV is calculated close to a 9, I'd get the Alpinist 9 as the 12 spring is hard to step into. I've found the heel risers are actually pretty easy to deal with - if I'm taking an approach, I rotate it to the flat touring mode then flip up the high(ish) riser, and if I'm doing laps, I keep the pins forward and flip over the first level riser to allow for faster transitions; I don't really like to use super-high risers anyway, even for steep tracks as my balance gets thrown. I've managed to turn the heels 180deg with my pole tip, but this isn't the most quick operation, so I just set it and forget it. Haven't had these in a release situation yet, but they feel solid, and I like the kiss-gap heels with some travel as the ski flexes.
Overall a great weight/performance binding at under 300g, especially with traveling heels; I'll definitely consider these on future ski setups.
If your DIN/RV is calculated close to a 9, I'd get the Alpinist 9 as the 12 spring is hard to step into. I've found the heel risers are actually pretty easy to deal with - if I'm taking an approach, I rotate it to the flat touring mode then flip up the high(ish) riser, and if I'm doing laps, I keep the pins forward and flip over the first level riser to allow for faster transitions; I don't really like to use super-high risers anyway, even for steep tracks as my balance gets thrown. I've managed to turn the heels 180deg with my pole tip, but this isn't the most quick operation, so I just set it and forget it. Haven't had these in a release situation yet, but they feel solid, and I like the kiss-gap heels with some travel as the ski flexes.
Overall a great weight/performance binding at under 300g, especially with traveling heels; I'll definitely consider these on future ski setups.
Comment on this review:
1/25/2020
Hey all.
Considering buying these toute suite.
If mounting without brakes, I see that the heel pads are "necessary". Just wondering if they are needed to support the heel while skiing, or if it's more for the walk/tour. Thanks.
Considering buying these toute suite.
If mounting without brakes, I see that the heel pads are "necessary". Just wondering if they are needed to support the heel while skiing, or if it's more for the walk/tour. Thanks.
1/25/2020
Hello! The heel pad is just to support the heel while skiing, which protects the rest of the heel unit during high downward forces on the U-spring.
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