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
12/5/2018
Ryan
(used product a few times)
I opted to try these out on a new ski recently ordered, Blizzard G85...which are sick by the way! I'm used to a Dynafit binding with really easy to use climbing bars, with a flick of my pole. These new Markers ski great, relatively easy to get in and out of, although it does seem to take me a couple tries to get into the toe piece. The climbing bars are terrible. To adjust the bars to a higher height you would need to turn the heel piece 180 degrees and it's really, really tight and challenging to turn while skiing, something I probably won't do, so essentially I have one climbing height. I also opted to pass on the brakes (having learned that to engage and disengage them is a bit of a hassle) assuming there would be an easy place for a leash, but don't seem to see where it would go. So-so, I'll ski them a handful of more days and if they irritate me, I'll pull them off and put my old Dynafit's on.
5/30/2019
I spin the heel before longer climbs so I have easy access to flat and steeper risers. The difference between the middle riser (flap over pins) and high riser (flap with the heel piece spun) is negligible so this seems to work well for me. There is a spot for a leash, same as the Dynafit Superlight toes. You'll need a leash with a soft loop such as the marker leash or plum leash.
1/22/2020
I'm with Curly. I haven't felt the need to rotate the heel piece for the mid riser setting - and the leash attachment point works well. I really like these bindings. OutdoorGearLab gives them editor's choice in their binding review.
1/27/2020
I find the heel quite easy to spin around because I'm an alpinist. Also, cable leashes work just fine, you just have to shape the loop a little with some needle nose pliers.
1/27/2020
Oh ok, I’m just used to bindings at any price, especially this price having functionality to support the use, take a lesson from dynafit for example who understands functionality and makes a binding that you wouldn’t need to fully spin to change the height, guess I prefer to move faster than most...just not well thought out. I guess if you don’t ski much it prob won’t bother you. And it is tight as hell by the way, but they’re in a box in my garage if you want a good deal on them let me know...
1/28/2020
I’d be interested, I’m Nick Meinzer on FB
3/11/2020
Hey Princess Paws still got those Alpinists? I got $150 burnin’ a hole in m’pocket.
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11/30/2018
How does the toe piece bolt pattern compare to the Salomon MTN? I'm debating between the two for some Wailer 112's.
Your listed weights are a little different than the manufacturer. Is that your scale vs published? Published weight the MTN (no brake) is 100 grms heavier than the Alpinist 12.
Your listed weights are a little different than the manufacturer. Is that your scale vs published? Published weight the MTN (no brake) is 100 grms heavier than the Alpinist 12.
11/30/2018
Hi Dillon, we weigh most of the gear in our store, look for "Specs Verified" in the Specs tab to see if it's our weight ("yes"). In this case, yes, both bindings were weighed on the same scale. We have all the mounting patterns here. The MTN is a touch wider while the Alpinist is longer.
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8/16/2018
Do you happen to know if the toe has the same hole pattern as the Kingpin?
8/19/2018
Hey Christian! Not sure yet, totally possible though. Once we get them in we'll be able to inspect them a bit closer. Regardless of whether it matches or not though, we'll post the info here.
11/20/2018
Hi dub_xion, just to confirm now that we received them, the Alpinist toe pattern does match the Kingpin.
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