Marker Alpinist 8 Binding

Marker has heard your pleas for a lower, adjustable lateral release value, along with a lower vertical release, all the while keeping your concerns about weight and ski performance in mind. Even though that is a lot to process in one request, they put it all together and have called it the Alpinist 8 binding. Along with hitting all the specs sought after by lighter weight, or less aggressive skiers, this binding also happens to be very user-friendly and can hold up to a great deal of flex from your skis without release so land it in the back seat, or nose-butter away! Since Marker knows that safety isn't third (it's first), the Alpinist 8 heel piece sits snug against the back of your boot allowing for a more consistent release and some rebound when exiting turns. Well paired with anything from Race+ to Beef boots, you can change your mind on which boot to take out since there is 15mm of adjustment to accommodate different BSL's. The Alpinist 8 is very similar to the Alpinist 10 and 12 in that it has a flat mode, an easy-to-use flap riser, and optional brakes should that be your cup of tea. If you want to ski at more humane release values the Marker Alpinist 8 checks that box along with a few others.

• Gapless heel just like the Alpinist 10 & 12 for release value consistency and rebound.
• Anti-ice pads are placed under the toe and heel to keep snow and ice from building up.
• Adjustable lateral release in the heel, allowing for values ranging from 3 to 8.
• Lower vertical release value than the Alpinist 10 or 12 with the "soft" spring installed.
• Integrated crampon receptor works with Marker Pintech ski crampons.
• 15mm of adjustment in the heel accommodates different boot-sole lengths.
• Flat-on-ski mode for those long approaches and meadow skipping.
• Featuring a carbon-reinforced pin toe for lightweight security.
• Removable brake widths of 90mm, 105mm, and 115mm.

Update 2022/23: The Alpinist comes with an updated ISI (Intuitive Step In) toe this year. This means a rubber stop-pad, a bigger step-in platform, and less force needed for the toe to click into place. This comes at a cost of 25 grams over the 2021/22 iteration (which weighed 267g per side).