Ski Trab Gara Titan Binding
Kudos to Ski Trab for an innovative toe piece! With a patented design that doesn’t require coiled springs, the Gara Titan approaches the 100 gram weight barrier that only recently seemed implausible. With the toe lever angled against included striker plates, the pins are pressed into the boot for a locked position. There is of course an unlocked ski mode to comply with ISMF rules, with the release based on an ultra-reliable titanium wire-spring. As with “traditional” race toes, pressing down on the Easy Lever allows the wings to open for exit. The heel is the same proven design used in the TR-Race model. The bindings come with either steel or titanium U-springs; the latter version is officially named Gara Titan World Cup.
- Patented toe piece weighs just 66g (2.3 oz) with both locked & ski modes.
- Design is less susceptible to pre-release caused by improper closure due to ice build-up.
- Heel piece has a pin-cover flap for basic skinning and rotates for a flat-on-ski position.
- Toe pins have grooves to help clear boot inserts of ice and dirt during rotation.
- Included removable crampon attachments (+4g) accept all Dynafit-style ski crampons.
- Included leash loops (+2g) provide convenient attachment points.
Update 2016/17: Trab has introduced a version with a thinner heel spring (4.5mm vs 5.0mm) for lighter skiers. Also, the toe piece has been redesigned slightly to better accommodate certain carbon race boots.
Update 2017/18: Trab added an even thinner spring (4.0mm) for an even softer release.
Update 2018/19: Ski Trab anodized the bindings with Skimo Blue! The build remains the same.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
111g [Titanium] 118g [Steel 4.5] |
| Weight (pair) | 222g [Titanium] 236g [Steel 4.5] |
|
Boot |
Tech |
|
Brakes |
None |
|
BSL |
Accessory plates |
|
Riser |
1 + flat |
|
Vertical |
Fixed |
|
Lateral |
Fixed |
|
Crampon |
Included Option |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Ergal aluminum, titanium/steel, high-strength plastic |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Racing |
| Notes | Next gen toes without coiled springs |
| Bottom Line | Crazy light, strong, and simple |
| Compare to other Race Bindings | |
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Questions & Reviews
2/22/2023
Hi, what are the release values for the three spring thicknesses (5.0, 4.5 and 4.0)?
2/22/2023
Hi Anna,
Trab generally ascribes RVs of 8/10/12 to the 4/4.5/5 respectively. The Ti typically tests between the 4.5mm and 5mm spring in forward release.
Trab generally ascribes RVs of 8/10/12 to the 4/4.5/5 respectively. The Ti typically tests between the 4.5mm and 5mm spring in forward release.
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2/7/2023
I have these bindings and I'm confused. I will pull up on the toe levers so they click twice, but this doesn't lock the binding. I've had them locked before and fallen while skinning in powder and my skies have popped off. How do you lock these bindings?
2/8/2023
Hey Nick, it sounds like you are locking them out. If you're having issues with the toe piece, please send an email to help@skimo.co so we can help you out!
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1/2/2023
Hi. I have several sets of the older gara titan release in R12. Love that binding.
Is this pretty much the same binding? Does the heel snap back to senter in the same way as the gara titan? Does the release have the same predictibility?
Looking for some light weight bindings for a skitrab maestro and bd helio 88. Can not live without the trab toe, but does not think that I ned all the bulk on the heavyer versions..
Is this pretty much the same binding? Does the heel snap back to senter in the same way as the gara titan? Does the release have the same predictibility?
Looking for some light weight bindings for a skitrab maestro and bd helio 88. Can not live without the trab toe, but does not think that I ned all the bulk on the heavyer versions..
1/2/2023
Hi Erik, Trab toes for the win! The Gara Titan is the race version and does not have the same lateral elasticity in the heel. The Italians moved to the Vario.2 for that functionality. You are not alone in your sentiment.
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3/22/2022
Any word on 4.0mm springs being restocked this season? It looks like they are what test out to around an 8 ish RV
3/22/2022
Hi Brad. It's looking like fall until we get another delivery from Ski Trab. However, it is possible to get a pair of the 4.5 or 5 and replace the springs with the 4.0 heel forks found here. I hope this helps.
3/22/2022
Brad, Email me at help@skimo.co and I can help.
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1/7/2022
Are there any plans to offer these toes individually like you do with the heel pieces? Daydreaming about a tele weight weenie setup, so no need for the heelpiece.
1/7/2022
Hey Sean, thanks for reaching out about this! I hear the Ski Trab toes are pretty popular in the telemark community. We may not see more Ski Trab toe pieces for a while, sadly.
1/7/2022
Hi Sean, we do stock them here. Just waiting on a re-supply which has been somewhat unpredictable this season.
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1/5/2022
I have Titan Vario.2 bindings in RV 7-9 and that release value feels about right for me (I understand it tests out around a 9). I see that they are specced with a 4.5mm steel spring. Is the 4.5mm spring on the Gara Titans the same as the spring on the Vario.2 I have? I read on this page that the 4.5 is around a 10RV and that seems a big high for me. I also have an older pair of Gara Titans and the spring just says R10 on it but it looks exactly like the 4.5mm spring on my Vario.2, and I understand race style bindings often overstate their release values somewhat so I take the "R10" marking with a grain of salt.
1/5/2022
Ben- You are correct that the springs are the same diameter of 4.5. With the difference in the heel gap on the 2 heel units the release value seems to change.
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8/6/2021
I have a BD Helio 145 heel adjustment plate. Would I be able to use the same adjustment plate to mount these up?
8/6/2021
Aidan, Yes. The Ski Trab race heels have the same 25mm mounting width as the Helio and ATK race heel pieces.
Answer this question:
I have now taken these bindings on all of my spring skiing objectives and have mostly loved them. Huge shout out to the staff at Skimo for steering me to these and opening up my eyes to the amazingness of the Trab toe.
For the most part, these bindings have just worked and I have had almost no issues. The biggest positive I would point out would be how much better the toe is to get on than the normal tech toes in sketchy transition spots. I have been lifting the ski up and using my hand to put the toe on and have on numerous occasions been able to transition much faster than friends on steep terrain. The heel riser has been more than adequate paired up with the F1 LT boot.
The only negative I'd mention is sometimes in compressions skinning the back of my boot rubs against the binding in flat mode. Not sure if this is a not properly adjusted binding, or the binding itself, but something to look out for nonetheless.
For the most part, these bindings have just worked and I have had almost no issues. The biggest positive I would point out would be how much better the toe is to get on than the normal tech toes in sketchy transition spots. I have been lifting the ski up and using my hand to put the toe on and have on numerous occasions been able to transition much faster than friends on steep terrain. The heel riser has been more than adequate paired up with the F1 LT boot.
The only negative I'd mention is sometimes in compressions skinning the back of my boot rubs against the binding in flat mode. Not sure if this is a not properly adjusted binding, or the binding itself, but something to look out for nonetheless.
Comment on this review:
These bindings are amazing. I've used them on all my skis and I absolutely love them. The toes are what everyone is talking about (they are exactly as good as stated above), but the heel piece is also pretty darn good. I think these are honestly a good set of bindings for anyone who doesn't need brakes on their bindings. The only minor complaint is that the toe lever is a little finicky to get right, but after some practice I was able to open and close the toe with only one pole.
Comment on this review:
1/16/2021
Hi, I come out at a release value of 8 on the binding finder, and I usually ski my adjustable AT bindings at around that value. From the comments here it sounds like the 4mm steel spring version of this binding would be closest to that release value. Is that correct?
1/16/2021
Hey Jim,
That is correct! The 4mm steel spring will equate to a release value of around 8.
That is correct! The 4mm steel spring will equate to a release value of around 8.
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12/26/2020
Hi,
Does anyone know what the 'ramp height' is? (The relative height of the heal pins Vs toe pin)
I prefer this to be flat and wonder if I'll need to shim the toe to achieve this.
Thanks
Rob
Does anyone know what the 'ramp height' is? (The relative height of the heal pins Vs toe pin)
I prefer this to be flat and wonder if I'll need to shim the toe to achieve this.
Thanks
Rob
12/26/2020
Hey Rob, thanks for reaching out! On this binding, the toe pins are 1mm higher than the heel pins, so slightly beyond flat! For more info, check out our Binding Pin Heights article.
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The one. I've used this on skis up to 116mm inbounds airing off of bumps and hitting 50 mph. I use it on all my skis actually. I have never prereleased and I have always released in crashed where I have needed to. I typically use the 4.5 steel version. I've been using them for a few years and probably have 6 sets or so and I tour 100+ days a year averaging about 60k of vert per month. These just work perfectly and I forget about my bindings which is what I want. The main difference is the default "closed" position. Others have mentioned this so I won't go further other than to say that it provides some elasticity and excellent retention. A side benefit is that in a steep icy couloir or anywhere "where it counts" is that you can depress the lever with your thumb and put it on your binding precisely rather than trying to step in on a traditional binding and potentially having it clamp and miss the pin receivers and keep faffing with it. This provides additional security in those types of situations. It's light, functional and I have zero problems with it. Highest marks, zero complaints. I will not purchase any other binding at this point. If you are skilled you can easily use your pole and pole strap to step in and even lock the toe without bending over, and the nice indent in the tow lever makes it easy to depress with a pole for exiting as well.
Comment on this review:
Ski Trab came with really brilliant idea when they made those bindings. It takes a bit of practice to get used to it but after some time they are really easy to operate and trasitions are smooth and fast. Do not pre-release, very reliable and light binding. Definitely one of the best bindings for racing.
Comment on this review:
Super impressed and happy with the titanium version. Incredibly light and easy to use. Combined with Atomic Backland 107's and Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 skins, it's a killer combo allowing for fast/efficient uphill, fast transitions, and secure downhill fun in the pow. 5 stars all around. Thanks to Skimo team for fast install. Very happy!
Comment on this review:
9/16/2020
What is the difference between the normal and wc version? (besides the steel vs Ti u spring).
9/16/2020
Hi Peter, that's the only difference.
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4/20/2020
What ski crampon do you recommend for this binding mounted on the Atomic race skis?
4/21/2020
Hey Eric, your best bet if you're only going to be using these on your Backland UL 65 is to pick up the ATK ski crampon in the 70mm width. Not only are they light and have great bite on hard snow, but they also add to your Batman appearance (along with a black skinsuit of course). If you have other low-fat skis you'd like to use these new 'pons with, check out the shape-shifting Kreuzspitze adjustable ski crampon in the small size. Happy going-fast-on-consolidated-snow!
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I don't love the toe pieces. On the plus side, they do not build up ice in the springs and pre-release like other toe pieces. The immediate downside is all of the bending over (or delicate spearing with ski pole) involved in getting into one's skis. My bigger complaint is how often I come out of the toes. Without putting the toe pieces in lock mode I'm unable to kick my skis behind me to remove my skins (without accidentally kicking off the ski entirely, that is). Even when in lock mode, I still regularly pop out of the toe pieces (when falling, mostly). The long plastic lever has a tendency to slip past it's "lock" position into an upside-down floating position, which always takes some anxious finagling to get back into usable position. This seems to be happening more often as the binding gets older. I like the heel pieces, but I will not be keeping the toe pieces when I get my next pair of skis.
1/4/2020
Hi Mark, thanks for the feedback! Out of curiosity, what binding can you kick around while unlocked and have it stay on? If anything, we've noticed these tend to have stronger "unlocked" retention than other toes...some folks don't even lock them for uphill. As far as locked tension, we'd love to inspect your toes, but in lieu of that, it could likely be resolved with a shim under the lock plate (this is somewhat common across all tech toes as your boots wear).
1/4/2020
I developed my "kick the ski behind me to rip the skin from the tail" habit while skiing identical skis with Hagan ZR (branded as Movement Light Tech) bindings, which I was generally in the habit of leaving unlocked at all times. A shim under the lock plate seems like it would help the lock tension while skinning. Is there something pre-fabricated for this purpose, or could it be as simple as cutting out a strip of aluminum from a can and epoxying it under the lock plate? (If I was local, I'd just bring the skis by.)
1/4/2020
Hi Mark, it's rare to have a pre-fabricated piece (e.g. the Dynafit Superlite 2.0 ships with some), so doing what you suggest or similar works just fine. The Movement Light Techs did have fairly stiff toes; that model has changed a bit over time. Thanks for the input!
Comment on this review:
11/28/2018
between gara titan and titan vario, cant really see the difference other than a few grams in weigth. Could you give some light here! and between these two and the Dynafits?
thanks
thanks
11/28/2018
Hi Salvador, the Vario version has a different lateral spring mechanism in the heel which adds a lot of elasticity. It's a bit better in terms of release and retention when skiing unlocked. It also has a wider heel gap which can help with flat-on-ski skinning. Send us an e-mail if you'd like to discuss some specific Dynafit models (which vary greatly)!
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3/28/2018
Does the Gara Titan toe use the same 30x27mm mounting pattern as the other Trab bindings?? Thanks!
3/28/2018
Hey Robert! Yeah, same toe pattern between the TR-Race and Gara Titan bindings! Similar hole pattern to the Kreuzspitze, Plum, Hagan/ATK/Black Diamond/and some of the older Dynafit bindings.
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2/14/2018
What is the heel spring length (4.0, 4.5, or 5.0 mm)? I don't know which one to select.
2/14/2018
Hi Mark, all the springs are the same length. The measurement is the thickness of the spring, which varies the forward release value (roughly R8, R10, R12).
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