Ski Trab Titan Vario.2 Binding

The original Ski Trab Titan Vario is spoken of in hushed and reverent tones here at Skimo Co, and the fact that many of our employees ski this binding for ~90% of their days each season is evidence of how much we liked the original version. If the original Titan Vario was the first Toy Story movie, then the Titan Vario.2 binding is Toy Story 2-- the rare sequel that lives up to the high standard set by the original. Since one pin can flex partially open without forcing the other side to open, the Titan toe pieces have an amazing retention profile. The heels received the lion's share of the makeover, and the now-gapless units are offered with three different fixed-release levels in the ranges of 5-7, 7-9, or 9-11. The housing rides on a spring which keep the release consistent, and the track this heel unit rides on is flexible in order to accommodate ski flex. The Vario.2 has a safety and performance profile heretofore unheard of in this category of lightweight bindings. Aside from an updated heel release mechanism, Ski Trab added a third riser that will be welcome on steep skin tracks or in deep snow-- just rotate the heel 180 degrees and voilà, the tall boy is ready to go. Making changes to a product that had such few flaws is a risky game, but in the case of the Ski Trab Titan Vario.2, the gamble paid off big time.

• A high-strength titanium spring in the toe provides independent clamping on each side, decreasing the chances of pre-release.
• A short and flexible heel plate keeps the alterations to the flex of the ski at a minimum, preserving safety as well as performance.
• First heel riser is a race-flap, making it quick to deploy while keeping a higher option available with a simple twist.
• A fast and simple ski crampon attachment point on the back of the toe unit will feel very familiar to avid backcountry skiers.
• Gapless heel pin design means the release values remain more consistent throughout the flex of the ski.
• The titanium spring in the toe piece is durable and simple, with fewer moving parts than a traditional tech toe piece.
• Elasticity in both the toe and heel pieces absorbs impact from bumps while offering superior retention characteristics.
• Optional brakes mounted under the heels feature an innovative anti-friction mechanism that won't interfere with the release.
• Stepping into the binding is the same as before-- just press down on the toe lever with your pole and step in.
• The heel plate has a spring inside of it, providing 8mm of elasticity to account for ski flex.
• Roto-riveted toe pins clean the snow and debris from your boot fittings while you skin.
• Turn the heel housing 90 degrees for a functional flat mode for those long approaches.
• With 24mm of heel adjustment along the plate, you can accommodate a quiver of boots.
• While not adjustable*, three spring strengths are available to accommodate most skiers.

* Contrary to what the listed ranges might imply, this binding does not have adjustable release settings. Uniquely, Ski Trab provides a range of skier chart values that each fixed-spring set is targeting (both the internal lateral springs and the replaceable vertical U-springs vary in tension). The release has been testing towards the high end of the range, so round down if you're on the border (e.g. choose 7-9 if you're a 9).

Update 2022/23: Ski Trab added an anodized red option so your bindings can reflect your emotion when someone boots in the skin track.