Ski Trab TR1 Binding
The Ski Trab TR1 is the epitome of innovation coming from Ski Trab, and that is saying quite a lot for the company with a one-of-a-kind 14-layer ski construction and an utterly unique titanium-based elastic toepiece. Yet here we are, describing another paradigm-shifting product from our ingenious friends in Bormio, Italy. The prodigal son of the TR2, the TR1 (not the TR3, that would be a preposterous name) is designed to offer the same feature set while being compatible with a much wider selection of boots. No longer do you need a specific La Sportiva boot with specific heel inserts to enjoy Ski Trab's most technologically advanced binding to date.
Unlike many bindings in the touring world, the TR1 features a lateral toe release similar to an alpine binding, helping mitigate injuries to the tibia. The toepiece is built with lateral elasticity - whereby the toe wings move synchronously for better retention – as well as an incremental clamping force that allows you to tour with the toe lever unlocked, which provides greater safety when traveling through avalanche terrain. If you find yourself skiing in a "no fall zone," the toe can still be locked out for sections where losing a ski would be catastrophic.
While the toepiece is indisputably brilliant, the heel shines just as much. Whereas the TR2 used a pair of teeth that gripped special inserts on the boot, the TR1 has opted for a full steel shelf that presses the heel lug of the boot down against the binding, exactly like an alpine binding heel. Fore/aft elastic travel on the heel track keeps the release consistent and provides force feedback to your boot as the ski flexes through a turn. Because the boot is fully clamped down against the low-profile brake, the TR1 efficiently and instantaneously transfers energy from the boot to your edges, helping you power the ski through rough terrain. Finally, the two riser levels are easy to engage and the heel can be disengaged from the boot allowing you to switch back to touring mode without exiting the toepiece. If you want a binding that is built as hard as you ski, then you’ve met your match in the Ski Trab TR1.
- Vertical release at the heel and lateral release at the toe are adjustable between 6-13, and release the same way as an alpine binding.
- Primary materials are aerospace-grade Ergal aluminum and steel with minimal plastic for extreme durability.
- Incremental clamping force in the toe wings allows secure touring with the toe unlocked for avalanche safety.
- Lateral elasticity in the toe and fore/aft in the heel makes the release characteristics more predictable and provides more feedback from the ski.
- Low-profile design keeps your boot closer to the ski for better control and responsiveness.
- 21mm of BSL adjustment lets you share this Italian marvel with your friends, or not!
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
692g [102mm] |
| Weight (pair) | 1384g [102mm] |
|
Boot |
ISO 9523 & 23223 boots, ask for others |
|
Brakes |
88, 102, 112, 120 |
|
BSL |
21mm |
|
Riser |
2 |
|
Vertical |
6-13 |
|
Lateral |
6-13 |
|
Crampon |
Included Option |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Ergal, hardened steel |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Touring, free touring, resort crossover |
| Notes | Lateral release at the toe |
| Bottom Line | High-performance binding with a focus on safety |
| Compare to other Full-featured Bindings | |
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Questions & Reviews
5/6/2025
The Trab documentation doesn’t specify how to read the DIN setting at the heelpiece. By exploring the range with screwdriver, I’ve concluded the ‘setting’ is the topmost threaded area. In the pic it’s set at DIN 9; can anyone confirm this is correct? Trab doesn’t seem to know how to reply to emails ;).
5/6/2025
Hi Nils,
We can confirm that it's the top-most flange, which is bigger than the rest of the threads on the screw. It's slightly hard to tell from that angle, but it looks to us like your binding in that photo would be set to 6, rather than 9.
We can confirm that it's the top-most flange, which is bigger than the rest of the threads on the screw. It's slightly hard to tell from that angle, but it looks to us like your binding in that photo would be set to 6, rather than 9.
5/6/2025
Thanks for trying to help, but when I said I ‘explored the range’ I meant I really tried to establish the range (6-13). The obvious flange you are referring to on my binding did not go above DIN 9.5, which got me thinking the ‘obvious flange’ was not the right marker. Turns out my other heelpiece DOES go to din 13 per the flange, so I guess I have to disassemble my new TR1& figure out what Trab did wrong in assembly. Or maybe I’ll go to a shop with a din tester and we can set them / test them.
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4/27/2025
Hi Skimo! To preface, I've had 3 ACL surgeries, so safety is my #1 priority. I'm also in the legit 80% resort / 20% tour category, which is why I currently use the new Shift 2s on a pair of not-super-light freeride skis for shorter ascents (500m or less) and almost exclusively moguls at the resort. Next season, I have a trip to the Dolomites for an off-piste tour with a mix of resort + touring for 4 days (but a maximum of 500-600m per day since we'll be assisted by lifts to start ascents from much higher points in the backcountry). And as you may know, there's no guarantee of tons of powder in the Dolomites, and I'd like to ski relatively hard (not crazy) when we're in the resort between backcountry sections. I'm only looking at bindings with the safest release mechanisms and narrowed it down to another set of Shift 2s or TR1s (or Tectons) or the upcoming Hy Frees, but those are looking to be $900+ after tax, ugh. They'd be mounted on Helio Carbon 104s.
What would be your recommendation?
What would be your recommendation?
4/28/2025
Hi Dave,
Of the bindings you listed, the Shift2 is the only one that currently holds a TUV certification for release! Therefore, it gets an objective point in this regard. That's not to say that the other bindings aren't safe - just that they do not hold a certification for their reliability.
Of the hybrid-style bindings (pin toe and alpine heel), we would recommend the TR1! We have been impressed with its release consistency in our own testing, and it is built well, durable, and can certainly handle aggressive skiing. Feel free to email us if you'd like to dive in deeper - help@skimo.co!
The HY Free is new to the market and is not currently certified, but we would expect it to be among the best as well! It would be more comparable to the Shift in that it has a true alpine toe piece.
In terms of pure practicality for the kind of skiing you'll be doing, I think the TR1 would make sense as it is pretty light and tours and transitions more easily than a binding with an alpine toe piece!
Of the bindings you listed, the Shift2 is the only one that currently holds a TUV certification for release! Therefore, it gets an objective point in this regard. That's not to say that the other bindings aren't safe - just that they do not hold a certification for their reliability.
Of the hybrid-style bindings (pin toe and alpine heel), we would recommend the TR1! We have been impressed with its release consistency in our own testing, and it is built well, durable, and can certainly handle aggressive skiing. Feel free to email us if you'd like to dive in deeper - help@skimo.co!
The HY Free is new to the market and is not currently certified, but we would expect it to be among the best as well! It would be more comparable to the Shift in that it has a true alpine toe piece.
In terms of pure practicality for the kind of skiing you'll be doing, I think the TR1 would make sense as it is pretty light and tours and transitions more easily than a binding with an alpine toe piece!
Answer this question:
2/22/2025
It’s a long shot but is the hole pattern the same as the titan vario?
I do t need anything this beefy now but in a couple years I’m hoping to be trying to keep up with my kids and might do something silly where this binding could be worth the weight.
I do t need anything this beefy now but in a couple years I’m hoping to be trying to keep up with my kids and might do something silly where this binding could be worth the weight.
2/22/2025
Hi Caleb,
It is a different hole pattern than the Titan Vario.2, unfortunately - you would need to get your skis re-mounted in order to switch to these.
It is a different hole pattern than the Titan Vario.2, unfortunately - you would need to get your skis re-mounted in order to switch to these.
Answer this question:
2/21/2025
What are the specs that determine boot compatibility? Boots I'd like to use with these are La Sportiva Skorpius 2 and Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD. Also, how would you compare ski performance to Tectons? Thanks.
2/21/2025
Hi Dan,
It has a lot to do with the height and depth of the heel lug, which is a combination of the thickness of the outsole and the plastic of the shell itself. Specifically, the height of the heel lug should be 32mm +/- 2mm. ISO 9523 and Gripwalk boots work, as well as a handful of other lightweight boots. The Skorpius and Hawx should be good to go!
Compared to the Tecton, you should see very similar downhill performance as far as the on-ski feel. Both have pins at the front, lateral elasticity at the toe, and alpine-style heels with forward pressure. However, the TR1 does use more metal in the construction than the Tecton, and may offer more durability for skiing hard in and out of the resort.
It has a lot to do with the height and depth of the heel lug, which is a combination of the thickness of the outsole and the plastic of the shell itself. Specifically, the height of the heel lug should be 32mm +/- 2mm. ISO 9523 and Gripwalk boots work, as well as a handful of other lightweight boots. The Skorpius and Hawx should be good to go!
Compared to the Tecton, you should see very similar downhill performance as far as the on-ski feel. Both have pins at the front, lateral elasticity at the toe, and alpine-style heels with forward pressure. However, the TR1 does use more metal in the construction than the Tecton, and may offer more durability for skiing hard in and out of the resort.
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1/10/2025
I know the TR1 are not DIN certified, but have you or anyone tested these on a release machine to see how they compare to DIN certified bindings?
1/10/2025
Hi Bob, yes we have tested these on our Montana machine like we do with most bindings. They have been remarkably accurate and consistent, unlike some others in this category. We have not produced a full 3D envelope, though I expect one similar to alpine bindings, moreso than the only DIN-certified tech binding (Dynafit Rotation).
Answer this question:
1/9/2025
My skis have TR2, can I use the same holes if change to TR1?
Will TR1 be capable of atomic blackland and la sportiva spitfire 2.1?
Will TR1 be capable of atomic blackland and la sportiva spitfire 2.1?
1/9/2025
Hi Haoran, the heel pattern is different as you can see in our hole chart. Trab didn't provide specific information on the Spitfire although it does work with the Skorpius. There are many versions of the Backlands out there; we have the specs to verify compatibility.
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1/8/2025
I understand that you have to press the toe level to step in. But do you also have to press the heel lever to get the metal jaw back, such that it's not a step in heel?! That extra step would be a bummer...
1/9/2025
Hi Matt,
The heels have a somewhat unique operation! When transitioning from walk to ski mode, you do have to "cock" the heel back by pushing it down so that it's ready to engage. At that point, it will begin to function like an alpine step-in heel clamp. You can go in and out of the binding in ski mode and the heel will remain step-in ready. When you go back to walk mode, you start the process over again.
It is relatively simple (once you learn how it works) to fully transition the heel from walk, to ski, and back to walk, without stepping out of the toe piece, which is cool!
The heels have a somewhat unique operation! When transitioning from walk to ski mode, you do have to "cock" the heel back by pushing it down so that it's ready to engage. At that point, it will begin to function like an alpine step-in heel clamp. You can go in and out of the binding in ski mode and the heel will remain step-in ready. When you go back to walk mode, you start the process over again.
It is relatively simple (once you learn how it works) to fully transition the heel from walk, to ski, and back to walk, without stepping out of the toe piece, which is cool!
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12/28/2024
Hello, do these work with the Quattro pros?
12/28/2024
Yep, these are compatible with the Quattro Pro
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12/20/2024
Hello, will these work with Dynafit TLT8 Carbonio?
Thanks.
Thanks.
12/20/2024
Hi Scythian, Ski Trab does not recommend use with the TLT8s.
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12/14/2024
Does the TR1 work with lighter boots that might have a shorter heel lug than an alpine compatible boot? (Summit Slabs or F1 xt)
12/14/2024
Hi Aaron, good question. Yes, aside from all ISO 9523 & 23223 boots, it does work with many lighter boots and we confirmed with Trab that the F1 XT/LT/GT is compatible. There are a few requirements, the most important of which is the height of the heel welt which should be 32mm +/- 2mm.
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11/22/2024
Can this binding be mounted on adjustment plates so as to fiddle with mount point?
11/22/2024
Hi John,
The TR1 has adjustment built in at the heel to accommodate different boot sole lengths. There is no adjustable mounting plate to put under the toe piece so moving the mount point for a given boot will require re-mounting.
The TR1 has adjustment built in at the heel to accommodate different boot sole lengths. There is no adjustable mounting plate to put under the toe piece so moving the mount point for a given boot will require re-mounting.
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11/6/2024
Hi,
I tried to research more information about this binding but there is not much available. Therefore, I was wondering, since Skitrab is providing this binding with larger brakes in 112 and 120 mm is there a suitable binding to ski weight ratio for this binding? I mean, ATK usually recommends for the Raider 13 EVO a ski weight of max 1800 grams and for the Freeraider 15 EVO up to 2000 grams.
If I place the TR1 binding on a heavier ski like the Salomon QST 106 or Salomon Blank (both of them in the longest lengths) do you think it will be too much for this binding?
Also I have asked Skitrab about the boot compatibility with this binding and if the binding is suitable with a burlier hybrid touring boot such as the Scarpa Quatro Pro or other with a mix of Gripwalk and Touring sole and they said yes.
I just purchased this binding but I am still undecided if to used it or not on a heavier ski or not.
I tried to research more information about this binding but there is not much available. Therefore, I was wondering, since Skitrab is providing this binding with larger brakes in 112 and 120 mm is there a suitable binding to ski weight ratio for this binding? I mean, ATK usually recommends for the Raider 13 EVO a ski weight of max 1800 grams and for the Freeraider 15 EVO up to 2000 grams.
If I place the TR1 binding on a heavier ski like the Salomon QST 106 or Salomon Blank (both of them in the longest lengths) do you think it will be too much for this binding?
Also I have asked Skitrab about the boot compatibility with this binding and if the binding is suitable with a burlier hybrid touring boot such as the Scarpa Quatro Pro or other with a mix of Gripwalk and Touring sole and they said yes.
I just purchased this binding but I am still undecided if to used it or not on a heavier ski or not.
11/6/2024
Hi Claudiu,
I looked through the Ski Trab catalog, and they do not list a maximum weight for skis to pair with this binding. One of my coworkers put his pair of TR1s on a 2000+ gram, 108mm resort ski and has been loving the combination. It has a strong alpine-style clamp at the heel and is built very tough, so I feel confident that this binding can handle any ski you'd like to throw at it.
I looked through the Ski Trab catalog, and they do not list a maximum weight for skis to pair with this binding. One of my coworkers put his pair of TR1s on a 2000+ gram, 108mm resort ski and has been loving the combination. It has a strong alpine-style clamp at the heel and is built very tough, so I feel confident that this binding can handle any ski you'd like to throw at it.
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9/22/2024
Howdy, Are the TR-2 brakes backwards-compatible with the TR-1 heel? Thanks!
9/23/2024
Nick, They are not. The TR 1 also has a completely different brake system then the TR2. It is a nice step in now.
Answer this question:
9/19/2024
Hey do you know what the delta height is?
I think I saw a ramp angle or 2.6 degrees but just wondering what that translates to in mm.
Thanks
I think I saw a ramp angle or 2.6 degrees but just wondering what that translates to in mm.
Thanks
9/20/2024
Matt, Skimo has it measured about +8mm. On the lower end for a braked binding.
Answer this question:
9/5/2024
Can the TR1 be used with the brake removed?
9/6/2024
Pat, you can remove them to change brake. But should run with them. The plastic under the heel clamp is what the boot rests on.
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7/25/2024
How does the TR1 release from the toe in a full front fall? The Tecton has the toe bumper that opens the pins in a forward fall. Does the TR1 have anything like this?
7/25/2024
Bob, I believe that feature is mostly to open the toe if it is in the locked out position.
The TR 1 does not have it. We tested it, in a completely straight forward fall, it does not come out. You need at least some twisting to the fall.
I have skied these and they are pretty amazing. The toe wings move laterally with the boot for the lateral elasticity, remaining in contact with the pin holes. On the Fritschi the wings fall to the side. So the pins are not in contact with the boot and in some instances, not release properly.
The TR 1 does not have it. We tested it, in a completely straight forward fall, it does not come out. You need at least some twisting to the fall.
I have skied these and they are pretty amazing. The toe wings move laterally with the boot for the lateral elasticity, remaining in contact with the pin holes. On the Fritschi the wings fall to the side. So the pins are not in contact with the boot and in some instances, not release properly.
Answer this question:
6/7/2024
I purchased a set of TR-1 and thought that the heel piece was a “cocking” mechanism that would remain open like an alpine binding for me to step into. This does not seem to be the case with mine. I need to enter the heel much like the toes, by pushing down the lever and then stepping in. Is this correct or should the heel cock and remain open?
Also, no real information on setting correct forward pressure in the supplied literature? I can eyeball it, but any tips?
Also, no real information on setting correct forward pressure in the supplied literature? I can eyeball it, but any tips?
6/7/2024
Singlecross,
There is a cocking mechanism, it isn't exactly easy to do or describe here. You depress the plastic heel lever, then push back the metal heel clamp. Tilting it a bit, that will hold it open.
For the forward pressure. See the metal ring around the BSL adjustment screw, when the boot is in, it should be flush with the plastic housing.
There is a cocking mechanism, it isn't exactly easy to do or describe here. You depress the plastic heel lever, then push back the metal heel clamp. Tilting it a bit, that will hold it open.
For the forward pressure. See the metal ring around the BSL adjustment screw, when the boot is in, it should be flush with the plastic housing.
Answer this question:
3/12/2024
Do you happen to know the elastic travel value in the toe?
3/16/2024
Hi Jerry. Ski Trab doesn't publish a specific number for the elastic travel, but this is a screengrab of the elasticity in the heel right before it released. Applying some trigonometry and rough measurements, I'm calculating roughly 54° degrees of lateral elasticity in the toe in either direction, which is pretty impressive!
3/25/2024
Amazing. Why aren't more people talking about this as an alternative to the Shift and Tecton?
3/25/2024
Hi Jerry, the Euros are way ahead of us as usual. As a matter of fact, that was impetus for our store!
8/17/2024
Hello, do you know what the elasticity would be in millimeters ? because every other website are giving this information in millimiters for other bindings and I don't know wich one to chose. Thanks for the answer.
3/17/2025
I'm also wondering what this would translate to in millimeters.
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3/10/2024
I have a pair of 94 waist G3. What break do you recommend? The 102 or the 88
3/11/2024
Jerry, The 88 fits pretty much over a 94mm width ski. May need a slight tweak for the plastic parts to move smoothly over the ski.
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Long time TR2 user. Only weakness of that binding in my eyes was boot compatibility. TR1 solves that problem and adds goodies like an automatic stowing brake, and “cocking” heel mechanism. A fantastic product, and by far the burliest (read: most elastic) pin binding on the market. No one else is remotely close to the Italians (Trab and ATK) when it comes to tech bindings.
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