I wasn’t entirely sure where to start with this review, but I felt inclined to write something because I rarely see these in the wild (aside from my own pair), and they deserve to be on way more skis.
I mounted them on a pair of V-Werks Katanas with the idea of building a setup that could charge big lines in less-than-ideal conditions while still touring efficiently. I’ve now put quite a few days on them in a wide range of conditions, from blower powder in the Wasatch to steep couloirs on bulletproof snow in the Tetons, with a few resort days mixed in as well. They’ve performed incredibly well across all of it.
The biggest standout feature for me is the heel design. The ability to transition skimo style without taking the ski off is fantastic. You just push the heel with your pole and move between modes without bending down or spinning anything. Obviously you can do skimo style transitions on most pin bindings, but what makes it especially nice here is that you’re getting that convenience on a full-feature binding with a clamping alpine-style heel rather than a minimalist pin heel. It’s pretty unique to find a binding with a true clamping heel that is this solid on the descent while still being this quick and easy to transition.
Weight-wise they obviously aren’t in the light category, but they tour extremely well for what they are. The balance is great for kick turns and the riser heights are perfect. I was honestly a little surprised at how quickly my body adapted to skiing and touring on a heavier setup. I’ve now found myself reaching for this setup more and more simply because of how well it skis. On typical Wasatch skin tracks I’m usually only a couple minutes slower at most compared to when I’m on my 1500g setup, which is a tradeoff I’m more than happy to make.
To me they land in a really nice middle ground. They’re significantly lighter and simpler than something like a Shift or CAST setup, but they ski with far more composure than most pin bindings and just as well as Shift or CAST.
Build quality also seems excellent. After a good number of days I’ve had zero issues with pre-release, icing, or durability. Everything still feels tight and smooth and transitions remain easy.
At this point I honestly don’t have a long list of pros and cons because they’ve just done their job. They tour well, transitions are extremely easy, and they ski great.
If you're in the market for a hybrid binding, dont over think it. This is the choice.
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.
- 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
Comment on this review:
1/30/2026
Hope that all is well.
Questions - Is new TR1 compatible with Sacrpa Quattro Pro boot? Also , does the binding come with a mounting template?
Questions - Is new TR1 compatible with Sacrpa Quattro Pro boot? Also , does the binding come with a mounting template?
1/30/2026
Hi Tony, yep, they'll work with the Quattro Pro. Once you purchase it, you can view the template under your account > Product Docs.
Answer this question:
1/25/2026
is this Ski Trab TR1 binding a good mixed use touring binding with the Atomic Backland Carbon setup? I am looking for a Tib/ACL safety focused binding.
1/26/2026
Hi Michael, this binding would work great for your use case, but the black/red Backland Carbon isn't compatible with any heel clamp style binding. If you have the Backland XTD Carbon 120/115, then they'd be a great option. Otherwise, the Dynafit Rotation would be a good option for a safe pin binding.
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12/29/2025
Since these clamp down on boots instead of sticking pins into the rear, is it safe to assume these will work with most grip walk + half tech (just front pin) boots like Fischer RC4 Free Pro?
12/29/2025
Hayden, It should work fine, like it is designed for that boot. The heel is quite powerful.
Answer this question:
11/22/2025
Would 102mm brakes fit a ski with a 106mm waist without bending?
11/22/2025
Hey Nick,
The 102mm brake will fit a 106mm waist ski!
The 102mm brake will fit a 106mm waist ski!
Answer this question:
10/16/2025
Assuming the 102 brakes will fit a 105 Black Crows Atris. Also is there a mounting template available when I purchase these through SKIMO? I live on the front range in Colorado and I am not seeing anyone who sells or mounts these out here yet.
Thanks,
Steve
Thanks,
Steve
10/16/2025
Hi Steve, the 102 will just barely fit a 105 without any bending. Once you buy them, you can get the paper template under Product Docs on your account.
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10/14/2025
Does the TR1 with the 88 brake fit the 181 Neve 93, or do you have to bump up to the 102? Thanks!
10/14/2025
Thom, It will work, maybe a slight bend needed.
Answer this question:
9/15/2025
Are there other bindings where you can release the heel without exiting the toe? Any thoughts on using the tr1 with voile bc skis? Seems like it could be a great side country setup
9/15/2025
Joe, The TR 1 and the Fristchi Vipec Evo are the only two you can release the heel without getting out. For a resort side country ski, yes a great choice.
For a Voile BC ski use, you could argue they are heavier than needed for rolling terrain, but some folks love that combo with the releaseable heel to save transition time.
For a Voile BC ski use, you could argue they are heavier than needed for rolling terrain, but some folks love that combo with the releaseable heel to save transition time.
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7/22/2025
Compatibility with Dynafit Ridge boot? I searched and heel lug height seems good and heel lug works (barely), but wanted to know if you folks knew. Thanks.
7/22/2025
Lee,
The heel lug depth is 6mm, spec says 7mm. Other then that, the height and radius match up well. So not ideal. We have contacted Ski Trab for an updated compatibility list.
The heel lug depth is 6mm, spec says 7mm. Other then that, the height and radius match up well. So not ideal. We have contacted Ski Trab for an updated compatibility list.
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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.
1/17/2026
Good news, when I sent them to Trab Italy the heelpiece was mysteriously fixed with no explanation. I assume they forced the screw across the entire DIN range and pushed through the blockage somehow. I’ve emailed them asking for details on how they fixed it.
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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.
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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.
Answer this question:
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
Answer this question:
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.
Answer this question:
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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