Hi Skimo team! I'm trying to decide on what binding to mount on a pair of Movement Race Pro 85's, and I think I've narrowed it down to two:
The Ski Trab Titan Vario Light Adjustable here and the ATK Haute Route Plus.
For these Titan Vario Lights - can you access both the flat mode and riser without having to rotate the heel piece at all?
Basically, I want a light binding for this new setup, but more in the lean category than a race binding. I'd really love to keep the ability to switch between risers just with the flick of a pole basket (note - I've been skiing on the ATK FR 14 for 3 years or so now and they've been my favorite touring bindings yet). So that has me leaning towards the Haute Route.
But coming from a downhill background, I've always been recommended to aim for a binding where you'll be skiing it somewhere closer to the middle of the DIN range. I love my ATK FR 14's at an 11 release value, and know these touring bindings are not true DIN settings usually, but should I be concerned about planning to use the Haute Route at the max 10 release setting all the time?
I've also looked at the ATK Kuluar and Kuluar Brake, but looks like you might have to rotate those to switch risers?
Hence why I'm also considering the Titan Vario Light -- I've heard a ton of good things about them too, and they're $100 cheaper than the Haute Route. But if I have to bend over and rotate the heel piece any time I want to switch between risers, that's probably a deal breaker.
Thank you!
Ski Trab Titan Vario Light Adjustable Binding
We aren't sure if Ski Trab is just really into Easter, or if they got tired of listening to the collective harassment from skiers around the globe, but one thing is certain: The hallowed Titan Vario "1" binding has been resurrected from its premature grave. This version adds heel adjustment and a toe shim to make it work with more than one boot length.
Race bindings are useful tools for more general backcountry skiing, but they often lack the elasticity of their more featured siblings. This leads some skiers to lock the toe piece and disable lateral release on more aggressive descents. The Ski Trab Vario Light binding is a notable exception. Its heel offers strong lateral elasticity, absorbing more glancing blows without unwanted release. Working symbiotically with the heel, the unique reverse spring design of the toe piece allows each toe wing to flex independently. This keeps it from inadvertently springing open when a single wing experiences a lateral impact, and most skiers can confidently run the Vario Light unlocked without fear of releasing prematurely.
The Vario Light also stands out from most race bindings with its larger heel gap. This gap enables a more functional flat skinning mode that won’t bind up, which is crucial for comfort on long approaches that may be riddled with divots or depressions. The added spacing also prevents the heel piece from bottoming out during aggressive descents, further helping to keep you in the binding. This Adjustable version of the Vario Light includes a bolt-tension adjustment plate straight from the factory, making it easy to accommodate a range of boot sole lengths.
If you're looking for a race-weight binding that eats up the downhill for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, look no further than the Vario Light Adjustable binding from Ski Trab.
- Three release spring options allow skiers to choose an appropriate release value.
- Toe piece works with the heel piece to provide category-leading levels of retention.
- Superior flat mode will help save your toes on long flat approaches.
- Plated version offers 25mm of BSL adjustment to accommodate multiple boots.
- Toe shims flatten the ramp angle added by the heel adjustment plates.
- Included leash and crampon attachments to tick those boxes.
- Optional brakes available.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
200g |
| Weight (pair) | 400g |
|
Boot |
Tech |
|
Brakes |
Optional Leashes |
|
BSL |
25mm [with plate] |
|
Riser |
1 + flat |
|
Vertical |
5-7, 7-9, or 9-11 |
|
Lateral |
5-7, 7-9, or 9-11 |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Ergal aluminum, titanium/steel, technopolymer |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Backcountry skiing, mountaineering, racing |
| Notes | Adjustable for multiple BSL's [with plate] |
| Bottom Line | Exceptional retention for a lightweight binding |
| Compare to other Lean Bindings | |
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Questions & Reviews
2/17/2026
2/17/2026
Hi Tommy, both great bindings! Please note the Vario Light does not have a second riser, so you won't be switching between them (problem solved?). Also, it is not good to use a binding that has a max release lower than your charted value such as with the Haute Route. It might be time to visit our binding finder so we can look at all the options.
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2/8/2026
Are the Vario Light heels available to purchase as parts?
2/9/2026
Hi Aaron,
Since these guys are new again this season, we are holding off on selling them in parts. However, it's likely that there will be some available next season.
Since these guys are new again this season, we are holding off on selling them in parts. However, it's likely that there will be some available next season.
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12/30/2025
What is the best leash to go with the ski Trab Titan Vario?
12/30/2025
Hi, just about any of the leashes we carry will work. Personally I like the Ski Trab Leashes.
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12/7/2025
Does the stated weight of this include the heel adjustment plate + toe shim?
12/8/2025
Hi Brian, we finally got these in so we can verify. The 200 grams includes the plate and shim, but not the ski screws (like all our binding weights).
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6/11/2025
Does this actually ski better than a Ski Trab Gara Titan? It can be easy to geek out on the collective stoke of a certain binding/feature but for the average day of touring I wonder if it matters.
6/11/2025
Hi there, it's not so much that it skis better, but rather it lets you ski better or with more confidence. The extra heel elasticity means less chance of pre-release when skiing aggressively, unlocked. If you ski with your toes locked, it's not much different. The extra mm gap for flat mode is a handy bonus.
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6/10/2025
Damn my hallowed vario 1 collection is now less elite
6/10/2025
Thinking the same thing, Zach. Maybe now I can safely sell one of my 10 pair? ;)
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