Ski bindings are a critical aspect of equipment that often gets overlooked by the average skier. If you want to get the most out of your skis and boots, you need to get high-quality bindings to tie everything together.
My name is Christine, and I started TheSkiGirl.com to provide my fellow skiers with all the resources and information to enjoy their days in the snow. I’ve used many different bindings over the years and know what to look for in the best options.
The Marker Griffon 13 ID is my pick for the best ski bindings of the year. This model has been around for a long time, and the latest version will give you reliable performance that you can use to ski all over the mountain.
I’ll show you all of the best bindings of the year in this post. There are some good choices out there, and every option you see here is recommended. There should be a match for every type of skier here, so take the time to find one that best suits your needs.
Let’s get on with it.
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Who Should Get This
If you have skis, you need to get ski bindings. That may seem obvious to experienced skiers, but I’ve seen plenty of newbies stare at an unmounted pair of skis, wondering what’s wrong. Without bindings, you have two skinny sleds.
The options listed here are some of the best on the market but don’t forget that each binding has a different purpose. Alpine skiers will want to get a downhill style binding, while backcountry skiers will want a more touring or tech style binding.
If you’re just learning how to ski, it would be a good idea to talk to the technicians at your local ski shop before purchasing bindings. There are plenty of factors to consider when buying ski bindings.
Do bindings matter on skis?
They sure do. Even though they often get overlooked, ski bindings are one of the most important aspects of your setup. They are just as important as your boots and skis, so it pays to get a good pair.
Do ski bindings make a big difference?
Ski bindings can make a big difference in your experience on the mountain. Bad bindings will impact your performance no matter how you like to ski. Bindings are kind of like the steering wheel on a car. Without them, you’ll struggle to stay in control.
How do I know what kind of ski bindings to get?
Depending on what skiing style you like to do, you should get a pair of bindings that match. Look at the suggestions here for a better idea of matching your skills and abilities with a good set of bindings.
What is the safest ski binding?
This depends on your ability level and preferences. Ski binding safety boils down to how effectively they help to limit the chance of injury. If you are a beginner, you’ll want an option with lower DIN settings because this will be safer.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive ski bindings?
There can be a big difference between cheap and expensive ski bindings. If you want the best performance and lasting durability, spending a little more money can be worth it. There are also more affordable options that are still good quality.
How much should I spend on ski bindings?
Most ski bindings cost anywhere from $150 to $350. There are options on either side of this, but nearly every popular model falls in this range. As a general rule, I wouldn’t spend more on your bindings than you did on your skis.
Top Picks of Best Ski Bindings
Here are my picks for the best ski bindings of the year. All of the options here are recommended, but be sure to choose one that best matches your needs on the mountain.
1. Marker Griffon 13 ID
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Reliable performance, multiple brake sizes available, excellent power transfer, Inter Pivot 3 heel
- DIN range: 4-13
- Weight: 1018 grams
- Cost: $$
The Marker Griffon 13 ID (review) gets my pick for the best overall ski bindings of the year. Marker makes some of the best bindings in the game, and this model has been a favorite among all types of skiers for years.
This one has all of the qualities you want out of a downhill binding, and they are reliable, effective, and versatile. They have a fairly wide footprint, which is a modern design element that matches the wider trend in skis.
The Griffon 13 has a DIN range from 4-13 and the brand’s SOLE.ID footplate is fully compatible with any alpine ski boot. The bindings come in several brake ranges to fit any type of ski you might use.
They also feature a no-pull-out screw design to keep the bindings safe and secure on your skis and a cross-axis toe spring that makes for a compact mounting profile.
There isn’t much of a downside to mention with the Griffon 13 ID. They do well all over the mountain and come highly recommended.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Jans or Christy Sports.
2. Look Pivot 14
- Best for: All-Mountain
- Key features: Durable, multi-directional release, enhanced safety features, full action toe, wide DIN range
- DIN range: 5-14
- Weight: 1115 grams
- Cost: $$$
For outstanding all-mountain performance, it’s hard to beat the Look Pivot 14. If you want to handle anything that the mountain throws your way, these bindings will have you covered and then some.
These bindings feature a pivoting heel that has become both common and desirable among many high-level skiers. This design gives a natural flex and twist to the binding to keep the knees safe and prevent early ejections.
The Pivot 14 goes up to a 14 DIN setting, but it is also available in 12 and 18 models for different ability levels. They are also available in four different brake sizes and feature GripWalk soles to be compatible with nearly all alpine boots.
They don’t have much room for adjustment, and once mounted to your skis, you might be stuck with one boot size. These bindings are also some of the coolest-looking options out there.
They are heavier, so they don’t make for a good option for backcountry skiing or touring.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Jans or Backcountry.
3. Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13
- Best for: Powder
- Key features: Versatile, lightweight, innovative design, unique dual-mode toe piece, automatic wing adjustment
- DIN range: 6-13
- Weight: 885 grams
- Cost: $$$$
The Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 (review) will help you seek and destroy powder lines in the resort and backcountry. This is an awesome hybrid model that gives you excellent downhill performance while also allowing for effective ascents.
These bindings are highly versatile and hold their own at a high level in basically any condition you might encounter. This is probably the most capable ski binding out there at both uphill climbs and downhill performance.
They are best suited for advanced and expert skiers. They have a DIN range of 6-13, a weight of 885 grams, and are available in several different brake sizes to accommodate different ski widths.
An innovative toe piece that creates the ability to excel in uphill climbs is another nice touch that will keep your boots stiff and responsive when skiing downhill as well.
The S/Lab Shift MNC 13 is a really expensive binding, but you’ll be more than satisfied if you can afford it.
==> You can also get it on Salomon or Evo or Backcountry.
4. Marker Squire 11
- Best for: Freestyle
- Key features: Affordable, good freestyle performance, wide DIN range, 3-year warranty, strong and durable construction
- DIN range: 3-11
- Weight: 820 grams
- Cost: $$
If you want to focus on freestyle skiing, the Marker Squire 11 will help meet your needs. These have a strong and durable construction that will stand out when you want to hit the park or launch off a natural feature on the mountain.
A Triple Pivot Light 2 toe piece gives you a stable first point for effective power transmission and will also help prevent injuries by allowing for quick releases when needed. The Hollow Linkage 2 heel works with GripWalk boots for added versatility.
They also come with an anti-ice rail that you can use to scrape snow and ice from your boot to make sure you get a solid fit each and every time.
These boots also are lightweight and come with a solid 3-year warranty if you experience any issues.
They don’t have the highest DIN settings, which might be an issue for heavier skiers or non-freestyle situations.
Related: Best Freestyle Ski Bindings
==> You can also get it on Utah Ski Gear or Craigdon Mountain Sports.
5. Salomon Warden MNC 13
- Best for: Moguls
- Key features: Great in the bumps, progressive transfer pads, reliable performance, well-constructed, affordable
- DIN range: 4-13
- Weight: 1132 grams
- Cost: $$$
The Salomon Warden MNC 13 is a solid option for moguls and will give you reliable performance in the bumps, no matter what ability level of skier you are.
These bindings incorporate design elements such as a low-profile chassis and progressive transfer pads that directly benefit the needs of mogul skiers.
They are solid, reliable, and durable bindings that offer excellent power transfer from boot to ski without being too bulky or heavy. A DIN range of 4-13 gives a broad range to meet the needs of skiers of many ability levels.
The Warden MNC 13 also comes with an AFD screw that allows for easy adjustment and helps keep snow out of the way when you want to step into them.
These are a little oversized, which can bother some skiers, depending on personal preferences.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Outdoor Gear Exchange or Christy Sports.
6. Tyrolia Attack2 13
- Best for: The Money
- Key features: Affordable, versatile performance, quality construction, 3-piece heel design, wide boot compatibility
- DIN range: 4-13
- Weight: 1035