Dynafit Speed Turn 2.0 Review

This is my review of Dynafit Speed Turn 2.0. In my opinion, it is a simple binding that offers great results at an affordable price point as proven by its long-standing design.

Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of this ski binding, who it is best for, and other similar alternatives to consider.

Quick Summary

• Where to buy: Amazon
• Best for: Skiers looking to get high-end features without breaking the bank. Good for advanced skiers who frequent the backcountry as well.
• Pros: A lightweight-but-durable construction that’s made to keep up in all conditions. Affordable price point, straightforward design, and proven uphill performance.
• Cons: Cannot be used with a ski brake. Could be better when going downhill. Heel risers and transitions have a learning curve and are a bit more complicated than they need to be.
• Alternatives: Atomic Backland Tour, G3 Zed 12, Marker Alpinist 12

Why Trust Me

I’ve been hitting the slopes since I was a kid. I enjoy getting out in the snow and have hands-on experience with a wide range of different skiing items. I spent hours analyzing these bindings by checking out their traits, understanding their characteristics, and discussing their performance with riders who have first-hand experience with them.

Detailed Review of Dynafit Speed Turn 2.0

The Dynafit Speed Turn 2.0 is a lightweight binding with good performance and streamlined functionality. Despite its weight, it also boasts rather impressive durability that should hold up over a long time. It’s not the most user-friendly or compatible binding on the market. The downhill performance could be better as well. Even so, the lower cost makes it a low-risk option for those that want to cut weight and really ride.

Moving Easily Uphill

As with other tech bindings, the Speed Turn 2.0 uses a reliable pivot point. That, along with the light weight, make this model an excellent option for anyone who needs to trek uphill. Touring skiers used to hiking will especially love strapping them on. The heel risers are not the easiest to engage, but you should be able to easily get where you need to go.

Another reason these work for uphill movement is because they give you a wide range of motion. The toe piece enables a lot of pivot, and that certainly comes in handy while you’re moving around in the backcountry.

Downhill Performance

When it comes to downhill performance, the Speed Turn is good, but not great. That’s mainly because, as useful as the binding is for more advanced backcountry skiers, it’s not going to be the best option for the resort. In addition, you can’t use them with ski brakes. That lack of compatibility will put some people off, but if you can look past those issues, you’re going to get a strong design that helps you ski to your heart’s content.

Ease of Use

As functional as the Speed Turn 2.0 is, that reliability doesn’t necessarily translate into ease of use. This model sits somewhere in the middle when it comes to usability. It’s not the most complicated binding you’ll ever see, but there are a few limitations. For instance, you need to rotate the heel piece to engage the heel riser. That can be done with a pole, but doing so is going to take some practice. I would have liked a more streamlined system.

You’re going to get the hang of this model at some point. When you do, it will be incredibly easy to use. I just would have preferred being able to easily use it without extra practice. That being said, Dynafit did make it so the mode transition, heel elevation adjustment, and lateral release are all put into one function. That creates a simple system that anyone can get the hang of and does away with many unnecessary parts. Simplicity is always great in my book.

Weight and Durability

The Speed Turn 2.0 is the model of consistency, and that’s evident by the fact that it’s been the same weight for over a decade. At 1 pound, 10 ounces, the model is quite light. When it first came out, it was the lightest around. That’s not the case anymore, but it still ranks as one of the best weight-reducing options on the market. If you’re used to other bindings, this is going to feel great.

One issue that typically comes with slimmer models is that they lose a bit of durability in order to shave weight. Luckily, that’s not the case here. The Speed Turn 2.0 is a surprisingly strong binding that’s able to withstand quite a bit of use. I always like it when a simple design can hold its own. This is a binding you’ll be able to use for quite a while before seeing any real wear or tear.

Price and Value

When it comes to value, the Speed Turn 2.0 knocks it out of the park. The binding gives you impressive durability and some truly remarkable features for a price point that’s much lower than similar models. You do lose a few traits here and there, but most people won’t even notice they’re gone. This is a great binding at a great price.

What I Like

By and far my favorite part of the Speed Turn 2.0 is the way it blends durability with the one-pound design. Anytime I can take weight out of my setup, I will. The only issue is, that usually comes at a cost. This binding has great durability for its weight, which truly provides the best of both worlds. That’s rare in the skiing world, so it’s something I always appreciate when I find it.

I’m also a big fan of this binding’s design. Many models, while useful, are too complicated for their own good. The simple functionality and multiple modes being combined into one function mean the Turn 2.0 never gets in its own way. It’s hard not to love the value here as well. Tech bindings can run you quite a bit, but Dynafit found a way to keep the Speed Turns 2.0’s cost down in a big way. There’s nothing wrong with getting a lot for a little.

What I Dislike

The biggest drawback, in my opinion, to this binding is the fact that it isn’t compatible with a ski brake. A lot of truly experienced skiers won’t mind that, but it’s something that should be mentioned because anyone used or dependent on them won’t be able to use this model. To me, that’s a shame.

I also wish the transitions and heel risers didn’t make you rotate the entire heel piece. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the system, and you can get good at it with your poles after some practice, but I’m a much bigger fan of the common level flip design used by other bindings. A small mark in what is otherwise a truly user-friendly binding.

The Alternatives

The Speed Turn 2.0 is an affordable binding that gives you a lot for its price. Even so, there are some other good models out there too. If you want something similar-but-different, these all shine in their own way:

• Atomic Backland Tour – Another lightweight binding, the Backland Tour delivers solid performance on top of a few extremely useful features. It doesn’t quite have the downhill capabilities of the Speed Turn 2.0, but it will hold up to just about anything you put it through. Very few skiers will not be able to make use of this.
• G3 Zed 12 – The Zed 12 is an advanced binding that manages to pack in a lot of useful and impressive features without tacking on too much weight. While you aren’t going to get brakes included with this one, there’s a lot of functionality here. Skiers, budget and non-budget alike, will also appreciate the lower cost.
• Marker Alpinist 12 – When it comes to exceptional downhill performance and top-of-the-line power transfer, it’s hard to do better than the Alpinist 12. This model, like the others, doesn’t have a lot of weight. It’s great for aggressive skiers and, as with the Speed Turn 2.0, offers a lot of durability without taking anything away.

Final Verdict

The Speed Turn 2.0 is an improvement on what has already proven to be a tried-and-true design. The model doesn’t quite succeed in every area, especially downhill performance, but the great uphill performance, tough construction, and lightweight build more than make up for it.

If you want a no-frills model that you can take with you out into the backcountry, and if you don’t mind forgoing a ski brake, the Speed Turn 2.0 is a solid choice.