3 Best Budget Ski Bindings

If you’re a new skier or someone who doesn’t ski that often, you might not think much about your bindings. However, while not as talked about as other equipment, they are crucial to your success and fun out on the slopes. Without a good set of bindings, you will often find yourself popping out of your skis.

When it comes to budget ski bindings, there are some great choices out there. The purpose of this article is to inform you of the ones that rise above the pack. Many different skiers can benefit from a solid set of bindings without breaking the bank.

Here is a look at some of the most affordable ski bindings out there that cost less than $200.

Who Should Get This

If you’re at the point in your skiing experience where you’re going to invest in your own equipment instead of renting, you’re going to need to get bindings to go along with your skis and boots.

All of the options in this guide are affordable enough to allow you to tackle a wide variety of conditions and terrain while skiing. Good bindings can last a long time and are also transferable if you ever get new skis.

If you’re an expert or more of a backcountry skier, you probably won’t want ski bindings here. Most of these bindings all have a locked-in heal that allows for excellent control and precision while going downhill, but you will struggle to skin or do any uphill skiing activity in this type of binding

Best Budget Ski Bindings: Top Picks

Here, you’ll see a list of my top recommendations along with a quick review of each binding. The goal is to help you get to know the pros and cons of each product so you can make a more informed purchase decision.

1. Best Choice: Marker Griffon 13 ID

Marker is a tried and trusted player in the ski binding game, and they always deliver consistent binding quality. Their Griffon 13 ID model is no exception, and it is Marker’s best-selling set.

They come with the functionality and reliability that the brand is known for. They feature DIN settings from 4-13 to accommodate a wide range of skiers and abilities. That provides them with great performance in nearly every alpine skiing condition you could ever find yourself in.

What we like:

• Excellent design and innovative functionality
• Trusted ski brand
• Inter-pivot heal is a great release method
• Reliable

What we don’t like:

• Plastic chip or break in rare occasions
• DIN only goes to 13 – not the best for very advanced skiers

==> You can also get it on Evo or Christy Sports or Jans.

2. Runner-up: Salomon Warden 11

These Salomon bindings are another amazing choice. It sounds ironic, but these bindings have a sleek look while also being able to handle some serious skiing.

These bindings are a favorite with a lot of skiers from different disciplines, ranging from freeskiers to racers. The bindings are very reliable and are built for performance.

What we like:

• Lightweight construction
• Well respected choice for beginner to advanced skiers
• Easy step design holds you very well to the skis

What we don’t like:

• Not ideal for heavy or aggressive skiers

==> You can also get it on Buckman’s.

3. Also Great: Tyrolia Attack2

The Attack2 bindings by Tyrolia are a well-performing set of ski bindings that are also built to last. These bindings have a DIN setting that runs from 4-13 to accommodate many types of skiers, and they are a versatile and durable option as well. This is a recommended choice if you want versatility in your free or all-mountain skiing.

These bindings are a great all-around ski binding that can excel in a variety of conditions. They work well for skiers of all abilities as well. And they have a compact design, which means they won’t get in your way while skiing.

What we like:

• Excellent all-around option
• Compact design
• Reliable
• Good for beginner/intermediate skiers

What we don’t like:

• Only come in a green color
• Not a great option for experts or large skiers.

Best Cheap Ski Bindings: What to Consider

Not sure how to narrow down the choices from the crowd? Take the factors below into account during your ski binding research journey.

DIN

The DIN setting on any binding is the amount of force it will take for your boots to release from the binding. Most bindings are fully adjustable so that you can always get your preferred or prescribed DIN setting. Some bindings only go up to a certain setting, so be sure to only pick boots that come with whatever DIN setting you need.

Reliability

You want to be able to rely on your bindings to hold your boots in, but you also need ones that let you eject during a crash. Unreliable bindings or ones that don’t function well can lead to injuries or broken equipment.

All of the bindings in this guide come from great brands that build and sell reliable equipment. However, always get bindings that you know will hold up under the demands of your skiing style.

Technology

Binding technology has really improved over the years. There are now many different options and styles to choose from. One fairly new technological development that I would recommend any serious skier to look into with ski bindings is a pivot release.

This style of binding can help limit knee injuries when an awkward slip or fall leads to a nasty twist of the knee. Other improvements in the design and durability of the binding should be considered as well.

Useful Tips & Resources

As we touched on earlier in this article, you probably don’t think about your ski bindings very much. If you’re thinking of purchasing ski bindings, it pays to do a little research and gain knowledge on how they work.

Here is a good article that will help you along the way.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a budget set of ski bindings is a good choice for any beginner skier. You might not want to spend more than $200 on a good set of bindings, but you should realize that bindings are a critical aspect in your ability to ski, as well as a strong line of defense against any potential injury.

A good set of bindings can last longer than your skis, and you can always swap bindings down the road if you find a set you like better.

Do you have a favorite set of budget ski bindings? Let me know below.