Freeride skiing is an amazing way to experience a mountain. While this style isn’t defined by exact parameters, it’s catered towards finding huge lines and unique terrain that’s often not within the boundaries of your local ski resort. As such, in order to tackle that style you need to get yourself equipped with the proper gear.
Here, we will give you some options for the best freeride ski bindings on the market. All of the bindings you’ll see below have the durability, strength, and power transfer to keep your skis attached to your feet. They will also help you ski to the best of your abilities at all times.
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Who Should Get This?
If you consider yourself a freeride skier or are interested in trying out the style, you need to get the best equipment possible. Skis and boots are obviously important. However, bindings are equally vital in many ways.
Freeride ski bindings will allow you to push your limits on the mountain and cover a large amount of different terrain with ease. They also allow for stand-out performance in a variety of conditions.
While all of the bindings listed here work well for freeriders, they are also compatible with other skiing styles like regular alpine and freestyle. The good thing about freeride bindings is that they are quite versatile.
If you’re looking for a backcountry-specific binding, however, you will want to look elsewhere as all of the options listed here are meant to keep your heel firmly in place.
Top Picks of Best Freeride Ski Bindings
Here, you’ll see a list of my top recommendations along with a quick review of each ski 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 Overall: LOOK Pivot 14 GW
One of the top bindings you can find to help you follow all of your freeriding fantasies is the LOOK Pivot 14 GW. These bindings are built to handle all of the demanding conditions and variable terrain that you will encounter while on the slopes.
I actually have these mounted on two separate sets of skis due to their inherent dependability. They are extremely capable and can take a beating as well.
One of the best features of these bindings is their signature heel-piece that pivots to allow for easy release and flexibility if your knees get tweaked. That can potentially save you from a season-ending injury.
They also have a DIN range of 5-14, which means you can really crank them up high if you’re a larger or aggressive skier. While they will release to save an injury, they keep your boots firmly in place for amazing control and power when in use.
Pros:
- Solid freeride binding
- Versatile
- Strong and durable
- DIN setting 5-14
- Pivot heel piece is a great design
- Excellent power transfer
Cons:
- None. These are some of my favorite all-time bindings
==> You can also get it on Evo or Jans or Backcountry.
2. Also Great: Marker Griffon 13 ID
Another top freeride binding is the Marker Griffon 13 ID (review). These are a favorite among many different types of skiers, freeriders included, and are made by one of the most trusted binding manufacturers in the game.
They are so good, in fact, that the design hasn’t needed an update in years. Strong, versatile, and more than capable, these bindings will hold up under any condition.
Pros:
- Trusted brand
- Reliable performance
- Solid power transfer
- Grip walk boot compatible
- Excellent option for aggressive skiers
Cons:
- Wider toe-piece not preferred by some skiers
==> You can also get it on Evo or Sporting Life or Utah Ski Gear.
3. Best for Performance: Tyrolia Attack2 13 GW
The Tyrolia Attack2 13 GW Performance Ski Bindings (review) are another amazing option. They are built to handle various conditions and offer excellent performance characteristics across the board.
They have a DIN range of 4-13, which makes them perfect for freeride applications, and the integrated stiff pads allow you to properly release your boot when needed. These bindings utilize a roller pincer system that maximizes stability and offers a nice feel underfoot.
Pros:
- Excellent design
- Metal cage around toe piece for added strength
- Roller pincer system
- 4-13 DIN setting
- Integrated stiff pads
Cons:
- On the expensive side
- A little bulky
How to Choose the Best Freeride Ski Binding
Not sure how to narrow down the choices from the crowd? Take the factors below into account during your ski binding research journey.
DIN Setting
An important initial consideration when getting a freeride ski binding is the DIN setting. This is the adjustable setting you will see on both the toe and heel piece and it’s responsible for keeping your ski boot firmly in place when you ski.
The DIN setting is adjustable based on your weight and ability level, but when looking for a freeride option you want a binding that allows for higher DIN settings.
A higher DIN will keep your boot in the binding under the demanding conditions you’ll experience while freeriding. You don’t want your ski to eject when you’re off-piste or in the backcountry because that can mean a long hike to retrieve it. Just note that higher DINs are for experienced skiers and freeriding is not for beginners.
Strength/Durability
It’s also important to consider your binding’s strength and durability. The demanding nature of freeriding means you will be putting a lot of wear and tear on your equipment. You don’t want your gear to break during that process. Freeride bindings should be built with heavy-duty plastic, metal, and other materials that can take a beating on the slopes.
Cost
Skiing is an expensive sport. You have to purchase a ski pass, cold-weather clothing, and all of your other gear. While you don’t want to skimp on cheap equipment, as it can result in poor performance and even injuries, you don’t want to spend all of your money if you don’t have to.
Bindings are another added expense to the list of ski equipment, but luckily they are more affordable than boots and skis. Do your best to get a budget option with premium features.
Useful Tips & Resources
Freeride skiing is one of my favorite styles. You can be creative and find cool lines while also exploring areas outside of the resort that many skiers don’t know about. It’s demanding, but if you have the skills and experience to tackle off-piste conditions, I would always recommend giving freeriding a try.
Here are some good tips and drills to help you improve your skiing skills with freeriding in mind.
Final Words
Ski bindings are a critical part of your overall snow experience, but they are often overlooked as an afterthought in relation to skis and boots.
Regardless of how often you ski or what your ability level is, a quality binding set can make a big difference. If you’re a freerider, this becomes even more important. Get yourself one of the binding options listed here and you’ll instantly up your snow game.
Do you have a favorite or recommended set of freeride bindings that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments below!
