#1 on this list
Superlite 150
Dynafit
The Dynafit Superlite 150 sits at the intersection of skimo efficiency and practical backcountry touring. Designed for ski mountaineers, fitness tourers, and weight-conscious backcountry travelers, it strips away non-essential hardware without rendering the binding unusable on technical descents. At a published weight of around 320 grams per pair without accessories, it makes long uphill days noticeably less fatiguing. Independent review outlets repeatedly highlight it as the benchmark ultralight tech binding. Despite its airy build, the Superlite 150 retains key functional adjustments that pure race bindings skip. It offers an adjustable lateral release value, though vertical release remains fixed unless you swap out internal U-springs. The all-metal toe piece and machined heel unit provide solid rigidity on firm snow, ensuring minimal lateral play when driving mid-fat touring skis. It can be fitted with an optional adjustment plate and ski brakes, though adding those accessories chips away at its primary advantage: bare-minimum weight. Operating the binding requires familiarity with minimalist tech gear. Transitions demand rotating the heel piece manually, and the step-in sweet spot on the toe requires precise boot placement. If you need generous elastic travel for hard resort skiing or forgiving release characteristics in variable snow, this is not the tool. But for deep backcountry objectives where efficiency dictates safety, it is difficult to outperform. **Highlights** - Published weight of approximately 320 grams per pair in baseline trim - Adjustable lateral release range to fine-tune retention - Minimalist all-metal toe construction for solid torsional stiffness - Dual climbing riser heights achieved by rotating the heel - Compatible with optional add-on brakes and adjustment plates **Watch-outs** - Vertical release adjustment requires swapping physical U-springs - Brakes and adjustment plates must be purchased separately - Minimal elasticity makes firm-snow descents feel harsh
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#2 on this list
Raider 13 Evo
ATK
The ATK Raider 13 Evo represents modern tech binding engineering at its most refined. Targeted at dedicated backcountry skiers who refuse to sacrifice downhill power transmission for touring ease, this binding packs a full feature set into a package weighing roughly 740 grams per pair. Respected gear testing outlets consistently name it the premier all-around touring binding because it bridges the gap between lightweight uphill efficiency and aggressive freeride security. The standout mechanism on the Evo is its integrated elastic response system in the heel, which provides longitudinal travel to accommodate ski flex without causing premature release or binding pre-release. It also features automatic brake retraction that locks during climbing without requiring clumsy plastic switches. The toe unit includes adjustable release values, making it one of the few pin bindings on the market with calibrated safety adjustments at both ends of the foot. Durability is exceptional thanks to extensive CNC-machined aluminum construction, avoiding the brittle plastic housings common in lighter consumer models. The main trade-off is the price point. Sitting near the upper ceiling of touring binding retail costs, it is a significant investment. However, for backcountry skiers driving wide skis through variable off-piste conditions, the stability and reliability justify the entry fee. **Highlights** - Published weight of approximately 740 grams per pair with brakes - Integrated heel elasticity system to absorb ski flex and chatter - Adjustable release values at both the toe and heel units - Automatic ski brake lock integrated directly into the walk mode - High-grade CNC-machined aluminum construction **Watch-outs** - Premium pricing places it among the most expensive options available - Higher component complexity compared to bare-bones pin bindings - Step-in requires clean boot fittings to engage smoothly
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Superlite 150 | Raider 13 Evo |
|---|---|---|
| Weight per Pair | 320 g (without brakes or plates) | — |
| Binding Type | Ultralight pin tech binding | — |
| Release Adjustment | Adjustable lateral; fixed vertical via springs | — |
| Heel Risers | Two climbing heights via heel rotation | — |
| Primary Materials | Forged aluminum and stainless steel | — |
| Optional Add-Ons | Brakes, adjustment plates, crampon mounts | — |
| Weight | — | 740 g per pair (approx. 370 g per ski) |
| Release Range | — | 5 - 13 DIN equivalent |
| Materials | — | CNC-machined 7075 aluminum, stainless steel |
| Heel Travel | — | 14 mm integrated elastic response |
| Brake Style | — | Automatic locking with walk mode |
| Approximate Price | — | $750 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Superlite 150
- Exceptional weight-to-performance ratio at roughly 320 grams per pair
- Adjustable lateral release provides tailored retention rare in ultralight bindings
- Durable all-metal toe and heel construction minimizes lateral flex
- Efficient dual riser heights accessible through manual heel rotation
- Vertical release adjustment requires swapping physical U-springs
- Base model lacks length adjustment track and brakes without add-on purchases
- Minimal elastic travel delivers harsh feedback in chopped or firm snow
Raider 13 Evo
- Sub-400-gram per ski weight with fully functional integrated brakes
- Heel elasticity system accommodates ski flex to prevent pre-release
- Adjustable release tension at both the toe unit and heel turret
- High-grade CNC-machined aluminum build minimizes torsional play
- Top-of-market pricing requires a substantial upfront investment
- Toe step-in demands precise alignment and clean boot inserts
- Lacks ISO alpine DIN certification found on heavier hybrid bindings
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.