The Marker Duke PT binding represents a significant advancement in hybrid freeride touring technology, aiming to seamlessly blend the power of downhill performance with the efficiency of uphill travel. This innovative binding breaks away from traditional frame designs, instead employing a pin-tech system for lighter, more efficient ascents. Its unique design incorporates elements inspired by other leading systems, creating a compelling option for skiers seeking versatility without compromise.This review delves into the Duke PT's performance characteristics, examining its downhill capabilities, uphill efficiency, and overall weight. We compare its features to established competitors, such as the Salomon Shift, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. While initial impressions suggest exceptional downhill control and a surprisingly lightweight touring mode, a thorough assessment requires extensive field testing. This review provides an early look at the Duke PT, offering valuable insights for skiers considering this potentially game-changing binding.
Pros And Cons
- Hybrid freeride touring binding
- Offers gesture performance downhill
- Lightweight and efficient uphill with pin tech binding
- DIN ISO certified release for alpine, grip walk, and touring soles
- Removable toe piece for uphill mode
- Heavier than Salomon Shift binding
- Weight varies significantly depending on mode and size (DIN 12 version: 850g uphill with toe removed, 1090g downhill; DIN 16 version: 1000g uphill, 1280g downhill)
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Introducing the Marker Duke PT: A Hybrid Approach
The Marker Duke PT is a new hybrid freeride touring binding, aiming to bridge the gap between downhill performance and uphill efficiency. Unlike traditional frame bindings, the Duke PT utilizes a pin-tech system for touring, offering lightweight and efficient ascents. This innovative design marks a significant step in the evolution of ski bindings.
This innovative design offers a unique blend of downhill performance and uphill efficiency, challenging established players in the market. Marker aims to provide the responsiveness of a traditional Alpine binding during downhill runs while retaining the lightweight feel of a pin-tech system for comfortable ascents.
The Duke PT's design shows influences from other bindings, most notably the Cast touring system which allows for interchangeability of toe pieces. It is not an exact copy, but certainly shares the concept of removing or adding material to the toe piece depending on the mode.
Downhill Performance and Heel Piece Design
Initial impressions suggest the Duke PT delivers exceptional downhill performance. The heel piece design closely resembles Marker's proven Royal Family bindings, known for their strength and reliability. This ensures secure energy transmission and confident control during aggressive downhill runs.
The binding's toe piece differs from the Jester's, presenting an interesting design that will need hands-on testing to truly evaluate. Early reports indicate a gesture-level downhill performance. It also has DIN certified release for various boot soles.
Despite the innovative design, the Duke PT is heavier than the Salomon Shift, primarily due to the robust heel piece. This added weight might translate to enhanced stability and power transmission but will require further analysis.
Uphill Efficiency: Toe Piece Mechanism and Weight
The Duke PT's uphill efficiency is enhanced by its removable toe piece. In touring mode, this piece can be either locked forward or completely removed for reduced weight. This feature is similar in concept to the Cast touring system, offering adaptability for various skiing conditions.
The binding also features a lock and walk break system, expected to function similarly to the Salomon Shift, offering convenient uphill control. The removal of the toe piece significantly impacts overall weight when ascending.
The weight of the Duke PT is a key consideration. While heavier than the Salomon Shift, it is still a competitive choice considering its enhanced downhill performance. The removal of the toe piece, however, lowers the weight substantially for uphill travel.
Conclusion: Is the Duke PT Worth It?
The Marker Duke PT offers a compelling blend of downhill performance and uphill efficiency. Its robust construction and innovative toe piece mechanism cater to skiers seeking versatility. However, its weight compared to other hybrid bindings is a factor to consider.
While heavier than the Salomon Shift, the Duke PT's enhanced downhill performance may make the extra weight worthwhile for skiers prioritizing aggressive descents. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences and skiing style.
Further testing is needed to fully evaluate the Duke PT's performance and compare it comprehensively to competitors like the Salomon Shift and the Dynafit TLT. Stay tuned for a full review following more extensive field testing.