Same renowned feature set as the ION 12, with a lower Release Value 4 – 10. The lack of a ski brake somewhat limits its appeal, but we'd argue that … $84.00 View Selections Compare Please select at least one more item to compare. G3 Ion LT 12 Bindings. ELASTICITY KEEPS YOU INFor most tech bindings, energetic skiing in chattery conditions means unwanted pre-release - this is how the bad habit of skiing with locked out toe pieces was born. More. Free ground shipping on orders over $150! Otherwise it's the same lightweight, high-performance touring binding weighing in at only 585 g (1 lb 4.6 oz) per binding. The optimal toe elasticity and forward pressure in the heel result in maximum energy absorption and consistent release during active use. Rigorous testing in the lab combined with real-world field testing by users pushing the limits on skis help us create the best performing bindings in their class. So don’t be a hoser, choose a binding that reliably supports ski mode in all conditions. Comes with mounting … 2015-2016 ION pattern … However, if you plan to ski your AT tech binding inbounds regularly, you’ll probably be happier on something like the Kingpin. This makes it very easy to de-ice the toes, without having to fumble for a knife. WHAT DOES LOCKING OUT DO?Locking the toe is a tour function that eliminates unwanted release while skinning uphill. The gear nerd in me loved spending an entire day at G3 getting deep into tech binding tech. Total Weight per Binding: 636 / 641 grams. Become a Blister Member or Deep Dive subscriber to check out our AT Binding Deep Dive where we directly compare the ION 12, Fritschi Vipec Evo 12, Fritschi Tecton 12, Dynafit ST Rotation, Salomon / Atomic Shift MNC 13, Marker Kingpin, Marker Duke PT, & CAST Freetour, and discuss what you tend to gain and give up by going to much lighter AT bindings. they look fine and no shop or 3g can tell me why…. This website uses cookies for various purposes, including enhancing your website experience. … Backcountry Skiing Canada looks at how the G3 Ion and G3 Zed Bindings compare to one another and hw they differ and which is best for you. Many backcountry skiers have adopted the practice of locking out while skiing as a hacked solution for retention inconsistency. To learn more about the types of cookies this website uses, see our Privacy Policy. But before I was skiing the ION 12, I spent my time on Dynafit Speed Turns, and the ION is noticeably more powerful and forgiving. To twist the heelpiece by hand with your boots still locked into the toes requires a bit more acrobatics and force than bindings like the Kingpin, and it’s easy to pinch your fingers if you’re not careful. The simple, yet functional design, make this binding suitable for all levels of alpine touring … Shop: G3 Ion DOWNLOAD Ion User Manual Touring: Rotate either way just past 90 degrees until is catches in place Press or step on the brake pad to lock brakes up Open toe unit jaws by pressing … Sure, I wind up skiing bad snow when I tour occasionally, but I really try not to. G3 takes binding testing further to ensure consistent step-in and retention that holds up to the very real challenges of snowpacking, boot icing, step-in techniques, high speed chatter and toe jaw pressure. Available Brakes: 85, 105, 130 mm. That means I rarely find myself missing the more alpine-like feel of the Kingpin. And my takeaway was that in really tough conditions, none of the bindings in our test clearly stand out in terms of suspension / a lack of harshness, even as the snow begins to soften up a bit. Since its rookie season G3's ION alpine touring binding has collected 3+ prestigious Editor's choice awards each season and spawned a whole series of lightweight tech bindings including the ION 10 and lighter ION … G3 takes binding testing further to ensure consistent step-in and retention that holds up to the very real challenges of snowpacking, boot icing, step-in techniques, high speed chatter and toe jaw pressure. I also was keen the opportunity for a classic Coast Range ski descent (G3 … G3 ION Binding toe height Dig a little deeper and you’ll learn that the toe unit has more clearance under it to help address problems of snow/ice buildup under the toe jaws, a problem that can lead to an … The G3 Ion 12 bindings are the most powerful, intuitive and lightweight alpine touring ski binding on the market. Float up, shred down. But it is a testament to its great design and superior performance that it continues to get Editor's Choice and other awards from different publications every year. The Ion 12 retails for $579 for the 2017/2018 model and you can find the 16/17 model (the one I ride) for around $479. Now you can pick the ION that best suits your ski … Any additional thoughts on tech binding release safety? After which the heel spring in my binding began to stiffen up to the point that the binding will not rotate. Visit G3's Canadian online store for the full range of skis, bindings, splitboards, skins, poles, accessories, and more. The first is that all the fasteners on the ION 12 use a standard Pozi drive screwdriver, which is something that anyone who’s had to carry a bag full of various bits for their Dynafits should appreciate. The G3 Ion 12 is definitely not the cheapest touring binding on the market, but if you can afford it and want the best then I highly recommend it. Included with ION crampons, the kit can also be mounted flat to attach them to any ski. Normal wear and tear but ski perfectly. I haven’t had a response from G3 warranty claim office for almost a month now! Otherwise it's the same lightweight, high-performance touring binding weighing in at only 585 g (1 lb 4.6 oz) per binding. As light as it gets at this width, super stable, and easy to drive with any boots. Just back from the shop, fresh wax and ready to go. After spending more time in the Marker Kingpin both in and out of bounds, I’d agree with both Jonathan and Brian that it is more powerful than the ION 12. Your touring binding should do two things: keep you in and let you out. While I’ve gotten along quite well with the ION 12 this winter going uphill, I am not a fan of the harsh ‘tech’ feel produced by a lack of elasticity / elastic travel in the binding. Out of all the tech bindings in our shootout, the ION 12 looks the most “traditional.” It’s got a standard, non-rotating toe, and the heel is very reminiscent of the Dynafit Radical series — it rotates either direction into touring mode, and the risers are easy to flip down with a pole. Moreover, the layout is wider than most tech binding screw patterns. Is this due to a change in manufacturing of the binding as of 2019-2020. Shopping Cart "Close Cart" Genuine Guide Gear ... ION 12 $624.00 CAD. Same renowned feature set as the ION 12, with a lower Release Value 4 – 10. I step in and out day after day and don't have to do a single thing to them for unquestionable reliability and performance. The G3 Ion 10 Binding is one of the few alpine touring bindings that weighs around a pound and still provides DIN settings suitable for rowdy-but-safe ski sessions in the backcountry. G3 ION 12. You may unsubscribe at any time.For more information, view our privacy policy. I used them with little issues for 10-15 times. Now you can pick the ION that best matches your skiing! But skiers keep coming back to G3's simple, proven, and reliable Ion family. The second is that the toe springs are elevated a bit more than most other AT bindings, and G3 has included a channel underneath that the tip of a pole fits into easily. The highest performing, most user friendly and most reliable tech binding for aggressive backcountry skiers. A sleek, lighter, brakeless version of the ION for ski mountaineers and gram counters. Since its rookie season G3's ION alpine touring binding has collected 3+ prestigious Editor's choice awards each season and spawned a whole series of lightweight tech bindings including the ION 10 and lighter ION LT 12. And if we’re talking about corn skiing? Locking the toe defeats the release mechanism and puts you at risk. Please select the checkbox below to indicate your consent. This website uses cookies for various purposes, including enhancing your website experience. My friend has the same issue developing in her binding. ION Crampon Connector - Adapter kit for attaching G3 ION ski crampons. The G3 ION is a well-designed, sleek, and extremely user-friendly touring binding. This makes setup much quicker. The G3 ION 12 Binding is a great choice for skiers who will mainly be touring and want adjustability and reliability. Locking the toe while skiing defeats the release mechanism and puts you at risk. But as Jonathan notes, I felt that the ION 12’s more traditional feeling also translates into more precision — a more connected feeling in a turn. Standard release tests don’t account for many of the real world causes of unwanted binding release. G3 Zed Binding … (This post sponsored by our publishing partner Cripple Creek Backcountry.). That said, we still find transitioning in the ION 12 to be very easy, and after my first week using them, I haven’t had any more issues with pinched fingers in the rotating mechanism. Blister’s Measured Weight per Binding: Toe piece: 193 & 196 g (with screws) Heel piece: 443 & 445 g (with screws) Total Weight per Binding… La Sportiva Vapor Nano 180cm with G3 ion 12 bindings with brakes and G3 Alpinist skins. The G3 Ion 12 binding weighs in at 2 pounds 9.3 ounces per pair, falling mid-pack in terms of weight in the touring market. I’ll re-iterate Jonathan and Brian’s impressions from the AT Binding Shootout, and then add my own experiences. [Note: Our review was conducted on the 16/17 ION 12, which was not changed for 17/18, 18/19, 19/20, or 20/21.]. Now you can pick the ION that best matches your skiing! That simplicity means that the ION 12 doesn’t have as many high-zoot features to list. To learn more about the types of cookies this website uses, see our Privacy Policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Great binding initially but poor quality heel springs and poor customer service :/, 2020-2021 Blister Winter Buyer's Guide — Print Edition. There is no lateral release or elasticity in the toe, and while the heel is spring loaded, unlike the original Radicals, it doesn’t have any sort of alpine-clamping mechanism, like the Marker Kingpin or Dynafit Beast. They flip up or down easily with the nudge of a pole basket. Refined with 4 seasons of testing and enhancements. Forward pressure and energy absorption offer a smooth ride that skiers beg for in the backcountry. The spring loaded heel does mean that you set the ION up without any heel gap, unlike a traditional tech binding. MSRP: $499. That is exactly what you want from a binding. $579.00 View Selections Compare Please select at least one more item to compare. Add to a package and save $$! Transitioning to ski mode mid-slope shouldn’t be a perilous undertaking—but with brakeless bindings … G3. The ION 12 is the most difficult binding to transition from tour mode to ski mode we tested. Specs. And since this is a touring binding I think it’s worth re-iterating Brian’s note that he found the particular snow conditions to matter more than which binding he happened to be on. This may seem like a minor detail, but I really find myself missing the ION’s risers when I tour on the Kingpin, especially on longer tours. Whether you're an uphill fiend or deep powder aficionado, our award winning bindings are ready to tackle anything you can throw at them. so i change them…. Last spring we published our Alpine Touring Binding Shootout, where we compared the G3 ION 12 to the Marker Kingpin, Fritschi Diamir Vipec, Dynafit Radical 2.0, and Dynafit Beast 14. Afterwards I was itching to get outside and actually try the new ZED binding for myself. G3’s unique toe jaw dynamics flip that trend, absorbing roughly 50% more energy than other tech bindings before releasing. Interestingly, after our inbounds testing of these bindings, I did some pretty significant A/B testing in some of the harshest, refrozen snow I could find. Word from G3 is they designed ION screw pattern (and mounting position on ski) to have the least overlap possible with existing tech binding mount patterns. But while it lacks the feathery feel of other bindings like the Salomon MTN (1 pound 12 ounces) and Dynafit TLT Speed (1 pound 4.7 ounces), the Ion 12 makes up for it in the features department. With lower release values than the Ion 12, this 4-10 version of the Ion … The most accessible binding in the ION family, thew new ION 10 boasts the same renowned features as the ION 12, with a lower Release Value 4 – 10. The ION family of bindings is engineered to the highest performance standards. ION SKI CRAMPON Perfect for use in firm snow and icy conditions when it is difficult to set an edge, G3’s free pivoting ION … G3 started by giving the Ion an adjustable forward-pressure setting, which allows 22mm of adjustment to ensure a super-solid connection between the heel of your boot and the heel piece of the binding, … Bindings set to 28 mondo (room for some adjustment). Weight 2 lbs . But if you’ve gotten along fine with the “connected” / harsh feeling of traditional tech bindings, then you probably are not going to mind — and in fact, you might like or even prefer — the downhill feel of the ION 12. The ION has been refined since its initial launch in 2014. Simply waiting another 15-30 minutes made a much bigger difference than switching to any of the particular bindings in our test in refrozen conditions. It requires manual activation by twisting the heelpiece by hand. G3 … Test Locations: Canterbury Club Fields, NZ; Cooke City, MT; Mt Hood, OR; Teton Pass, Togwotee Pass, Grand Teton National Park, Grand Targhee, WY. You can provide consent by clicking the "I Consent" button or by cancelling this cookie notice. I notice the difference in feel between the Dynafit Speed Turn and the G3 ION much more than I notice the difference between the ION and the Kingpin. The intention is to display ads (via third party services) that are relevant and engaging for individual users. The ION’s simplicity and reliability in high value model with lower release range of 4-10. Final Words. The G3 Ion 10 alpine touring ski bindings feature the same perks as the Ion 12s with an updated DIN. There are, however, a few design features worth noting. Meaning you can use it for what it was designed for—you skiing confidently in ski mode without the fear of prerelease. very desepointed about them, The G3 ion 12 does a great job of controlling large skis in the resort and in the backcountry on steep technical terrain. ION … Intuitive, powerful and lightweight, the G3 Ion 12 alpine touring ski bindings have collected 3 Editor's Choice Awards ; Forward pressure helps maintain consistent release values in landings and … While it isn't our first choice for a binding that we'd use to ski in-bounds some of the time, it remains a … I’ve adjusted to the different feel of the ION compared to an alpine binding to the point where I’m comfortable skiing just about any conditions on them. I love this binding … Period. Forward pressure, a wide mount and refined toe jaw dynamics separate the G3 Ion from the … For full comparisons to those bindings, check out that Deep Dive article . Price $479.00. We need your consent to use marketing cookies. These brakeless bindings shed grams. There is a big range of safety in non DIN/ISO products and it would be helpful to know how this binding ranks compared to Vipec, Shift, etc. G3 ZED 12 & ZED 9 binding design focuses on simplicity, reliability and performance; yielding a superior binding with the most consistent and reliable release and retention. Hopefully that means I’m skiing pow or corn. Coveted by skiers around the globe, the ION's … As the toe jaws on these bindings partially spread, the force required to release the binding drops drastically, causing unwanted release. G3 Ion Crampons. The best thing I can say about the ION is that I don't have much to say. I would agree with Jonathan that the ION 12 feels the most traditional out of all the bindings. G3 ION 10 Binding. Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites. After proving the ION could handle abuse by aggressive skiers on big skis, G3 has now introduced a version with release values more … With a secure, easy-to-clean toe piece, auto-rotation lock in the heel (more in “Updates and Improvements” bel… The wide freeride mount transfers power to the edges, enhances torsional rigidity and provides superior pull-out resistance. Sign up for the G3 Newsletter and be the first to get product and brand news. They have a reputation for making simple and durable backcountry gear that emphasizes functionality more than gram … And Brian ’ s simplicity and reliability most reliable tech binding for aggressive backcountry skiers gap. 180Cm with G3 ION 12 bindings heel spring in my binding began to up! … G3 ION 12 bindings switching to any ski ski descent ( G3 … G3 ION 12. 'S simple, proven, and extremely user-friendly touring binding should do two things: keep you in out... 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View our Privacy Policy I consent '' button or by cancelling this cookie notice mount power... G3 getting deep into tech binding bindings with Brakes and G3 Alpinist skins touring binding weighing in at 585. Clicking the `` I consent '' button or by cancelling this cookie notice the release mechanism and puts at!