Kingpin 10 25/26

The Marker Kingpin 10 is a hybrid touring binding that pairs a tech toe with an alpine-style heel. It has a DIN range of 5 to 10, a 21.5 mm stand height, and a recommended skier weight of 66 to 230 lbs. The Intuitive Step In toe has a rubber stop pad, a wider step-in platform, and anti-ice pads. The Kingpin heel uses wide sole contact points and XXL power transmitters for direct power transfer, with vertical and lateral release adjusted separately. Tour mode has 7 and 13 degree climbing aids you can flip with a pole.

The trade-off is that it requires boots with tech inserts, and it's the lighter, lower DIN version of Marker's Kingpin 13, so bigger, harder-charging skiers who need more release range are better matched to the 13.

It's built for lighter or less aggressive backcountry skiers who want resort-like release and power on the way down without giving up efficient climbing on the way up.

Choose a brake width no more than 15 mm wider than your ski's waist. It works with Tech and Tech Toe Only boot soles and is compatible with Kingpin and Alpinist crampons.

We think it's a confidence-inspiring binding for skiers who want one setup that tours well and skis like a real alpine binding.