Kingpin 10 26/27

The Kingpin pairs a pin toe for the climb with a genuine alpine heel for the descent, and the 10 is the lighter, lower-DIN version at 5 to 10. The ISI toe is carbon reinforced, with a wide footprint and integrated stop that lines the boot up for you. The heel uses wide sole contact points and XXL power transmitters, with 25mm of length adjustment. Climbing aids sit at 0, 7 and 13 degrees. 695 grams, 21.5mm stand height.

A Kingpin is heavier than a pure pin binding and you feel that on a long day. What the weight buys is a heel that holds like an alpine binding rather than a pair of pins, with vertical and lateral release you can actually set.

For skiers touring to ski hard on the way down, or anyone moving out of a resort setup who wants the descent to feel familiar. Counting grams over big mileage, a lighter pin binding suits you better.

DIN 5 to 10 covers roughly 100 to 230 pounds. Heavier or more aggressive skiers want the Kingpin 13. Brake width should clear the ski waist by no more than 15mm.

The elastomer pads in the climbing aids kill the usual metallic clack, which sounds minor until you have toured beside someone whose bindings lack it.