Marker wide platform bindings

[Trekchick]

The biggest advantage of using the wide platform Marker bindings is obvious, with the advancement of wider skis and the versatility of the contemporary midfat.

From time to time, I'm asked how I like my Dukes, which are mounted on my Bros......
I like the wide platform of the binding, but because I haven't used the AT set up to its potential, I would have been just as happy with the Jesters which are considerably lighter weight. I will admit that there are some nice things about the duke's height which allow for better edge angles when skiing the groomers, but then that's not what the bros and dukes are made for, now is it?

Duke, Jester, Griffon........
The Marker wide platform bindings are definitely a great advancement in binding technology. Which one is for you?

 

[riverc0il]

Color me stupid on this issue, but what does the width of a binding have to do with performance? Height can be adjusted on many bindings using various forms of shims and plates, etc. Of course, wide brakes are required for fatter skis. But I am not sure I follow how a wider binding influences performance? Not sure why someone would want a Duke if they aren't earning turns?

 

[Trekchick]

The wider mounting point on these bindings offer better leverage on the wider skis.

As for the choice of dukes on my skis that I don't(yet) tour with.......I actually sent them to the shop to have jesters mounted on them. The shop was out of jesters, so they put Dukes on them. Long story short, I'm not upset with the Dukes, but I have yet to use them to their potential. Whiteroom, from EpicSki is supposed to give me an AT lesson when I'm at Stowe. Hope hope he hasn't forgotten me.

 

[eastcoastpowderhound]

I'd go with the Duke...need to have a AT option in the quiver and combined with a 16 DIN I could count on them staying on my feet when it counts.

 

[Philpug]

Grif-sters for me. The good lord invented ski lifts for a reason and I plan on using them.

I am intrigued by the rumour of a "King" on the way.

 

[Moe Ghoul]

I'd go with the Duke...need to have a AT option in the quiver and combined with a 16 DIN I could count on them staying on my feet when it counts.

That's one of the reasons I considered them, I don't have a big quiver and am looking for versatility. I went with the Coombas since I think I can get better usage in the NE with them, I went with 174's for glades, and the dukes give me the flexibility to hike off trail which I plan to do on a coupla trips this season. Getting a pure powder ski like the Pontoons didn't make sense for me. If I get the occasion to ski hip deep powder, I'll just rent a pair if I want something fatter. I think the Baron's are similar to the Dukes, but smaller/lighter.

 

[snowmonster]

I mounted the Dukes on a pair of B Squads near the end of last season. I used them for skinning around Sugarloaf on the last weekend of the season since a lot of the lifts were closed (and also in Tucks until it got too steep). I agree that they're pretty heavy for touring but if you'll use them only for inbounds, sidecountry or just to access some terrain off the beaten path, it's a pretty good option. Besides, I think the Dules were primarily designed as an alpine binding with touring capabilities. In that regard, it serves its purpose.

I was considering the Barons this year to put on my B4s. Thing is, the weight saving is minimal and the price diffference is not so significant that, at that point, I'd rather get the Duke with its higher DIN or a Freeride because of its weight. Fortunately, this financial crisis made the decision for me -- no new capital expenses (i.e., equipment) this year.

On the minus side: a higher climbing bar would definitely be helpful on the Dukes/Barons.