Duke or Baron

[skidmarks]

I'm going to order some of these bindings for the shop to go on some of the K2 Backside skis and Lines I've ordered.

My question is are most of you guys using the Din 12 Baron or do you go for the Gusto and the Diesel Din 16 Duke.

Have you used these bindings in the tour mode and how did it work for you?

Thanks

 

[Grassi21]

I'm going to order some of these bindings for the shop to go on some of the K2 Backside skis and Lines I've ordered.

My question is are most of you guys using the Din 12 Baron or do you go for the Gusto and the Diesel Din 16 Duke.

Have you used these bindings in the tour mode and how did it work for you?

Thanks

I have the Baron. I am over 200 lbs but have no desire to start hucking off stuff. Love the binding. It made me move away from binding systems on my all mountain set up. I have yet to use the touring mode. I think snowmonster has used his Dukes in touring mode this past season.

 

[deadheadskier]

5'8" 195 pounds

I have the Duke, but only because that's the best deal I could find. I've never felt the need to have a DIN higher than 12 at my size and consider myself to be a reasonably aggressive skier.

 

[tjf67]

I have the dukes and they work prety good. I have been off the beaten path touring with them and they are fine for what they are. The heal clip adjusts easily with a smack from the pole to put them higher or lower. If you can just climb with them they work great. The lever system works fine. Sometimes you have to clear the tracks out to snap them back down but that no biggy.
I would buy them again if If I ever had to. I am guessing that I will never need another AT binding as it is pretty burly

 

[mondeo]

Barons. No need for higher than 12 DIN. Heck, my bump ski bindings only go up to 12, I think I have them set on 8.

 

[snowmonster]

I have the Duke and, as grassi says, I did some touring on them last season (Tux). Not the ideal set-up for long tours (heavy) but, if you spend more time in the resort and sidecountry is your thing, then either one works.

It's true that, if you plan to do some hucking and are pretty hard on your equipment, you should consider the Duke over the Barons. Most importantly, if your normal DIN setting is between 8 and 10 then I'd say go for the Barons. You may not need the extra spring tension that the Duke gives.

Other things to consider: I don't think you save so much on weight by favoring the Baron over the Duke. The weight between the two bindings is not dramatically different. I think, you'll still feel that heavy slog either way (it just means you'll feel the burn on the Dukes 500 feet before you feel the burn on the Barons). So, if weight-savings is driving your decision then, IMHO it's pretty much a toss-up. If price is a driver, then look to the Baron. They are (normally) priced less. This is not true, however, during the summer sale season. I was actually in the market for Barons for a new pair of skis but the price on a brand-new set of Dukes went through the floor.

In sum: if you've got your heart set on Barons/Dukes and you don't think you're setting your DIN at 11 or over, go for the Barons -- unless the Dukes are cheaper. I know I don't make much sense but this cold weather is making me loopy!

 

[Hawkshot99]

I have Dukes. I tried to get the Baron as they were cheaper, but Marker was sold out of my size so I got the Duke.

For the touring I have done they did great. Easy to use, and can take alot of abuse.

 

[skidmarks]

Thanks for the info guys

 

[wa-loaf]

5'8" 195 pounds

I have the Duke, but only because that's the best deal I could find. I've never felt the need to have a DIN higher than 12 at my size and consider myself to be a reasonably aggressive skier.

What he said except 5'9" and 215. I would have gone with the Baron but there didn't seem to be any left at the end of the season while Dukes could be had for $260.

 

[tekweezle]

Evogear outlet has Dukes for 255$ w/ free shipping after using the code prayforsnow for an extra 20% off.

don;t know if that;s the lowest I have ever seen them but seems like a good price!