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Light(er) Freestyle Binding under $200

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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
So I'm thinking ahead here for next season. I will be purchasing Line TC's and will need bindings. My budget is $200, and I would prefer something on the lighter side as the TC is a wider, therefore heavier ski. I am considering the Look Px12/Rossi Axial 2 120 (same binding). But I want some more opinions. Any others I should look into? I'm 5'9" 145-140 lbs, east coast park skier.
Nov 21 2012 10:28PM
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DBL
Posts: 1404 - Karma: 2,211
Marker griffons are very light (almost all plastic), im sure you could find deals online or in the sell and trade forums
Nov 21 2012 11:03PM
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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
I usually stay away from marker just because of the durability. Can anyone voice in on this?
Nov 21 2012 11:13PM
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JKrebs1
Posts: 711 - Karma: 813
As for marker bindings i don't really have much experience with them. The extra weight of bindings doesnt seem to make a huge impact on my skiing however I will tell you that my look bindings from last year were probably the heavyest i've ever skied on and from looking at other reviews it seems like most people agree! Although in terms of durability they held up fine.
This year i'm buying STH which i hear is pretty balanced in being durable while at the same time lightweight. I'll keep you posted when i ride them!
Nov 22 2012 1:54AM
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Kreech
Posts: 4178 - Karma: 3,024
Look for some use sth 12/14 drivers or used fks 140s/155s. Both the fks platform and the sth driver series are bomber and not super heavy. Sth are lighter though.
Nov 22 2012 1:57AM
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bquick222
Posts: 124 - Karma: 363
I have the 2010 marker free 12.0. Was hauling down a blue the other day at Copper about to pass a gaper learning to ski, she cut me off I barely avoided her and caught an edge and ate it. Went to pop my left ski back on and noticed that after I put it back on my brakes were dragging on the ground and my heel was sliding around. Already had to get a new brake assembly on the 4th day using them......
Nov 22 2012 12:44PM
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snakerton
Posts: 2434 - Karma: 1,977
http://www.alpinesportinggoods.com/browse.cfm/rossignol-axial-2-120-ski-binding/4,13322.html?AdID=954--10224
Nov 22 2012 1:06PM
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Ali_Dibden
Posts: 1966 - Karma: 1,688
^^ thats because it was the free 12. the griffon or jester bindings are usually quite good if you care for them.
Nov 22 2012 1:09PM
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jon@wh2o
Posts: 314 - Karma: 158
I don't know a whole lot about park skiing's exact requirement for bindings, but in general I wouldn't limit yourself by weight, the few grams you'll save could lose you a lot in durability, which in the long run ends up being more expensive.
Nov 22 2012 6:51PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
Griffons are alright, and i love my Jesters. Market gets a litlle more hate then they deserve. The jesters are in great shape after 2 season, the are light, and they have performed great for me. Never have any prereleases. I cant speak for griffons, but from what i hear, they are very similar to jesters. I also have STH 14s. Almost Same build as the 16s, except they are 2din less obviously. I havent ridden on them yet, but im stoked to!
Nov 22 2012 6:56PM
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Port.
Posts: 233 - Karma: 228
Never have any durability issues with marker even though they're all plastic. I've snapped skis before the binding has gone out and the px12 jibs are undoubtably more durable because of their material but are indeed a lot heavier but again haven't had an issue with jesters or griffons
Nov 22 2012 8:18PM
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.ALOC.
Posts: 202 - Karma: 19
I have the axial 2's and they have held up great. They aren't the lightest binding out there but do not base your decision off of weight. The weight will not affect you swing weight since they are at the center of your ski
Nov 22 2012 10:33PM
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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
After doing some research and referencing this thread, I'm leaning toward the salomon sth 12. Any objections?
Nov 22 2012 10:55PM
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Gmart
Posts: 1634 - Karma: 273
I object your honor! Salomon z 10, lightest out there and will work for you. If your looking for a light durable binding it's your best option. The sth is like putting a cinder block on your ski, there super heavy.
Nov 23 2012 1:45AM
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jon@wh2o
Posts: 314 - Karma: 158
please don't.

I hammered a pair of these to bits when I was 16, just pushing 120lbs.
either they've upped the quality like MAD in the last 4 years, or someone is very lucky and light on their feet
Nov 23 2012 2:31AM
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Gmart
Posts: 1634 - Karma: 273
What? I don't know if it's just me but that made no sense
Nov 23 2012 8:04AM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
He is saying the z10s are complete shit. Which they are. I destroyed a pair when i was 14. Had tons of pre releases, and they were just horrible.
Nov 23 2012 10:45AM
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stickerman
Posts: 2043 - Karma: 147
since your such a weight connoisseur on bindings, maybe you should spit before every rail and ski naked. but seriously, just get something durable such as any of the STH drivers or FKS series. if its that big of a problem for you, go to the gym.
Nov 23 2012 11:16AM
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Heart
Posts: 6156 - Karma: 3,462
Griffons are great as well. I had some bad experiences with marker in the past (do not buy their "free" series bindings), but my griffons have given me zero problems. they're light and never pre-release on me.
Nov 23 2012 12:33PM
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Gmart
Posts: 1634 - Karma: 273
If you were pre releasing you should have tightened your binding. Define destroyed a pair? You blew them up? People have destroyed jesters too doesn't mean it's a bad binding cause it didn't work for you. If you ski hard enough you can break any binding really. He's 120 pounds, even with a small boot he'll din at a what, 6 max? It's one of the lighter binding which is what hes looking for. If you're worried about pre releasing all you have to do is crank that puppy up and you ain't going any where. I have nothing against the jester or the sth, shit I have a pair of Sth's on my blends, and I've have skiied in a jester before, I've also skiied in the z 12 and had no complaints. At the end of the day bindings is a game of favorites. You may have had a bad experience with it but I know tons of people who love it, same goes for the jester, Sth,fks etc. If you want a light binding the z 10 will work great for you OP
Nov 23 2012 5:49PM
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Monsieur_Patate
Posts: 1393 - Karma: 4,303
If you're looking for something durable, you might want to consider the driver system on the STH, which is a high end toe piece, but it's not available one the STH12, you'd have to go for the STH 14 driver. The quadrax toe on the classic STH isn't that good imo, too many pivot points, shit's gonna blow up if you hit big jumps.
Nov 23 2012 6:04PM
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Peach.
Posts: 3879 - Karma: 933
I've been riding my Marker Griffons for three years now at about 75 days a season.
I have zero complaints and they have help up better than the Looks I had before them.
Nov 23 2012 6:08PM
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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
or ~145 pounds, 28.5 boot size and an 8 din.
Nov 23 2012 6:12PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
Pre releasing had nothing to do with DINs. I had them maxed out when i was 140ish lbs. They broke multiple times. If they hit anything like a rail or the ground, i feel like they almost broke. It is made out of shitty material. Like i said earlier, they failed me multiple times. Spend the extra $ for the sth 12 driver. They will last twice as long and perform much better. After 1 season on the z's, the bindings couldnt be any more nig rigged to work. Thats what i mean by destroyed. Broken multiple times in multiple spots
Nov 23 2012 7:33PM
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Port.
Posts: 233 - Karma: 228
I have a new pair of last years griffons (same din nothing really changes year to year) I'd be willing to sell you pm me
Nov 27 2012 7:52AM
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SwagasaurusRex
Posts: 635 - Karma: 333
I have Jesters on my park skis and Griffons on my more all mountain skis and I really enjoy them. I don't have any complaints. I've used the Griffons for only about a week but the Jesters are into their 3rd season and only have some scratches and what not, no breaks. Also, I really like the Schizo system, I actually have used it quite often and have had no problems.
Nov 27 2012 11:25AM
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penguin_steeze
Posts: 2311 - Karma: 241
Get the rossignol axial 2 120s. I've had 2 pairs and they are pretty much bombproof, lasting me 3+ years of east coast rail skiing and urban. They aren't the "lightest" bindings but weight really doesn't matter. Weight doesn't affect swing weight when center mounted, so its not going to make a difference if your skis are 200 grams heavier or not. Besides your legs are the biggest muscle in your body and could never tell the difference between 200-300 grams.
Nov 27 2012 5:37PM
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Skarnold
Posts: 71 - Karma: 12
http://www.backcountry.com/salomon-sth-12-driver-ski-binding?CMP_SKU=SAL2359&MER=0406&CMP_ID=GAN_GPLA&003=8219600&010=SAL2359&mr:trackingCode=ACED8CBA-5AFF-E011-87D9-001B21A69EB8&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=28357295145&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=39163216185&origin=pla&gclid=CJuK_eGe8LMCFcaDQgod1mYAXg
Nov 27 2012 5:55PM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
You can get the FKS and pivots if you look hard enough. Jack Frost on the access to sunday river has pivots for $200 and I got my FKS for $200. If you are seriously interested in getting a deal on the FKS if Jack Frost changes the price PM me.

I strongly recommend the FKS. You know they are never going to blow up on you.
Nov 28 2012 8:12AM
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DatPolishSkier
Posts: 18 - Karma: 15
Tyrolia peak 12.......very good light freestyle binding and their 125$ on this site

http://www.eriksbikeshop.com/2012-peak-12-ski-bindings/pr3c10308/product
Nov 28 2012 12:50PM
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rozboon
Posts: 1642 - Karma: 868

PX12 / Axial2 120 is pretty much the king of the budget 12(/13) DIN bindings. Probably the heaviest too but that's somewhat down to it being the burliest. STH12/FFG12 is a close second. STH12 Driver costs a bit more but is worth the upgrade for the good toepiece. Third place goes to the Griffon. Dark horse award belongs to the Tyrolia/Head 12 DIN jobbie as some people reckon it's the goods while others I've spoken to reckon it's pre-release city.

Marker 12 Free/Marker 120 or whatever they call it is suitable for intermediate groomer skiers and not a lot more, in my opinion.

Nov 28 2012 5:34PM
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DatPolishSkier
Posts: 18 - Karma: 15
Guy above is surely entitled to his opinion but the tyrolias never prereleased on me....
Nov 28 2012 5:52PM
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DatPolishSkier
Posts: 18 - Karma: 15
Guy above is surely entitled to his opinion but the tyrolias havent prereleased on me so far...I havent had them for long but I have nothing but good things to say about them...(last pair of bindings being rossignol axial120)
Nov 28 2012 5:55PM
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DatPolishSkier
Posts: 18 - Karma: 15
Sorry about the double post..dont know why my phone did that
Nov 28 2012 5:57PM
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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
Well as I said in the OP, I'm not looking to purchase right now, no money, but I appreciate the offer.
Nov 28 2012 6:22PM
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PNSkier
Posts: 775 - Karma: 169
i would stick with the axial 120 or px12. like stated above, yes they are a little heavier but for the price, there is no better binding. i rode the 120 for 6 years before switching to the fks and i loved them. you really cant go wrong with rossi/look
Nov 28 2012 7:21PM
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jiberish199
Posts: 38 - Karma: 9
my sth 12s were killler never broke and held up nicely
Nov 28 2012 8:23PM
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penguin_steeze
Posts: 2311 - Karma: 241
I've had bad experiences with salomon bindings
Nov 28 2012 8:24PM
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Kjell
Posts: 434 - Karma: 100
I was gonna suggest these.  I've got them, and they're awesome.  Cheap, light, durable, how can you go wrong?

Nov 28 2012 8:29PM
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gnarles.
Posts: 2587 - Karma: 130
i have never had any problems with marker. all i have ever bought was marker and the only problem i ever had was the brakes would occasionally break but thats it.
Nov 28 2012 9:22PM
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SwagtasticWalrus
Posts: 1268 - Karma: 184
I normally would agree, but I love the Griffons. Great freestyle binding! Pretty tough too. I would go with them but that's just me.
Nov 28 2012 11:09PM
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