• Marker Duke 2012

      • Review by Drail on Sep 08, 2013 @ 2:15 PM
      • Review:

        I have been using the Marker Dukes as my go to binding for the past 4 (or 5?) seasons, and they are exactly what you think they are. A solid inbounds downhill binding with ability to take you into the slackcountry and to a lesser extent - backcountry.

        Up until last year, I was using the Dukes exclusively for slack/backcountry travel and they got me everywhere I wanted to go - albeit, quite tired at the end of the day. It wasn't until last year when I got a touring set up with Dynafit's that I truly realized how bad the Dukes really are when it comes to travelling in the backcountry. The pivot point is too far forward - taking away from your stride, they are really heavy and bulky, making big climbs, breaking trail, long traverses, and big travel days a chore. I would not recommend these bindings if you are considering any extensive backcountry travel. For slackcountry though - they are still my go to, and they are, for the most part - the main binding I use inbounds as well.

        Besides their downfalls for the uphill in a true backcountry setting, I have broken the Duke 4 different ways over the past 4 years. It seams like I can always find a new way to break these things. I am 6'1", 190lbs, and very aggressive on my skis so I may be the exception. I have many, many friends who have been using the Duke just as long as I have with zero problems (besides the toe riser busting, but that seams to be inevitable). So if you are tall, heavy, and aggressive - expect to break these things. The fun part? You never know how you're going to break them, every time is an adventure! hahaha. (note: I have yet to find a binding I can not break, so take this with a grain of salt)

        In the end - solid inbounds/slack binding. Stay out of the park, try to find a lighter set up for big days in the backcountry. I recommend anyone with any interest in getting into touring to start with these puppies and explore your local mountains.

        Ratings:
        • Terrain
          Park
          Pow
        • Design
          Clean
          Busy
        • Durability
          Fragile
          Durable
        • Weight
          Light
          Heavy
        • Style
          Uncool
          Cool
        • Reliability
          Sketchy
          Trustworthy
    • Shop for Duke by Marker
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    • Product Information
    • Name:
    • Duke
    • Manufacturer:
    • Marker
    • Year:
    • 2012
    • Gender:
    • Male
    • At A Glance
    • Terrain
    • Park
      Pow
    • Design
    • Clean
      Busy
    • Durability
    • Fragile
      Durable
    • Weight
    • Light
      Heavy
    • Style
    • Uncool
      Cool
    • Reliability
    • Sketchy
      Trustworthy
    • Product Options
    • DIN Range
    • No Options Found
    • Review Ratings