Objectively, all the top race bindings and plates work.
However, I am sure we all have our subjective biases; below are mine as a 6ft 210lbs Masters Racer whose favorite event is SG and who sucks at SL.
I really like the Marker WC PC Interface “ie. Piston Plate” with Race/Comp 20 bindings; I am also fine with the XComp 18 binding. These are easy to mount, simple to adjust, and offer excellent performance on the snow. Did not like the feel of the XCell bindings.
Salomon (& Atomic) plastic “Race Interface” plates are OK. I love the versatility of the X19 VAR binding, as it allows quick fore-aft adjustments on the hill to refine optimal binding position, however, they are a bit more finicky to install. The X16 VAR is not as solid or durable. The new Ikon system is very exciting and will likely be an improvement over the X19 MOD, however, so far I only have one pair of Ikons and have not been able to play with them on the hill as yet. For the Ikon, I’ve seen both plastic, as well as hefty metal plates.
Tyrolia (as well as Head & Fischer) WCR plate is a pretty stout and solid platform. The Freeflex ST20 X RD has decent performance and is reasonable to adjust, however I am a bit gun-shy after having a Freeflex 14 catastrophically break under my foot, resulting in a long limp down the mountain last year...
Look R22 plate feels a touch less substantial than some of the others out there. The PX18 binding is solid, smooth, and holds nicely, however, I am not too excited about the on-snow performance of the SPX 12 & 15 bindings. Unfortunately, the PX18 somewhat of a pain to adjust due to the need for having two different wrenches. Look bindings are also hard to get out of if ski poles are not in hand (ex. a coach carrying a bunch of gates).
However, I am sure we all have our subjective biases; below are mine as a 6ft 210lbs Masters Racer whose favorite event is SG and who sucks at SL.
I really like the Marker WC PC Interface “ie. Piston Plate” with Race/Comp 20 bindings; I am also fine with the XComp 18 binding. These are easy to mount, simple to adjust, and offer excellent performance on the snow. Did not like the feel of the XCell bindings.
Salomon (& Atomic) plastic “Race Interface” plates are OK. I love the versatility of the X19 VAR binding, as it allows quick fore-aft adjustments on the hill to refine optimal binding position, however, they are a bit more finicky to install. The X16 VAR is not as solid or durable. The new Ikon system is very exciting and will likely be an improvement over the X19 MOD, however, so far I only have one pair of Ikons and have not been able to play with them on the hill as yet. For the Ikon, I’ve seen both plastic, as well as hefty metal plates.
Tyrolia (as well as Head & Fischer) WCR plate is a pretty stout and solid platform. The Freeflex ST20 X RD has decent performance and is reasonable to adjust, however I am a bit gun-shy after having a Freeflex 14 catastrophically break under my foot, resulting in a long limp down the mountain last year...
Look R22 plate feels a touch less substantial than some of the others out there. The PX18 binding is solid, smooth, and holds nicely, however, I am not too excited about the on-snow performance of the SPX 12 & 15 bindings. Unfortunately, the PX18 somewhat of a pain to adjust due to the need for having two different wrenches. Look bindings are also hard to get out of if ski poles are not in hand (ex. a coach carrying a bunch of gates).
Last edited:
