G3

ION 12 Binding with Brakes

We all know the skier who's tinkered with their tech bindings to try and make them burlier, more reliable, lighter, more ice-proof, etc. Sometimes the mods have worked, but most of the time they haven't, but they are almost always convinced that they've revolutionized touring each time they emerge from the garage. Unfortunately for tinkerers everywhere, G3's ahead of the curve and is starting to change the game with the new ION Tech Binding. It'd be hyperbolic to call it revolutionary, but the ION introduces a whole host of killer features without compromising the classic two-pin toe and heel tech design that's worked so well for so long.

G3 started by giving the ION an adjustable forward-pressure setting, which allows 22mm of adjustment to ensure a super-solid connection between the heel of your boot and the heel piece of the binding, reducing vibration and helping to eliminate chatter. This gives the ION a smoother, less rattly feel than traditional tech setups and makes sure that it'll release consistently, but only when it's necessary (it's release values run as high as 12, if you're wondering). The mounting pattern is 33% wider than standard tech bindings, as are the toe jaws, making it easier to get power to the edges of wide skis and reducing vibration for a easier, more powerful ride in rugged conditions. G3 even built in a Boot Stop step-in guidance system, which employs two bumpers that let you settle your boot down in the right spot without trying and retract when you click into ski mode to stay out of the way.

The ION crushes it on the way down, to be sure, but it'd be pretty worthless if it didn't go up like the dickens, too. Luckily it does, with thoughtful features like bi-directional heel rotation—no more forgetting which way is right and which left—and dual Quick-Flick heel lifts that are easy to manipulate with a ski pole. Maybe the best innovations are the toe piece's double snow-clearing channels under the jaws, which let you poke out snow with a ski pole, ensuring that you won't ever accidentally start to ski without the toe pins being fully engaged. The ION also boasts a fully retracting alpine-style brake for solid and reliable ski-stopping performance for when you do eject.