Different Kinds of Ski Bindings
Ski technology has drastically improved and progressed in the past 40 years. Companies have begun developing new technology that aids in comfort, convenience, and safety. While this provides skiers with a number of benefits, it can also become confusing with the number of available options on the market. However, it is important to understand the different kinds of ski bindings that are currently on the market. Having ski boots and bindings that are compatible with each other is essential for safety when skiing. Additionally, different skiing abilities and interests require different bindings so it is advantageous to understand your own binding needs. From traditional resort alpine bindings to newly invented Multi Norm bindings, we have broken down every binding type and its compatibility for your ease.
MBS Bindings: MBS stands for Multi-Boot Sole and can be found on Tyrolia bindings. Hence their name, MBS bindings are compatibility with a few boot soles- Alpine, Grip Walk, and Walk to Ride. MultiBoot Sole bindings will be indicated by the letters ‘MBS’.
MNC Bindings: MultiNorm Certified or MNC bindings are designed to work with ever boot ISO. They work with Alpine Soles ISO 5355 and Touring Soles 9523 as well as Grip Walk and Walk to Ride. Salomon and Atomic make MNC bindings.
Sole I.D Bindings: Made by Marker bindings, Sole I.D. bindings are also compatible with every boot sole norm. This includes Alpine Soles, Grip Walk, Walk to Ride, and Touring. Sole I.D bindings are marked with the word Sole I.D.
Attack 2 AT Bindings: Tyrolia makes a few Attack bindings, and only the Attack 2 AT is compatible with every type of boot sole. Tyrolia makes two versions of the Attack 2 binding, and only the AT one is compatible with Walk to Ride and Touring boots.
WTR Bindings: Walk to Ride bindings are compatible with Walk to Ride boots and bindings. They will be noted with the letters ‘WTR’ on them. Many binding manufacturers make WTR bindings.
Frame Bindings: Frame bindings are primarily used for backcountry skiing, but can also be used with Alpine boots. Therefore, they are compatible with both Alpine boots and Touring Boots. These bindings are a great option if you are going to be using the same pair of skis for both resort skiing and backcountry skiing.
Tech Bindings: Tech bindings are meant to be used for backcountry skiing, so they are only compatible with touring boots, with the exception of some WTR ski boots that are specifically marked as compatible with tech bindings. For example, the Lange XT ski boot is one of the few WTR boots that are compatible with a tech binding. Tech bindings are very lightweight, which makes them more efficient for skinning uphill in the backcountry.
Grip Walk Bindings: A There are quite a few companies that make Grip Walk bindings. These companies include Marker, Tyrolia, Atomic, Rossignol, Fischer, and Salomon. These bindings are only compatible with Grip Walk and Alpine ski boot soles. The Attack 2 GW bindings are a popular Grip Walk binding.
Not Indicated Bindings: If there is no marking on your ski binding that indicates that it is any of the bindings listed above then the binding is only compatible with alpine ski boots with an ISO of 5355. It is important that you do not try to use another boot sole type with this binding.
75 mm Telemark Bindings: These are the traditional telemark bindings and they are compatible with all three pin telemark boots, which are also known as ‘Duck Bill’ boots.
NTN Telemark Bindings: NTN stands for New Telemark Norm and requires NTN boots. NTN bindings feature brakes and step-in functionality.
