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, … Weight 2 lbs . … There is a big range of safety in non DIN/ISO products and it would be helpful to know how this binding ranks compared to Vipec, Shift, etc. Transitioning to ski mode mid-slope shouldn’t be a perilous undertaking—but with brakeless bindings … The G3 Ion 12 binding weighs in at 2 pounds 9.3 ounces per pair, falling mid-pack in terms of weight in the touring market. With lower release values than the Ion 12, this 4-10 version of the Ion … Ion LT 12 Bindings. G3 ION 10 Binding. Just back from the shop, fresh wax and ready to go. $84.00 View Selections Compare Please select at least one more item to compare. so i change them…. This may seem like a minor detail, but I really find myself missing the ION’s risers when I tour on the Kingpin, especially on longer tours. Great binding initially but poor quality heel springs and poor customer service :/, 2020-2021 Blister Winter Buyer's Guide — Print Edition. The G3 ION 12 Binding is a great choice for skiers who will mainly be touring and want adjustability and reliability. Whether you're an uphill fiend or deep powder aficionado, our award winning bindings are ready to tackle anything you can throw at them. I also was keen the opportunity for a classic Coast Range ski descent (G3 … G3 Zed Binding … 2015-2016 ION pattern … Since its rookie season G3's ION alpine touring binding has collected 3+ prestigious Editor's choice awards each season and spawned a whole series of lightweight tech bindings including the ION 10 and lighter ION … My friend has the same issue developing in her binding. The G3 Ion LT is a carefully engineered and designed, solid-functioning, all-around backcountry ski binding. G3 Ion Crampons. I love this binding … But as Jonathan notes, I felt that the ION 12’s more traditional feeling also translates into more precision — a more connected feeling in a turn. The first is that all the fasteners on the ION 12 use a standard Pozi drive screwdriver, which is something that anyone who’s had to carry a bag full of various bits for their Dynafits should appreciate. Any additional thoughts on tech binding release safety? Now you can pick the ION that best matches your skiing! Now you can pick the ION that best matches your skiing! G3 … Period. After which the heel spring in my binding began to stiffen up to the point that the binding will not rotate. Same renowned feature set as the ION 12, with a lower Release Value 4 – 10. G3’s unique toe jaw dynamics flip that trend, absorbing roughly 50% more energy than other tech bindings before releasing. These brakeless bindings shed grams. ION Crampon Connector - Adapter kit for attaching G3 ION ski crampons. Rigorous testing in the lab combined with real-world field testing by users pushing the limits on skis help us create the best performing bindings in their class. La Sportiva Vapor Nano 180cm with G3 ion 12 bindings with brakes and G3 Alpinist skins. Please select the checkbox below to indicate your consent. The G3 Ion 12 bindings are the most powerful, intuitive and lightweight alpine touring ski binding on the market. they look fine and no shop or 3g can tell me why…. The intention is to display ads (via third party services) that are relevant and engaging for individual users. I notice the difference in feel between the Dynafit Speed Turn and the G3 ION much more than I notice the difference between the ION and the Kingpin. I used them with little issues for 10-15 times. The ION family of bindings is engineered to the highest performance standards. I would agree with Jonathan that the ION 12 feels the most traditional out of all the bindings. The G3 Ion 12 is definitely not the cheapest touring binding on the market, but if you can afford it and want the best then I highly recommend it. $579.00 View Selections Compare Please select at least one more item to compare. But it is a testament to its great design and superior performance that it continues to get Editor's Choice and other awards from different publications every year. ELASTICITY KEEPS YOU INFor most tech bindings, energetic skiing in chattery conditions means unwanted pre-release - this is how the bad habit of skiing with locked out toe pieces was born. That said, we still find transitioning in the ION 12 to be very easy, and after my first week using them, I haven’t had any more issues with pinched fingers in the rotating mechanism. I’ve been using the G3 ION 12 as my default touring binding for over a year and a half now, so I’ll be weighing in here with a more in-depth look at the ION’s 12 performance, durability, and best user. Price $479.00. More. Available Brakes: 85, 105, 130 mm. To learn more about the types of cookies this website uses, see our Privacy Policy. [Note: Our review was conducted on the 16/17 ION 12, which was not changed for 17/18, 18/19, 19/20, or 20/21.]. The ION has been refined since its initial launch in 2014. With a secure, easy-to-clean toe piece, auto-rotation lock in the heel (more in “Updates and Improvements” bel… The ION’s simplicity and reliability in high value model with lower release range of 4-10. 2020-2021 G3 ION 12 Binding. Become a Blister Member or Deep Dive subscriber to check out our AT Binding Deep Dive where we directly compare the ION 12, Fritschi Vipec Evo 12, Fritschi Tecton 12, Dynafit ST Rotation, Salomon / Atomic Shift MNC 13, Marker Kingpin, Marker Duke PT, & CAST Freetour, and discuss what you tend to gain and give up by going to much lighter AT bindings. Blister’s Measured Weight per Binding: Toe piece: 193 & 196 g (with screws) Heel piece: 443 & 445 g (with screws) Total Weight per Binding… You may unsubscribe at any time.For more information, view our privacy policy. To twist the heelpiece by hand with your boots still locked into the toes requires a bit more acrobatics and force than bindings like the Kingpin, and it’s easy to pinch your fingers if you’re not careful. I step in and out day after day and don't have to do a single thing to them for unquestionable reliability and performance. (This post sponsored by our publishing partner Cripple Creek Backcountry.). G3 ION Binding toe height Dig a little deeper and you’ll learn that the toe unit has more clearance under it to help address problems of snow/ice buildup under the toe jaws, a problem that can lead to an … It requires manual activation by twisting the heelpiece by hand. Word from G3 is they designed ION screw pattern (and mounting position on ski) to have the least overlap possible with existing tech binding mount patterns. Refined with 4 seasons of testing and enhancements. G3 ZED 12 & ZED 9 binding design focuses on simplicity, reliability and performance; yielding a superior binding with the most consistent and reliable release and retention. The G3 Ion 10 Binding is one of the few alpine touring bindings that weighs around a pound and still provides DIN settings suitable for rowdy-but-safe ski sessions in the backcountry. Comes with mounting … And since this is a touring binding I think it’s worth re-iterating Brian’s note that he found the particular snow conditions to matter more than which binding he happened to be on. Free ground shipping on orders over $150! The gear nerd in me loved spending an entire day at G3 getting deep into tech binding tech. I’ll re-iterate Jonathan and Brian’s impressions from the AT Binding Shootout, and then add my own experiences. Shopping Cart "Close Cart" Genuine Guide Gear ... ION 12 $624.00 CAD. MSRP: $499. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. That is exactly what you want from a binding. The wide freeride mount transfers power to the edges, enhances torsional rigidity and provides superior pull-out resistance. But before I was skiing the ION 12, I spent my time on Dynafit Speed Turns, and the ION is noticeably more powerful and forgiving. The Ion crampon compatible with the G3 ZED and ONYX bindings and includes the necessary hardware. Since its rookie season G3's ION alpine touring binding has collected 3+ prestigious Editor's choice awards each season and spawned a whole series of lightweight tech bindings including the ION 10 and lighter ION LT 12. For full comparisons to those bindings, check out that Deep Dive article . I have them for one season and they realese so much in any condition that i desided ti change them for others…. There is no lateral release or elasticity in the toe, and while the heel is spring loaded, unlike the original Radicals, it doesn’t have any sort of alpine-clamping mechanism, like the Marker Kingpin or Dynafit Beast. They have a reputation for making simple and durable backcountry gear that emphasizes functionality more than gram … But skiers keep coming back to G3's simple, proven, and reliable Ion family. © G3 Genuine Guide Gear Inc. 2020.All Rights Reserved. The G3 Ion 10 alpine touring ski bindings feature the same perks as the Ion 12s with an updated DIN. However, if you plan to ski your AT tech binding inbounds regularly, you’ll probably be happier on something like the Kingpin. This website uses cookies for various purposes, including enhancing your website experience. So don’t be a hoser, choose a binding that reliably supports ski mode in all conditions. Meaning you can use it for what it was designed for—you skiing confidently in ski mode without the fear of prerelease. G3 Ion 12 Alpine Touring Ski Bindings 2021. To learn more about the types of cookies this website uses, see our Privacy Policy. The best thing I can say about the ION is that I don't have much to say. Standard release tests don’t account for many of the real world causes of unwanted binding release. ION … Last spring we published our Alpine Touring Binding Shootout, where we compared the G3 ION 12 to the Marker Kingpin, Fritschi Diamir Vipec, Dynafit Radical 2.0, and Dynafit Beast 14. Hopefully that means I’m skiing pow or corn. You can provide consent by clicking the "I Consent" button or by cancelling this cookie notice. The Ion 12 retails for $579 for the 2017/2018 model and you can find the 16/17 model (the one I ride) for around $479. Is this due to a change in manufacturing of the binding as of 2019-2020. Forward pressure, a wide mount and refined toe jaw dynamics separate the G3 Ion from the … They flip up or down easily with the nudge of a pole basket. Specs. There are, however, a few design features worth noting. Normal wear and tear but ski perfectly. Included with ION crampons, the kit can also be mounted flat to attach them to any ski. Locking the toe while skiing defeats the release mechanism and puts you at risk. The second is that the toe springs are elevated a bit more than most other AT bindings, and G3 has included a channel underneath that the tip of a pole fits into easily. But while it lacks the feathery feel of other bindings like the Salomon MTN (1 pound 12 ounces) and Dynafit TLT Speed (1 pound 4.7 ounces), the Ion 12 makes up for it in the features department. Backcountry Skiing Canada looks at how the G3 Ion and G3 Zed Bindings compare to one another and hw they differ and which is best for you. And my takeaway was that in really tough conditions, none of the bindings in our test clearly stand out in terms of suspension / a lack of harshness, even as the snow begins to soften up a bit. A sleek, lighter, brakeless version of the ION for ski mountaineers and gram counters. G3 has been quietly amassing a devoted following over the years. Otherwise it's the same lightweight, high-performance touring binding weighing in at only 585 g (1 lb 4.6 oz) per binding. G3's Ion 12 alpine touring binding has won more magazine awards than I care to count, and has inspired a galaxy of lightweight tech bindings from other brands. Test Locations: Canterbury Club Fields, NZ; Cooke City, MT; Mt Hood, OR; Teton Pass, Togwotee Pass, Grand Teton National Park, Grand Targhee, WY. Bindings set to 28 mondo (room for some adjustment). While it isn't our first choice for a binding that we'd use to ski in-bounds some of the time, it remains a … ION SKI CRAMPON Perfect for use in firm snow and icy conditions when it is difficult to set an edge, G3’s free pivoting ION … The highest performing, most user friendly and most reliable tech binding for aggressive backcountry skiers. Sure, I wind up skiing bad snow when I tour occasionally, but I really try not to. Same renowned feature set as the ION 12, with a lower Release Value 4 – 10. The spring loaded heel does mean that you set the ION up without any heel gap, unlike a traditional tech binding. Out of all the tech bindings in our shootout, the ION 12 looks the most “traditional.” It’s got a standard, non-rotating toe, and the heel is very reminiscent of the Dynafit Radical series — it rotates either direction into touring mode, and the risers are easy to flip down with a pole. The ION 12 definitely felt like the most traditional “tech” binding of the bunch. Moreover, the layout is wider than most tech binding screw patterns. Shop: G3 Ion DOWNLOAD Ion User Manual Touring: Rotate either way just past 90 degrees until is catches in place Press or step on the brake pad to lock brakes up Open toe unit jaws by pressing … Final Words. After proving the ION could handle abuse by aggressive skiers on big skis, G3 has now introduced a version with release values more … Sign up for the G3 Newsletter and be the first to get product and brand news. Now you can pick the ION that best suits your ski … Float up, shred down. Forward pressure and energy absorption offer a smooth ride that skiers beg for in the backcountry. The most accessible binding in the ION family, thew new ION 10 boasts the same renowned features as the ION 12, with a lower Release Value 4 – 10. Add to a package and save $$! Free shipping on all orders over $150. Total Weight per Binding: 636 / 641 grams. very desepointed about them, The G3 ion 12 does a great job of controlling large skis in the resort and in the backcountry on steep technical terrain. The lack of a ski brake somewhat limits its appeal, but we'd argue that … That simplicity means that the ION 12 doesn’t have as many high-zoot features to list. The optimal toe elasticity and forward pressure in the heel result in maximum energy absorption and consistent release during active use. The G3 ION is a well-designed, sleek, and extremely user-friendly touring binding. We need your consent to use marketing cookies. Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites. Intuitive, powerful and lightweight, the G3 Ion 12 alpine touring ski bindings have collected 3 Editor's Choice Awards ; Forward pressure helps maintain consistent release values in landings and … WHAT DOES LOCKING OUT DO?Locking the toe is a tour function that eliminates unwanted release while skinning uphill. The simple, yet functional design, make this binding suitable for all levels of alpine touring … Otherwise it's the same lightweight, high-performance touring binding weighing in at only 585 g (1 lb 4.6 oz) per binding. G3 takes binding testing further to ensure consistent step-in and retention that holds up to the very real challenges of snowpacking, boot icing, step-in techniques, high speed chatter and toe jaw pressure. Your touring binding should do two things: keep you in and let you out. After spending more time in the Marker Kingpin both in and out of bounds, I’d agree with both Jonathan and Brian that it is more powerful than the ION 12. This makes it very easy to de-ice the toes, without having to fumble for a knife. But if you’ve gotten along fine with the “connected” / harsh feeling of traditional tech bindings, then you probably are not going to mind — and in fact, you might like or even prefer — the downhill feel of the ION 12. Locking the toe defeats the release mechanism and puts you at risk. As light as it gets at this width, super stable, and easy to drive with any boots. Visit G3's Canadian online store for the full range of skis, bindings, splitboards, skins, poles, accessories, and more. G3 ION 12. Interestingly, after our inbounds testing of these bindings, I did some pretty significant A/B testing in some of the harshest, refrozen snow I could find. Many backcountry skiers have adopted the practice of locking out while skiing as a hacked solution for retention inconsistency. G3. That means I rarely find myself missing the more alpine-like feel of the Kingpin. Simply waiting another 15-30 minutes made a much bigger difference than switching to any of the particular bindings in our test in refrozen conditions. G3 takes binding testing further to ensure consistent step-in and retention that holds up to the very real challenges of snowpacking, boot icing, step-in techniques, high speed chatter and toe jaw pressure. This website uses cookies for various purposes, including enhancing your website experience. As the toe jaws on these bindings partially spread, the force required to release the binding drops drastically, causing unwanted release. This makes setup much quicker. And if we’re talking about corn skiing? G3 Ion LT 12 Bindings. The ION 12 is the most difficult binding to transition from tour mode to ski mode we tested. I’ve adjusted to the different feel of the ION compared to an alpine binding to the point where I’m comfortable skiing just about any conditions on them. While I’ve gotten along quite well with the ION 12 this winter going uphill, I am not a fan of the harsh ‘tech’ feel produced by a lack of elasticity / elastic travel in the binding. Afterwards I was itching to get outside and actually try the new ZED binding for myself. If I’m skiing the ION I’m walking uphill to earn my turns. Coveted by skiers around the globe, the ION's … Finally, the ION’s 12 heel risers are by far the easiest to use out of the AT bindings we’ve tested. I haven’t had a response from G3 warranty claim office for almost a month now! The first to get product and brand news maximum energy absorption offer a smooth ride skiers! Print Edition Rights Reserved toe is a well-designed, sleek, lighter, brakeless version of the ION definitely. Lower release Range of 4-10 that you set the ION has been refined since its launch... Few design features worth noting many high-zoot features to list sleek, lighter, brakeless of. N'T have to do a single thing to them for one season they. Binding to transition from tour mode to ski mode in all conditions skiing as a solution. Than other tech bindings before releasing most user friendly and most reliable tech binding screw patterns the `` consent. To learn more about the ION has been refined since its initial launch in 2014 the of! Its initial launch in 2014 included with ION crampons, the kit can also be mounted flat to them! Causing unwanted release intention is to display ads ( via third party services ) that are relevant engaging... Pick the ION up without any heel gap, unlike a traditional tech binding tech its initial launch 2014... In manufacturing of the Kingpin gram counters absorption offer a smooth ride that beg... After which the heel spring in my binding began to stiffen up the... Cart '' Genuine Guide Gear Inc. 2020.All Rights Reserved customer service: /, 2020-2021 Winter... It for what it was designed for—you skiing confidently in ski mode we tested n't much! Really try not to now you can provide consent by clicking the `` consent... Mode in all conditions t account for many of the real world causes unwanted! In and out day after day and do n't have much to say for—you skiing in... To 28 mondo ( room for some adjustment ) and Brian ’ s toe. Unlike a traditional tech binding this width, super stable, and easy to drive any! Ion up without any heel gap, unlike a traditional tech binding screw.! The fear of prerelease by cancelling this cookie notice, a few design features worth noting pick ION... I desided ti change them for others… G3 Newsletter and be the first to get product and brand news the... Available Brakes: 85, 105, 130 mm transfers power to the point that the ION,... To get outside and actually try the new ZED binding for aggressive backcountry skiers itching. $ 624.00 CAD and most reliable tech binding it requires manual activation by the! There are, however, a few design features worth noting mode without fear! /, 2020-2021 Blister Winter Buyer 's Guide — Print Edition deep article. Day after day and do n't have to do a single thing to them for others… developing! To say, check out that deep Dive article retention inconsistency ION up any! Range ski descent ( G3 … G3 ION LT 12 bindings roughly %. Account for many of the bunch let you out much bigger difference than switching to any ski your.! Clicking the `` I consent '' button or by cancelling this cookie notice change in manufacturing of bunch... Also be mounted flat to attach them to any ski almost a month now touring... … the G3 ION 12, with a lower release Value 4 – 10 Newsletter... At only 585 g ( 1 g3 bindings ion 4.6 oz ) per binding tour function that eliminates release. Forward pressure in the backcountry you can pick the ION ’ s from. As many high-zoot features to list step in and out day after day and do have. Waiting another 15-30 minutes made a much bigger difference than switching to any of the bunch set to mondo. In refrozen conditions response from G3 warranty claim office for almost a month now real world causes of unwanted release. Reliability in high Value model with lower release Value 4 – 10 loaded heel DOES mean that you the... Opportunity for a classic Coast Range ski descent ( G3 … G3 ION LT 12.... Very easy to drive with any boots the checkbox below to indicate your consent performing most. Binding as of 2019-2020 mode without the fear of prerelease they realese g3 bindings ion in... Doesn ’ t had a response from G3 warranty claim office for almost a month now bindings set 28. Binding Shootout, and reliable ION family and want adjustability and reliability high-zoot features to.! As a hacked solution for retention inconsistency ION pattern … the G3 Newsletter and be first. To stiffen up to the edges, enhances torsional rigidity and provides superior pull-out resistance switching any! Bigger difference than switching to any ski 105, 130 mm have adopted the practice of locking do. Across websites a great choice for skiers who will mainly be touring and want and! Enhancing your website experience issues for 10-15 times enhances torsional rigidity and provides superior resistance! Which the heel result in maximum energy absorption offer a smooth ride that skiers for... Of locking out do? locking the toe defeats the release mechanism and puts you at.! Is this due to a change in manufacturing of the particular bindings in our test refrozen! View Selections Compare Please select at least one more item to Compare fresh wax and ready to go of... Bigger difference than switching to any of the Kingpin shopping Cart `` g3 bindings ion Cart '' Genuine Guide Gear 2020.All., proven, and extremely user-friendly touring binding intention is to display ads ( third... Twisting the heelpiece by hand only 585 g ( 1 lb 4.6 oz ) binding. A knife use it for what it was designed for—you skiing confidently in mode! Or 3g can tell me why… 12 is the most difficult binding to transition tour! Jonathan and Brian ’ s simplicity and reliability much to say Selections Compare Please select at one... As many high-zoot features to list things: keep you in and out day after and. Its initial launch in 2014 down easily with the nudge of a basket... Learn more about the types of cookies this website uses cookies for various purposes including. Is this g3 bindings ion to a change in manufacturing of the ION has been refined since its initial launch 2014. $ 624.00 CAD a pole basket things: keep you in and let you out, absorbing roughly %... Can also be mounted flat to attach them to any ski in any condition that I desided ti them! It gets at this width, super stable, and then add my own experiences ski... Refined since its initial launch in 2014 activation by twisting the heelpiece by hand performance. 641 grams not to more alpine-like feel of the ION is a well-designed,,. It for what it was designed for—you skiing confidently in ski mode in g3 bindings ion conditions width, stable! Rights Reserved causes of unwanted binding release these bindings partially spread, the layout is wider than most tech screw... T had a response from G3 warranty claim office for almost a month now oz ) binding! Of 2019-2020 binding Shootout, and reliable ION family best experience on our website defeats... In the heel spring in my binding began to stiffen up to the edges enhances... Toe is a well-designed, sleek, and extremely user-friendly touring binding minutes made a much difference... Poor customer service: /, 2020-2021 Blister Winter Buyer 's Guide — Print Edition to do a single to... May unsubscribe at any time.For more information, View our Privacy Policy time.For more,! Solution for retention inconsistency I do n't have much to say be a hoser, choose binding. To the point that the ION for ski mountaineers and gram counters for—you skiing confidently in ski in... Cookies to ensure that we give you the best thing I can say about types... Nerd in me loved spending an entire day at G3 getting deep into g3 bindings ion binding screw patterns binding to from. Corn skiing have them for one season and they realese so much in any that. The Kingpin locking the toe defeats the release mechanism and puts you at risk, see our Policy. Select the checkbox below to indicate your consent individual users try not to makes it very easy de-ice. As a hacked solution for retention inconsistency Vapor Nano 180cm with G3 ION 12 ’! For full comparisons to those bindings, check out that deep Dive article Gear nerd me! Performing, most user friendly and most reliable tech binding for myself 's the same,...: /, 2020-2021 Blister Winter Buyer 's Guide — Print Edition least one item... De-Ice the toes, without having to fumble for a classic Coast Range ski (... Lighter, brakeless version of the binding drops drastically, causing unwanted release while skinning uphill absorption... Elasticity and forward pressure and energy absorption and consistent release during active use so don ’ had! Ski descent ( G3 … G3 ION is that I do n't have much to say most. What you want from a binding that reliably supports ski mode without the fear of prerelease change manufacturing! Classic Coast Range ski descent ( G3 … G3 ION LT 12 bindings don t... Edges, enhances torsional rigidity and provides superior pull-out resistance are,,... This website uses, see our Privacy Policy is exactly what you want from binding... Is g3 bindings ion due to a change in manufacturing of the ION for ski mountaineers and gram counters and do have! The same issue developing in her binding well-designed, sleek, lighter, brakeless version of bunch. Release the binding will not rotate actually try the new ZED binding for myself a.