G3 Ion LT 12 Binding 

A look at the heel and toe piece of the on LT 12 bindings.

The Ion bindings now come in three flavours: The Ion 10, Ion 12, and Ion LT 12. The number designates the maximum DIN setting and the LT is the light version due to the lack of brakes. Since we’ve previously reviewed the G3 Ion 12's over here, I won’t go into all the features again in this review. Be sure to read that review prior to this one so you’re in the know.

Tech pins keep your boot secure at the heel and toe.

• Energy Absorption - Maximized energy absorption. Minimized pre-releases.
• Forward Pressure - Maintains consistent release values in landings and compressions.
• Step-In Guidance - Quick, easy, & consistent step-in.
• QuickFlick Heel Lifts - Easy to grab with pole or hand.
• User-Friendly Heel Rotation - Turn heel in either direction to lock for touring with either hand.
• Single Tool - Pozi Drive #3 for all mounts and adjustments. No heel spacer needed.
• Snow Clearing Channel - Prevents snow build-up, avoids unwanted pre-releases.
• Leash - Set of two coiled cable leashes included
• Simple boot stop - Minimal weight, and effective guidance to easily get into the bindings.
• Light-weight heel rest - This is in place of the brakes

Neutral position in the heel and then two levels of risers which offer help when climbing steeper slopes.

While I am always happy to lose a few grams off my ski touring set-up, you’ll typically pay the price for this benefit in one form or another. With skis, this typically means performance is compromised as a lighter ski simply cannot perform as well in variable snow conditions. The same cannot be said however for the G3 Ion LT 12 alpine touring bindings. Since the LT 12s are identical to the regular Ion 12s in every way except for the lack of brakes, there is no loss in performance. There is however (in my opinion) more fussing around required when using the Ion LT 12s since you must secure the leashes each time you step into, and out of the Ion LT 12s. While this effort is minimal, it still requires time and energy, and I simply prefer the easy step-in / step-out of the regular Ion 12s. No fuss, no muss. If you are a gambler you could ski without the coil leashes and save a full 258g, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Skis pop off with aggressive kick turns, and of course with an unexpected fall. A run-away ski can spell catastrophe in deep powder if you are unable to retrieve it. Limping back shamelessly to the trailhead or resort with only one ski is never fun, and even a few kilometres can take hours. A run-away ski also becomes a very fast and dangerous projectile for anyone below you. Hence the reason why resorts require you wear some sort of retention device on your skis should you choose to ride the lifts to access the goods.

I am a huge fan of the G3 Ion 12s, so much so that they won our Gear of the Year Award last year. The LT version (for this skier at least) just doesn’t have enough benefit to offset dealing with the leashes. For some “light is right”, and in that case these are the bindings for you.

For all other alpine touring binding reviews check out our binding review page here.