G3's new ZED Binding - VIDEO
G3’s Director of Product, Cam Shute paid a visit to Backcountry Skiing Canada’s HQ to run us through a number of new products for the 2018/19 ski season such as the G3 ZED Binding, G3 SEEKr skis and G3 Alpinist Skins (you can see more of those here). Check out the following video for a closer look at the new G3 ZED Bindings:
The ZED Binding builds on the success of the G3 Ions and manage to shave off an incredible 200 grams per binding even with the optional brakes included. In creating the Zed Binding the G3 team looked at ever part of the Ion to find a way to make it lighter while ensuring that it would still be a full featured binding. We’ll be preparing a complete review of these bindings in the spring but in the mean time have a read over the press release below.
A closer look at the Zed Binding toes.
And the heels.
The riser options.
And full extension on the toe piece.
New G3 ZED binding offers skiers lightweight, high performance features
Innovative new design offers a full feature set, easy-to-use interface, and the performance of much heavier tech binding
When it comes to alpine touring tech bindings, there are exceptionally light, minimalist options, and there are fully featured, high performance models with heavier weights. The new ZED binding from G3 breaks the mold altogether, offering high performance features at just 345 grams. That makes it the lightest fully featured AT binding on the market.
Building upon the simple, durable and easyto- use design of G3’s legendary ION binding, engineers re-examined every single part, screw and mechanism to create an even lighter and consistently reliable binding. The ZED’s simple design and bombproof mechanisms offer skiers efficient uphill travel and hard-charging downhill capability.
Like the ION, the ZED’s toe piece offers the most consistent retention and release mechanism of any tech binding on the market, thanks to unique jaw dynamics that absorb up to 50 percent more energy, compared to other techbinding toe pieces, before releasing. That means skiers can confidently ski without locking out the toe, as skiers often choose to do on other tech bindings.
The heel turret offers similar advantages over other tech bindings. It is the only sub-350g touring binding that offers forward pressure in the heel keeping release consistent as the ski flexes. In addition, the ZED heel features a single screw adjustment that adjusts both vertical and lateral release with a full Release Value (RV) range of 5-12; other bindings in this weight class only offer a single RV for the vertical release. These features combine with many others to optimize for consistent and reliable retention and release, complementing the advantages of the toe piece. The heel turret uses a wide center frame that helps more effectively transfer power to the ski and allows for easy installation of optional brakes. Two risers offer different heights for climbing.
The G3 ZED redefines lightweight touring without sacrificing the ability to ski aggressively on challenging terrain. Go lighter. Go further. Go hard.
Weight: 345 grams / binding (85 grams optional brakes)
MSRP: $499 (Binding + Leash), $85 (Brakes)
Brakes Sizes: 85mm, 100mm, 115mm, 130mm