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New G3 Ion Tech Binding Announced - VIDEO

admin

2014-01-06 01:10:52

New G3 Ion Tech Binding Announced - VIDEO

We here at Backcountry Skiing Canada are huge fans of tech bindings for alpine touring and we are ecstatic to offer you the scoop on G3’s new ION offering. We’ve reviewed tech bindings from Plum, Dynafit and G3 in our binding review zone but, in this case, Cam Shute, G3 Product Development Engineer, walks us through the nitty gritty of what looks to be a player. Cam was one of the project leads, working with Rob Moore and others at the G3 mothership in North Vancouver, BC.

Though we haven’t skied on the binding yet, we’ll likely get a pair in a few weeks and will share our impressions in a review. On first pass, they look very nice: at 585g each, they are lighter than any tech binding with a RV 12, the heel lifts are super effective and sexy-orange, and the boot stop spring thingy appears to make them easy to engage the pins. There’s also an insane trick Cam uses to switch from tour to alpine mode with his pole grip (look for it on the vid).

Now, some sexy shots...

(click for larger view)
JF

2014-01-10 00:41:29

The word ''sexy'' is what stands out in this short write-up. Is this for real? Does anybody really thinks of a binding as sexy?

Please, we know you're good friends with G3 people but try to keep this reviewing thing serious and objective. Maybe put some G3 ads if you want but keep the write-ups non-bias.

Thanks.

(Or just do the full bias thing and don't mind me.)
admin

2014-01-10 11:21:41

Hey JF, since I have a background in product design I do actually find some products sexy but not likely in the same way you are thinking – more in the well designed and appealing to the eye sexy kind of way. Everyone has their our own opinions and thats mine, just as as you expressed yours, so thanks for that.

Yes its true we are friends with Cam as he is a local Nelson boy but we are not producing the video as a favour to him, this is big news for the backcountry skiing community and therefore we will report on it. We just happen to think that a few of the G3 Ion features are pretty interesting and are looking forward to reviewing it with a critical eye as we do all our reviews. This is where we will see if the sizzle is more than it appears to be.

Thanks for you thoughts and input.

Admin.
Beebs

2014-01-13 15:45:11

Does anyone know if this binding will still release when in locked mode, and if it will outright replace the Ruby/Onyx, or if they are going to market them as differnt bindings for slightly different uses?
admin02

2014-01-14 19:53:01

Hi Beebs. I'll ask and get back to ya if I have any luck digging up an answer.

Andrew
admin02

2014-01-15 15:19:10

Beebs said:Does anyone know if this binding will still release when in locked mode, and if it will outright replace the Ruby/Onyx, or if they are going to market them as differnt bindings for slightly different uses?

So the word is that the Ruby and Onyx are still available. They'll continue to be available as long as enough people want them.

Regarding the lock, the ION has a stronger lock than the onyx.

'hope this info is helpful,

a
bfow

2014-02-20 19:32:14

Any news on whether you'll be able to ski them soon yet Andrew?
admin02

2014-02-21 18:50:39

Possibly this season. If not, the next fer sure.
2wheeler

2014-02-24 20:16:51

Thanks for letting us see this. I like the idea of an elastic heel piece, but I'm also hoping elasticity comes to the toe piece of the next generation of tech bindings.

One inconsistency I noted was your comment:

"at 585g each, they are lighter than any tech binding with a RV 12"

I believe the plum tech binding comes in at just over 335 g each and has a DIN of 12.

http://backcountryskiingcanada.....20Bindings
admin

2014-02-24 20:25:08

Hey 2wheeler, thanks for the feedback. I think the 585 is per pair?

On another note, I finally got to demo a pair at the Kootenay Cold Smoke Festival this weekend and while it was just in bounds, I was impressed at how easy the toe alignment was. It was almost magnetic thanks to the toe bumper that aligns things so well. Can't say as much for the new Diamir Fritschi Vipec, very hard to align the front tech pins. Hopefully get our hands on pair to do some real testing for next season.
2wheeler

2014-02-26 14:25:03

Looks like 585 g is per binding. From Wildsnow:

“Lightweight.” ION catalog weight of 585 g, 20.6 ounces per binding (1/2 pair) with 115 mm brake and no screws is claimed. That’s not particularly light for a “pintech” binding (competitor major brand with similar features weighs slightly less though exact models and brake widths cause apples/apples comparison to be tedious), but if the heavier duty toe wing springs and heel fore/aft elasticity help with reliable retention, the added weight could be worth it.