Marker found the sweet spot with the Kingpin 13 AT Binding, which offers tried-and-true tech from classic pin bindings and takes cues from traditional alpine bindings. With the best of both worlds, we count on this clamp for its lightweight and efficient feel on the climb, and its powerfully reliable performance on the down. The toe uses spring-loaded pins to secure your boot, with six steel springs within the toe-piece to provide greater energy absorption and contact pressure than a four-spring setup. The ski/walk switch has a full lockout and the bindings are crampon-compatible for added security in no-fall zones. Like an alpine binding, the Kingpin’s heel features a step-in function, has a beefy anti-friction device, and rocks alpine-style brakes that lock up in walk mode. To further distinguish the Kingpin from traditional tech bindings, it’s TUV-certified, meaning that it has real, measurable, and repeatable DIN settings, not just release values. The heel also pivots laterally to provide consistent release and retention, with plenty of vertical elasticity as well, so you have a powerful alpine connection instead of that rattly tech-binding feel. Marker revised the rubber bump stop, making it even easier to line up the boot and step into the binding.