In the mid-tech section of the alpine touring binding spectrum, the Marker Kingpin 10 continues its dominance of the light weight, yet hard core section. For intermediate skiers who don’t need the retention of the 13, the Kingpin 10 is here for all of your adventure skiing needs and wants. Generally unchanged, they have adopted the two-spring toe piece of the Alpinist and V-Werks bindings that allows the Kingpin to increase toe tension without adding weight. This all adds up to a light and responsive toe with the same great Kingpin heel that we’ve seen over the past few years. Backcountry and alpine touring skiing styles have evolved dramatically over the past half-decade or so, and the Kingpin has been at the forefront of it all. Compatible with all pin tech boots, these bindings are meant to rip the uphills as well as the downhills. The toe is light and minimalistic, with the heel having a bit more beef and strength for skiers who are looking for more of an alpine confidence when zooming on the downhills. Thanks to Marker’s long-standing reputation for making some of the best bindings on the market, it’s no wonder the Kingpin 10 remains one of the most sought-after bindings out there. At 660 grams per binding, they’re practical feathers among the more alpine-oriented tech bindings, so these certainly err on the side of uphill capabilities.