marker tour f12 adjustment

Your Shopping Cart

• In Store Appointment
• 2023-24 Buyer's Guide
• About The Ski Monster
• Ski Bindings
• Alpine Touring
• Ski Boot Outlet
• Snowboard Bindings
• Snowboard Boots
• Snowboard Outlet
• Men's Ski Jackets
• Men's Ski Pants
• Men's Snowboard Jackets
• Men's Snowboard Pants
• Men's Mid Layers
• Men's Soft Shell Jackets
• Men's Base Layers
• Men's Sweatshirts
• Men's T-Shirts
• Men's Outlet
• Women's Ski Jackets
• Women's Ski Pants
• Women's Snowboard Jackets
• Women's Snowboard Pants
• Women's Mid Layers
• Women's Base Layers
• Women's T-Shirts
• Women's Outlet
• Accessories
• Snowboard Bags
• Belts & Suspenders
• Accessories Outlet
• Staff Picks
• Boston Store

END OF SEASON SALE, ALL 2024 GEAR ON SALE NOW

Elan Ripstick 88 W Skis 2024 // Women's

Adjusting ski bindings isn't difficult, but it does need to be done properly to ensure safety. To do so there are just a few things you need to know and you'll be swapping skis with your buddies on the hill in no time.  Now there is a difference between adjusting and remounting; difference being on a remount the bindings need to come off and be repositioned on the ski.  Adjusting has to do with adjusting the heel piece on flat mounted skis or the toe and heel if it's a system ski (integrated binding system).

In this blog I'll be going over adjusting and setting the forward pressure for flat mounted skis with Marker Bindings. Obviously the bindings need to be adjusted so you can click your boot in but they need to have the forward pressure set properly so the binding works properly.  Below is a photo of Eric's boot clicked into a Marker Griffon with the forward pressure set properly.

The forward pressure indicator on the back of most Marker Bindings ( Squire , Griffon , Jester , Jester Pro , Comp 16 etc) is the silver screw on the back of the black heel piece housing.  In the photo above you can see the screw is flush with the black binding housing while the boot is clicked in, indicating that the foward pressure is set properly.  If it's too loose, meaning the heel piece is too far back that screw will be sticking out as seen in the image below indicating that the forward pressure is too low. 

Too get the forward pressure set properly grab your favorite phillips or flathead screw driver and turn the screw clockwise (righty tighty) until the screw is flush with the housing.  Eject the ski boot from the binding then click it back in and double check to make sure that screw is flush with the housing.  You don't want it to be to tight or it will look like the image below.

In the above image the forward pressure indicator aka the silver screw is inside the black housing the back of the binding indicating that the forware pressure too high.  Grab that trusty screw driver and loosen it up so you can be safe out there.  Take the boot out click it back in if that screw is flush with the binding housing your forward pressure is set properly.

If you can't get the forward pressure set properly or it seems that the bindings need to be remounted on the ski take 'em to your local shop and have them do it for you.  Mounting and Remounting skis is a more involved process and it is VERY important that it is done properly.  

Let's say you did get the forward pressure set properly on your bindings... Now it's time to set the DIN's.

In the above images is the heel piece on the Marker Griffon .  The image on the left shows the Visual indicator window displaying what the DIN is currently set at.  Eric has his bindings set at an 8.  Too raise or lower the DIN grab that same screw driver you used before to set the forward pressure and set your DIN's.

Know you may be asking 'How do I know what my DIN is supposed to be?'  If you find yourself asking that question, go take your skis to a shop and have them get your bindings dialed in for you.  Once you know what your DIN is supposed to be for a certain binding (It does differ a bit from brand to brand) you'll know what to set your bindings at for next time. 

Once you have your forward pressure and DIN’s set it’s time to get the Anti-Friction Device (AFD) properly adjusted. The AFD is the spring loaded piece on the binding that sits directly under the toe of the boot that allows for a clean release during a crash. All you will need is a Phillips head screwdriver or Allen wrench and a business card.

When you first engage your boot everything will seem fine, but that isn’t always the case. Generally there will be too much pressure forcing your boot into the housing of the binding or the exact opposite with too much space between the boot and binding. This is important for the same reasons as forward pressure, making sure you release properly in case of a crash. Too much pressure will make the release more difficult and not enough allows your boot to rattle around with the increased chance of releasing unexpectedly.

The image above shows the AFD on the NEW Marker Griffon ID binding. All ID bindings from Marker will follow the same steps. Begin by engaging the boot into the binding and taking a look underneath the toe of the boot. If there is a visible gap between the AFD and the bottom of the boot we need to raise the height of the AFD (Left Image). If there is a lot of contact we need to lower the AFD (Right Image).

The adjustment screw is found in front of the binding near the surface of the ski, which is significantly easier to adjust than older models because it can be done with the boots engaged. Turn CLOCKWISE if you want to lower the AFD and COUNTER-CLOCKWISE to raise the height of the AFD. We want the AFD to make just a little contact with the bottom of the boot. At this point grab a business card and try to insert it between the boot and the AFD. What we are looking for is the ability to insert the and remove the card with a little resistance. If the business card folds over on itself then it is too tight and if it has no resistance when inserted it’s too loose. Make small adjustments until the card has little resistance when inserted and removed.

The above photo is a perfect AFD adjustment. Remember to click your boot in and out a few times then recheck the AFD with the business card to make sure this is where the boot naturally sits. 

The new Marker Griffon ID has the capabilities of accommodating standard alpine soles, alpine touring soles, and Grip Walk. Again, making the adjustment on the New Marker Griffon ID is much easier than previous models because it can be done with the boot engaged rather than removing the boot each time. If you have an older model follow the steps below.

All NON Marker ID bindings (Squire 217/18)(Jester, Griffon pre 2016/17) that have adjustable AFD’s will follow similar steps to set the AFD properly. Instead of the adjustment screw sitting in front of the binding, it will be found on the backside of the toe piece pointing directly at the heel piece. Also, to adjust this AFD you will need a business card and a Allen Wrench in place of the traditional screwdriver.

Start with engaging the boot into the binding and taking a look underneath the toe of the boot. If there is a visible gap between the AFD and the bottom of the boot we need to raise the height of the AFD (Left Image). If there is a lot of contact we need to lower the AFD (Right Image).

Again, the image above shows the AFD adjustment screw located on the backside of the toe piece pointing directly toward the heel piece. If the AFD is too low rotate the the Allen wrench COUNTER-CLOCKWISE to raise the height until it’s barely touching the bottom of the boot. If you can’t insert a business card with little resistance then you will need to lower the AFD by turning the Allen wrench CLOCKWISE. Again, you’re looking for the business card to have some resistance when inserted and removed. 

The above image shows the AFD slightly touching the bottom of the boot with some resistance when inserting a business card. We DO NOT want the card to fold over or there to be a visible gap between the AFD and boot. Sometimes when the AFD is lowered completely you will still have too much resistance when inserting the business card. This is OK and nothing to worry about. Just engage your boots several times and make sure you have lowered the AFD all the way down. If you have followed all these steps your Anti Friction Device will be perfect and ready for all out shredding.

The one thing that I want you to take away from this blog is knowing what it means to have your forward pressure and your AFD set properly.  When skiers pre-release out of there bindings forward pressure or AFD being set incorrectly is often the culprit.  If it is set properly the DIN's are most likely too low. AND sometimes... sometimes... it's extremely rare, but you could have a lemon of a ski binding.

If you are planning to purchase bindings and boots within the next few years, the Marker ID bindings will allow for more boot options that take advantage of the Grip Walk feature. Older model NON ID Marker Bindings will not be able to accept this style of boot that makes walking tremendously easier. It would be unfortunate to get a Grip Walk compatible boot that will not work with an older style of binding that is actively being phased out. 

Related Articles:

How to: Adjust your Salomon Ski Bindings

Recent Posts

Posts by category.

Marker Tour F12 Review

This is my review of Marker Tour F12 . In my opinion, it is an excellent backcountry touring ski binding that gives you the best of both worlds in terms of uphill and downhill performance. It’s expensive, which is a definite deterrent, but if you can afford the Tour F12 it will give you everything you want and more to explore the winter wilds.

Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of this ski binding, who it is best for, and other similar alternatives to consider.

Quick Summary

Why trust me, backcountry and touring performance, downhill response, construction and durability, price and value, what i like, what i don’t like, the alternatives, final verdict.

• Where to buy: Amazon
• Best for: Backcountry touring skiers who want a reliable and effective binding option that provides effortless movement uphill and serious performances skiing back down.
• Pros: Excellent performance attributes when touring uphill. It offers high-end downhill response in terms of power transfer. Versatile. Can be used for a backcountry and resort setup on the same skis.
• Cons: Very expensive. Costs almost as much as some skis.
• Alternatives: Tyrolia Ambition 12 , G3 Ion 12 , Atomic Shift MNC 13

Should I get small or large sizes?

The small binding size will fit boot sole lengths of 265-325mm. The large binding size will fit boot sole lengths of 305-365mm.

Are these bindings good to use with wider skis?

Yes. These bindings come in a variety of brake sizes. That makes them versatile enough to work with a variety of ski widths.

Can these bindings be used as a resort binding?

They can be used for both with flying colors. The excellent downhill performance traits of the Marker Tour F12 makes them one of the best options to use if you like to ski both backcountry and the resort on only one ski setup.

I’ve been skiing almost as long as I’ve been able to walk. I’ve skied all over the world and have decades of experience skiing on, testing, and reviewing different skis and skiing equipment. I heavily researched the Marker Tour F12 and spoke with a few backcountry enthusiasts who love these bindings. Below is my detailed review.

Detailed Review of Marker Tour F12

The Marker Tour F12 has long been a top choice for backcountry skiers who want the capability to tour wherever and whenever they want without sacrificing downhill performance. If you love to get out in the backcountry but also spend a good amount of time at the resort, these bindings will have your back through it all. They are expensive, as most options in the category are, but are well worth the price tag if you have the money.

These skis are well suited for skinning long trails up to your final destination, and are built to resist the elements. They come with a lightweight design that makes them ideal for skiers looking to shed ounces and not sacrifice performance. That is why they are loved by so many backcountry purists.

A big reason the Tour F12 offers such great uphill performance is the thought-out, backcountry-focused design. The tour mode features a nicely engineered lever that sits under your boot and allows for easy up and down motion without any unwanted or premature release. The entire binding rests on a touring base plate, and you have two different sizing options to choose from.

On top of that, the F12 has two different titanium climbing aids that let you easily switch from 7-degrees to 13-degrees with your poles. That’s an obvious advantage when you’re really digging in on a long hike or skin track, and it gives you quick, easy movements with each step. All of those elements combine for somes serious uphill performance.

One of the best attributes of these bindings is the fact that they give you excellent downhill performance right alongside their serious touring capabilities. Marker is one of the top brands in the binding business and has a strong reputation for creating performance-focused options that meet the needs of high-level skiers. The F12 Tour brings that storied performance into a touring binding, and the result is downright awesome.

When you reach the top of a long ascent and switch these bindings into ski mode, you’re going to be ready for anything. There is not a single terrain or condition that these bindings can’t handle. No matter what your ability is, they will deliver high-end power transfer to translate each and every move of your legs through your boots and into your skis. They respond on a dime. That’s quite impressive for such a lightweight option.

Another aspect I really like about these bindings is that they don’t have to exclusively be used in touring situations. They provide you with the same excellent downhill traits whether you’re on a deep backcountry line or bombing a groomer at the resort. That versatility makes them a good option for skiers who want a one ski setup to use wherever their adventures might take them.

The Marker Tour F12’s engineering and construction helps it shine in many mountain situations. The bindings are constructed to withstand anything that comes their way. In addition, they have durable plastics and metals that allow them to easily last for many seasons of steady skiing. That ensures they won’t wear down after heavy use.

The toe piece features a Triple Pivot Light Toe design that’s both compact and effective at holding your boot in place whether headed uphill or down. This toe piece also has an aluminum bridge to add a little extra strength and stability without putting on too much weight. An anti-friction device, similar to what comes on almost all Marker bindings, helps to keep excess snow from building and allows you to quickly step in and stay secure.

The heel piece utilizes a hollow linkage design that makes them compatible with a wide variety of boots, touring and resort alike. This hollow design also helps to minimize weight, and is constructed to withstand heavy use. The extended power frame also helps increase performance across the board. You also can pick between various size options, which increase the versatility.

For all the amazing performance features that the Marker Tour F12 has to offer, they are pretty expensive. Though they sit right in the range of other high-end alpine touring bindings , that doesn’t make them affordable. If money isn’t a big concern, these bindings offer great value as a result of their rugged design and excellent performance. If you’re on a budget, that value somewhat drops.

The Marker Tour F12 Bindings are some of the best alpine touring ski bindings out there. That means they are great if you like to spend your days off the beaten path searching for fresh lines and untouched snow. They are built to withstand the rigorous demands of touring and their lightweight nature comes in handy when you’re on the trail of a once in a lifetime experience.

I like the ease with which you can switch from touring mode to ski mode as well. With a change of a lever, the entire binding moves 40mm backward for when you’re heading uphill. That may not sound like much, but the little shift of the binding greatly increases your range of motion. It also keeps you balanced and active when your heel is loose.

The bindings’ outstanding downhill performance is also something that’s easy to like. Even if you aren’t a backcountry skier, these bindings will give you excellent hold, power transfer, and response no matter what style of skiing you like the most. Touring bindings will often sacrifice some downhill ability to shed ounces and keep things light. That’s far from the case here.

The biggest aspect I dislike about these bindings is their high price. They are expensive. There’s no way around that. The elevated price tag alone will keep them out of the realm of possibility for a lot of skiers because it’s hard to justify shelling out that much cash on something that isn’t a set of skis. That said, they are definitely worth it if you can afford them. It’s just hard to recommend them without putting the price into play.

My only other complaint is, even though Marker claims the F12’s are crampon compatible, wearing the claws on your boots and strapping into the bindings can hurt their longevity. That’s easy to understand and, although you can keep your crampons on when you’re in a pinch, I would try to limit how much time you spend stepped in with these on.

There are plenty of options in the world of alpine touring bindings these days. If you want to explore some nice alternatives to the Marker Tour F12, check these out:

• Tyrolia Ambition 12 – This is another one of the top options in the world of high-quality touring bindings. They give you serious uphill advantages without sacrificing downhill performance. They are versatile enough to be used at the resort and in the backcountry, and are compatible with nearly every boot length. The Freeflex system is effective and makes these bindings easy to use.
• G3 Ion 12 – Backcountry focused skiers will love everything that the G3 Ion 12 ( review ) has to offer. These are an extremely lightweight option best suited for a strictly touring setup. They are reliable and durable in a way that keeps you engaged uphill. On the way down, they also offer excellent retention and hold. The wide toe jaw and tech pins are compatible with a lot of touring boots, and it’s easy to switch from touring to ski mode.
• Atomic Shift MNC 13 – This is another great backcountry touring binding. They are actually some of the best you can find because of how they rival the Marker Tour F12 across the board. They are more expensive than just about every other option as well. Excellent uphill abilities combine with serious downhill performance to give you a reliable binding in the backcountry and beyond.

The Marker Tour F12 is a solid, all-around binding. It gives you the best of both worlds in terms of uphill and downhill performance, and comes with an innovative construction designed by one of the biggest binding brands in the world. These bindings are expensive, but their durability and performance will give you years of steady use. A great choice for both the backcountry and the resort.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Purl ski wax review, 5 best alpine touring bindings, 5 best kids ski bindings.

TheSkiGirl.com is a resource site for skiers of all levels to learn and improve skiing. Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

SierraDescents.com

Gear Review

Marker Tour F12

• impressive structural rigidity
• resort-worthy release safety
• less-econometric stride
• 4lbs 8oz/pair (w/brakes)

Visions of an Alpine Touring binding from a heavyweight Alpine manufacturer like Marker have been dancing in the dreams of A/T skiers for many years now—mine included.

Those dreams seemed to come true with the 2008 release of Marker's touring-capable Duke, but spontaneous performances of the Hallelujah Chorus proved a little premature: at nearly six pounds per pair, the Duke's weight placed it at the extreme edge of the touring spectrum—arguably beyond. This year, however, at long last we have an authentic touring choice from Marker, in the form of the Tour F10 and F12 bindings. The only ones not celebrating now are Fritschi.

Both Tour F10 and F12 use the same basic design as the Marker Duke, but at a significantly lower weight.

The Tour F12 in size small (265-325mm boot) with 110mm ski brakes weighs in at a Fritschi-competitive 4.49 pounds per pair. Without brakes, Marker claims 3.86lbs (1750 grams).

As with the Duke, you must snap out of the Tour when changing either to or from touring mode. In most situations, that probably isn't too much of an inconvenience, especially if you typically remove your skis when you put on or take off your climbing skins. The Tour has a release lever in the center of the binding which you push and/or pull to change modes. Note that the position of the lever precludes the possibility of unwanted mode change while skiing.

From Alpine mode, pulling the lever causes the binding plate to shift about 40mm rearward, releasing the heel to enter Touring mode. Marker claims this 40mm shift puts the ski in a more comfortable position for walking, and a more effective position for ascending and performing kick turns; However, it's really just a consequence of the binding's design. Much more significant regarding touring comfort is the position of the toe pivot, which is about a full inch farther forward than my Fritschi Explore's pivot.

Is that inch noticeable? You bet. I haven't climbed enough with the Tour to make a final pronouncement, but my initial reaction while gliding around is that the pivot point results in a significantly less comfortable stride. That said, as far as I'm aware, we've just covered every possible way in which the Tour might be considered inferior to a Fritschi step-in. To recap: you must step out of the binding to change modes, and pivot position is less ergonometric.

Let's now contemplate the not-insignificant ways in which the Tour appears markedly superior to the Fritschi:

Put your ski on the floor and snap your boot into the Marker Tour F12 binding. Listen to that deep, solid thunk as the binding snaps closed. Now grab the toe of your ski boot and wiggle it—or, I should say, try to wiggle it. In terms of release quality and retention rigidity, the Tour F12 is essentially indistinguishable from a good Alpine binding. Utterly absent is the wiggle/slop/play of my Fritschi Explores.

If you want to drive big skis with big boots and never feel your edges skitter in and out due to toe slop, the Tour is indeed a dream come true. And hold on Dynafit riders: you may enjoy a similarly rigid binding interface (I say may ), but I ask you, does your binding's release and retention mechanism really have your fullest confidence? Looking at the Tour compared to my standard Marker Griffin bindings, I see nothing to indicate that the Tour in any way offers less release safety.

So I'm just going to say it: if you want a true touring binding that you can ride with 100% confidence inbounds and out, this is it. Save one and a quarter ounces if you choose by getting the Tour F10, with a slightly lower 4-10 DIN range. Either way, you're getting extremely close to full Alpine-level performance on the downhill at Fritschi-level weight equivalency on the uphill.

Bottom line: I need a little more time with these. Check back next season for more in-depth thoughts...

Marker Marker Alpinist 10 Touring

Black Diamond Equipment ATK Route

Marker F12 Tour EPF Large Alpine

Marker F12 Tour Epf Binding -110MM

Marker F5 JR Tour Alpine Touring

Marker Duke PT 16 Alpine Touring

ads by Avantlink

Recommended Bindings

Review Categories

• Accessories

About SierraDescents

When there is snow, SierraDescents is Andy Lewicky's California backcountry skiing and mountaineering website. Without snow, sierradescents becomes an ill-tempered hiking and climbing blog.

Pray for snow.

2024 SierraDescents

• Powder Finder
• Ski resorts near me
• Switzerland
• Ski touring
• Snow Report
• Ski Bindings

Marker F12 Tour EPF

Top 10 ski resorts

• Wilder Kaiser
• Whistler Blackcomb
• Val Thorens
• Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

Top 10 ski destinations

• Czech Republic
• Ski resorts

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Information.

• Privacy policy
• Content policy

Marker Tour F 10/12 Tour Ski Binding — Real World Weigh-in

Now we’ve gotten both versions of F 12 on the scale for the reality show. Brilliant. Latest model F 12 (2010/2011) weighs 35.9 ounces (1018 gr). Original model F-12 we have (early 2010 vintage) weighs in at 36.7 oz (1040 gr). That makes the latest model a hair LIGHTER than Fritschi Freeride Plus (36 ounces), and the earlier version insignificantly heavier than Freeride. (All weights with screws and brakes.)

Yep, on your feet the weight of the two backcountry skiing bindings (Marker Tour and Fritschi) is virtually the same. Of course the Marker doesn’t have the now classic Fritschi heel lift but rather a shorter max lift that’s tougher to engage — and you do have to exit the Marker to change modes between downhill and uphill. But the Marker indeed gives you a full-on wide stance alpine type binding that tours. Hard choice between Fritschi and Marker now, if you ask me. We be testing.

On the scale here at HQ, Marker Tour F12 original version. Latest weighs about an ounce less. Wow.

Shop for it.

And check our our Marker facility visit from Germany last winter!

WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.

Fritschi Diamir Eagle & Freeride Pro Template

Pnw — early season powder & sun.

Don't have an account? Join Now

Forgot Password

Please enter your public display name and a secure password.

Plan to post in the forums? Change your default forum handle here!

Marker Tour Binding Review

Years ago, the Marker Duke binding – an absurdly burly downhill binding modeled off the Marker Jester that also had a touring mode – was the first in a wave of new products aimed simultaneously at the hard-charging skier who’d been wary of the weakness of existing ski touring bindings and the first-time backcountry skier who was stepping out of the resort for the first time but who still expected to spend most of their year riding the lifts. It was the first salvo into a new market that has seen most of the growth in ski products of late, in that vast in-between space between regular resort riding and weight-weeny skinny-ski uphill-focused backcountry skiing.

Years later, a vaster array of products has filled all kinds of niches within that big gap, and the Marker Tour F12 is one of them. The Tour is basic the Duke except 30% lighter, with a lot of that weight savings coming in a less burly-looking and much lighter plastic heel piece, and a less-aggressive window of DIN settings – from 4-12 – compared to the Duke’s knee-destroying maximum crankdown rating of 16. 

But the majority of skiers, like all those people that don’t jump forty foot cliffs on the regular, will be well-served for both their resort and backcountry skiing with the Tour while actually having a light enough building that they’ll want to go for a skin more than once or twice a season. At 5’10” and 165 pounds, I’ve had the Tour mounted to my Moment Deathwishes for the past two seasons and have skied everything from park to powder to bumps and crud, along with plenty of smaller hucks, with very few issues.

The Duke’s weight makes touring such a damn slog you’d be hard-pressed to do it on any consistent basis, and will instead be stuck back at the resort with a really heavy binding. The same thing could be said for the Salomon Gaurdian, which although beautifully designed and with a lower stack height (the distance your boot is from the ski when you’re locked into the binding) and the ability to disengage the touring mode without having to take your skis off, is still a pain in the neck in terms of weight.

The Tour, at 1018 grams a binding, is right around the same weight as another legendary touring binding, the Fritschi Freeride Pro. But the Tour has the advantage of a slightly lower stack height (36 versus 39 mm) and noticeably better downhill performance. The squarer and wider Tour transfers energy to your edges much more effectively, especially for today’s wider powder skis, and for those new to touring, there is some piece of mind in having a binding that looks more like the traditional alpine binding you’d be skiing previously. The only disadvantage is that you have to take your ski off completely in order to switch from touring to skiing – a burden in deep pow or if you’re trying to bang out laps as fast as possible. But most entry-level backcountry skiers will rarely get in more than a lap or two per outing, so it won’t strike them as as much of a burden. Marker also defends the move as a safety concern in order to negate worries about the binding being in tour mode when you think you’re good to drop in.

Touring uphill on the Markers is fairly straightforward. The Tour offers a metal climbing bar underneath the heel that can be easily dropped down or flicked up with the end of a ski pole grip, and which offers 9 and 13 degree modes depending on how steep your skin track is. One of the many small improvements Marker has made since first introducing the Duke has been to add plastic wraps for the climbing bars, reducing the amount of noisy clacking that used to occur when they were all metal. If you’re climbing up the side of a hill with a well-worn skin track that has a bit of side angle to it, there is some noticeable flexing that the Tour’s lighter materials exhibit, but once the heel is locked down it’s no longer an issue and doesn’t ever seem to happen when you’re skiing downhill.

Marker’s touring bindings have also gotten better at shedding snow from little crevasses within them that used to frequently build up with snow and ice, partly by redesigning parts of the binding and, under the toepiece, adding a length of Teflon that keeps snow from sticking. Folks with wetter snow may have the occasional issue, but as long as you smack the binding against the ski a few times at the top, I’ve had slim to no issues with snow and ice buildup. The Tour’s ski/tour lever also has a handy strap on the end of it that makes switching the binding over to ski mode while in gloves a lot easier.

So who should buy the Tour? If you’re considering your first ski touring binding, aren’t willing to cough up the dough for a superlight Dynafit-style binding, and aren’t planning on maching down lines at 80 miles an hour or off monster cliffs, this binding will let you ski the resort comfortably while having a light enough binding that you might actually enjoy touring on a semi-regular basis. The Duke and other similarly burly bindings will be overkill for all but the most hardcore shredders, and will just add to the misery on the hike up.

Who should buy the Tour?  If you really become addicted to the idea of being able to harvest fresh powder just by going for a walk, you’ll eventually start to value the weight of your equipment a lot more than you do now, and will likely gravitate towards a tech binding made by Dynafit or a similar competitor, which weigh at least half as much as the Tour and will make a noticeable difference in the speed at which you can walk up big mountains covered in snow. But for your first foray into the world of skinning up mountains in order to ski back down them, the Tour stands out in its ability to occupy a middle ground between everyday skiability and weight concerns on the way up. 

The Tour comes in F10 and F12 models and two length sizes; the small accommodates 265-325 mm boots (roughly a 22.5-28.5 boots), while the large accommodates big boy boots longer than 325 mm. It should be noted that we tested the 2013 model; the 2014 Tour F12 has a wider frame that should drive bigger skis better. The Tour F12 retails for around $430.

About The Author

stash member Ryan Dunfee

Former Managing Editor at Teton Gravity Research, current Senior Contributor, current professional hippy at the Sierra Club, and avid weekend recreationalist.

Connect with TGR:

Get tgr email updates:, we proudly support:.

Teton Gravity Research © 2024 All rights reserved. | Terms of Use & Privacy Policy | Partner of USATODAY Lifestyle/Action Sports

Marker Tour F10/F12: Lightweight AT Bindings

Could the new Marker Tour alpine-touring ski bindings really be the Fritschi-killer? It’s possible, yes indeed, but probable? Well, with Marker’s undeniably-huge market perception and the wild success of the Duke platform, there’s no way anyone at Fritschi can take this one sitting down.

Introducing the new Marker Tour alpine touring ski bindings that will be coming to ski shops near you, Fall 2010. Looking it over, the toepiece looks very similar, but better optimized for touring instead of stomping 50-footers. Other similarities exist between the tour and the Royal Family, but I’m sure materials completely differ, but at least the looks of them appear pretty similar.

I’m seeing some improvements in the heelpiece to reduce weight as well as a more adjustable climbing bar (definitely needed). What remains that is still a bit of a hassle is the requirement to click out of your bindings to switch between ski and tour modes. As well as the climbing bar, which seems difficult to adjust on-the-fly with a pole tip (since I haven’t seen them, this may not be the case, but it looks as such). Fritschi still hs ’em beat there.

But, the respectable fighting weight of 1690 grams (FT10) puts them a few hundred grams less than the Fritschi Freeride bindings. Expect these to hit the stores in the Fall… very impressive, Marker!

What Marker says about the Tour F10 and F12:

Focusing on producing the right binding for the end use that each skier needs has always been the Marker way. For the new Marker Tour bindings, our engineers set out to offer a binding for the skier who wants an all-day touring rig, but still wants great skiing performance. To date, in order to have light weight for climbing, the skier had to give up downhill skiing performance. Not any more. Built based on a 76mm minimum ski width, the innovative Marker Tour 12 and and Tour 10 bindings feature new, lighter weight Triple Pivot Compact toe, and Hollow Linkage heel components. The new toe and heel sit atop a smooth-flexing frame design which features a new, glove-friendly release lever that puts the binding in touring mode. The gliding afd in the new toe is height adjustable, and designed specifically for AT boot soles, while also compatible with alpine boots. A weight-saving ‘hollow’ axle forms the pivot point in the heel. Its design is light weight, compact, and easy to step into, while the spring focuses energy directly toward the heel of the boot for optimum skiing performance. Weight for the Tour 10 is approximately 1690 grams/pair. Stand height is 34mm for the Tour 10 and Tour 12.

Buy Now: Visit Backcountry.com

• X (Twitter)

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. With extreme attention to detail, he has been a technical product manager for top 10 web properties, eCommerce businesses and SaaS companies for 20+ years. The combination of outdoor experience and technical savvy gives him a unique perspective that is channeled into every gear review. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground. He rigorously tests every product and usually uses them beyond their intended purpose -- just for the sake of testing. (Note: Jason receives sample products in exchange for authentic reviews. He is not paid, nor influenced to share anything other than his honest opinions.)

You Might Also Like

Colnago g4-x: attainable italian gravel racer, hot wheels: 2024 cannondale scalpel stays fast, gets rowdier, arc’teryx sabre bib pant review, 28 comments.

I dunno. Still have to be out to switch modes. And they have a tough time matching the Fritschi heel elevator. I think there is fairly wide agreement that it’s one of, if not *the*, best on the market.

Not to mention various durability/quirky issues folks on TGR are reporting with Dukes/Barons. Seem more widespread than with Freerides (at least now that they’ve fixed the “Instatele” issue).

New Diamir Pro coming out too. I’d imagine you’ve seen it, no?

All valid points. The whole take your boot out to switch modes is kind of annoying at best. The thing about Marker is they have such huge distribution that these will undoubtedly catch on.

Yes, I did see the new Fritschi at the Black Diamond booth. That thing is burly and sports the improved pivot from the Eagle platform. It’s not any lighter though, but burly indeed. Probably need to post some pics of that binder too. Been pretty swamped post-OR and such. Thanks, as always, for your comment.

No prob J. Your blog is on my regular reading list. 🙂

I’m coming from a tele (and nordic racing before that) background, so being able to switch back and forth between modes on the fly is something I really appreciate. With my old O1s, I could switch them into tele mode for long rolling approaches or exits and diagonal stride/skate faster than friends on AT. Something I miss with AT gear (I have Dyanfits and Dukes).

Yeah… skating on AT gear… that I’d have to see. Nordic racing eh? I need to get into skate skiing one of these days. I’ve only done classic and it’s been years since I’ve done that even. We used to nordic ski at Paradise on Mt. Rainier as a kid 2-3 times a year.

Skating is fantastic. Awesome workout.

We moved up to the Sierra Foothills from Orange County when I was in high school. I took up nordic to keep my fitness level up between XC in the fall and track in the spring. I know you’re a runner, so I’m pretty sure you’d take to it like a duck to water.

Pingback: New Backcountry Skis and Bindings from Black Diamond, Dynafit - FeedTheHabit.com

until they move the tour mode “lever” out from under foot, this design is fundamentally flawed in my opinion…

Having to take my boots off for changing mode is not a big deal but (if its like the Duke) the fore-aft slop that will arise from that construction is a major issue.

@Bryan… I agree with JL in that it’s not a deal-breaker. I’m trying to think of the amount of times I switch from tour to ski mode in my Fritschi’s without taking my boots off and it’s not very often.

@JL… have you had some of your Duke’s develop slop? Is it in the track mechanism while skiing or in the pivot while touring?

The fore-aft slop develops in the lever hinge, so the whole binding can move fore-aft in the track. Yes I got it on my Dukes and there seems to be more people having that issue according to posts on TGR.

Interesting, JL. I only used my Baron’s for a day, then swapped out the binders and they’ve sat for a few months. I’m hoping to get more use out of them and will see if that same thing happens.

definitely not the first tour bindings of marker 🙂

http://www.wildsnow.com/backcountry-ski-museum/marker-m-tour/marker-m-tour.html

Ahh yes, the Marker Mousetrap. Did people actually ski on those back in the day? 🙂

Jason, any idea if you can get a wide enough brake for the F10 to run them on Gotamas (105 under foot)? And I presume you can adjust the heel riser easily on the fly? I’m about to order a pair of Gotamas was hoping to put Tour F10’s on them. Thanks! -David

I’m sure they will make wide enough brakes for a 105mm waist ski. That’s pretty narrow, all things considered. As far as adjusting the riser on-the-fly, I’d assume so but you can’t switch to and from tour/ski modes without releasing your boots from the binders.

They look like a solid system that will shave much-needed weight from the Duke/Baron system.

I was looking at these due to toe release. Are they better in that department? Or am I being picky. I have a new knee so i want to keep it safe and keep the other ok too. I have an old pair of fritchies and I blew the knee out last year skiing a little too fast in the trees in waist deep. Didnt fall or hit anything just heard a pop and said crap. Thoughts??

Mark… since I have yet to see these in person, I can’t say for sure. But, I’ll say this. Marker’s toepieces have historically been some of the “safest”. Though “safe” is a relative term since early-releasing isn’t “safe” under some circumstances where elasticity is preferred.

Hard to say what could have happened, but the Marker toepiece typically doesn’t have much elasticity, but instead will release.

I just purchased the Marker Tour F12 for my new ObSETHed skis. After the purchase my wife was reading the manual and it says that the Baron and Duke are not recommended for AT boots. I checked in with several Salt Lake City backcountry stores regarding the differences between the Tour, Baron and Duke but no one explained this important fact to me. I hope this will save somebody’s knees.

Tucker… I’m very surprised that it says AT boots are not recommended with the Baron/Duke. The toe height adjustment is made to accommodate rockered AT boot soles, isn’t it? I used my Dynafit Titan’s with my Baron’s no problem… just adjusted the toe height and I was golden. But, I guess the lawyers must have made them put that in there for some reason.

The Tour has a very similar toe height system to accommodate both rockered AT and standard DIN soles… I wonder what’s different?

I think the difference on AT boot specific bindings is that the toe plate slides from side to side to aid toe release with sticky Vibram soles – although actually on cold snow the rubber goes pretty hard…

Has anyone heard of the F10’s cracking during a “knee forward” fall in tour mode? I was recently visiting my good buddy Mikey at Mammoth Mountaineering and he told me about a kid who bought the F10 and did a face plant while skinning only to get back to his feet and realize a design flaw had caused the front mounting plate to crack completely on one ski! He was not able to skin back to the car. Thoughts? Comments?

I was touring in the F12s yesterday and this just happened. I fell as a result of the break rather than breaking them as a result of a fall (with my knee forward. In a single season this will be the second pair of Marker Tours I have broken. When a binding makes me ask what happened to my old Naxo’s you know it has a great deal of design flaws.

I tour/ski about 25-40 hours a week and have never had so many problems until I mounted the Marker Tour F12’s. They’re too light to handle spring snow as was demonstrated to me yesterday and they wear out in the toe piece very easily. Previously both of my bindings were replaced due to the “tour friendly” toe portion developing a vertical rotation due to cheap ass plastic wear out… I’d lose a ski on every kick turn by their demise.

Far from a freeride safe binding, far from durable, far from flawless. Stay away from these bindings.

Thanks for the first-hand report, Nick. Sorry to hear about your experience. I’ve been trying to get my hands on a pair for quite some time, but have yet to use them.

Frankly, my next touring bindings will definitely be Tech bindings for a dedicated touring setup.

hey mate, if not tour or not marker at all, which bindings? would you reccommend the fritschi free rides? I don’t want to buy new boots either so i cant use the pincer toe connection like the g3’s etc…..

The Fritschi’s design is bombproof and predictable both inbounds and in the backcountry. If you want to use your existing boots, you can’t go wrong there.

My friend just went for a tour with me yesterday with a brand new pair of F12’s.

We were negotiating some tricky terrain in “tour” mode, he slipped and the tour toe piece broke clean away. Luckily he was able to clip into normal ski mode and make it down.

I cannot recommend them…

I bought the F12s in January, and have taken them back to the shop twice for broken plastic. Both breaks happened while skinning steep terrain, doing a kick-turn, and snap…..Both breaks were in a completely different place, too. At least they worked in “ski” mode after the breaks. Doesn’t exactly give me confidence for longer tours/multi-day trips.

I bought the F12 this season. I used them twice in bounds and they were great. I used them for an avy course recently, also the first time I had used them in tour mode. I was kneeling beside my skis with boots in bindings and the toe piece broke right off. Very disappointed in the design. I hope this issue can be resolved. What was really disappointing was I hadn’t had a bad crash or anything to warrant the failure. Until marker fixes this issue I wouldn’t recommend this binding to anyone

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Skis Marker Bindings

Marker tour f12 epf a t ski binding review.

Announcements

Norda, New Balance, HOKA & More:   Shop New Spring Footwear

Free Standard Shipping for Orders Over $50   Learn More

Cart, contains 0 items

Tahoe Collection: Ultimate UV Protection

• Rain & Wind Jackets
• Hoodies & Sweatshirts
• Fleece Jackets
• Trail Running
• Road Running
• Gloves & Mittens
• Blankets & Beach Towels
• Electronics

Mother’s Day Incoming! Show Her You Care With Top Gifts For Adventure Moms

• Jumpsuits & Overalls
• Everyday Bags
• Beach Bags & Totes
• Toddler Boys
• Toddler Girls
• Balaclavas & Neck Gaiters
• Backpacks & Bags
• Water Sports
• Hike & Camp

2024 Camp Guide: Your Destination For All Things Camp

2024 Hike Guide: Buyer’s Guide To Top Hike Gear & Apparel

• Hiking Clothing
• Hiking Footwear
• Backpacking Packs
• Technical Daypacks
• Hydration Packs
• Kid Carriers
• Water Bottles
• Trekking Poles
• Tents & Shelters
• Sleeping Bags
• Sleeping Pads
• Camp Chairs
• Camp Tables
• Stoves & Grills
• Pots & Pans
• Roof Racks & Accessories
• Rooftop Tents
• Batteries & Solar Power
• Water Storage & Purification
• Storage Solutions
• Off-Road Recovery

Buyer’s Guide To Top Trail & Enduro Gear

• Mountain Bikes
• Gravel & Cyclocross Bikes
• Kids' Bikes
• Mountain Bike Components
• Gravel & Cyclocross Components
• Road Components
• Triathlon / TT Bike Components
• Men's Bike Apparel
• Women's Bike Apparel
• Kids' Bike Apparel
• Mountain Bike Shoes
• Road Bike Shoes
• Flat Pedal Shoes
• Triathlon Shoes
• Mountain Bike Helmets
• Full Face Helmets
• Road Bike Helmets
• Commuter Helmets
• Knee & Shin Pads
• Arm & Elbow Pads
• Chest & Spine Protection
• Bike Maintenance
• Bike Storage & Transportation
• Bike Packs & Bags
• Trainers & Accessories
• Bike Lighting & Electronics
• Water Bottles & Cages
• Bike Trailers

Bags, Totes & More Ways To Haul It All

• Duffel Bags
• Rolling Bags
• Carry-On Luggage
• Travel Packs
• Camera Packs & Bags
• Fly Fishing Bags & Luggage
• Bike Travel Cases
• Surfboard Bags & Packs
• Ski Boot Bags
• Snowboard Boot Bags
• Snowboard Bags
• Water Filters & Purification
• Travel Pillows
• Power Converters

Basecamp By The Shore: Camp, SUP & Kayak Gear

• Recreational Kayaks
• Recreational Paddles
• Recreational PFDs
• Whitewater Kayaks
• Whitewater Paddles
• Whitewater PFDs
• Stand-Up Paddleboards
• Stand-Up Paddleboard Paddles
• Drysuits & Clothing
• Safety Gear
• Reels & Spools
• Wading Boots & Sandals
• Clothing & Accessories
• Packs & Vests
• Storage & Transport
• Shortboards
• Men's Wetsuits
• Women's Wetsuits
• Hoods, Booties & Gloves
• Men's Swimwear
• Women's Swimwear
• Traction Pads
• Wakeboard Bindings
• Wakeboard Boots
• Rope & Accessories
• Wake Surfboards
• Wakefoil Boards
• Wakesurf Accessories

Snowboard Guide

• Ski Clothing
• Alpine Skis
• Alpine Bindings
• Alpine Ski Boots
• Touring Skis
• Touring Bindings
• Touring Boots
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Snowboard Clothing
• Snowboard Bindings
• Snowboard Boots
• Splitboards
• Splitboard Bindings
• Splitboard Skins
• Avalanche Safety
• Winter Packs
• Tuning Accessories

Backcountry & Stoic New Arrivals

Exclusive To Backcountry

• Backcountry
• US Ski & Snowboard
• The North Face
• Helly Hansen
• Outdoor Research
• Black Diamond
• Mountain Hardwear
• See All Brands
• District Vision
• Western Rise
• DOD Outdoors

Gear Picks & Pro Tips For However You Get Out There

2024 Bike Guide: Buyer’s Guide To Top Trail & Enduro Gear

2024 Running Gear Guide: The Best Shoes, Apparel & Sports Bras

2024 Climb Guide: This Year’s Top Trad, Sport & Bouldering Gear

Up To 30% Off Socks Ends Wed, 5/15—Soothe Your Sole

Featured Deals

• Latest Price Drops
• Spring Styles On Sale
• Deals Under $100
• Deals Under $50
• Stoic On Sale
• Smartwool On Sale
• Mountain Hardwear On Sale
• Outdoor Research On Sale
• Marmot On Sale
• Shop All Sale
• Women's Clothing
• Women's Footwear
• Women's Accessories
• Men's Clothing
• Men's Footwear
• Men's Accessories

What’s Up At The Goat

• Venture Beyond
• Backcountry Podcast
• Explore Articles
• Outervention
• The Nature Conservancy
• Greener Packaging
• Find A Store

Follow Along On Social

Travel Tips: How To Pack & Fly With Skis & Snowboards

Venture Beyond | Ep. 5 | Mind The Gap

BC Pod | Ep. 17 | The Shaun White Story

Up To 30% Off Socks!

Pre-Summer Savings

Up To 50% Off Last Year’s Gear

$20 For Your Crew, $20 For You

Refer A Friend Now

.css-ryjapq{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-2);} .css-1g043sj{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:var(--chakra-colors-btn-brand);font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-base);font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-sm);font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-normal);}.css-1g043sj:hover,.css-1g043sj[data-hover]{color:var(--chakra-colors-btn-brand);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1g043sj:focus,.css-1g043sj[data-focus]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);} Marker .css-1oyyk97{color:var(--chakra-colors-txt-primary);overflow-wrap:normal;font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-base);font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-xl);font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-bold);} Tour F12 EPF Alpine Touring Binding - 2024

Lowest Price Guarantee

Why We Like The Marker Tour F12 EPF Alpine Touring Binding

The Marker Tour F12 EPF Alpine Touring Binding is a platform binding that helps us head into the backcountry with confidence. The slightly heavier design of platform bindings ensures retention and stability on the downhill so that we can enjoy untouched snow and start to truly understand backcountry skiing.

• Platform touring bindings designed to introduce backcountry skiing
• Aluminum and plastic design balances weight savings and durability
• 4-12 release rating offers peace of mind on the downhill
• Multiple heel elevators help you stride comfortably up skin tracks
• 35mm stand height keeps you connected and in tune with your ski
• Lightweight design lets your legs stay fresh for multiple laps
• Item #MRKZ063

What do you think about this product?

Sorry, we don’t currently have any of those types of reviews for this product.

Need Expert Advice?

Our Gearheads Can Help