Aura and Marker Free Bindings?

[SkiGAP]

Hi,

Is there a real difference between the Marker 11.0 Free and 12.0 Free bindings? Marker's site indicates the toe system and heel are different, and the 12 seems to have a wider brake, though I think the pic on the website might be wrong.

In any case, could these bindings be used with the Aura? What brake width is required? ( I would assume that a 94mm ski needs a brake width greater than the standard 90mm but I hope on this forum there are no dumb questions)

I think that the Jester is preferred, but what is really the difference between bindings in terms of feel and safety?

FYI, I really want the 06/07 Auras but I can only find the 07-08 up to this point so I may just go for it.

Any thoughts?

 

[vanhoskier]

I really don't know what the difference is between the bindings (I know some Divas here do, and I've heard the Jester is great but am not sure why)...but I looked at the 2009 Volkl catalog and they recommend the Marker 12 Free binding with the Aura.

That's all I know. I'm sure any freestyle binding with a wide enough brake will be fine; it's all personal preference after that.

I just bought '06 Auras and will probably put a pair of Rossi Scratch Freestyle bindings on them, simply because I have an extra pair and I like them on my other skis.

 

[volklgirl]

The only difference in the Marker bindings: M11 has a DIN that goes to 11, M12 goes to 12. Buy whichever puts your current DIN setting directly in the middle of the range. They should come stock with the same exact brake. If it's 94mm or wider, you're good to go. If not, you'll have to order the wider brakes.

I don't even have a "freestyle" binding on mine. Just the standard M11 Titanium with Piston control and the wider brake. It gives me a tiny bit of rise for greater leverage on our man-made hardpack and the option of turning the piston on to quiet them down on really hard snow and ice. I'm very happy with that choice (thanks SnowHot! ).

 

[oragejuice]

I know some Divas here do, and I've heard the Jester is great but am not sure why)

Marker's Duke and Jester bindings are AT bindings, allowing you to climb with skins. The Duke comes with a 110mm brake width, and the Jester with 90mm, although you can change the brakes on either one. The Duke is 30mm tall without the ski, Jester is 23mm.

If you are going to be doing any off-piste, they are a great thing to have. I'll probably be getting them on my Auras next year.

 

[vanhoskier]

Marker's Duke and Jester bindings are AT bindings, allowing you to climb with skins. The Duke comes with a 110mm brake width, and the Jester with 90mm, although you can change the brakes on either one. The Duke is 30mm tall without the ski, Jester is 23mm.

Ah, OK. I knew the Duke was an AT binding but didn't know about the Jester. Yeah, that's a great choice to make a ski even more versatile.

Don't climb with skins where I live.:( :( :( :( :(

 

[SkiGAP]

Thanks ladies...The other night I unexpectedly saw the 07-08 Auras (170) on REI.com for $399 and snatched them up. 10 minutes later they were down off of the site so I guess they were trying to get rid of the last pairs or something. I am having them held for store pickup and in the meantime I am still looking for the 06-07s given the topsheet (sooooo jealous of you vanhoskier), but if I don't find them I'll keep the white ones. So now I am binding shopping.

There are lots of "touring" skiiers in my area climbing up the mountain in packs every weekend...

 

[vanhoskier]

There are lots of "touring" skiiers in my area climbing up the mountain in packs every weekend...

Congratulations, SkiGAP! That's a good find, because 170's are hard to locate! REI must have consolidated their inventory and put those up very recently.

I'm jealous because I can't really do ski touring where I live now....I did it in Colorado and loved it! It must be phenomenal where you are!

 

[SnowHot]

Marker's Duke and Jester bindings are AT bindings, allowing you to climb with skins. The Duke comes with a 110mm brake width, and the Jester with 90mm, although you can change the brakes on either one. The Duke is 30mm tall without the ski, Jester is 23mm.

If you are going to be doing any off-piste, they are a great thing to have. I'll probably be getting them on my Auras next year.

I thought the jester could be set up for AT but isn't necessarily AT.

The real advantage to The jester and Duke is the wider mounting point which is very nice on a wider ski.
If you look at this pic, you'll see the width of the duke on the Bro, compared to the Rossi I have on the blue house
The jester will mount flatter to the ski, as the duke has the rise of the AT set up.

 

[SkiGAP]

I
If you look at this pic, you'll see the width of the duke on the Bro...

Wow that is noticeable. Tough call - since of course the Jester costs quite a bit more than the M12 Free. But perhaps it's worth it if I can re-use them going forward. I'm not in a huge rush, so I'll keep looking around.

Meanwhile, I am in Munich and my Auras are in VA (well, expected to arrive at the store on April 30th). I'm, flying home in a few weeks - I can't wait to see them.

I never found the Auras to demo, but the overall feel of the Bridge that I tried convinced me I needed a wider ski for some conditions. I trust I will love the Auras. If I don't, I obviously can sell them. But I am optimistic!!!!

 

[oragejuice]

I thought the jester could be set up for AT but isn't necessarily AT.

As in... Mounting them different? My impression of AT bindings is that they can be used as alpine bindings, with your heel secure, and then they easily turn into touring tools with a release of the heel. Am I off my rocker about this? Randonee=AT?

 

[ski now work later]

The Marker Duke and Jester from the '08 season started at a DIN setting of 6. I understand that the '09 models will have DIN settings starting lower than a 6.

When I skied with NannyMin on 3/31, she showed me her Marker Dukes and how they worked. Very cool, and a great option for skiers who could use the AT set up.

 

[SkiGAP]

Aura and Marker Free Bindings and Mount Point

By the way, I ordered Marker 12.0 Free bindings with a 110mm brake for my '07-'08 Auras. Due to our previous discussion, I'm still torn as to whether I should have them mounted a bit back from the normal mount. If any of you new Aura owners mount bindings, please indicate where you have them mounted and why...

 

[volklgirl]

I'm mounted 3/8" back (?cm), simply because I bought them used and didn't want to drill another full set of holes. We used the previous front holes and redrilled for the heel. The only issue I've had with that mounting is some tip chatter at high speeds on the hardest snow (aka Ice ). They still rock in the deepest crud and slush and on moguls and steeps.