Beast 16 Bindings

BEST FOR: Stomping big backcountry lines.

THE TEST: The first 16-DIN tech binding, the new features a 鈥渞eturn to center鈥� toe piece. As you ski, the binding deflects to absorb shock. It鈥檚 one of the reasons, safety-wise, alpine-style bindings outperform tech bindings. The Beast also offers just six degrees of ramp angle from heel to toe, which makes for easier lateral movement and less pressure on the quads. 4 lbs.

THE VERDICT: It鈥檚 two pounds heavier than a svelte tech binding but still a pound lighter than most freeskiing AT bindings.

TOURABILITY: 3.5

POWER: 5

G3 Onyx Bindings

BEST FOR: Versatility.

THE TEST: The has matured into a dependable tech binding. We like that the brake remains engaged, even in tour mode, until the skier makes the first stride, thus saving the ski from unmanned adventures down the hill. Also smart: aftermarket plates ($77) let you use the same bindings on all your skis. 3.6 lbs.

THE VERDICT: Most improved binding of the year.

TOURABILITY: 3.5

POWER: 3.5

Tryolia Adrenaline Bindings

BEST FOR: Going down more than up.

THE TEST: The is heavy. It鈥檚 strong. It can handle cliff drops and race speeds. At almost six pounds for the pair, 鈥渋t sucks energy like a black hole鈥� on the skin track, said one tester. Mates best with stiff AT or alpine boots.

THE VERDICT: With DIN values to 16, height-adjustable toes that accommo- date alpine or AT boot soles, and a Titanal-reinforced mode lock, the Adrenalin is all about the descent. 5.8 lbs.

TOURABILITY: 2.5

POWER: 4.5

Salomon Guardian WTR 13 Bindings

BEST FOR: Heavy-metal-inspired descents; skiing primarily inbounds.

THE TEST: The updated, slightly lighter remains the best-performing freeride AT binding available. A low stack height lends it great snow feel, and the extrawide platform can power the fattest powder skis. It鈥檚 too heavy for anything other than short backcountry missions, but switching modes is a snap. 6.3 lbs.

THE VERDICT: An alpine binding with a walk mode.

TOURABILITY: 2

POWER: 5

TwentyTwo Designs Axl Bindings

BEST FOR: Driving big tele skis.

THE TEST: The offers top edging power and initiates turns without slop, thanks to a one-piece aluminum toe and stiff underfoot springs. Three settings let you adjust flex from aggressive to easy. 4 lbs.

THE VERDICT: At four pounds it鈥檚 hardly lightweight, but the Axl鈥檚 performance is unmatched.

TOURABILITY: 3.5听

POWER: 4.5

Dynafit Radical ST Bindings

BEST FOR: Covering lots of ground.

THE TEST: The are tough to beat for their durability and user-friendly features. The forged-aluminum toe piece, with handy guides that align your boot with the pins, is now easier to step into. The binding is also wider and stiffer laterally to power today鈥檚 bigger skis, and it鈥檚 incredibly lightweight鈥攁 huge plus after the first couple-thousand feet of climbing.

THE VERDICT: 国产吃瓜黑料 of a pure randonn茅e race binding, the Radical sets the efficiency standard. 2.3 lbs.

TOURABILITY: 5

POWER: 3

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DPS took its deeply rockered 鈥攚hich sports a long pintail, tapered tip, and just a smidge of sidecut underfoot鈥攁nd added a convex base to the shovel of the ski. That鈥檚 right, the base is actually spoon shaped in the front third. The result is a new level of powder-surfing fun. It鈥檚 virtually impossible to hook your tips in a powder turn, and it鈥檚 easier than ever to aggressively slide, dump speed, and change turn radius mid-arc. It鈥檚 a specialty ski for untracked powder that, thanks to a stiff tail and flat camber, can hold a respectable edge on firm snow, too. And with DPS鈥檚 new Pure3 carbon construction, it鈥檚 more dampening than previous carbon skis we鈥檝e tested but still light enough to tour all day. 140/122/126; 7.9 lbs.聽

VERSATILITY: 2

POWER: 4

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Rossignol Soul 7 Skis

BEST FOR: Having more fun.

THE TEST: Rossignol鈥檚 honeycombed tip and tail shed mass where it鈥檚 vital鈥攁way from your body. As a result, it鈥檚 effortless to throw the sideways in the trees or whenever you need to scrub speed. The new construction also allowed Rossi to scale back the rocker, reducing tip and tail flutter鈥攕o they charge, swerve, smear, and even rail groomers with ease. 136/106/126; 8.1 lbs.

THE VERDICT: The DPS might be more agile in powder, but the Soul 7 outshines it in almost every other condition.

VERSATILITY: 5

POWER: 4

Voile V8 Skis

BEST FOR: Western powder skiers.

THE TEST: With its thick (115 millimeters) waist and hybrid rocker tip, the floated testers through open snowfields with maximum stability and buoyancy. The tapered tail releases turns easily for slithering through trees or snapping down throaty couloirs. Camber underfoot holds edges in most conditions, although boilerplate might raise your heart rate. 146/115/126; 7.8 lbs.

THE VERDICT: More like a supercharged V6.

VERSATILITY: 4

POWER: 3.5

Faction Candide 3.0 Skis

BEST FOR: Aggressive riders.

THE TEST: Freeskiing film star Candide Thovex鈥檚 signature skis just work鈥攅verywhere. Thanks to the 鈥檚 balsaflex core, it鈥檚 light enough to push uphill all day. Flat camber underfoot and big-mountain dimensions make for a stable platform with virtually no speed limit, but pronounced tip and tail rocker mean the 3.0 can manage virtually any turn shape. 142/112/132; 8.2 lbs.

THE VERDICT: Fast and furious.

VERSATILITY: 4.5

POWER: 4.5

Moment Exit World Skis

BEST FOR: Sidecountry missions.

THE TEST: Moment鈥檚 first purpose-built backcountry boards come out of the same mold as the popular Bibby Pros but weigh a half-pound less, thanks to the paulownia and pine core. And tapered its trademark square tips, which makes attaching skins easier. Add in plenty of tip and tail rocker and this ski is 鈥渄own-right extraterrestrial,鈥� said one tester. 142/115/132; 8.5 lbs.

THE VERDICT: More playful, but not as stable, as the Candide above.

VERSATILITY: 3.5

POWER: 4

Atomic Charter Skis

BEST FOR: Long tours.

THE TEST: On paper, the 100-millimeter-waisted has an early-rise tip for flotation, a flat tail for stability, and a light-weight karuba core. Testers found it performed to spec on the hill, calling it solid, even, and reliable. At 8.1 pounds, it was a bit heavy for long tours, but when it came to fun the Charter blew away expectations. 鈥淎 ski that can smear with the best fully rockered boards,鈥� one tester said. 130.5/100/122.5; 8.1 lbs.

THE VERDICT: If you like the feel of rocker-free tails, check out the Charter.

VERSATILITY: 4

POWER: 4.5

Black Diamond Convert Skis

BEST FOR: Touring far and high.

THE TEST: With just the right amount of girth (105 millimeters) and moderate rocker at the tip and tail, the floats through most conditions. Testers called it a 鈥渓ively,鈥� 鈥減layful鈥� ski that likes to be on edge but can smear when necessary. Metal tabs on the tail make for a secure connection between ski and skin. 133/105/117; 7.3 lb.

THE VERDICT: For snapping turns in trees it鈥檚 tough to beat, but it doesn鈥檛 have the heft to push through crud.

VERSATILITY: 3.5

POWER: 3

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Black Diamond Equipment Push Ski Boots

BEST ALL MOUNTAIN (TELEMARK)

Last year, BD updated the with an improved Boa liner and a plastic tongue for more forward support. It remains BD鈥檚 do-it-all boot, with good lateral rigidity and smooth range of motion on the way up. 8.6 lbs

Dynafit Vulcan TF Ski Boots

BEST FAST AND LIGHT (ALPINE TOURING)

With a carbon-fiber cuff and three buckles, the 鈥檚 stiffest boot. The free-floating cuff makes for effortless strides when touring. Our only gripe: getting it on and off is a bit tricky. 7 lbs

Scarpa Terminator X Ski Boots

BEST BIG MOUNTAIN (TELEMARK)

The touring-oriented , redesigned specifically for the Freedom NTN binding, is reasonably stiff and laterally powerful. Smart: tech-compatible fittings allow you to pair it with Dynafit-type alpine-touring bindings. 7 lbs

Garmont Kenai Ski Boots

BEST FAST AND LIGHT (TELEMARK)

remains one of the lightest telemark boots out there. Its low-cut Pebax shell helps minimize weight and maximize comfort. But it can only drive lightweight touring skis under 100 millimeters. 7.2 lbs

Scarpa Maestrale RS Ski Boots

BEST ALL MOUNTAIN (ALPINE TOURING)

This year鈥檚 four-buckle is stiffer and heavier but otherwise unchanged, with a comfy walk mode and a moldable liner. It can drive all but the fattest skis. 鈥淓xactly the same boot only better,鈥� said one tester. 6.9 lbs

Lange XT 130 Ski Boots

BEST BIG MOUNTAIN (ALPINE TOURING)

Lange finally embraces the sidecountry with the . It鈥檚 stiff enough to drive any ski but is designed to go up, too, with a hike mode, lightweight buckles and liner, and a grippy rubberized sole. Available in two widths. 9.3 lbs

Psst, hard-charging resort skiers who hike a lot and occasionally head into sidecountry: the Lange XT 130 is designed for you.

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TwentyTwo Designs Axl Bindings

BEST FOR: The bigger-is-better crowd.

THE TEST: The is burly enough to drive any ski, but what sets it apart is a simple, durable touring pivot. On descents, testers noted that the stainless-steel toepiece offered unbelievable lateral power and predictable response, particularly in tough conditions. Three cable positions let every skier dial in their preferred tension.

THE VERDICT: Pair it with big boots to take full advantage of the power and precision. 3.8 lbs

Tourability: 3.5
Power: 4.5

Rottefella NTN Freedom Bindings

BEST FOR: Aggressive skiers.

THE TEST: We tried to find a downside to Rottefella鈥檚 lighter and flexier version of the classic NTN Freeride, but we couldn鈥檛. The retains the Freeride鈥檚 commanding lateral power, semi-releasable safety, and near infinite adjustability, but thanks to a redesigned tour mode that鈥檚 almost completely free (there鈥檚 just a touch of forward tension), it taxed us a lot less while climbing. 鈥淪mooth, powerful, and efficient,鈥� concluded one tester.

THE VERDICT: Pair 鈥檈m with the fattest skis you own. 3.3 lbs

Tourability: 4
Power: 4.5

G3 Enzo Bindings

BEST FOR: All-around touring plus downhill adjustability.

THE TEST: New from G3, the features a stout stainless-steel toe box, adjustable underfoot cable routing, push-button tour and downhill-mode switching, and uninhibited touring motion. Testers found the Enzo more powerful than G3鈥檚 previous model, the Targa, and they appreciated the versatility of three cable settings.

THE VERDICT: A nice binding, but neither the lightest nor the most powerful. 3.8 lbs

Tourability: 4
Power: 3

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Fischer Trinity 110 Alpine Ski Boots

BEST FOR: ALPINE

鈥淢ade me a better skier,鈥� noted one tester. The鈥檚 relaxed, neutral stance doesn鈥檛 sacrifice power and control. Note: women with high-volume or hard-to-fit feet might want to consider the ($699), which a boot fitter will heat-mold to your foot.

Lange RS 120 SC Alpine Ski Boots

BEST FOR: ALPINE

The stands for 鈥渟hort cuff,鈥� and the shell鈥檚 lower height allows women (and smaller men) to get the leverage they need over this superpowerful boot. 鈥淎ll the agility and all the power one could want in a boot,鈥� summarized one tester. This is probably too much boot for intermediates, but advanced and expert skiers will love the SC鈥檚 stiffness and precision.

Garmont Minerva Backcountry Ski Boots

BEST FOR: TELEMARK

Four different plastic injections in the 鈥檚 shell provide lateral power in spades, but forward flex is 鈥減rogressive and buttery smooth.鈥� Everyone raved about the 鈥渃omfy calf fit鈥� but generally agreed that its touring mode is 鈥渁dequate but not amazing.鈥� If you ski the NTN system, you might want to consider the Garmont ($730), which performed well across the board. 6.6 lbs

Tourability: 3
Power: 4.5

Tecnica Cochise Women 100 Backcountry Ski Boots

BEST FOR: ALPINE TOURING

An overlap design and moderately stiff plastic create consistent flex front to back. The plush liner was a hit, and nearly every tester found the comfy right out of the box. But the best part: interchangeable tech fittings and alpine soles allow you to skin in everything from traditional alpine to Dynafit-style bindings. 8.1 lbs

Tourability: 3.5
Power: 4.5

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Dynafit Radical TLT FT Bindings

BEST FOR: Charging the resort and then ducking into sidecountry.

THE TEST: The newly updated is Dynafit鈥檚 most powerful binding, specifically designed to pair with fat powder boards. The toepiece鈥檚 side towers鈥攂eefed-up versions of the pincers found on older Dynafit models鈥攎ake the binding easier to get into and out of and increase power transfer. And the improved heel-riser design makes it easier than ever to adjust the climbing height on the fly, no more contortions necessary.

THE VERDICT: An uncanny blend of power and weight. The Radical is the most confidence-inspiring Dynafit binding we鈥檝e ever tested. 2.6 lbs

Tourability: 5
Power: 4

Salomon Guardian 16 Ski Bindings

BEST FOR: Short tours just outside the resort and maximum power in-bounds.

THE TEST: The 鈥檚 wide toe unit (80 millimeters), low stack height (its chassis sits closer to the ski than any other binding鈥檚 in its class), and beefy materials (the toepiece is a stout fiberglass-nylon composite) make the Guardian the most precise and powerful AT binding we鈥檝e seen. It accepts all alpine and alpine touring boots, and testers liked the 鈥渢otally alpine feel鈥� for charging through myriad resort conditions.

THE VERDICT: It鈥檚 a downhill binding鈥攋ust look at the weight鈥攂ut suitable for short skin tracks back to the resort, cat, or heli. 6.5 lbs

Versatility: 2
Power: 5

No, you're not crazy. The Guardian 16 is also being sold as the Atomic Tracker 16. (Salomon and Atomic are owned by the same company.) Identical binding, different name and paint job.

La Sportiva RT Ski Bindings

BEST FOR: Ultralight touring without losing performance.

THE TEST: It doesn鈥檛 seem possible that a full-featured touring binding this sturdy鈥攖he has an aluminum-alloy framework and hardened steel pins鈥攃ould weigh so little (a little more than a pound per pair). Even more impressive is that the RT comes equipped with some serious safety features, including a lateral and vertical heel-release mechanism built into the baseplate to keep it out of the way.

THE VERDICT: 鈥淚t鈥檚 the sexiest and the lightest,鈥� said one tester, 鈥渂ut it鈥檚 gonna cost you.鈥� 19 oz

Tourability: 5
Power: 3

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K2 BackDrop Backcountry Skis

GEAR OF THE YEAR: With the BackDrop, K2 has refined its proven recipe for a powder ski鈥攁 perfect blend of rocker and sidecut combined with a bit of carbon fiber鈥攚ith fantastic results. 鈥淐atlike quickness, and it floats like a cork,鈥� one tester said. 鈥淩equires minimal skier input to smear, slash, or rail any turn,鈥� said another. It鈥檚 also light enough to tour with, thanks to that lattice of carbon in the tail and forebody. The result is a go-anywhere, shred-anything ski that craves powder but can handle resort chop without complaint. Bonus: K2鈥檚 pre-trimmed skins ($200) snap into the BackDrop鈥檚 tip and tail holes in seconds. 142/112/131; 8 lbs

Versatility: 4.5
Power: 4

DPS Wailer 99 Pure Skis

BEST FOR: Weight watchers who crave long backcountry tours.

THE TEST: The may be only 99 millimeters at the waist, but it floats like a much fatter ski, thanks in part to generous tip rocker and variable sidecut. But what most impressed testers was how well it skied on hard snow. A tapered tail and traditional camber add up to what one tester called 鈥渢he Leatherman of skis.鈥�

THE VERDICT: Expensive but fun. The hefty price tag is due to the all-carbon-fiber layup; it鈥檚 also available in a slightly heavier (less carbon), not-quite-as-lively version, the Hybrid ($799). 126/99/110; 7.5 lb

Versatility: 5
Power: 3.5

Dynastar Cham High Mountain Skis

BEST FOR: Carving up backcountry and pulling double-duty at the resort.

THE TEST: With a lightweight paulownia wood core and an early-rise tip, the planed effortlessly. 鈥淏ounces like a bumblebee in powder,鈥� one tester said. Traditional camber holds an edge on harder surfaces, and the tapered tail finishes any arc with ease.

THE VERDICT: Just enough guts to blast through crud all day at the resort, but happiest seeking out soft snow in the backcountry. If you鈥檙e more often in-bounds than out, consider the standard Cham, which has a denser poplar core and two layers of metal, and weighs two and half pounds more. 137/107/122; 8.7 lbs

Versatility: 4
Power: 3.5

G3 Empire Skis

BEST FOR: Rocketing down big faces.

THE TEST: G3鈥檚 biggest ski to date combines stiffness and full reverse camber to achieve what testers called a 鈥渟pirited and fun鈥� ride. All that rocker means this behemoth skis much shorter and smaller than it looks, which translated to high marks for agility and playfulness, even at top speed. 鈥淵ou can let 鈥檈m run, but it dumps speed instantly,鈥� one tester said. As a bonus, even with a tough Titanal topsheet, the is just light enough to haul uphill.

THE VERDICT: Bounce, slide, carve, and smear in the deepest snow. 153/127/139; 9.5 lbs

Versatility: 3
Power: 4

Atomic Automatic Skis

BEST FOR: Charging down big mountain slopes with superior maneuverability.

THE TEST: Atomic calls its new technology 鈥渟procket power boosters鈥濃�攂asically, titanium rods integrated into the wood core. Our testers said it works. The was stable at high speeds but still had lots of rebound. 鈥淨uick turn initiation,鈥� noted one. A tapered tip and tail make for playful feel in soft snow, and there鈥檚 more sidecut than you might expect (note how narrow the waist is), which made railing turns on firm snow surprisingly fun.

THE VERDICT: One of the liveliest big-mountain skis on the hill. 140.5/117/129.5; 9.7 lbs

Versatility: 4
Power: 4.5

V枚lkl Nanuq Skis

BEST FOR: Ripping the backcountry in all conditions.

THE TEST: Sharing the same lightweight, multilayered wood core as last year's Gear of the Year-winning Nunataq, the Nanuq is a more touring-oriented ski designed for variable conditions. Thanks to a healthy dose of tip rocker, it performed well in powder, where testers called it agile and energetic.

THE VERDICT: Almost a quiver of one. Just be careful in the crud. While ther'es enough sidecut to bite into firmer snow, the ultralight Nanuq gets a bit squirrelly in variable snow. 131/96/114; 7lbs

Versatility: 3.5
Power: 4

Voile Buster Skis

BEST FOR: Hunting down fresh snow.

THE TEST: 鈥淚t鈥檚 the perfect backcountry package: flotation, weight, power, and price,鈥� gushed one tester. With a 118-millimeter waist, the is a true powder ski, but camber and a carbon-and-fiberglass-reinforced aspen core will stand up to rigorous in-bounds pounding. Considering how light it is, the ski lived up to its name in variable conditions, providing a surprisingly stable platform when blasting through cruddy snow, while a rockered tip and tapered tail give the Buster float and maneuverability in the softer stuff.

THE VERDICT: Surprisingly stable in all conditions for such a lightweight ski. 139/118/127; 7.8 lbs

Versatility: 4
Power: 4

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Rossignol Temptation 88 Alpine Skis

BEST FOR: ALPINE SKIING

We aggressively drove the on hardpack, letting the wide tip pull us across the fall line. There鈥檚 a noticeable lack of chatter for a ski that is by no means lacking in energy. When we eased off the gas, the rocker was more noticeable, allowing leisurely turns and enhanced float. But make no mistake: with an 88-millimeter waist, it鈥檚 as frontside-worthy as any of the carvers we tested, and all abilities will enjoy the lively ride. Load the tail with energy when you want a springy return. 135/88/124

Head Mya 8 Alpine Skis

BEST FOR: ALPINE SKIING

Just about every tester from intermediate to expert loved the 鈥檚 fluid ride. 鈥淐arves awesome and cuts through crud with ease,鈥� said one tester. A touch of rocker in the front end makes slow-turn initiations a breeze. But when we pushed it to top speed, the early rise seemed to disappear and all we got was great edge hold. (Head stacks denser wood at the edge of the ski to increase power transfer.) Then, when it came time to shut it down, the rocker returned for feathery finishes鈥攎eaning you can dump speed easily. 130/84/112

Line Celebrity 90 Alpine Skis

Our testers praised the Celebrity for its ability to make quick pivots or surf pow鈥攖here’s just enough rocker for backbowl powder days. On firmer snow, if you ski with an upright, balanced stance, it’s easy to find the sweet spot and crank out a variety of turn shapes. The beefed-up edges and traditional feel underfoot let it slice a soft groomer just as well as some of its narrower rivals. “No chatter, easy to turn鈥攕mooth,” said one tester. If you like to cruise powder and soft groomers while grinning ear to ear, this is your ski. 125/90/113

Moment Bella Telemark Skis

BEST FOR: TELEMARK

With rocker at the tip and tail, a snappy aspen core, and camber underfoot, the was our favorite jack-of-all-trades. 鈥淥ne giant sweet spot,鈥� said one tester. Energy was rated high in every category, and all but very short turns were rock solid. Bonus: made in Reno, Nevada. 134/106/126; 7.3 lbs

Versatility: 4
Power: 4

Nordica La Ni帽a Alpine Touring Skis

BEST FOR: ALPINE TOURING

The only difference between this ski and the Patron, Nordica鈥檚 much adored men鈥檚 big-mountain ski, is that, thanks to a middle layer of polyurethane, is a bit lighter and more nimble. Otherwise, you get the same stable, dampened feeling. Plus, because the ski鈥檚 tip profile extends beyond the contact point, when you put it on edge you get very little vibration (like you do with a lot of other rockered skis). 143/113/132, 9.1 lbs

Versatility: 4
Power: 4.5

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Voile Switchback X2 Telemark Bindings

BEST FOR: TELEMARK

In its second year, the , one of the lightest free-pivoting bindings on the market, has proven itself to be an intuitive, powerful backcountry workhorse for driving all but the most gigantic skis. Touring performance is excellent, with a simple mechanism and easy mode changes. Testers called it an 鈥渁ll-in-one combo鈥� with 鈥渓ateral stiffness on par with bigger bindings.鈥� Pair it with a medium-stiff boot for maximum return. 3.1 lbs

Tourability: 5
Power: 3.5

Marker FT 12 Tour Alpine Touring Bindings

BEST FOR: ALPINE TOURING

Built on a wide chassis, the is similar to the Duke, Marker鈥檚 beefiest offering, in its alpine-inspired power transmission and responsiveness. It鈥檚 strong enough for demanding in-bounds skiing, but it has an ergonomic stride and weighs over a pound less than the Duke. Mode changes still require you to remove your skis, but it鈥檚 as easy to get in and out of as a traditional alpine binding. 4.5 lbs

Tourability: 3.5
Power: 3.5

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