While the Ion 12 did well in powder, it was noticeably less stable in resort-like conditions on skied-out, firm snow. That said, for resort skiers looking to dabble in the backcountry, this might not be the jack-of-all-trades binding you need. I’ve mounted the binding on skis with both 112- and 124-millimeter waists, and it has excelled in everything from deep Mount Baker powder to heavy and wet North Shore “snow”-and even in-bounds days in crummy conditions. And if icy, steep, and wind-crusted is your preferred terrain condition, the Ion 12 is compatible with G3 Ion crampons.Īccording to G3, the Ion 12 is 33 percent wider than other tech bindings, translating to more power transfer and responsiveness on wide skis. Its standard three heel risers were easily adaptable to any pitch: near-flat at two degrees, mid-range at seven degrees (which I use for most climbs), and high at 14 degrees (reserved for the super steep stuff). With a secure, easy-to-clean toe piece, auto-rotation lock in the heel, and two large aluminum climbing aids that flip forward or back with a ski pole, I found the Ion 12 to be a trusty and straightforward uphill companion. 4.1 oz.), the Ion 12 makes up for it in the features department. But while it lacks the feathery feel of other bindings like the Salomon MTN Pure (1 lb. The G3 Ion 12 binding weighs in at 2 pounds 9.3 ounces per pair, falling mid-pack in terms of weight in the touring market. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best backcountry ski bindings. Below are my experiences with the G3 Ion 12. And while it feels a bit out-of-place in resort-like conditions, this binding truly excels on the descent in powder. With a full season of testing under my belt with the 12-DIN model, I've found its auto-rotation lock, simplified step-in, and reasonable weight help make long days on the skin track very enjoyable. Now in its second generation, G3’s Ion has earned a solid reputation in the tech binding market for its user-friendly design.
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