Dynafit has responded to the North American demand for a tech style binding with a higher release value range and a more traditional toe and heel release/retention in a big way. With the introduction of the Beast, available in the Fall of 2013, Dynafit has what it hopes will be the answer for all the Freetour and crossover alpine skiers out there who wanted the low weight of a tech binding, but who weren’t quite ready to leave behind the look and features of traditional ski bindings. In fact, this may be the first Dynafit binding that moves seamlessly from the backcountry to the lift-served groomers.
In its first iteration, the Beast is reported to have a weight of 1870g/pair (versus 2780g for Marker Duke) and will have a release value range of 6-16. The release dynamic of the Beast is probably the biggest news for consumers as the toe and the heel have rotational release, similar to other alpine bindings on the market (and very different from past Dynafit tech style bindings). Arguably increasing the safety of the binding.
There will be familiar features in the Beast as well as some innovations. Foremost, the toe-piece will continue to use Power Towers to aid in guiding the boot into proper placement. Another welcome feature is the lock-out in the toe. As with other Dynafit bindings, there is a latch (the black piece with the green Dynafit logo in the above photo) that can be flipped forward to lock the toe from release. As to the innovations, rotation of the toepiece has already been mentioned. The heel piece is the big story. Perhaps the biggest change is that there is no rotation necessary to move from touring to freeriding. With the Beast, the rider simply flips up the climbing bar and steps into the heel piece. As the heel of the boot seats in, the heel piece slides back to allow boot entry, then snaps back into place. As to the climbing bars, again simplicity is at work. When you need to access steeper terrain, the bars flip forward. When you are on level or low angel terrain, flip ’em back. Simple!
The word on the street is that the Beast will be available in the Fall of 2013 in limited quantities at your best shops. If you are interested in the Beast, let us know and we will keep you updated. Until then, ski safe.
