ATK HY 13 FREE SAND Bindings

ATK HY 13 FREE SAND: The hybrid binding that combines a lightweight ascent with alpine downhill performance

The ATK HY 13 FREE SAND is designed for skiers seeking a true balance between efficiency on the ascent and performance on the descent, without compromising safety. Designed for freeriding and challenging ski touring, this ski touring binding features a hybrid design that keeps the foot flat on the ski during descents, eliminating the height difference between the pins characteristic of standard insert bindings. The result is power transfer and feel comparable to an alpine binding, within a system designed for ski touring. It is intended for skiers weighing 60 to 120 kg who ski on skis with a width of 90 to 120 mm underfoot.

Front toe piece: precise entry and optimized contact

The front toe piece of the ATK HY 13 FREE SAND features an adjustable anti-friction device (AFD) that reduces lateral friction between the sole and the toe piece at the moment of release. This adjustment allows for fine-tuning the toe piece’s behavior to the boot’s shape, ensuring consistent release regardless of sole wear. The toe box elasticity reaches 18 mm, providing shock and stress absorption on varied terrain without unintended release. The toe piece is compatible with ISO 5355 (alpine) boots, as well as GripWalk ISO 23223 and ISO 9523 (hiking boots with inserts), which significantly expands its range of applications.

Heel piece: power transmission and alpine performance

The flat foot position in downhill mode is the defining feature of the HY 13 FREE SAND’s heel piece. By eliminating the raised pins, the binding replicates the support geometry of a conventional alpine binding, which directly improves the transmission of turning impulses and stability at high speeds. The heel flex is 9 mm. The base length adjustment (BSL) covers a range of 25 mm, accommodating different shoe sizes without the need to replace parts. The ski brake system automatically locks in walk mode thanks to the Hy Brake System, preventing any risk of the brakes catching in the snow during the ascent.

Climbing wedges: three angle settings for a natural stride while ascending

The binding offers three adjustable wedge heights to adapt the heel angle to the slope. Depending on the model, the available positions are -18 mm, +10 mm, and +42 mm (or -18 mm, +10 mm, and +34 mm). This range of settings covers both flat sections and steep slopes, reducing calf muscle fatigue over time. The front pivot allows for a natural walking motion in climb mode, releasing the heel from the ski without mechanical stress. The cleats are activated directly on the binding, without tools.

Safety and release: DIN range of 6–13 for an aggressive freeride profile

The DIN release range is adjustable from 6 to 13, clearly positioning the HY 13 FREE SAND in the segment of bindings designed for freeride and technical ski touring. This range accommodates a wide spectrum of body types and skill levels, from dedicated intermediate skiers to expert skiers. Lateral release is controlled by the front toe piece, while vertical release is controlled by the heel piece; both systems operate independently to provide a precise response based on the nature of the stress. The adjustable front release mechanism contributes to reliable release in real-world conditions, particularly when the sole is dirty or wet.

Compatibility, ski brakes, and crampons: all-terrain versatility

Here are the key compatibility points to keep in mind when integrating the ATK HY 13 FREE SAND into your setup:

• Three ski stop widths (97 mm, 108 mm, 120 mm) to precisely match the width of your skis and prevent snagging in deep snow.
• Confirmed crampon compatibility, so you can tackle icy sections or ridges without changing gear.
• Triple boot compatibility (ISO 5355, GripWalk ISO 23223, ISO 9523) for use with most touring and freeride boots on the market.

Materials and construction: 7075 aluminum machined for all structural components

The 22 structural components per half-pair are entirely machined from 7075 aluminum, a high-strength alloy used in aerospace for its strength-to-weight ratio. The interface and sliding parts incorporate POM (polyoxymethylene), an engineering polymer known for its low friction and durability in cold conditions. Components subject to corrosion are made of stainless steel. The weight per half-pair is 675 g, a figure consistent with the binding’s hybrid positioning—it is not an ultralight binding but embraces its robustness for downhill skiing.

The ATK HY 13 FREE SAND is designed for freeride or demanding ski touring outings on wide skis, in varied conditions ranging from groomed off-piste to high-altitude couloirs. Its hybrid design meets the needs of skiers who don’t want to choose between lightness on the ascent and reliability on the descent, and who spend full days in the mountains tackling significant elevation changes.