ATK RAIDER 12 SL BLACK Bindings - 102MM

ATK Raider 12 SL: The ski touring binding designed for performance on both the ascent and descent

The ATK Raider 12 SL Black is designed for freeriders and ski tourers who refuse to choose between light weight and downhill performance. Weighing just 330 g per binding, it falls into the super-lightweight category without compromising energy transfer or safety on the slopes. Its hybrid design—which combines the Speed toe piece from the Crest model with the proven heel piece of the Raider 12—makes it a versatile piece of equipment designed for challenging outings, whether ascending or descending. The ATK Raider 12 SL Black binding in 102 mm is available in a unisex version and is part of the Winter 2027 collection.

Speed Toe Piece: Easy Entry and Downhill Stability

The front toe piece of the ATK Raider 12 SL binding has been completely redesigned under the “Speed” name to improve downhill performance. It features the Easy Entry system, which makes stepping in easier even in difficult conditions, without any tedious adjustments. The Snow Pack Proof design of the toe piece resists snow buildup, ensuring reliable entry regardless of snowpack conditions. The hybrid drilling pattern unique to this “Speed” front toe piece provides increased torsional stiffness, resulting in better transmission of lateral forces during aggressive downhill runs. The front toe piece has a fixed release mechanism, which simplifies setup and ensures consistent mechanical response.

Cam Release Heel Piece: Precision Release and Power Transfer

The Raider 12 SL’s heel piece features the Cam Release system, a mechanism that combines torsional stiffness, smooth entry, and precise heel release. This mechanism ensures uniform sole contact and direct power transfer to the ski—two critical factors for downhill performance on varied snow conditions. The heel elasticity reaches 14 mm, a value that absorbs shocks and mechanical stress without causing unintended release, particularly on uneven terrain or in hard snow conditions. The Elastic Response system complements this design by ensuring consistent shock absorption and precise release across the entire range of use.

Ascent and transition settings: smooth performance across the entire elevation range

The ATK Raider 12 SL Black binding offers three distinct climbing positions: flat, +24 mm, and +49 mm, covering all slope configurations encountered in alpine touring. These positions are activated by the Magneto Heel Flaps system, which allows for a quick transition between climbing and descending positions without having to remove your poles or perform complex maneuvers. This seamless sequence reduces transition times during changes in direction or on flat sections, a tangible advantage on routes with varying elevation changes. The 25-mm length adjustment offers broad compatibility with different shoe sizes.

Safety and Release: Independent Adjustments Over a DIN Range of 5 to 12

The lateral and vertical release values are independently adjustable from 5 to 12, allowing the binding to be precisely tailored to the skier’s weight, skill level, and terrain conditions. This range accommodates skiers with a recommended weight between 50 and 105 kg. The ability to adjust lateral and vertical settings independently is a key technical advantage: it allows for fine-tuning based on the most likely type of fall given the skier’s style, thereby reducing the risk of unintended release without compromising safety during an actual fall.

Compatibility, brakes, and crampons: a complete and adaptable setup

The Raider 12 SL is compatible with ski touring bindings that use boots compliant with the ISO 9523 standard—that is, boots equipped with PIN TECH inserts. The ski brake features an AUTO management system and is available in widths of 86, 91, 97, 102, 108, and 120 mm, allowing it to be used on skis with a width underfoot between 80 and 120 mm. The Rampant crampon mount is integrated into the binding but remains removable, allowing you to use it only when snow conditions require it, without carrying unnecessary extra weight on outings where it isn’t needed.

Materials and Construction: Rigorous Construction for Durability in the Field

The components of the ATK Raider 12 SL binding are machined from solid 7075 aluminum, an alloy known for its favorable strength-to-weight ratio, supplemented by POM (polyoxymethylene) for parts subject to sliding stress, and stainless steel for components subjected to repeated mechanical stress. This combination of materials ensures enhanced durability against freeze-thaw cycles, impacts, and the stresses associated with regular mountain use.

Designed for demanding skiers seeking a lightweight binding that makes no compromises on downhill performance, the 102 mm ATK Raider 12 SL Black binding is equally suited to freeride outings in open terrain and alpine ski tours with significant elevation gain. Its extended DIN adjustment range, three wedge positions, and machined aluminum construction make it a well-rounded choice for demanding skiing on varied snow conditions.