WELCOME TO SIA: Check out the best new gear from Vegas
This week marks the annual SnowSports Industries America (SIA) show in Las Vegas. This week we at Powder are treated to seeing the best (and worst) new products coming out for next season. While we can't get too analytical about the stuff we see in a flourescent-lit, fake-air convention center, we can at least give you the skinny on what they're all about. As for Showgirls, that's a different website.
Marker Duke and Jester
Marker.com
With skiers continuing to treat resorts as gateways to the backcountry, more companies are heeding their call for gear that performs equally as well on the uphill as the downhill. Marker is the latest binding manufacturer to play the game, introducing the Duke, a single-unit alpine binding that includes a climbing function. The Duke (and its counterpart, the Jester, which doesn¹t have the climbing device) is decidedly different than what Marker aficionados have been used to in the past, and not just in appearance. The Duke comes with a climbing mechanism that when activated hinges under the boot toe to provide efficient touring. The system enables the boot toe to move back three centimeters for a more neutral or balanced climbing motion. Despite its place as a touring setup, the Duke is equipped with a 16 DIN (and is available with two brake sizes for fat skis), so skiers can still go as big and as fast as they want on the downhill. The other shocker, of course, is its price tag. Suggested retail is $495, so only the serious need apply. Marker also releases the Jester in the same line, a similar binding to the Duke in that it meets the demands of expert freeskiers and freestylers, but without the climbing function. The price on the Jester is a more comfortable $395.