It's been 12 months since we got our hands on the new DPS/ATK R14 and R10 binding. So we decided to reach out to local backcountry skier Christopher Murrilo to see if his experience matches up to the hype around the new binding.
Talk abit about what you were looking for from a new ski binding?
I was looking for a change after 5 years on Dynafit Beast 14's. Definitely looking for weight savings but i didn't want to compromise safety and wanted to continue to instill confidence in being able to push a ski. I have also used Dynafit Rotation and Radical in the past.
What other bindings were in the running?
Tecton and the Shift (a distant third).

What tipped you over the edge in the end to buy the ATK?
Materials (all metal) used in construction and simplicity. The stomp pad which creates an incredible interface with the ski. I did end up getting a dedicated alpine binding as well for my resort ski and wanted what i'll term a pin binding for touring and resort slack country. A hybrid binding (Tecton and Shift) seems like a happy medium if you wanted only one binding but I was a little concerned with their construction for longevity and peace of mind in the back country.

How has the binding lived up to your expectations (if it has?)
The binding has exceeded my expectations, perhaps due to the transition from the Beast's..? Step-in is by far the best i've experienced in an AT binding. Lifters are great; ease of use and heights available. In extremely heavy snow, they have flipped occasionally on their own; which would be their only negative trait i've experienced. No icing up of parts. Transitions are extremely smooth and quick.
