Quote:
Originally Posted by
CANEXAS 
I have reignited my passion of youth (didnt lose track of women, just skiing). The last pair of new bindings I bought was a pair of Tyrolia 390's circa '86. I purchased them to replace a pair of Bessers that I could not find parts for. I wont bore you with my story since then but will add that I am 50, a very strong skier with 8 knee operations (including ACL repl) behind me. My heart says I'm 25 but the morning aches say otherwise. I notice that all the mfg'rs make everything now. OK, I get it, but is that good or bad? Is it best to buy equipment that "matches" or can I mix and match at will? Appearances never meant squat to me, just results. I've been lurking, reading and enjoying a lot of interesting threads on Epic so I will value your opinions....
Its all to do with acquisitions and mergers in the ski industry....
Atomic bought ESS so Atomic Race and Device bindings are basically a continuation of the old ESS VAR binding line. Atomic and Salomon have the same owners, so many of the other Atomic bindings are rebadged Sollys. Neox and Tix are Atomic originals - and almost always come packaged with an Atomic ski that has the appropriate plate for them.
Fischer, Head and Elan bindings are all rebadged Tyrolias.
Dynastar and Rossi bindings are all Look designs.
Blizzard bindings are made by Marker.
The main factors for matching brands would be whether matching extends your warranty (e.g. Fischer bindings on Fischer skis doubles your warranty, but do you care?), or whether the skis come with a system plate that demands a particular brand (pre-drilled or some kind of rail system).
Other than that, mix and match at will. The Marker Royal Family (Jester/Griffon if you don't need a touring setup, Duke/Baron if you do) are very popular. There's also a lot of excitement about Dynastar/Look/Rossi relaunching the turntable P14 and P18 bindings that have been unavailable for a few years.
